BRISTOL BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER BRISTOL!
BRISTOL BALLOON VOUCHERS
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Bristol we recommend Virgin Balloon’s South West regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across the South West, 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
BRISTOL: ON THIS PAGE:
BRISTOL BALLOON FLIGHTS
BRISTOL & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
As the home of hot air ballooning in the UK, if not the world, a balloon ride over Bristol is the perfect way to discover the joy of this iconic form of flight. Rising up from the Ashton Court Estate – home to the world famous Bristol Balloon Fiesta – you will quickly be captivated by the expanding views of the 850 acres of grassland and woodland that frame the mansion to perfection. To the east, so the cityscape of Bristol itself will unfold before you, whilst westward the shimmering of the River Severn and Bristol Channel ignite the senses. Just over the River Avon, you’ll be able to spot the SS Great Britain berthed in the Great Western Dockyard. Built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was considered at the time of its launch in 1843 as being ‘the greatest experiment since the Creation’. She’s now considered to be the ship that changed the world.
Other city landmarks to be on the lookout for include the 15th century St Mary Redcliffe Church, the multiple waterside enclaves and communities, the hilltop Clifton Observatory which dates from around 1766 and of course the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge which spans a deep gorge and was designed by, who else, by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Should the whim of the wind be to head south, then a jigsaw of greenery awaits, as do views of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. West of the hills, resting on the coast, you’ll be able to spot Weston-super-Mare. Whereas a balloon flight that meanders eastward will see you heading towards Bath, famous for its Roman-built baths and now a World Heritage Site. No matter which way the breeze takes you, your hot air balloon ride over Bristol will delight, enthral and create memories that simply last a lifetime.
THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL
Bristol is an architectural and historic gem. If you are visiting for your balloon ride then be sure to make a full day of it, if not longer! First up should be a trip to the M Shed, which is the history museum of Bristol. From prehistoric times, right through to the modern day, the museum uses displays, galleries and artefacts, along with working exhibits on the harbourside – such as steamboats, trains and cranes – to really bring the diverse and important history of the city to life. Not only is Bristol famed for its balloons, it also possesses a rich maritime history. Whilst on the waterfront, make your way to the Great Western Dockyard to climb aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Ascend the rigging in the footsteps of Victorian sailors, make your way to the First Class Dining Saloon and eavesdrop on conversations of the ship’s era or head below deck and see the ship brought to life with sights, sounds and even smells that recreate the life aboard back in the day.
Bristol is an eclectic mix of diverse areas (like a collection of mini-cities making up one big one), so why not consider either a boat tour or a walking tour to explore more of this intriguing destination. You could of course just create your own self-paced tour and wander the city centre, admiring the architecture of the imposing Bristol Cathedral on College Green; or maybe wander through Brandon Hill, a popular park, atop which you will find Cabot Tower, an ornate 32-metre viewing tower, built in 1897, for 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland. Or of course, make your way to Brunel’s engineering masterpiece – Clifton Suspension Bridge – and learn more about the structure’s history and importance (be on the look out for Bridge Volunteers in orange vests, who can answer any questions you have. With so much on offer, Bristol is a truly great hot air ballooning location and should be at the top of your to-do list, no matter if you’re local or visitor, so book a flight and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR BRISTOL BALLOONING VOUCHER
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Somerset
• 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 BRISTOL 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
YOUR BRISTOL BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate just outside Bristol. There are also always other sites nearby in Somerset 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 West 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 the Bristol, Somerset & South West region!
The Flight
DURING YOUR BRISTOL BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Somerset countryside near Bristol, 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 BRISTOL 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 Somerset.
