HENLEY ON THAMES BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER HENLEY ON THAMES!
BALLOON VOUCHER OPTIONS
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Henley On Thames we recommend Virgin Balloon’s South East regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across the South East, these luxury gift vouchers include flexible booking options, champagne toasts, return transport and more!
Weekday AM
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
HENLEY ON THAMES: ON THIS PAGE:
HENLEY ON THAMES BALLOON FLIGHTS
HENLEY ON THAMES & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Let a hot air balloon ride over Henley-on-Thames open up unforgettable views of this historic town and three glorious counties – Oxfordshire itself, as well as neighbouring counties of Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Famed for its Royal Regatta, a five day rowing fiesta that is held each year on the River Thames here. Over 300 races enthral and excite the thousands of visitors who descend on Henley for the event. As you drift overhead, look for the five arch bridge which dates back to 1786. Many buildings here are designated as having ‘special architectural interest’ and exploring their histories once your ballooning experience is over, will reveal snippets of interesting history, such as Speakers House on Hart Street. Originally home to William Lenthall, Speaker of the House of Commons between 1629 and 1640, who was a signatory to the execution of Charles I.
Away from Henley itself, you can expect glorious countryside views to unfold before you as you drift lazily on the breeze. If you float westward lookout for Greys Court, a delightful 16th century mansion surrounded by tranquil gardens. See if you can spot the Great Tower, which dates from the 14th century which housed a rare donkey powered mill wheel, which was in use right up to the early 1900s. Heading south might see you pass over Caversham Lakes, which include the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake and Reading Sailing Club. There’s also the 335 acre Dinton Pastures Country Park, with its fishing lakes, bird hides and recreation areas. Surrounding Henley-on-Thames you will have the Chiltern Hills command the views as you rise up from the town to embrace the emotions of a hot air balloon flight over the gorgeous scenery that will unfold before you.
THINGS TO DO IN HENLEY ON THAMES
Anyone visiting Henley-on-Thames should consider a trip to the River & Rowing Museum, described by The Times newspaper as being one of the best 50 museums in the world. This award-winning venue has three permanent galleries which celebrate the sport of rowing, the River Thames and Henley itself. Meanwhile there are five temporary exhibition spaces which are regularly updated. Not only will you discover more about rowing, view historically important craft and enjoy artworks; there is also a delightful section dedicated to the Kenneth Grahame novel, ‘Wind in the Willows’, which was penned on the banks of the Thames in 1908.
If admiring art appeals, then pop into The Old Fire Station Gallery in Market Place, for a forever changing display of arts, crafts and paintings. For a refreshing stroll around Henley-on-Thames, combine your walk with the Henley Ale Trail – a 10 pub endeavour that will earn you a rather natty tee shirt – but don’t worry, you don’t have to visit all ten pubs in one day, so make a weekend of your Henley ballooning experience, with the perfect excuse of not wanting to overdo things!
Henley-on-Thames hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, so check out what’s on and consider tying in your ballooning adventure with one of the many lively events held in the town. But no matter when you fly, you can relax and drift on the wind knowing you’re on a balloon ride that will make memories to last a lifetime.
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR HENLEY ON THAMES BALLOONING VOUCHER
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Oxfordshire
• 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 HENLEY ON THAMES HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Weekday AM
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
BUY
BUY
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
Launch Site
HIGH WYCOMBE BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from Henley On Thames itself. There are also always other sites nearby in Oxfordshire that can be used to get you aloft though if you need them. 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 the South East 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 Oxfordshire!
The Flight
DURING YOUR HENLEY ON THAMES BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Oxfordshire countryside near Henley On Thames, 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 HENLEY ON THAMES 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 Oxfordshire.
