Best Hot Air Balloon Ride Locations Near London

Looking for a hot air balloon ride near London? Whether you’re craving skyline views, countryside calm, or an unforgettable UK day out, these launch sites are close enough to the capital but far enough to feel like an escape. 

Why Pick a Balloon Ride Near London? 

• Distant views of London’s skyline  
• Quick transport links from the city  
• A countryside break from urban life  
• Perfect for tourists short on time  

Top Launch Sites Near the Capital 

Oxford 
Fly above the City of Dreaming Spires for views of historic colleges and the River Thames winding towards London. Easy to reach by train or car - a perfect mix of culture and countryside. 
Best for:history lovers and city explorers. 

Guildford 
From the North Downs’ dramatic landscapes to quaint villages, woodland, and rolling fields, this flight delivers endless views. On a clear day, you might even spot the Wiltshire border and southern edges of Greater London. 
Best for:countryside charm and nature fans. 

Brentwood 
One of the closest launch sites to London, Brentwood gives you sweeping views of the Home Counties and the capital’s outskirts. It’s a quick escape that leaves a lasting memory. 
Best for:speedy London getaways. 

Welwyn Garden City 
Lift off from the grounds of Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. With the right conditions, you could spot Canary Wharf’s skyline in the distance. Our nearest to London flights - the city and countryside all in one. 
Best for:skyline spotting without the city noise.

Other Locations Accessible from London! 

• Headcorn, Kent 
• Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire 
• Alton, Hampshire 
• Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire 
• Hollingbourne, Kent 

Insider Tip: Dress in layers. Early mornings can be crisp, but once you’re floating above the patchwork fields, the excitement warms you up fast. 

What To Expect on the Day 

Hot air balloon rides are a full experience, not just a flight. Here’s how it unfolds: 

• Arrival & check-in – meet your pilot and crew.
• Balloon inflation – join in or watch the burners bring the balloon to life.
• Take-off & flight – float for about an hour, soaking up the views.
• Landing – your pilot picks a safe landing spot, guided by the wind.
• Celebratory toast – raise a glass to an unforgettable adventure.  

FAQs: Hot Air Balloon Rides Near London 

How far are these launch sites from central London? 
Most are within 30 - 90 minutes by train or car. Close enough for a day trip, far enough to swap traffic noise for birdsong. 

Can I actually see London from the balloon? 
Yes - from Welwyn Garden City, and sometimes Oxford or Brentwood, you might glimpse the capital’s skyline. On a clear day, Canary Wharf really does twinkle. 

Are balloon flights weather dependent? 
Absolutely. Ballooning is a fair-weather adventure - nobody wants to swap “dreamy skyline” for “stormy skies.” If it’s not safe to fly, you’ll simply reschedule. 

What time of day is best to fly? 
Flights run early mornings or evenings. Mornings often bring calmer winds (and bonus: sunrise selfies). Evenings? Golden hour glow. Either way = magic. 

Do I need to travel far outside London? 
Not at all. Brentwood and Welwyn Garden City are the closest launch sites, while Oxford and Guildford give you more countryside charm without trekking across England. 

Is it worth choosing an experience voucher instead of a set date? 
Definitely. Socks get lost, mugs gather dust - experiences don’t. Our vouchers give you flexibility to choose when and where to fly, with free exchanges if you change your mind. 

Ready to Take Off? 

Close enough for convenience, far enough for fresh air. These balloon rides near London mix day trip ease with bucket-list wow-factor. 

• Perfect as a gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or even proposals.
• Ideal for tourists short on time who want a unique London experience.
• And most of all - unforgettable memories that float above the ordinary. 

Browse all our hot air balloon experiences near London and see where the wind could take you.