Discover Balloon Flights In and Around the West Midlands
Eleven established launch locations surround the West Midlands, opening onto a wonderfully varied mix of historic towns, river valleys, reservoirs, wooded hills, parkland and broad countryside. Travel east and south into Warwickshire, west into Worcestershire and Shropshire, north into Staffordshire or towards the Leicestershire border — every direction offers a different place to begin your airborne adventure.
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 region; actual driving distances will vary depending on where your journey begins.
Warwick
Warwickshire
17.02 miles away
Warwick flights rise from St Nicholas Park beside the River Avon. Warwick Castle, historic streets and the central Warwickshire countryside may all come into view as the balloon follows the breeze.
Coventry
Warwickshire
18.27 miles away
Coventry flights leave from Coombe Country Park, where lakes, woods and long avenues surround the launch field. The cathedral spire, Kenilworth Castle or open Warwickshire countryside may appear depending on the wind.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
20.61 miles away
Stratford-upon-Avon launches from the racecourse near Shakespeare’s town. The Avon, theatre, historic streets and surrounding farmland create a varied view, with the first Cotswold slopes appearing to the south.
Rugby
Warwickshire
24.51 miles away
Rugby launches close to Draycote Water. The reservoir, sailing boats and nature reserve stand out immediately, beyond which fields, villages and gentle Warwickshire hills spread towards Northamptonshire.
Worcester
Worcestershire
25.61 miles away
Worcester launches from the racecourse beside the River Severn. The cathedral tower, city bridges and historic centre can appear below before the landscape opens towards the Malvern Hills and the Severn plain.
Stafford
Staffordshire
26.83 miles away
Stafford launches from Amerton Railway east of the county town. Railway tracks, farmland and villages spread beneath the basket, with the Trent Valley, Blithfield Reservoir and Cannock Chase further afield.
Evesham
Worcestershire
27.34 miles away
Evesham flights rise from Crown Meadow beside the River Avon. The river curls around the town while orchards and market-garden fields spread across the Vale of Evesham, framed by the Malvern Hills and Cotswolds.
Telford
Shropshire
28.01 miles away
Telford launches from the grounds of the Telford Golf & Spa Hotel. The Severn, Ironbridge Gorge and wooded slopes around Coalbrookdale shape the view, while the Wrekin rises across the Shropshire countryside.
Shelsley Walsh
Worcestershire
28.48 miles away
Shelsley Walsh begins beside the historic hill climb in the Teme Valley. Wooded slopes, winding lanes and scattered farms surround the launch site, with the Malvern Hills forming a memorable ridge on the horizon.
Shipston-on-Stour
Warwickshire
29.48 miles away
Shipston-on-Stour flights begin near the northern Cotswolds, where the River Stour, market-town rooftops, farmland and villages create a gently rolling landscape below the basket.
Stanford Hall
Leicestershire
29.51 miles away
Stanford Hall flights begin in the estate grounds near Lutterworth. Parkland, woodland, farmland and nearby villages open around the launch field, with broad views across the Leicestershire and Warwickshire borders.
From Warwick Castle, Stratford-upon-Avon and Draycote Water to the Malvern Hills, Ironbridge Gorge, Cannock Chase and the northern Cotswolds, these eleven launch locations offer an exceptionally varied introduction to the Midlands from the air. The breeze decides each route, so no two flights reveal quite the same collection of rivers, reservoirs, villages, landmarks and open countryside.
Your Balloon Ride Experience around the West Midlands
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 eleven established launch locations around the West Midlands. 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 part of the Midlands: rivers and reservoirs, historic towns, wooded valleys, castles, parkland and broad farmland. With around an hour in the air and a route decided by the breeze, no two flights 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 one of the launch sites around the West Midlands 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 around the West Midlands. 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 around the West Midlands 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.