Balloon trips across Berkshire: Royalty and racing with a river view

As with any hot air balloon trip in the UK, a flight over the rolling Berkshire countryside is always a thrill. With the landscape dotted with towns, villages, and the meandering River Thames, British landmarks are very much on the flight path here.

A royal flavour

It is from the innovative, cultural, and atmospheric town of Reading that your balloon flight across Berkshire will most likely lift off, with the first stunning view coming into sight the renowned Ascot Racecourse. Home to Royal Ascot every third week in June, the world famous meeting of thoroughbred horses is proceeded with a Royal Procession every day. While it is unlikely that your balloon will be able to fly above such an event, of course, the view is still somewhat of a royal occasion no matter when you take your trip.

The river

Much the same is true for the rest of your flight too, with the Thames winding its way across the north of the county. From the traditional redbrick Victorian homes of Reading, and past the typically-English 'chocolate box' villages and country gardens, its eventual arrival in London is not hinted at here. The Royal connection with this Home County also makes itself known once more, as the imposing Windsor Castle comes into view. The Queen's favourite residence, seeing it from high makes it easy to understand her long-held appreciation.

Modern touches

Royalty and the river may well be high points on a balloon flight in Berkshire, but there is so much more to enjoy. With the Theme Parks of Legoland and Thorpe Park, the ribbon of the M4 corridor so vital to the modern UK, and the plethora of golf courses, the very human face of the county is well shown too. A stunning county in a beautiful setting, any balloon flier will quite literally be carried away both physically and mentally here.