VALE OF USK BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER THE VALE OF USK!
VALE OF USK
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies over the Vale of Usk 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!
Weekday AM
£169
£169
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
£189
£189
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
£209
£209
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
VALE OF USK: ON THIS PAGE:
VALE OF USK BALLOON FLIGHTS
VALE OF USK & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Let a hot air balloon ride over the Vale of Usk bring the best of South Wales to you, as you drift effortlessly over some the country’s most varied countryside. To the west loom the imposing Brecon Beacons. Wild and windswept hills and mountains that conjure emotions and spark the imagination. Perhaps your balloon will carry over the pretty market town of Abergavenny. See if you can spot the castle and also St Mary’s Church, where inside you can find a collection of effigies, one being carved from a single piece of oak and is the only one of its kind in the whole of Britain, and possibly the world.
To the east, the English border – marked in this region by the River Wye – and the rolling beauty of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty. Also slightly east of the launch site sits the impressive Raglan Castle. It’s distinctive silhouette contrasts against the morning mist of the evening setting sun. North presents views of a mosaic of impossibly green hues that stretch beyond the horizon. To the south, the River Usk captivates the eye as you trace its meanderings down past Usk (and eventually all the way to Newport). Look for the shimmering waters of Llandegfedd Lake just to the east of Ponypool. This large reservoir, is part of the region’s water supply and is also a state-of-the-art Watersports centre. At the bottom of the Vale of Usk lies Newport, and just a little west, Cardiff. As the closest balloon ride to Cardiff, the Vale of Usk offers a unique vantage point to take in the beauty of this part of South Wales, and it will be one that create memories that last a lifetime.
THINGS TO DO IN THE VALE OF USK
The Vale of Usk is full of surprises: historic castles, quaint market towns and villages, hidden gems and beautiful rolling countryside – what more could you ask for on a hot air balloon ride over Wales? If you’ve drifted westward from your launch, you will have spotted Abergavenny. If you’re into quirky collections, then pop into the aforementioned St Mary’s Church to see their collection of effigies – the most famous being the large wooden Jesse effigy. There’s also the local Abergavenny Museum with displays that replicate the days of yesteryear, such as a Victorian kitchen, traditional grocer and saddler’s workshop. In the area you may have spotted the dramatic Raglan Castle. With a story steeped in intrigue, power and loss, it’s well worth a visit.
Further south in the Vale of Usk, on the Pontypool side of the valley, on the way to Newport and Cardiff, you could consider making your way to the 18th century Shell Grotto. Considered to be the best surviving grotto in Wales, it’s simple exterior betrays the eclectic, decorative interior. It’s in Pontypool that you will also find the Torfaen Museum. Set in a Georgian stable block, the trust has been collecting and cataloguing art, historical objects and cultural artefacts since 1978 and now boast a collection in excess of 15,000 items. To the east of Pontypool is the Llandegfedd Reservoir. Here you can participate in watersports, or just watch others from the coffee shop. On the other side of the lake you will reach the pretty town of Usk. Here you might like to visit Usk Castle, a Norman castle thought to date from 1120. Also in Usk you will find the Rural Life Museum. For over 50 years local enthusiasts have been collecting exhibits which preserve and showcase the life and work of people from the Welsh Borders. One very hands-on attraction is ‘Bessie’, a full-size replica dairy cow, that offers a hands-on milking experience. No matter how you spend you day in the area, your Vale of Usk hot air ballooning experience will set the scene for a day you’ll treasure forever.
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR VALE OF USK BALLOONING VOUCHER
• 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
BUY & FLY!
MAKE YOUR VALE OF USK HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Weekday AM
£169
£169
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
£189
£189
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
£209
£209
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
Launch Site
VALE OF USK BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from launch site just a few miles out from the market town of Abergavenny located in the Vale of Usk region. 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!
The Flight
DURING YOUR VALE OF USK BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Monmouthshire countryside and the Vale of Usk region, 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.
Landing
YOUR VALE OF USK BALLOON LANDING
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.
