Few outdoor experiences are as magical as a hot air balloon ride.
Watching the sun rise over rolling countryside while quietly drifting through the sky is something that’s difficult to put into words. It’s peaceful, surprisingly relaxing and gives you a completely different perspective on the landscape below.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a hot air balloon ride but have questions about how safe they are, whether they’re scary or what actually happens during take-off and landing, you’re in the right place.
We recently experienced our first hot air balloon ride with Virgin Balloon Flights, and while it took us four booking attempts before the weather finally played ball, we’d say it was worth every bit of the wait.
Here’s everything you need to know before booking your first hot air balloon adventure.
What is a hot air balloon ride actually like?
One of the biggest surprises is just how peaceful it is.
Most people imagine something similar to a helicopter or small plane, but it couldn’t be more different.
Once you’re in the air, there’s almost no sensation of movement. Because the balloon is travelling with the wind rather than pushing through it, you don’t feel gusts buffeting the basket. Instead, it simply feels as though you’re floating.
Apart from the occasional blast from the burner, it’s remarkably quiet too. You’ll often hear birdsong, dogs barking in nearby villages and even conversations from people on the ground.
Rather than adrenaline, it’s the feeling of complete calm that sticks with you.
How much does a hot air balloon ride cost?
The cost of a hot air balloon ride in the UK depends on the operator, location and whether you’re booking a shared or private flight.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay:
| Experience | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Shared flight | £150–£250 per person |
| Premium sunrise or sunset flight | £250–£350 per person |
| Private balloon ride | £600–£1,000+ |
Most companies also sell gift vouchers, making hot air balloon rides a popular birthday, anniversary or Christmas present.
While they certainly aren’t cheap, they’re one of those bucket list experiences that many people only do once—and remember forever.
What if my hot air balloon ride gets cancelled?
One thing that’s worth knowing before you book is that it’s completely normal for flights to be cancelled because of the weather.
Unlike aeroplanes, hot air balloons rely on calm, stable conditions. Even if the weather looks lovely where you’re standing, stronger winds higher up can make it unsafe to fly. Rather than take any risks, operators simply postpone the flight.
Our experience is a perfect example. We eventually flew on our fourth booked date, after three weather cancellations. At first it was frustrating, but it quickly became obvious that balloon operators don’t compromise on safety. Our advice is simple: be proactive about rebooking.
We flew with Virgin Balloon Flights, who automatically extended our voucher validity after each cancelled flight, meaning we never felt under pressure to squeeze the experience into the original booking window.
Looking back, we’d much rather have waited a few extra weeks than flown in anything less than perfect conditions.
If you’re buying a balloon ride as a gift for a special occasion, don’t expect the flight itself to happen on that exact weekend. Think of the voucher as the gift—the adventure might take a few attempts before the weather cooperates.
Are hot air balloons safe?
Yes – hot air balloon rides are incredibly safe.
Commercial operators in the UK are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and pilots undergo extensive training before they’re licensed to fly passengers.
Safety is the absolute priority, which is why flights are cancelled so frequently.
Before take-off you’ll receive a full safety briefing covering:
- How to get into the basket
- The correct landing position
- What to expect during the flight
- How to leave the basket safely afterwards
While weather cancellations can be disappointing, they’re actually reassuring. Operators simply won’t fly unless conditions are suitable.
Are hot air balloons scary?
This is probably the question we were asked most after posting about our flight.
The honest answer? Not really.
If you’re imagining standing on top of a tall building, it’s nothing like that.
Because the balloon moves with the wind, there’s no feeling of being pushed around by gusts. The basket doesn’t sway dramatically, and there isn’t the stomach-dropping sensation you get on rollercoasters.
The loudest part is actually the burner firing every few minutes. Once it goes quiet again, it’s incredibly peaceful.
If you’re nervous about heights but have always wanted to try a balloon ride, don’t let fear put you off.
How high do hot air balloons fly?
