Discover Balloon Flights In and Around West Yorkshire
Four established launch locations offer ballooning across West Yorkshire and the surrounding counties. Choose Leeds or Wetherby within West Yorkshire itself, or consider York in North Yorkshire and Sheffield to the south, where the launch field lies just across the Derbyshire border. Together they offer a varied mix of historic cities, parkland, river valleys, farmland 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.
Leeds
West Yorkshire
18.21 miles away
Leeds flights begin at Lotherton Hall near Aberford. Historic parkland, farmland, villages and the wider West Yorkshire countryside surround the launch area.
Wetherby Racecourse
West Yorkshire
18.65 miles away
Wetherby flights begin at the racecourse beside the market town. The River Wharfe, farmland, villages and broad countryside may all become part of the view.
York
North Yorkshire
28.75 miles away
York flights begin at the racecourse on the Knavesmire. The historic city skyline, the River Ouse and the open Vale of York may appear as the balloon follows the breeze.
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
36.47 miles away
Sheffield flights begin at Bowshaw Showground just across the Derbyshire border. Fields, wooded valleys and the countryside around the southern edge of Sheffield create a varied setting for take-off.
From Lotherton Hall and the countryside around Wetherby to York’s historic skyline and the valleys near Sheffield, these four launch locations offer a varied introduction to Yorkshire and its surroundings from the air. The breeze decides every route, so no two flights reveal quite the same collection of towns, rivers, hills and open landscapes.
Your Balloon Ride Experience in and around West Yorkshire
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 four established launch locations in and around West Yorkshire. 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 cities, river valleys, parkland and broad farmland. With around an hour in the air and a route decided by the breeze, no two flights in and around West Yorkshire 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.