Balloon Flights & Ride Operators
Updated 28.11.22024. Welcome to Chris Monk Ballooning and Fly Navy Balloon operated by Rob Schwab.
Balloon Flights and Ride Operators
This list is generally alphabetical and is representative of the Companies and Operators that use Easy Balloons and who we thoroughly recommend. We know them all personally and are sure they will give you a great time. Bear in mind that all balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and just because it is a bright sunny day it may not neccesarily be good for ballooning. They all take safety very seriously so do not be suprised if you get the odd cancellation at short notice. Although the wibbly wobbly web is a fine thing please feel to call them up for a chat prior to booking.
Quite a few operators, although based in a particular location, either have alternative launchsites to account for the weather, regularily fly from different locations or offer to fly from any location by arrangement.
All operators of passenger transport balloons in this country must be licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and should be able to produce a Declared Balloon Operators (DBO) Certificate number. This means they and their pilots are fully qualified to carry out your flight and their balloons and procedures are maintained to a very high standard. It is not a requirement to be a member of the CBA but as they represent the Ride Operators at all levels membership is recommended. Some of our customers are members of the CBA and/or Balloons Over Britain hence their inclusion.
Commercial Balloon Association – CBA
This organisation primarily represents commercial balloon operations in the UK. They also promote their members and bookings can be made by contacting their members direct whose details are provided on their website. Their website is at http://www.commercialballooning.org.uk/ or you can contact them at <info@commercialballooning.co.uk>. A list of their current members and contact details can be found there.
Balloon Aloft – Australia
Long established Australian company now a British run family business operated by same people that used to manage the British School of Ballooning. Based in Cessnock NSW. Very popular flights in the Hunter Valley wine growing area. Morning flights all year. Easy to get to area two hours north of Sydney. Nice easy to use website http://www.balloonaloft.com. Tel +61 2 4990 9242
Launchsites
Camden Valley (South-West Sydney), the Hunter Valley, Canberra and the Gold Coast.
Balloons Over Britain – BOB
Atmosphere Balloon Flights
Although flying primarily in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire they will travel to anwhere in the UK or abroad. They also specialise in private events and weddings including tethering. No voucher sales, bookings paid for the day before you fly. Bookings taken personally. Call them for full details. Easy to use very thorough website at www.atmosphereballoons.co.uk/ Contact email <fly@atmosphereballoons,co.uk> telephone line at 01962 600747.
Launchsites in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire but anywhere by arrangement.
Broadland Balloons – not sure but we hear this may have been sold to Virgin Balloons – website still active
Now operating independantly in Norfolk, out of Old Buckenham Country Park and Norwich, plus Diss in Suffolk. They offer superb flights over Norwich and the surrounding area or the more rural areas of Norfolk and Suffolk. Now here’s the thing, run by OB Experiences, Old Buckenham is the home of their great campsite so this could be a great adventure should you choose. They also fly from the renowned Oaksmere Hotel near Diss for the less hardy. Very friendly, personal service. Local pilots and crew. Website gives further details but call them for more information. <www.broadlandballoons.co.uk> Email to <admin@broadlandballoons.co.uk> and/or telephone o1603 964443.
Launchsites: In Norfolk – Norwich, Old Buckenham. In Suffolk – Oaksmere Hotel – Diss
Chris Monk Ballooning/Somerset Ballooning
Privately operated by husband and wife, Chris and Claire Monk, offering exclusive flights for two or three people. Launchsites close to Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Tor. Wonderful. Very flexible personal service. Friendly nice Website at <https://www.chrismonkballooning.co.uk/flights>, Telephone +44 (0)7976 654 635, Email <chrismonk@yahoo.com>.
Fly Navy Balloon
Operated by Rob Schwab based at East Coker near Yeovil, Somerset, offering exclusive flights from Bristol down to Plymouth. Welcoming informative website at <https://www.flynavyballoon.co.uk/>, telephone 07870 599148 or email <rob@flynavyballoon.co.uk>
Irish Balloon Flights
Privately owned company based in Trim, Co Meath in Ireland and operated by Malcolm White and Pauline Baker. They run a number of balloons including special shapes and fly from April to November and at weekends during the winter. Main base is in Trim flying Trim Castle, Athboy, Slane, the Hill of Tara. Nice clear and easy to use website at http://www.balloons.ie. Tel 046-9483436, email flights@balloons.ie
Launchsites at Trim, Athlone, Kilkenny and Limerick.
Kent Ballooning
Now sold to Skyview Ballooning but still based in Kent. The business operates the Spitfire balloon amongst others so a choice of champagne, soft drinks or beer to celebrate the flight afterwards. Marvellous. Depending on launchsite fantastic views of the Channel and France. Exclusive Flights also offered. Very comprehensive website with nice photos and video. Website still at; www.kentballooning.com Telephone 01303 812 812 or contact <sales@kentballooning.com>
Launchsites (very weather dependent):
Canterbury: Kingsmead Leisure Centre
Broome Park Country Club: Barham
Etchinghill Golf Club: Folkestone
Evegate Craft Centre: Ashford
Great Chart Golf & Leisure: Ashford.
Headcorn Aerodrome: Headcorn
Ramada Hotel & Resort, Maidstone
Sunrise in Lanka Ballooning – Sri Lanka
Seasonal from November through to May. Run by Justin Moore. British owned company operating in Sri Lanka. Sun Rise in Lanka Ballooning (Pvt) Ltd is a SLCAA approved project and operates commercial flights in the Dambulla area situated in the centre of the Cultural Triangle. Fantastic scenery and history. Nice website with map showing where they operate. http://www.srilankaballooning.com email: info@srilankaballooning.com or Tel. +94 (0) 773 522
Wickers World
Operations run from Great Haywood in Staffordshire. From a small family run business they now operate throughout the Midlands. Still a very friendly family run business flying from some great launchsites. Good straightforward easy to use website. Friendly helpful family-based office. Jon Rudoni is a spokesman for the CBA and BOB.
http://www.wickersworld.co.uk 01889 88 22 22
Launchsites:
Staffordshire – Shugborough Hall, Trentham Gardens.
Derbyshire and The Peak District – Tissington Hall, Rowsley.
Warwick & Gloucestershire – Stratford-on-avon, Warwick, Moreton-in-the-Marsh and Evesham (Worcs).
Cheshire & Shropshire – Chester, Nantwich and Whitchurch.
Worcester & Herefordshire – Worcester Racecourse, Wood Norton Hall, Eastnor Castle and from Crown Meadow in Evesham.
Vista Balloon Flights – Northampton
Primarily based in Northampton but offering flights from anywhere in the country (by arrangement) for up to four passengers, operator Matt Rate offers a very friendly, bespoke and personal service. Specialising in wedding and party flights they also offer flights from The Northampton Balloon Festival. Last minute bookings sometimes available. Very good website at www.vistaballoonflights.co.uk/ Contact <fly@vistaballoonflights.co.uk> tel 01604 780310
Launchsites: In and around the Northampton area including Rishden and Towsester. Anywhere else by arrangement.
Yorkshire Balloons
Independent family run business operated by Oliver Webb, born, living in York, and mainly flying from The Racecourse in York. You can’t get more personable than that. This was originally set up by the late Tom Donnelly in the 1980s as ‘Balloon Rides’ then taken over by Adventure Balloons before going to Ollie who crewed for Tom and latterly was one of Balloon Adventures’ pilots. Great views of York and the surrounding countryside. Nice friendly website at www.yorkshireballoonflights.co.uk or contact them at <hello@yorkshireballoonflights.co.uk>. Telephone 01904 914376.
Launchsite: York and local area.