Discover Beautiful Balloon Flights Near London
Some of the loveliest ballooning around London begins just beyond the city, where nine launch sites open onto a wonderful mix of stately homes, river valleys, rolling hills, orchards and open countryside. Head north into Hertfordshire, east towards Essex, south across Kent and Sussex, or west to Surrey and Oxfordshire — every direction brings a different landscape and a memorable place to begin your adventure.
To help you choose, each location shows both the approximate road distance from central London 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 drifts wherever the breeze decides. It gives a useful sense of how close each launch site lies to London, while the actual route and views remain part of the adventure.
Hatfield
Hertfordshire
22.6 miles by road17.83 miles as the balloon flies
Hatfield is the nearest site in a straight line. Flights lift from the grounds of Hatfield House, where the Jacobean mansion, formal gardens and broad parkland create an impressive beginning before the Hertfordshire countryside opens beyond.
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
36.5 miles by road28.32 miles as the balloon flies
Berkhamsted combines the ruins of its Norman castle with the Grand Union Canal and the wooded slopes of the Chilterns. Nearby Ashridge adds long ridges and deep woodland to the view.
Brentwood
Essex
30.8 miles by road20.39 miles as the balloon flies
Brentwood sits where London’s outer edge gives way to rural Essex. Depending on the breeze, the distant skyline may appear on one horizon while woodlands, villages and historic Ingatestone Hall lie in another direction.
Chelmsford
Essex
46.1 miles by road34.36 miles as the balloon flies
Chelmsford launches from Paper Mill Lock beside the River Chelmer. Waterways, meadows and wooded estates shape the landscape, with the city and landmarks such as Hylands House sometimes visible from the air.
Royal Tunbridge Wells
Kent
35.9 miles by road27.89 miles as the balloon flies
Royal Tunbridge Wells uses The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood. Orchards, oast houses and the River Medway spread across this part of Kent, with the wooded folds of the High Weald beyond.
Hollingbourne
Kent
41.2 miles by road36.49 miles as the balloon flies
Hollingbourne has a particularly memorable setting close to Leeds Castle. Its lake, islands, turrets and landscaped grounds may appear after take-off before the wider Garden of England comes into view.
Wadhurst
East Sussex
47.1 miles by road34.87 miles as the balloon flies
Wadhurst sits among the ridges and wooded valleys of the High Weald. Flights here reveal irregular fields, ponds, farms and villages, with wide horizons reaching across Sussex and Kent in clear conditions.
Guildford
Surrey
32.6 miles by road27.28 miles as the balloon flies
Guildford launches from Shalford Park beside the River Wey. The North Downs, Surrey Hills, cathedral and castle give this route a balance of town, river and rolling countryside.
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
37.9 miles by road33.02 miles as the balloon flies
Henley-on-Thames brings a different character again. The Thames winds between meadows and wooded banks, with Henley Bridge, the regatta course and the Chiltern Hills providing some of the most elegant views around London.
From Hatfield House and the Chilterns to the Kent Downs, Surrey Hills and the Thames near Henley, these nine launch sites offer a brilliant range of scenery within easy reach of London. Depending on the breeze and visibility, the capital may appear in the distance from some routes, while others carry you deeper into the surrounding 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 London
Arrive &
Welcome
Inflate &
Fire Up
Take Off &
Enjoy the Views
Photos &
Memories
Landing
Adventure
Celebration
Toast
At The Launch Site
Your unforgettable balloon ride at one of the launch sites near London will start with a full safety briefing, then comes the thrill of inflating the balloon! Join in, or sit back and soak up the atmosphere. When it’s time, there is no escaping the collective excitement as the burners fire up and the balloon starts to prepare itself for taking you up, up and away on a ballooning adventure over the counties surrounding London!
The Experience
When it is time to get on board at any one of these launch sites, you will wonder what you have gotten yourself into perhaps, but it won't be long before your worries are swept away by the glorious views surrounding your chosen launch site unfolding beneath you. You will get to enjoy them too, as you will have around an hour to drink it all in. Amazing memories you will get to keep for a lifetime!
The Perfect Gift
Finding a gift for someone who already seems to have everything is never easy. A hot air balloon flight offers something a little different: peaceful views, a sense of adventure and the chance to see the world from a whole new (and stunning!) perspective. Although this page highlights balloon flights near London, all gift vouchers purchased can be used at locations throughout the UK.
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 London 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 London. 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 London 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.