Private Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience In the Heart of England

Enjoy the freedom of the skies with a private hot air balloon flight for two, three, four or five people.

With the basket exclusively reserved for your party and the pilot, you can enjoy a more personal ballooning experience away from the crowds. See the balloon prepared for flight before climbing aboard and drifting gently into the sky, where sweeping countryside views appear below and the wind decides where your journey will take you.

You’ll spend approximately 45 minutes to one hour in the air, with around three to four hours allowed for the experience from start to finish. From watching the preparations at the launch site to discovering where you’ll eventually touch down, it’s a memorable way for couples, families or groups of friends to share something a little out of the ordinary.

Part of the magic of hot air ballooning is that no two flights follow exactly the same path. There’s no fixed route to follow; instead, the direction of the breeze shapes your journey on the day. Take in the scenery, capture plenty of photographs and chat to your pilot as you float above the landscape.

Once you’re safely back on the ground, you’ll watch as the balloon is deflated and packed away before celebrating the flight with a glass of champagne or a soft drink alternative. The crew will then transport you back to the original launch site.

For two people, this private flight makes a memorable choice for an anniversary, birthday or simply an opportunity to enjoy some quality time together in spectacular surroundings.

Choose the three, four or five-person experience to bring family or close friends along for the adventure. It’s particularly well suited to milestone celebrations and special occasions when you want to give an experience that can be enjoyed, and remembered, together.

Hot air balloon rides are fully weather dependent. If your booked flight has to be cancelled for this reason, the flight provider will liaise with you to reschedule as per their booking terms and conditions. Vouchers are non refundable should the ride be cancelled due to bad weather.

This is a private flight for groups of either two, three, four or five people. The only other person in the basket on your flight will be a qualified commercial pilot.

When

Flying season is April to October and flights can be booked weekdays and weekends, subject to availability.

Balloon flights are made within two to three hours of sunrise and sunset. These times vary throughout the flying season as with the daylight hours.

From May to August, flights typically start at 6:30am and 6:30pm. 

During the colder months, flights could be at any time of the day.

Who Can Go

• Children must be of a height over 1.4m to fly.
• Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.
• Maximum weight is 20stone (125kg). If you are in excess of 20st, please advise of this when booking. As long as the total weight of passengers on the flight does not exceed the operational limit, you may still be able to fly.
• Passengers must be fit and well and will be required to climb in and out of the basket. You must able to stand for one hour (leaning on the basket) and must be able to bend your knees for the landing period of the flight.
• If you're pregnant or have recently undergone major surgery, you can't fly in a hot air balloon. The balloon flight provider will liaise with you to reschedule as per their booking terms and conditions.
• If you are unsure of whether you can fly with a pre-existing medical condition, please check with your GP/Doctor before making a booking.
• Spectators are welcome to watch the balloon launch.

Locations

Delapre Abbey (Northampton) - London Roa, Northampton NN4 8AW
Greens Norton (Towcester) – Lakeside Fishery, Duncote NN12 8AL
Oundle Wharf (Oundle) – Station Rd, Oundle, Peterborough PE8 4DE
Riseley (Bedford) - Riseley, Bedford MK44 1BS
Rutland Water (Rutland) - Lyndon Rd, Oakham LE15 8RN

FAQs

How long is the hot air balloon flight?

The flight itself is normally approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on conditions. Allow around three to four hours for the complete experience, including preparation, the flight, landing, packing away and transport back to the launch site.

Is this a private balloon flight?

Yes. The experience is designed for your chosen group rather than sharing the basket with unrelated passengers. Your pilot will also be in the basket.

Can I buy the experience for two people?

Yes. Choose the two-person option for a private balloon experience that's particularly well suited to couples, anniversaries and milestone celebrations.

Can three or more people fly together?

Yes. Options are available for three, four or five people, making this a memorable shared experience for friends or family.

Where does the balloon take off from?

Launch sites are located around Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, with the exact arrangements confirmed as part of the booking process. Launch locations can sometimes need to change according to wind direction and weather conditions.

Is hot air ballooning weather dependent?

Very much so. Balloons require suitable wind, visibility and weather conditions. If conditions aren't appropriate, the flight will need to be rearranged. Safety and suitable flying conditions always come first.

Do we know where we'll land?

Not exactly – and that's part of the adventure. Hot air balloons travel with the wind, so the precise route and landing point aren't predetermined. After landing, transport is provided back to the original launch site.

What should I wear?

Wear sensible walking shoes, long trousers and comfortable layers appropriate for the weather. You'll be outside during the preparation and landing stages as well as in the basket.

Can I take photographs during the flight?

Yes. Cameras are welcome, there will be plenty of opportunities to capture the landscape from above.