STOWMARKET BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER STOWMARKET!
STOWMARKET VOUCHERS
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Stowmarket 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
£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
STOWMARKET: ON THIS PAGE:
STOWMARKET BALLOON FLIGHTS
STOWMARKET & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Let the best of Suffolk float into view on a Stowmarket hot air balloon ride. Launching either at sunrise, or at sunset, the colours will change before you as you drift lazily on the wind over Stowmarket. The first thing you’ll see if the town itself as it goes about it business, but lift your gaze and the countryside surrounding Stowmarket unfolds before you, as your balloon begins to rise. Let your eyes trace the path of the River Gipping as it weaves its way north to south through the town. If the breeze carries you in a north-easterly direction, be on the lookout for the Mid-Suffolk Light Rail, a heritage railway that is home to some classic steam engines. Meanwhile, drifting northwest along the path of the A14, will see Bury St Edmunds leisurely come into view.
If the will if the wind decides to carry you north of Stowmarket, then see if you can spot the Thornham Estate. Boasting an expansive 2,000 acres of parkland, farmland and woodland in the valley of the River Dove, it encapsulates the beauty of Suffolk in one snapshot. The estate all includes over 12 miles of permissive walks – known as Thornham Walks – and if you’re close enough, you might be able to spot the Walled Garden too. To the south-east of Stowmarket lies the maritime town of Ipswich, views of which may open up in the near distance. About halfway there, you might be able to spot the eclectic rare breeds of Baylham House Farm enjoying the Suffolk air! No matter which way the breeze blows, this delightful hot air balloon ride from Stowmarket will be an experience that stays with you, long after your balloon has finally landed.
THINGS TO DO IN STOWMARKET
If you’re visiting Stowmarket for your balloon ride, make some extra time to spend a day here. Consider heading to the Museum of East Anglican Life. Set in 75 acres and housing 17 historic buildings along with nearly 40,000 objects of interest, there is plenty here to keep you entertained for hours. Not too far from Stowmarket is the Mid-Suffolk Light Rail – here you can admire the lovingly cared for rolling stock and generally enjoy the vibe of a working steam line. While here you can enjoy a beer or two at the Kitchener Arms Bar Coach, pop into their museum for some further education or just enjoy a cuppa in the tea room.
Back in Stowmarket, head to Church Walk where you’ll find the John Peel Arts Centre. Run in memory of the iconic, and some would say legendary DJ, it boasts a full itinerary of hosting both established and emerging music, as well as poetry, film, theatre and comedy. Or maybe just spend the day relaxing and enjoying a drink at one of the many bars and pubs, a meal at one of the equally numerous eateries, or just a lazy stroll along the riverside. However you choose to spend your day in Stowmarket, your hot air balloon ride overhead will be one that create memories that last a lifetime.
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR STOWMARKET BALLOONING VOUCHER
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Suffolk
• 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 SUFFOLK 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 STOWMARKET BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from the grounds of the Chilton Fields Sports Club just outside Stowmarket. There are also always other sites nearby in Suffolk 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 Stowmarket & Suffolk!
The Flight
DURING YOUR STOWMARKET BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Suffolk countryside near Stowmarket, 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 STOWMARKET 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 Suffolk.
