Considering embarking upon your first hot air balloon adventure? Then consider The Ballooning Business. We’ve been established since 1989 as one of the UK’s original balloon ride companies! We offer champagne balloon flights from Northampton, Milton Keynes, Leicester, Bedford, Huntingdon and Banbury. With the choice of scheduled flights where you can choose from any of our available dates, exclusive flights for two where you can enjoy an intimate flight planned for the day of your choice or exclusive group bookings where you and your group of friends and family can book a flight for the day of your choice (great for parties or celebrations), there is an option to suit everyone’s desires!

With us, your flight will last for approximately one hour over the towns, villages and rolling countryside of the location you have chosen. However, please allow three hours for the whole trip as you will also have a chance to enjoy ballooning to the max while helping to set up and pack away the hot air balloon!

The pilot will give an initial passenger briefing before your flight takes off. Then bask (hopefully) in the sun up to 3’000 feet in the air for an hour, admiring the landscape you have chosen from a perspective you could never have imagined. Enjoy looking down on the world below, unhindered and complete with a 360 degree view and see what it’s really like to look down on the world like a bird!

At the end of your flight, the pilot will use his navigational skills and handling ability to travel with the wind in order to find a suitable landing place. But don’t forget the Champagne toast! All flights include a lovely glass of the ol’ sparkling and what’s more, you can enjoy real crystal glassware! You will also be awarded with a commemorative personalised flight certificate and we will return you to the launch site. Then it’s au revoir from us while we leave you to your beautiful memories!

To sum up the service you receive from us, right now, if you purchase two or more flights from us, you will automatically be entered into our quarterly draw to be upgraded to one of our “Exclusive” flights! You can simply book online, or you can call us on 01604 768 617.

With so many balloon flight operators in the UK, the decision of which one to choose can be very tricky indeed. That’s why here at Balloons Over Britain we have created our blogs page so that you can find useful information at your finger tips of all the CAA approved flights operators under the Balloons Over Britain membership. All our member companies are highly reputable with excellent safety records and many years of experience in ballooning. Take for example Bailey Balloons, our hot air ballooning flights operator who cover Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire and South Wales.

Right now at Bailey Balloons you can treat yourself or someone special to a balloon flight for as little as £85 per person! These flights launch from Ashton Court in Bristol, Royal Victoria Park in Bath and the Usk Valley in South Wales. The reduced price (normally £125) is per person and is valid for week-day morning flights, (excluding bank holidays). You can upgrade these flights to a Gold voucher at any stage.

Want to upgrade to Gold? Well now you can for a snip of the original price! Flying from Ashton Court in Bristol, Royal Victoria Park in Bath and the Usk Valley in South Wales, you can enjoy a morning or evening flight seven day a week (Excludes Flights from the Bristol Balloon Fiesta) for just £125 per person (normally £145.00!)

Our Gold Spring Special Offer enables you to buy your Gold Voucher now and pay later! Simply pay your £40 deposit now and the remaining balance can be spread over the coming months. For more information and bookings please call us on 01275 375300.

All our vouchers can be ordered by phone, or you can continue with your purchases by booking online. Vouchers can be e-mailed or sent by post by selecting the product or offer and following the links choosing ‘By Post’ or By E-Mail’.

At Bailey Balloons we offer;

• Super Balloon flights
• Competitive Prices
• Highly Experienced Pilots
• Friendly Crew and Staff
• Good Availability
• Highly respected Company
• Personal Service
• Date availability checker before you book

Run by Jo and Clive Bailey who have an abundance of experience and an untouchable safety record, you can be sure that their passion for ballooning will no doubt ensure that your flight will be remembered for all the right reasons!

Have you ever wondered how the hot air balloon works? Many of our customers obviously want to understand the principles behind its ‘mechanics’ in order to feel safe, prior to their booking a flight, perfectly understandable. So today’s featured blog will be all about what makes up a hot air balloon and what role each part plays. We will explain how the balloon works, including what makes it rise and fall and how the pilot manoeuvre’s the balloon in flight.

If we were to start with the real basics we’d explain how hot air rises and cool air descends, however, this is something we’re each taught as kids, so we won’t go into detail. However based on the knowledge you can understand that, that principle means that hot air entering the balloon itself will enable it to rise and therefore, without cool air the balloon is sure to descend. The balloon (called an envelope) has to be the large size that it is, as it takes this large a volume of heated air to lift it off the ground. To put this into perspective, a great example would be to consider that it would take 65,000 cubic feet of heated air to lift 1000 pounds worth of weight! In order to keep the balloon in the air and rising, hot air needs to be propelled upwards into the envelope using the burner.

