Enjoy Stunning Views Ballooning Over Stowmarket
Stowmarket sits at the centre of Suffolk, a market town that grew on the River Gipping and still feels closely tied to its surrounding countryside. The town has a long tradition of music and culture: in the 1840s John Curwen, minister at the Congregational Church, devised the tonic sol-fa system here — the “do, re, mi” notation later made famous in The Sound of Music. Today Stowmarket blends historic churches and old streets with modern parks and venues, keeping its role as a lively hub in the middle of East Anglia.
Balloon flights launch from Chilton Fields Sports Club, just outside the town. As the basket lifts away, Stowmarket quickly comes into view below, its rooftops gathered around the church towers and the course of the river. Beyond, Suffolk opens wide in every direction: gentle farmland divided by hedgerows, small woods, and the occasional windbreak of trees. The low, open character of the county means that on clear days the horizon stretches for miles, shifting in colour with the light.
Some flights drift eastwards, where villages and lanes lead gradually towards the Suffolk coast. With the right wind and visibility, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty may sometimes be glimpsed far off, its dunes and marshes faint against the horizon. To the south-west, the Dedham Vale AONB lies along the River Stour, a landscape made famous by Constable’s paintings. Closer at hand, the market towns and fields of central Suffolk create a patchwork that changes with every mile.
No two flights are alike. Some mornings the breeze keeps the balloon low, carrying it slowly over farms, rivers, and villages, with details close enough to pick out. On other days the air lifts you higher, and Suffolk seems endless — a broad canvas of fields, woods, and skies. From Stowmarket, ballooning offers both intimacy and scale, a way to see a familiar county from a completely fresh angle.
Your Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket 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 Suffolk!
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 Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket, 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 Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket 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 Stowmarket 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.