WADHURST BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER WADHURST!
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER WADHURST!
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Wadhurst 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!
WADHURST: ON THIS PAGE:
WADHURST BALLOON FLIGHTS
WADHURST & LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
BALLOON FLIGHT INFORMATION
Let a Wadhurst hot air balloon ride open up expansive views over East Sussex and Kent, and ignite both your senses and imagination. Launching from just outside Wadhurst the quintessential English countryside unfolds before you, as far as the eye can see. If your balloon carries you north, you should be able to spot Saxonbury Tower atop Saxonbury Hill. This early 19th century folly with its sharp, white pointy top, makes the claimed highest point in Sussex, even higher. Beyond that lies the historic spring town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, which may pass leisurely underneath if the breeze pleases. Heading east will see you drift lazily over Bewl Water, a large jagged lake (the largest body of open water in the South East), that is set in 800 acres; and which is both an adventure playground and relaxing space to enjoy. Should the wind nudge you slightly north-easterly from that point, you might fly over the 14th century moated, Scotney Castle and country house. Set in an enchanting setting, look for the squat round tower and delioghtful walled garden.
A south-easterly direction from Bewl Water can see Pashley Manor Gardens float into view. Over 11 acres of award winning gardens that are home to a annual Tulip Festival that features 35,000 tulips – it’s a picture perfect view, especially with the backdrop of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – so have your camera ready! If your Wadhurst balloon flight heads south from your launch location, then be on the look out for Bateman’s – a Jacobean house that was home to author, Rudyard Kipling. Whereas even further south, the horizon might reveal the small town of Battle. This is the site of the Battle of Hastings, where in 1066 William, Duke of Normandy defeated King Harold II to become William I; or as more commonly known, William the Conqueror. No matter which direction the whim of the wind carries you, gorgeous countryside, quaint villages and a smattering of medieval and historic home and houses await your serene ballooning adventure overhead.
Wadhurst is a quiet country town that offers up some places to eat or enjoy a drink, but other than that you’ll need to head out of town just a bit to find other things to do. Maybe consider a visit to Bayham Old Abbey; these impressive ruins date as far back as the 13th century and are constructed out of local golden sandstone. It functioned as an abbey until its dissolution in the 16th century. It’s a quiet, picturesque spot that is worth taking the time to visit.
If you’re a Rudyard Kipling fan, then making the trip to Bateman’s is a must. This 17thcentury house served as his home and the National Trust describes it as ‘very much a family home that feels like the Kiplings have just gone out for the day’. The rooms are very much as Kipling left them and a visit here provides an interesting insight into the creativity of the man. Another National Trust option, is the moated Scotney Castle. Here you will find 770 acres of parkland to explore, along with a walled garden and a fairy tale castle. Enjoy a bite to eat and a visit to the shop – where you can buy some bitter made with hops grown at its Little Scotney Farm. With an area of outstanding natural beauty on its doorstep, along with open spaces and lakes such as Bewl Water, there is plenty in close proximity to Wadhurst, to make it a wonderful hot air ballooning location.
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over East Sussex
• 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 Wadhurst in East Sussex. 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 Wadhurst & East Sussex!
As you drift gently over the Sussex countryside near Wadhurst, 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 Sussex.