A hot air balloon is made up of 3 main parts including:

The Envelope
The actual fabric balloon which holds the air

The Burner
The unit which propels the heat up inside the envelope

The Basket
Where the passengers and pilot stand

A hot air balloon burner uses propane gas in order to heat up the air in the envelope. It is the pilots job to keep firing the burner at regular intervals throughout the flight so that the balloon continues at a stable height. As hot air rises, very little hot air escapes from the hole at the very bottom of the envelope. So to move the balloon upwards the pilot opens up the propane valve which lets the propane flow to the burner which in turn fires the flame up into the envelope.

In order to move the balloon down again, the ‘Parachute Valve’ at the very top of the balloon is used. This valve is simply a circle of fabric cut out of the top of the envelope which is controlled by a long chord that runs down through the middle of the envelope and into the basket. So when the pilot wants to lower the balloon he simply pulls on the chord opening the valve, which then releases hot air, decreasing the inner air temperature. This cooling of cause, allows the balloon to descend. In order to allow the balloon to lower gracefully, the pilot will use the burner less frequently.

The pilot is able manoeuvre the balloon horizontally by changing the vertical position of the balloon! As strange as this sounds, this is due to wind direction at different altitudes. So if the pilot wants to move in a particular direction they simply ascend or descend to the appropriate level and ride with the wind. But of course this is Britain and our weather does as it please, so we are limited to the variation in wind direction on the day which could only be 10 degrees and may not be consistent at all.

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team about your flight, or would like to know more about Balloons Over Britain before booking, please feel free to call us, we’re always happy to answers any questions you may have – 0845 071 6388.

At Aerosaurus Balloons we know exactly what makes the perfect balloon flight. Wit consistent positive reviews from our customers, it’s no wonder we’re the largest west country Hot Air Balloon flight operator! We have flown an incredible 70,000+ passengers in our fleet of balloons over the last 25 years, and these passengers have been between ages seven to one hundred years! We cover some of Britains most beautiful countryside and launch from locations in in Mid and East Devon, South Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, and nationwide via our membership of Balloons Over Britain. Just take a look at some of our reviews;

“Very professional crew and pilot; thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. This is our 3rd balloon flight but 1st with you guys, if we go for a 4th flight we will be using you again.”

“A most enjoyable experience, the “ground staff” in particular were extremely helpful, and attentive. The pilot explained everything, in good detail. A great and wonderful day had by all.

“Wow! Honestly it exceeded all our expectations. We thoroughly enjoyed everything about it, to be included in the setting up, the flight and the recovery. All the crew had a tremendous attitude“

If you’d like to be part of the fun, or maybe you’d like a more intimate affair, a last minute booking for Valentine’s day for example, then there are plenty of options available to you.

• Our Early bird Voucher is now just £99 and is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) for a weekday dawn flight (excluding bank holidays). This voucher can be used from any of our launch locations across Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire.
• Our Weekday Voucher is now just £109 and again is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enabling a weekday dawn or dusk flight (excluding bank holidays). This voucher can be used from any of our launch locations.
• The Anytime Voucher is a little more expensive at £129 however if you’re purchasing for 2+ people, it’s just £125 per person. Again, this is an open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enabling a dawn or dusk balloon ride, valid 7 days a week from any of our launch locations. Now that’s flexibility!
• The Aerosaurus Absolute Voucher is the most optimum booking and cost just £149 per person. The perfect gift this open dated flight voucher (valid for 12 months) enables the participant to take a dawn or dusk balloon flight, valid 7 days a week and from any of our launch locations!

With many more voucher options available, you need to decide exactly what it is you’d like from you’re day, who you’d like to fly and then get on over to our site to see which option is best for you, alternatively however, you can of course call us on 01404 823102!

Today is Blue Monday which is said to be the most depressing day of the year. A concoction of a number of factors such as cold weather conditions, debt (thanks to Christmas), time elapsed since the happy time that is Christmas, the failing of New Year’s resolutions and generally low motivational levels all adds up to create this typically sorrowful day.  So why not break this gloomy cycle and make it the happiest day of the year yet?! Create your own National Hugging Day, we all know a hug releases endorphins which can make us happy, so why not spread the joy? Don’t fancy that, well you would always make sure that each 3^rd Monday of January you treat yourself to a nice big takeaway and a bottle of wine to put a smile on your face, or better still throw a party!

