RAGLAN BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT NEAR RAGLAN!
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT NEAR RAGLAN!
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Raglan we recommend Virgin Balloon’s Wales regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across Wales, these luxury gift vouchers include flexible booking options, champagne toasts, return transport and more!
Let a hot air balloon ride over Raglan, let the exceptional countryside of South Wales unfold before you. From your launch spot near both Raglan and Abergavenny, you can expect some huge 360-degree views to open up. As your balloon rises up, so to the west does the unmistakeable silhouette of the Brecon Beacons loom on the horizon. Wild. Mysterious. Epic. Now an ‘International Dark Sky Reserve’, these majestic hills and mountains captivate the eye and ignite the senses. To the east of your launch sits the imposing Raglan Castle – oft described as the ‘greatest castle every built by a Welshman’. Like all castles and fortresses, Raglan has its own story of power, loyalty and struggle. Its moated Great Tower, dating from 1435, still dominates its surroundings with a wistful nod to yesteryear. If your balloon flight drifts north, you might pass over the ‘Hen Gwrt’ Moated Site. This near perfect moated square was probably the ‘Old Court’ of a medieval manor from the 13th century and is definitely best viewed from above.
If you head east, you’ll be drifting effortlessly over a jigsaw of green fields, dense woodlands and small hamlets as you progress towards the English border. In this direction, the county town of Monmouth appears into view. If you get close enough, you may be able to spot the ruins of Monmouth Castle on the banks of the River Monnow. Should the wind decide to head south, you’ll start ballooning over the Vale of Usk towards Newport on the coast, passing towns such as Pontypool and Cwmbran as you go. As the closest balloon flight to Newport, it’s an interesting perspective on the city if you call it home. If there is a more westerly waft to your southern path, then the direction is more towards Cardiff. Beyond that is Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel. No matter which way the wind takes you, you can take to the skies knowing your hot air balloon ride from Raglan, will be one that creates memories that last a lifetime.
If you’re heading to Raglan for a hot air balloon ride, then if possible, you must take time to visit Raglan Castle. This imposing structure has a fascinating past and a tangible sense of history. It also boasts a lovely coffee shop with rolling country views! Just a few miles to the west of Raglan you’ll find Abergavenny. Here you can visit the Abergavenny Museum in the castle grounds. A Victorian kitchen, traditional grocer and saddler’s workshop are just some of the exhibits that bring the past to life. Whilst in town, head over to St Mary’s Priory to view their collection of effigies, including one made from a single piece of oak, and which is the only type of its kind in the UK and possibly the world.
If you’re heading off in the other direction, take some time to pop into Monmouth. For a somewhat expected find, head to the Nelson Museum and Local History Centre on Priory Street. As the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to the famous admiral (who was born in Norfolk, passed at sea and buried in St Paul’s Cathedral). Intrigued? Find out about the history of the collection and how it came to be by spending some time here. The other section covers off on local history and people of interest – such as Charles Stuart Rolls, cofounder of Rolls Royce, lived near Monmouth – and you can learn more about this adventurous character here. No matter how you spend your day hot air ballooning over Raglan and Monmouthshire, it’ll be a day you treasure for years to come.
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Monmouthshire
• Passenger insurance
• Traditional champagne toast
• Presentation of flight certificate
• Return transport to the launch site
• Magical memories you’ll treasure forever
The main departure point is from launch site north west of Raglan and just a few miles out from the market town of Abergavenny. Always make sure that you check your voucher details and again when you book in, for the latest launch site details, as they can change depending on weather and site suitability. The good news is, that your voucher is valid for all launch locations in Wales and you can leave your car at the launch site as this is where your ballooning experience will also finish.
Your unforgettable balloon ride will start with a full safety briefing, after which you you can help the team with the the inflating of the balloon if you wish – or kick back, soak up the atmosphere and let others do the hard work. But when it’s time, there is no escaping the collective excitement as the burners fire up and the balloon starts to prepare itself for taking you up, up and away on a ballooning adventure over Wales!
As you drift gently over the Monmouthshire countryside near Raglan, there will be ample opportunity to take photographs from this unique vantage point. During your flight you are free to discuss how the balloon works with the pilot, who will also be pointing out the many points of interest that drift below you or rest gently on the horizon.
No two flights are the same, and as such any number of towns, villages and important landmarks could come into view – all of which create talking points for years to come.
After an unforgettable hour ballooning your pilot will begin your descent towards a gentle landing. Once back on the ground, and should you wish, you can help in packing away the envelope (that’s the official name for the fabric canopy).
With the balloon all packed away, you will be transferred back to your launch site where you can sip on the fine stuff and raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure hot air ballooning over Monmouthshire.