Enjoy Stunning Views Ballooning Over Rugby
Rugby is known across the world for giving its name to the sport, but the town has other claims to fame too — from its old grammar school to Sir Frank Whittle’s first jet engine prototype, tested here in the 1930s. Walk through the centre and you’ll find Victorian terraces, market streets, and reminders of its place as a railway hub. Just outside the town the countryside begins quickly, with farmland, reservoirs, and villages spread across gentle hills.
Balloon flights launch from Draycote Water, a wide reservoir and country park on the edge of Dunchurch. Take-off is from the showground near the shore, where the lake glints beneath you as soon as the balloon lifts. On calm days you can sometimes trace the outline of the water as the breeze carries you away, with its sailing boats and nature reserve clear to see from above.
To the west the view soon picks out Rugby itself, with its mix of red-brick houses and the school buildings that gave the game its start. Coventry, larger and more modern, sometimes appears further off, with the cathedral spire standing tall above the rest. Look north or east and the countryside spreads wider: fields, hedgerows, and the folds of Warwickshire running into Northamptonshire.
Every flight here has its own rhythm. Sometimes the breeze keeps you low, so you notice the patchwork of lanes, footpaths, and farm buildings in detail. Other days you climb higher, until Draycote Water looks like a silver patch on the land and the horizon seems to run forever. However the wind carries you, ballooning from Rugby is a reminder of how town and countryside fit together — familiar places seen slowly and quietly from a new angle.
Your Rugby Balloon Ride Experience
Arrive &
Welcome
Inflate &
Fire Up
Take Off &
Enjoy the Views
Photos &
Memories
Landing
Adventure
Celebration
Toast
At The Launch Site
Your unforgettable balloon ride in Rugby 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 Warwickshire!
The Experience
When it is time to get on board, 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 of the Rugby countryside 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 from Rugby, gift vouchers 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 the Rugby launch site 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 the Rugby launch field. Experience a true sensation of getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Enjoy the Views
Take in spectacular scenery surrounding Rugby 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.