Hot Air Balloon Rides Over York & Yorkshire

Balloon rides in York and Yorkshire

Our Yorkshire flights launch from the Knavesmire, the open parkland of York Racecourse, about 1.5 miles south-west of York Minster. It's a short walk or drive from the city centre, with free parking on Knavesmire Road.

On race days and during events, flights launch from Rawcliffe Country Park on the northern edge of the city instead, with free parking at the Rawcliffe Park & Ride next door. You'll be told which site to go to before your flight.

Flights take off in the morning or evening, from April to October, when the air is calmest. You'll spend 45 minutes to an hour in the air, and the whole experience takes 3 to 4 hours, including the inflation, the landing and the drive back to the launch site.

What you might see

Balloons travel with the wind, so every flight is different. Whether you pass over the city depends on the wind on the day. When you do, York looks remarkable from above: York Minster, the medieval city walls, Clifford's Tower, the River Ouse and the racecourse itself.

Beyond the city is the flat, open farmland of the Vale of York, ideal country for ballooning. On clear days you can see a long way: the Yorkshire Wolds to the east, the North York Moors to the north, and the hills of the Yorkshire Dales on the western horizon.

Most flights cruise at 1,000 to 2,000 feet and travel 10 to 20 miles before landing on farmland around York. The crew follow by road and drive you back to the launch site.

Good to know before you fly

• The season runs from April to October. Morning flights have the best chance of going ahead, because summer evenings are more often unsettled.
• Passengers must be at least 8 years old and 1.4m tall. Under 16s must fly with an adult.
• Shared baskets carry up to 14 passengers.
• If anyone in your group weighs over 18 stone, please contact us before buying, as they'll need an extra seat.
• After buying, you register your voucher with the local operator before booking a date. Allow up to 5 working days for confirmation.

Which voucher do you need?

The flight is the same on all three shared-flight vouchers. The only difference is when you can use them: weekday mornings from £169, weekday mornings or evenings from £189, or any day including weekends from £209 per person.