Enjoy Stunning Views Ballooning Over Tibshelf
Tibshelf is a village with a quiet claim to fame. In 1919, Britain’s first inland oil well was sunk here, and over the next two decades it produced some 30,000 barrels before closing after the Second World War. Today the oil has long gone, but Tibshelf remains a place of interest — perched between Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with open countryside on all sides and the Peak District not far away. From fields beside Tibshelf Wharf, balloon flights lift off in the soft light of morning or evening, with the wide Midlands landscape spreading quickly beneath the basket.
The experience here is less about one fixed view and more about the possibilities. Look north and the elegant outline of Hardwick Hall often appears, a great Elizabethan house sitting proud above the surrounding land. To the east, the woods and lakes of Brierley Forest Park add a splash of green, a haven for birds and wildlife that stands out clearly from the air. Drift westward and Ogston Reservoir sometimes comes into sight, a long stretch of water set against wooded hills. Each direction brings a different character, and no two flights are ever the same.
The countryside itself is a mix of old and new: villages with church towers, fields lined with hedges, and traces of the region’s mining past, softened now by nature. On very clear days the horizon may widen further, carrying views towards the first ridges of the Peak District or the faint outlines of city skylines in the distance.
Ballooning from Tibshelf is about contrast — history and renewal, farmland and forest, familiar villages and unexpected horizons. Guided only by the wind, the flight is never predictable, yet always steady, always unhurried. It is a launch site that shows the gentler side of Derbyshire, with surprises waiting each time you rise into the sky.
Your Tibshelf 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 Tibshelf 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 Derbyshire!
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 Tibshelf 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 Tibshelf, 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 Tibshelf 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 Tibshelf 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 Tibshelf 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.