Discover Balloon Flights In and Around Oxfordshire
Nine established launch locations offer ballooning across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. Begin close to Oxford itself, beside the Thames at Henley, or choose from countryside launch sites extending into Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Warwickshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Wiltshire. Each opens onto a different blend of historic towns, waterways, wooded hills, parkland and open countryside.
Distances are approximate straight-line measurements from the central reference point marked in blue on the map. They provide a consistent guide to the relative proximity of each launch location across the area; actual driving distances will vary depending on where your journey begins.
Oxford
Oxfordshire
1.16 miles away
Oxford flights begin beside the ice rink near the city centre. Depending on the breeze, the Thames, university spires, historic rooftops and the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside may all become part of the view.
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
17.27 miles away
Aylesbury flights begin at Lower Hartwell Farm. Farmland, villages and the Vale of Aylesbury open around the launch field, with the Chiltern Hills forming a familiar ridge across the wider landscape.
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
22.16 miles away
Henley-on-Thames offers a launch close to one of the best-known stretches of the River Thames. Riverside scenery, wooded slopes, villages and the edge of the Chilterns may unfold below as the balloon follows the wind.
Great Missenden
Buckinghamshire
23.16 miles away
Great Missenden flights begin within the Chiltern landscape. Wooded hills, farmland, winding lanes and villages create a varied countryside view, with the precise route decided entirely by the day’s breeze.
Newbury
Berkshire
24.9 miles away
Newbury launches from Victoria Park in the market town. The River Kennet, historic centre and surrounding Berkshire farmland may appear below before the view opens towards woodland and the North Wessex Downs.
Shipston-on-Stour
Warwickshire
26.79 miles away
Shipston-on-Stour flights begin near the northern Cotswolds. The River Stour, market-town rooftops, farmland and surrounding villages form a gently rolling landscape beneath the basket.
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
27.09 miles away
Berkhamsted flights begin at Lockhart Field near Cow Roast. The Grand Union Canal, reservoirs, woodland and settlements along the Hertfordshire and Chiltern landscape may all appear as the balloon drifts.
Towcester
Northamptonshire
28.21 miles away
Towcester flights begin beside lakes and open Northamptonshire countryside. Farmland, villages, woodland and the historic market-town landscape may spread beneath the balloon as it follows the wind.
Swindon
Wiltshire
29.78 miles away
Swindon flights begin in the parkland surrounding Lydiard House. Estate grounds, farmland and villages open around the launch site, with the North Wessex Downs and wider Wiltshire countryside beyond.
From Oxford’s dreaming spires and the River Thames to the Chiltern Hills, the Vale of Aylesbury, the North Wessex Downs and the northern Cotswolds, these nine launch locations offer a remarkably varied view of southern and central England. The breeze decides every route, so no two flights reveal quite the same collection of landmarks, villages, rivers and open countryside.
Your Balloon Ride Experience in and around Oxfordshire
Arrive &
Welcome
Inflate &
Fire Up
Take Off &
Enjoy the Views
Photos &
Memories
Landing
Adventure
Celebration
Toast
At The Launch Site
Your balloon ride begins at one of nine established launch locations in and around Oxfordshire. 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 launch opens onto a different landscape: historic towns, rivers, wooded hills, parkland and broad farmland. With around an hour in the air and a route decided by the breeze, no two flights in and around Oxfordshire 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 your chosen launch location and receive a detailed safety briefing from an experienced pilot or crew member.
Light her up
Join in with inflating the balloon or simply enjoy the atmosphere as the burner lights up and the envelope begins to fill.
Take Off
Climb aboard and drift gently away from the launch field, leaving the bustle of everyday life behind as the landscape opens below.
Enjoy the Views
Take in spectacular scenery from a unique perspective, with 360-degree views throughout the flight and a route decided by the breeze.
Touch Down
Every landing is part of the adventure. The balloon and basket are designed for a safe landing across suitable open countryside.
Inside the Balloon
Celebrate the adventure before the balloon is packed away and take a closer look at the remarkable craft that carried you through the air.
Join the Fun
Many passengers enjoy helping the crew pack away the balloon after landing. It is entirely optional, but often a memorable part of the day.
Toast Your Experience
Enjoy a celebratory glass of bubbly, or a soft drink if preferred, and toast the completion of your airborne adventure.