Hot Air Ballooning

[rmhodv]

My Dad is 70 this year, and for as long as I can remember he has always expressed a desire to go ballooning. So I am thinking of purchasing him a flight for his birthday. I live in the South East within easy reach of London, Surrey, and Kent. Does anyone know of any companies in the region who do flights, or has anyone been up in a balloon and can recommend any companies.
Cheers

[Hugh1]

There is definitely a company that operated out of Headcorn in Kent. Over last summer on a number of occasions there was a balloon taking off from Bewl Valley (Kent Sussex border, off the A21) which has the Virgin logo on them so they appear to be running then too.

HTH

editted to add links:

www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/locations/launch_sites

www.skybusballooning.co.uk/

>> Edited by Hugh1 on Wednesday 19th January 12:01

[chrisgr31]

There are a number of companies operating in this area. My parents went on one which flew from a field beside 7 mile Lane to the west of Maidstone, and flew with the wind (obviously) towards Staplehurst.

The Balloon recovery crew were very impressed as I got to the landing site at the same time as they did!

The Balloon now appears to be operated by www.airborneballoons.co.uk.

By the way the one warning is that the landing can be rough!

Edited to add you might always want to check what wind speeds they stop flying at. Some balloon operators fly when others don't, and it may be wise not to go with those that fly at the extremes.

Some companies do morning flights and evening flights. Mornings cheaper as they are early! However for my parents we bought morning tickets, but they flew in the evening anyway at no extra charge!


>> Edited by chrisgr31 on Wednesday 19th January 12:06

[rmhodv]

Thanks guys. Very helpful.