Most hot air balloon rides in the UK reach between 500 and 3,000 feet, depending on weather conditions and local airspace restrictions.
Pilots often change altitude throughout the flight.
Sometimes you’ll be floating high above the landscape, enjoying panoramic views stretching for miles.
Other times you’ll fly surprisingly low over rivers, fields and woodland, close enough to wave at walkers or spot wildlife below.
The variety is all part of the experience.
What happens during take-off?
Watching the balloon inflate is almost as exciting as the flight itself.
The giant envelope starts completely flat on the ground before large fans begin filling it with cold air.
Once it’s partially inflated, the pilot fires the burners, heating the air inside until the balloon slowly begins to stand upright.
After climbing into the basket, there isn’t a dramatic countdown or rush of acceleration.
In fact, one of the strangest moments is realising you’ve already left the ground.
The balloon simply lifts away so gently that many first-time passengers barely notice the moment they’re airborne.
What happens during landing?
Every landing is slightly different.
Towards the end of the flight, the pilot selects a suitable landing field while the ground crew follow below in a support vehicle.
Sometimes the basket lands softly and remains upright.
Other times, depending on wind conditions, the basket may bounce gently or tip onto its side before coming to a stop.
This is completely normal.
Before landing, everyone is asked to face the direction of travel, hold onto the handles inside the basket and bend their knees slightly.
It sounds much more dramatic than it feels.
What should you wear?
There’s no specialist clothing required, but comfortable outdoor clothes are best.
We’d recommend:
- Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
- Layers (especially for early morning flights)
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Sunglasses
- A hat if it’s sunny
- A fully charged phone or camera
One common myth is that it’s much colder in the air.
In reality, because the burner produces heat and the balloon travels with the surrounding air, the temperature often feels very similar to the ground.
How long does a hot air balloon ride last?
Although you’ll typically spend 45 to 75 minutes in the air, the whole experience lasts much longer.
A typical morning includes:
- Arrival and check-in
- Safety briefing
- Watching the balloon inflate
- The flight itself
- Landing and packing away the balloon
- A celebratory drink before heading home
In total, expect to be there for around three to four hours.
Can children go on a hot air balloon ride?
Most operators welcome children, although there are usually minimum height requirements rather than age limits.
This allows children to see safely over the side of the basket throughout the flight.
Requirements vary between operators, so it’s always worth checking before booking.
The best places in the UK for a hot air balloon ride
One of the joys of ballooning is that almost every part of the UK looks incredible from above, but some locations are particularly special.
The Cotswolds
Expect rolling hills, honey-coloured villages and beautiful patchwork countryside stretching for miles.
Bath
A unique opportunity to admire the city’s famous Georgian architecture alongside the surrounding Somerset countryside.
Peak District
Perfect for dramatic views across valleys, limestone landscapes and moorland.
Lake District
An unforgettable setting, particularly on still mornings when the lakes reflect the surrounding fells.
Scottish Highlands
For mountain scenery, lochs and vast open landscapes, few places can compete.
Warwickshire
One of our favourites. Depending on your launch site, you could enjoy views across rolling farmland, picturesque villages, Warwick Castle and even Stratford-upon-Avon. We flew about Stratford-upon-Avon and the views were simply stunning!
Bristol
Home to the world-famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, making it one of the UK’s most iconic ballooning destinations.
Are hot air balloon rides worth the money?
We’d say yes.
They’re not an everyday purchase, but they’re unlike almost any other outdoor experience.
There are no engines roaring, no adrenaline-fuelled thrills and no rush to get from A to B. Instead, it’s an hour spent slowing down, taking in the views and appreciating just how beautiful the British countryside can be from above.
If you’re looking for a memorable gift or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, it’s hard to beat.
If you’re thinking about booking a hot air balloon ride, our advice is simple: go for it. Be patient if the weather has other ideas, trust the expertise of your pilot and enjoy every moment when you finally lift off.
It’s one of those adventures that stays with you long after your feet are back on the ground.