Here at Balloons Over Britain we have an even better idea; how about you book yourself an adventure to look forward to? You could be one click away from Hot Air Ballooning the New Year in; now there’s something to shout about. So when all your friends are confirming that yes indeed, their feeling the ‘blues’, you can show them your ballooning vouchers and exclaim that this has been the best day yet. Cheer up these long dark nights with the comfort of better things to come, with the knowledge that you have an experience of a lifetime to look forward to!

At Balloons Over Britain you can book a flight over a range of different locations from with our member companies, simply select the company who covers the area of your choice!

• Adventure Balloons – Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, South Oxfordshire, London & Surrey.
• Aerosaurus Balloons – Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South Somerset & Wiltshire
• Airborne Balloon Flights – Kent & Sussex
• Alba Ballooning – Edinburgh, Kinross, Scottish Borders & Northumberland
• Anglian Countryside Balloons – Essex
• Balloon Rides - Yorkshire & Lincolnshire
• Bailey Balloons - Bath, Bristol, North Somerset & South Wales
• The Ballooning Business - Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire & Northamptonshire
• Broadland Balloons - Norfolk & Suffolk
• Wickers World - Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire & Staffordshire

Or you can simply call us on 0845 071 6388 for more information and bookings.

Do you dream of flying in a hot air balloon, travelling with the gentle winds through the magnificent big blue sky? Being the safest way to fly, you could admire the breathtaking scenery, enjoy the romance of the moment and lock the memory of its peacefulness away for safekeeping, all with the knowledge that you are in safe hands. When ballooning you will experience heights between 1,000 and 5,000 feet, and be treated like a VIP for at least an hour summarised with a lovely glass of champagne!

Have you considered buying a hot air balloon ride as a Christmas or birthday present? At Balloons Over Britain we have a large selection of different locations and member companies who will put the magic into any birthday celebration. One thing’s for sure, a hot air balloon ride would certainly make for a birthday to remember! Why not take a look at the various offers we have at Balloons Over Britain, browse our locations and research your dream flight. Book online or call us for more information – 0845 071 6388.

Interesting facts

• The World Record for altitude in a hot air balloon was set by Vijaypat Singhania on November 26, 2005, reaching 68,986 feet breaking the previous record of 64,997 feet set back in 1988 by Per Lindstrand (born in Sweden, living in the UK) in Plano, Texas.
• The Longest distance hot air balloon flight was piloted by Per Lindstrand & Richard Branson and flew 4,767 miles from Japan to Northern Canada on January 15, 1991 in the Virgin Pacific Flyer balloon.
• The longest duration hot air balloon ride was 50 hours and 38 minutes made by Michio Kanda and Hirosuke Tekezawa of Japan on January 2, 1997.
• The largest manufacturer of hot air balloons is Cameron Balloons of Bristol, England, who also own Lindstrand Balloons of Oswestry, England.

On the Sunday 11^th September this year at 7:40pm, the British ballooning team consisting of David Hempleman-Adams and Simon Care landed their balloon after taking part in the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race 2011. The pair landed after 20 hours of flying in their Lady Luck balloon, finding themselves in Worgl, Austria, when a thunderstorm became a threat.

Enjoying a scenic flight over the luscious French Alps, the Swiss Alps, and the Austrian Alps, Hempleman-Adams and Carey initially launched their balloon from Gap in France at 10:40pm on the Saturday. Reaching a distance of 580.9 km, the pair weren’t far off the German Team 2 winners who reached 645.6 km, landing just outside Saltzburg. The German team 1 came in at second place. Our very own Flight Director Clive Bailey (of Bailey Balloons) and Luc Trullemans, maintained communications with the British team at regular intervals throughout the flight, from the HQ in Bristol at the Bristol Hotel.

Clive commented;

“We are especially proud of David and Simon given the competition they faced. They have had an exciting and stunning flight which was much shorter than last year’s flight due to the high altitudes that they had to fly at and bad weather but it was a flight that was hard work but ended with a perfect stand up landing.”

Upon landing Hempleman-Adams phoned to say;

“We had to land as there were thunder storms all around. We had a truly spectacular flight with amazing views over the Alps, Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn…incredible. Nige and Bob, the retrieve crew turned up within a few minutes of us landing and we all then had to sort out the balloon after which they celebrated with some whisky and then retired to a local restaurant to savour some hot food.”

One of the first guidelines in hot air ballooning and top of the list to meet the criteria as a potential flyer is that your are fit and able enough to climb inside and outside of the ballooning basket. This sad fact meant that anyone who was wheelchair bound would be unable to board a hot air balloon and so their dream of taking to the skies in this most romantic way would be shattered. However times are changing and so is ballooning; thanks to the innovation of a foundation based in San Diego, California, the future of ballooning is set to drastically alter.

