GUILDFORD BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER GUILDFORD!
GUILDFORD VOUCHERS
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Guildford 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
GUILDFORD: ON THIS PAGE:
GUILDFORD BALLOON FLIGHTS
GUILDFORD & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Take a hot air balloon ride over Guildford and open views of this historic market town, and its eclectic surrounds like never before. Launching from a riverside spot, the first things to capture your attention will be the River Wey itself, and on the opposite bank, the sights and ruins of St. Catherine’s Hill and Chapel. If the breeze carries you in that direction, then you’ll easily spot the handsome Loseley House and Park, sat in a gorgeous parkland setting of 1,400 acres of rolling countryside, be sure to look out for the formal gardens – which include the Rose Garden, White Garden and Herb Garden – and which collectively make up the 2.5 acre Walled Garden. It’s quite the sight on the ground, and even more captivating from the air.
If the whim of the wind is to head north, you’ll drift over Guildford itself. With 360 degree views of the town, see if you can spot Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Castle with its Great Tower, or the imposing Tunsgate Arch with its four dominant pillars and coat of arms. A more westerly flight might see you float over Chantry Wood, a 200 acre woodland and meadow reserve of walking tracks, wild flowers and hillside views. A southerly adventure would see your balloon drifting silently over Shalford Mill, an 18th century watermill which boasts well-preserved machinery – keep your eye peeled for the four storey building with a façade of stone, tile and wood. No matter which way the wind carries you, there is so much to see on a hot air balloon ride over Surrey from Guildford (on a clear day, you can even see the southern fringe of London). So, take to the skies and create memories that will simply last a lifetime.
THINGS TO DO IN GUILDFORD
If you’re visiting Guildford for your balloon ride, then do consider spending some time in this fascinating market town that dates back to Saxon times. A great way to get an insight into the past, and also take in some of the key sites and sights at ground level, is with a free guided walk. The vast majority of these start at Tunsgate Arch on Guildford Hight Street and operate during the summer months. Head to the castle for a stroll around its grounds and to climb the Great Tower. From the top, you’ll get another lofty perspective of the town. In the grounds you will find Guildford Museum. Entry is free and you’ll discover more about the history, culture and lives of Guildford through the years. There are a variety of changing exhibitions and events, as well as information on other heritage projects.
Just north of the town centre, you can visit Dapdune Wharf. This waterside visitor centre brings the stories, life and historical importance of the river and its role in the development of Guildford. Maybe make the most of the scenic setting and enjoy a relaxing river cruise, board a restored barge, take a stroll along the banks or just enjoy a drink at the tea rooms. If your balloon ride has carried you south-west, you may have already admired the stately Loseley House and Park. It’s only a short hop from Guildford and is well worth a visit. Take a guided tour of the house, enjoy the gardens, treat yourself to an afternoon cream tea or browse the gift store. Or maybe just find yourself in one of Guildford’s historic pubs. A number of them ooze charm and an olde worldness that ties in perfectly with your hot air ballooning adventure overhead. So grab a pint of hearty real ale and raise a toast to an experience you’ll never forget!
Ballooning Voucher
YOUR GUILDFORD BALLOONING VOUCHER
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Surrey
• 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 SURREY 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
YOUR GUILDFORD BALLOONING LAUNCH SITE
The main departure point is from the grounds of the Shalford Park Sports Pavillion on the outskirts of Guildford. There are also always other sites nearby in the South East 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 Guildford & Surrey!
The Flight
DURING YOUR GUILDFORD BALLOON RIDE
As you drift gently over the Suffolk countryside near Guildford, 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 GUILDFORD 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 Surrey.
