From watching the balloon come to life to drifting quietly above the countryside, a balloon flight feels completely unlike ordinary travel. There is no runway, no fixed route and no knowing exactly where the wind will take you.
Hot air ballooning is unlike almost any other form of flight. The countryside, the weather and the wind all become part of the experience. Here is what your day with Wickers World looks like.
Choose an available flight date at the time of purchase, or buy an Open Dated Voucher and decide on the flight date later.
Our main scheduled flying season runs from March to October, although we continue to fly through winter whenever suitable conditions allow.
See your booking options →We only fly when the weather is right. Our pilots look for light winds, good visibility and suitable ground conditions so that every flight can be as safe, comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
If the conditions aren't suitable, we simply wait for a better day. It's one of the reasons a good ballooning day feels so special.
Why does the weather matter? →
After check-in, your pilot will give a full safety briefing while the crew lay out the balloon and prepare it for inflation.
Watching the envelope gradually rise from the ground is one of the most memorable parts of the whole experience. Once everything is checked, you're invited to climb aboard.
We aim to spend at least an hour in the air. Because the balloon travels with the wind, there is no constant breeze once you're airborne.
There is no predetermined route either. Your pilot can use different wind directions at different heights, but ultimately each flight follows its own path. That's what makes ballooning so magical.
Landings can range from extremely gentle to a little more adventurous. The basket may occasionally tip or slide before coming to rest — all completely normal in ballooning.
Afterwards, everyone is welcome to help pack the balloon away. Our retrieve crew then takes you back to the original launch site by road.
People are often surprised by how peaceful balloon flights are. Because you travel at the same speed and in the same direction as the wind, there is very little sensation of movement once you're airborne.
There is no engine noise and no fixed destination ahead of you. Just the occasional roar of the burners, enormous views and the surreal feeling of the world quietly passing underneath.
Part of the appeal is that no two flights are quite the same, but there are a few useful things to know before you come along.
Wear sensible outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear. You'll be standing in a field before and after the flight, so dress for the ground rather than the altitude.
What should I wear? →Balloon flights normally take place after sunrise or before sunset, when the atmosphere is generally calmer.
We don't know exactly where the wind will take us, so the route, the views and the landing are genuinely different every time.
Choose a flight date and book now, or keep things flexible with an Open Dated Wickers World Voucher.
Still have questions? Read our FAQs →
