IRONBRIDGE BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT NEAR IRONBRIDGE!
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT NEAR IRONBRIDGE!
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Ironbridge we recommend Virgin Balloon’s West Midlands regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across Shropshire & the West Midlands, these luxury gift vouchers include flexible booking options, champagne toasts, return transport and more!
A hot air balloon ride over Ironbridge will let views of the birthplace of industry open up before you, in a way no other vantage point can. Launching from your lofted location you will soon see the contrasting patchwork of dense woodland and rolling fields, that wrap themselves around the historic villages and towns that adorn this beautiful part of Shropshire. As you can height, so your eyes will be captivated by the River Severn serenading its local riparian communities – Ironbridge, Jackfield, Coalport – as it weaves softly past them. With the breeze as your guide, so your ballooning adventure over history gets underway.
If the whim of wind is favourable, you may drift effortlessly over the world-famous Iron Bridge. Opened in 1781, it was the first bridge to be constructed of cast iron and would change the world of transportation and bridging forever. If your journey takes you north, then you’ll soon see the ‘new town’ of Telford drifting into view. Whereas a southerly flight will take you in the direction of the High Town and Low Town of the lovely town of Bridgnorth, with its Cliff Railway, a funicular transporting residents up and down the dramatic cliffs that separate the two parts of the town. If you float west, you’ll see The Wrekin, the largest hill in the area, that boasts sweeping views from its summit; but of course nowhere near as sweeping as the 360 degree vistas you’ll enjoy from the basket of your hot air balloon flight over Ironbridge!
If you’re travelling to Ironbridge for your balloon ride, then consider staying the night as there is so much to do here, that fitting it all into one day is impossible! If you’re a history buff and amazed by the accomplishments that man can make, then head to The Iron Bridge and Tollhouse. Take a stroll over this engineering wonder, check out the incredible craftsmanship from below and pay a visit to the original tollhouse.
For another take on history, head up to Blists Hill Victorian Village. Here you can take a step back in time to the age of Queen Victoria. Interact with the Victorian locals, visit their shops and homes, watch the tradespeople in their workshops and buy some curious goods from a bygone era. Allow for at least three hours for your transportation back to the age of steam and a snapshot into Britain of the past.
And that’s just for starters! There’s also the Coalport China Museum to consider, the Tar Tunnel, the Jackfield Tile Museum, dressing up at the Darby Houses and so much more. And that’s before you make time to wander the charming riverfront streets of Ironbridge itself, with its charming pubs, tearooms, quaint shops and of course, views of that bridge. Shropshire is a beautiful part of the country and Ironbridge Gorge whisks you away to a place of tranquillity, history and character. It’s a perfect place for a ballooning experience overhead.
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Shropshire
• 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 the grounds of the Telford Golf & Spa Hotel just a four miles from Ironbridge. Always make sure that you check your voucher details before you purchase and again when you book in, for the latest launch site details, as they can change depending on weather and site suitability. Your voucher is valid for all launch locations in Shropshire and the West Midlands 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 Shropshire!
As you drift gently over the Shropshire countryside near Ironbridge, 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 Shropshire.