With the guidance of Mr Pat Murphy, the founder of ‘Reach for the Stars Foundation’, they have  eveloped a custom made, wheelchair-accessible basket which has been adapted and approved for flight under strict Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines! So far the design will accommodate one passenger in a wheelchair along with two standing passengers, however as the concept catches on, the design is sure to advance to allow for larger parties! The unique design incorporates a fold down side to the basket which cleverly then doubles up as a ramp; it all seems to be so simple leaving the question, why has it taken so long? They go further in their design to add a clear partition on another side of the basket which of course is designed so that anyone seated in a wheelchair is also able to see the rolling countryside and breathtaking views.

The Reach for the Stars Foundation is a non-profit organisation who strive to give people with limited mobility, no limitations focussing on giving them the chance to experience the magic of hot air ballooning. There may only be a few examples of these balloons in flight, and they may only be in America, however now the concept is out there, we feel positive that this is a sign of the direction in which hot air ballooning will go.

Maybe it’s about time you saw the world from a different perspective. At Balloons Over Britain we specialise at giving you just that! Since 1991 we have been the UK’s largest and longest established balloon flight operators and have provided a nationwide ballooning network covering areas across Scotland, England and Wales. In fact, we have over 70 different launch site locations across the UK! With over 40 balloons spread out across our member companies, we are able to offer a continuous service right across the season which is normally from March to the end of October. However some companies offer flights over extended periods. With dawn and dusk flights, seven days a week, Balloons Over Britain proudly fly over one-third of all balloon flight passengers across the United Kingdom.

All of our member companies offer a breathtaking experience and each holds Civil Aviation Authority licensing. Our member companies include the following:

Adventure Balloons – Adventure balloons covers areas across Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, South Oxfordshire, London and Surrey and have been operating since 1985! Adventure Balloons even offer a dedicated birthday balloon service which is complemented with its own ‘HAPPY BIRTHDAY’ birthday!

Aerosaurus Balloons – Aerosaurus Balloons offer flights across locations Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, South Somerset and Wiltshire. The company have been operating for 23 years!

Airborne Balloon Flights – Airborne Balloon Flights cover the Kent and Sussex areas and have been in flight for 18 years.

Alba Ballooning – Alba Ballooning covers Edinburgh, Kinross, the Scottish Borders and Northumberland and have been flying since 2000.

Anglian Countryside Balloons – Anglian Countryside Balloons proudly covers the Essex area and began ballooning in the early 1990’s.

Balloon Rides – Balloon Rides fly over the beautiful Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, their founder having over 30 years experience in flying and manufacturing balloons.

Bailey Balloons – Bailey Balloons has locations across Bath, Bristol, North Somerset and South Wales and offer a wealth of experience, untouchable safety record and clear passion for ballooning.

The Ballooning Business – The Ballooning Business has launch sites in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire and began flying in 1989.

Broadland Balloons – Broadland Balloons cover Norfolk and Suffolk and have nearly 20 years experience in passenger ballooning.

Wickers World – Wickers World have sites in Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Cheshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire and have been a passenger balloons flights company for 22 years!

To book a flight with one of the above balloon flights operators, simply call on 0845 071 6388 or book online.

Balloon Rides are a reputable member of the Balloons Over Britain Corporation and boast a reputation for being York’s longest running balloon flight operator! In fact the very founder of Balloon Rides has an exceptional 30 years experience in not only flying balloons, but in their manufacturing too, so we quite literally have a wealth of experience in ballooning inside and out!

Our passengers are always happy to hear about the background of our pilots and find themselves comforted by their obvious expertise! Having won national, international and world ballooning awards, flown television and film celebrities, secured several national flight records, and made a number of ‘adventure’ flights crossing the English Channel, the Irish Sea and the Alps, we certainly have a lot to be proud of!

This September saw much excitement for Balloon Rides and some lucky passengers as we took part in the Naburn Lock Balloon Festival for flights on the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th of the month. We flew from the Festival, just south of the city of York, a lovely site adjacent to the Ouse. But who better to fly with than the host of other hot air balloons; local balloonists from the Pennine Region Balloon Association organised the get together many years in advance and with the Vale of York’s harvest cut there were plenty of different fields to land in!

If you’re interested in booking your own hot air balloon adventure then you can either get in touch by phone 01757 288888 or you can simply visit the site where ordering vouchers online is fast and simple.