Discover Beautiful Balloon Flights Near Birmingham
Some of the most memorable ballooning near Birmingham begins just beyond the city, where nine launch sites open onto a rich mix of historic towns, river valleys, reservoirs, wooded hills and sweeping Midlands countryside. Head north towards Staffordshire and Shropshire, west into Worcestershire, or south and east across Warwickshire — every direction brings a different landscape, with the occasional city view on the horizon and a memorable place to begin your adventure.
To help you choose, each location shows both the approximate road distance from central Birmingham and the straight-line distance. The latter is the familiar “as the crow flies” measurement — although a balloon is rather less direct than a crow and simply follows the breeze. It offers a useful sense of how close each launch site lies to Birmingham, while the actual route and views remain part of the adventure.
Stafford
Staffordshire
34.6 miles by road25.19 miles as the crow flies
Stafford launches from Amerton Railway east of the county town. Railway tracks, farmland and villages spread beneath the basket, with the Trent Valley, Blithfield Reservoir and the wooded heights of Cannock Chase further afield.
Telford
Shropshire
35.9 miles by road26.59 miles as the crow flies
Telford launches from the grounds of the Telford Golf & Spa Hotel. The Severn, Ironbridge Gorge and wooded slopes around Coalbrookdale shape the view, while the Wrekin rises as a clear landmark across the Shropshire countryside.
Shelsley Walsh
Worcestershire
32.7 miles by road28.39 miles as the crow flies
Shelsley Walsh begins beside the historic hill climb in the Teme Valley. Wooded slopes, winding lanes and scattered farms surround the launch site, with the Malvern Hills forming a memorable ridge on the horizon.
Worcester
Worcestershire
40.1 miles by road26.22 miles as the crow flies
Worcester launches from the racecourse beside the River Severn. The cathedral tower, city bridges and historic centre can appear below before the landscape opens towards the Malvern Hills, the Severn plain and the edge of the Cotswolds.
Evesham
Worcestershire
31.6 miles by road28.46 miles as the crow flies
Evesham flights rise from Crown Meadow beside the River Avon. The river curls around the town while orchards and market-garden fields spread across the Vale of Evesham, framed by the Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
28.8 miles by road22.14 miles as the crow flies
Stratford-upon-Avon launches from the racecourse near Shakespeare’s town. The Avon, theatre, historic streets and surrounding farmland create a varied view, with the first slopes of the Cotswolds appearing to the south.
Warwick
Warwickshire
28.3 miles by road18.7 miles as the crow flies
Warwick is the nearest launch site in a straight line. Flights rise from St Nicholas Park beside the Avon, giving a remarkable perspective over Warwick Castle before the central Warwickshire countryside opens around the town.
Rugby
Warwickshire
39 miles by road25.9 miles as the crow flies
Rugby launches close to the shore of Draycote Water. The reservoir, sailing boats and nature reserve stand out immediately, beyond which fields, villages and gentle Warwickshire hills run towards Rugby and Northamptonshire.
Coventry
Warwickshire
27.9 miles by road19.53 miles as the crow flies
Coventry flights leave from Coombe Country Park, where lakes, woods and long avenues surround the launch field. Depending on the wind, the city’s cathedral spire, Kenilworth Castle or the wider Warwickshire countryside may come into view.
From Warwick Castle and Stratford-upon-Avon to the Malvern Hills, Ironbridge Gorge, Draycote Water and Cannock Chase, these nine launch sites offer a wonderfully varied introduction to the Midlands from the air. Depending on the breeze and visibility, a flight may reveal a distant urban skyline or carry you out across rivers, reservoirs, villages and open countryside. No two flights take quite the same path — and that sense of discovery is all part of the magic.
Your Balloon Ride Experience near Birmingham
Arrive &
Welcome
Inflate &
Fire Up
Take Off &
Enjoy the Views
Photos &
Memories
Landing
Adventure
Celebration
Toast
At The Launch Site
Your balloon ride near Birmingham begins at oneb of nine established launch sites around the city. After a full safety briefing, you can watch the crew prepare and inflate the envelope before the burners fire and the basket lifts gently away from the field.
The Experience
Every site opens onto a different part of the Midlands: rivers and reservoirs, historic towns, wooded valleys, castles and broad farmland. With around an hour in the air and a route decided by the breeze, no two balloon flights launching near Birmingham follow quite the same course.
The Perfect Gift
A hot air balloon flight is a memorable gift for someone who values experiences over possessions. Vouchers highlighted on this page can be used at suitable launch locations across the UK, giving the recipient flexibility as well as a remarkable view of the countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the experience last?
The flight itself usually lasts around an hour, but you should allow approximately four hours for the full experience, including briefing, inflation, landing and return transport.
When do balloon flights take place?
Balloon flights usually take place around sunrise or sunset, when the air is most stable and the light is often at its best.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing and flat shoes. Launch fields can be damp or uneven, so it is best to dress for a countryside walk.
Where will we land?
The landing spot depends on the wind direction on the day. The balloon crew follows during the flight and returns passengers to the original meeting point afterwards.
Can children take part?
Children can take part in hot air balloon flights provided they are aged seven or over and at least 4ft 6in (1.4m) tall. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Requirements can occasionally vary, so it is always worth checking the latest voucher terms before booking.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
Balloon flights are weather dependent and may occasionally need to be cancelled if conditions are not suitable for flying. If this happens, you can easily rebook for another date under the voucher's extension policy. These precautions are taken to help ensure your safety and the best possible balloon flight experience.
On the Day
Every balloon flight is a little different, but here's a glimpse of what you can expect from arrival through to landing and celebration.
Meet the Crew
Arrive at one of the launch sites near Birmingham and receive a detailed and informative safety briefing from an experienced ace pilot or crew member.
Light her up
Participate in inflating the balloon or just enjoy the atmosphere as the burner lights up and the balloon envelope begins to fill.
Take Off
Climb aboard and drift gently away from your chosen launch field near Birmingham. Experience a true sensation of getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Enjoy the Views
Take in spectacular scenery surrounding your chosen launch site near Birmingham from a unique perspective. With 360° views you will fill your hour's flight with pointing, oohing and ahhing.
Touch Down
Every landing is part of the adventure. This is how balloons have been landing for 200 years+ and the balloon is designed for it to be safe and comfortable.
Inside the Balloon
Celebrating the adventure before everything gets packed away. Say goodbye to the marvellous invention that carried you and your companions through the air.
Join the Fun
Many passengers enjoy helping the crew pack away the balloon after landing. This is an entirely optional activity but loads of fun.
Toast Your Experience
Enjoy a celebratory glass of bubbly or soft drink if you prefer. A toast to you and your companions on completing your airborne adventure.