LEEDS BALLOON RIDES
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER LEEDS!
FIND YOUR PERFECT HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT OVER LEEDS!
To take flight in a hot air balloon in the skies near Leeds we recommend Virgin Balloon’s North East regional vouchers. Covering all launch locations across the North East of England these luxury gift vouchers include flexible booking options, champagne toasts, return transport and more!
A hot air balloon ride over Leeds will open up views of this once small 16thcentury market town, that through wool industry importance, has become the second biggest financial and legal centre in the country after London. Its growth in stature can be seen in the imposing and handsome Leeds Town Hall and its clock tower, as well as the vibrancy that oozes on every street. By contrast, your balloon ride will begin at the 1,500+ acres of relaxed parkland, woodland and farmland that make up the estate of Temple Newsam Country Park.
As you rise up above this 18thcentury mansion, expect magnificent views of the grounds that start to open up before you. Look for the spectacular rhododendron walk located in the gardens. You’ll also spot Avenue Wood, which has a striking avenue – a former carriageway – carved straight through the trees. If you drift in a southerly direction you may see the Calder Navigation Canal, which leads to Wakefield, or the River Aire in the Aire Valley, which was the original home of a much smaller Leeds back in 13thcentury. Let the magic of Leeds unfold before you on a hot air balloon ride over Leeds and create memories that will simply last a lifetime.
If discovering the heritage of somewhere you visit is a must do, then Leeds will not disappoint. You can start by stepping back in time at the Abbey House Museum, where you will be able to wander through enchanting Victorian streets and experience what life in those times was really like – an awesome interactive trip for all ages. For a broader exploration of Leeds’ past, make your way to the Leeds City Museum, where six galleries await your arrival. Entry is free and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Leeds is also home to some fascinating historical buildings, such as Harewood House – famed for its stunning architecture and exquisite interiors. There’s also Kirkstall Abbey, one of the most complete examples of a medieval Cistercian abbey in the UK, which boasts some glorious parkland that a multitude of wildlife call home.
Or of course there is your Leeds hot air ballooning launch location – Temple Newsam House. Considered one of the great country houses of England set amidst a Capability Brown parkland which includes a working rare breeds farm. It’s a stunning location of a balloon ride over Yorkshire and the setting for a day you’ll simply never forget.
• A luxury gift voucher valid for 12 months
• A 60 minute flight over Yorkshire
• 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 the Temple Newsam Country Park grounds, near Leeds. There are also always other sites nearby in Yorkshire 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 North 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 Yorkshire!
As you drift gently over the Yorkshire countryside near Leeds, 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 Yorkshire.