HENSTRIDGE BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER HENSTRIDGE!
HENSTRIDGE VOUCHERS
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Henstridge 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
£124
£124
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
£144
£144
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
£164
£164
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
HENSTRIDGE: ON THIS PAGE:
HENSTRIDGE BALLOON FLIGHTS
HENSTRIDGE & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Sitting right on the Dorset border, a hot air balloon ride from Henstridge is perfect for those looking for a balloon ride near Shaftesbury, or a balloon flight from Sherbourne, as this launch location opens up expansive vistas of Somerset and Dorset; two beautiful counties in their own right, and even more spectacular when combined and viewed from the basket of a balloon floating overhead. As you begin to rise, so the horizon opens up before you, as does a quintessential patchwork of green fields, thick woodland clusters and quaint villages, each with a story to tell. As the north end of the village, you can spot the main Sherbourne-Shaftesbury road. This runs the path of a much older thoroughfare known as a ‘muddy way’ back in 1411, which was turned into a turnpike (toll road) in 1752.
If you drift in a south-westerly direction, so the honey-stoned coloured market town of Sherbourne comes into view. Let your eyes locate the centre of the town and the Sherbourne Abbey, which dates from 705AD. Trace a line eastward from the abbey and you’ll spot Sherbourne Castle and Gardens with its large lake. On the opposite bank sits the ruins of the 12th century Sherbourne Old Castle. Should your balloon ride head northward from Henstridge, you’ll be taking in huge views of Somerset – and on a clear day, you might even be able to spy Glastonbury Tor. Meanwhile, a gently north-easterly path will see you heading towards Shaftesbury, the only significant hilltop settlement in the county of Dorset. It is famed for Gold Hill, a steep cobbled street which has been described as, ‘one of the most romantic sights in England’. And if you’re going to see one the most romantic sights in the country, then do it from the most romantic form of travel – a hot air balloon gliding effortlessly overhead.
THINGS TO DO IN HENSTRIDGE
Whilst Henstridge is a small village, with not more than a post office and couple of pubs on offer, it is a relaxing place to start your ballooning adventure. You can read a little of its history to set the scene, but the main attraction is its great location, and proximity to other larger towns and places of interest. Being located pretty much halfway between Sherborne and Shaftesbury means that either is only a short drive away from your launch/drop off point.
If you plump for Shaftesbury, you have a range of things to see and do. Home to Gold Hill, described as one of this most romantic sights in England, it has featured on the small screen and in novels. It on this street that you will find the Gold Hill Museum, which is a place to discover the history of Shaftesbury and Dorset. Shaftesbury Abbey is home to an award-winning museum and gardens and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile to keep your energy levels up, there is a wide range of coffee shops, takeaways, restaurants and pubs to pop into and recharge. Sherbourne also has its own abbey: Sherborne Abbey, as well as the Sherborne Old Castle and the new Sherborne Castle. As with Shaftesbury, you’ll find a decent range of food and drink options here. The two towns are only about 16 miles apart, so why not consider visiting both on your unforgettable hot air balloon ride overhead!
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR HENSTRIDGE 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 HENSTRIDGE HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE DREAMS COME TRUE!
Weekday AM
£124
£124
- Choice of locations
- Weekday mornings
- Valid for 18 months
Weekday Any
£144
£144
- Choice of locations
- Weekdays AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
7 DAY ANY
£164
£164
- Choice of locations
- Any day AM or PM
- Valid for 18 months
Launch Site
HENSTRIDGE BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from Henstridge Airfield just outside Henstridge town. 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 Somerset and most likely Dorset too!
The Flight
DURING YOUR HENSTRIDGE BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Somerset countryside near Henstridge, 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 HENSTRIDGE 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.
