Worth getting up at 4.15 for. Flying from Welford Christmas Tree farm at 6.30 AM, on a sunny Sunday morning. The team were great. Friendly and helpful, giving us a pre-flight safety talk, and p... See more
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Had a virgin balloon ride on Friday 7/8/26 with my best friends as a belated birthday present. Took off in Northamptonshire. The pilot was very informative and friendly. We had a perfect landin... See more
Company replied
The weather was perfect. Blue sky not a cloud in sight , and absolutely no wind ! It was truly magical , we floated upwards effortlessly and drifted majestically through the Sussex / Kent countrysi... See more
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Great experience. Pilot very friendly and informative, didn't go above 500 feet, so had a fantastic view. Downside. Would be better if the directions to the field were more accurate as the given p... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Virgin Balloon Flights is the largest commercial hot air balloon rides company in the UK and has been taking passengers up, up and away on the airborne experience of a lifetime since 1994.
Contact info
Jesson House, TF3 3BD, Telford, Shropshire, United Kingdom
- 01952 212750
- customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk
- www.virginballoonflights.co.uk
4.6
Excellent
6K reviews
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Replied to 98% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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I wasn’t looking forward to this…
I wasn’t looking forward to this adventure one bit but Russell our pilot has a natural ability to put everyone at ease and make you feel safe. Once the balloon lifted off I was so relaxed and enjoyed the whole experience to the full
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We reckon Russell's greatest skill isn't flying balloons... it's making people forget they were ever nervous in the first place! We're so pleased you could relax, enjoy the flight and leave with a smile.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Excellent experience
Excellent experience. Fantastic organisation, pilot & support team!
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
A great pilot needs a great support team, so it's fantastic to hear everyone played their part. Thanks for your lovely review!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
A very well organised balloon ride
A very well organised event. The staff were helpful and friendly. A relaxing balloon ride, nice prosecco drink at the end.
My only complaint was that it was meant to leave from oswestry, but we had to drive to Shrewsbury. However, we discovered that is was never going to leave oswestry due to some administrative issues ongoing. I believe the company should be honest about leaving from oswestry and remove it until issue resolved.
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We're so pleased you enjoyed the balloon flight, the team and, of course, the celebratory prosecco! Thank you as well for your honest comments about Oswestry. We understand why that was frustrating, and we'll make sure your feedback is passed on as we continue reviewing the customer journey.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Wonderful experience
Wonderful experience. The whole team were very friendly, professional and highly proficient. The flight from Dunsfold showed beautiful scenery and we were blessed with perfect weather. Could not have been better.
1 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
"Could not have been better" is music to our ears! We're so pleased Dunsfold turned on the blue skies, and that the team made the day every bit as enjoyable as the views.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
It was a great early morning adventure…
It was a great early morning adventure flying with Virgin balloons from Hanging Houghton the view over Northampton shire was amazing to see the cars driving up and down the M1 and the Saints Rugby Stadium, the tower behind it which is a listed building and then flying out towards Towcester. The houses look like models and the air stream was smooth and the flight went without any problems whatsoever, , we had fun assembling the balloon and packing it away after we landed and the fun mini bus ride back where we return to Lamport Hall to The stables cafeteria for breakfast
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We love that you embraced every part of the adventure - from getting the balloon airborne to celebrating over breakfast afterwards! It sounds like Northamptonshire put on a fantastic show for you, and we're so pleased you had such a brilliant morning.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
The welcome was friendly and relaxed
The welcome was friendly and relaxed, the whole inflation and boarding process was explained very well. The flight itself was fantastic with a very smooth landing
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
First impressions count, so it's great to hear our team made you feel welcome from the moment you arrived. We're delighted the flight and landing were just as enjoyable!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Great experience
Overall very good it was just getting in-out of basket I found difficult
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Thanks for your honest review. Balloon baskets aren't always the most graceful way to make an entrance or exit, but we're so pleased you enjoyed the experience overall!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Incredible experience
Excellent communication skills, despite waiting 2 years it was so worth it, great team and pilot informative and made those feeling on edge feel at ease, beautiful experience which words cannot describe, just perfect and a memory that will last a life time. Location was moved but was easy to find from directions online.
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
There's nothing better than watching those "I'm not sure about this..." faces turn into big smiles once the balloon leaves the ground! We're delighted the team looked after you so well, and it's great to hear the change of location was nice and straightforward too.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
What a wonderful experience
What a wonderful experience. Nobby and the two other staff were wonderful, so knowledgeable and friendly.
I would highly recommend.
The flight itself was flawless, so serene and peaceful. We felt very safe and had the best time
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Calm skies, great company and feeling completely at ease... that's exactly what a balloon flight should be. We'll make sure Nobby and the team see your lovely comments. Thanks for your recommendation!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Beautiful morning to fly
Beautiful morning to finally complete my balloon ride. Thoroughly enjoyable experience, just wish it hadn't been so short & we didnt land in a field of freshly laid cowpats, it made for a fun game avoiding them while putting the balloon away!!
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We can't always promise the perfect landing spot... but a field of fresh cowpats certainly keeps everyone on their toes! We're so pleased you enjoyed your morning in the skies, and thanks for taking the adventure (and the obstacle course afterwards!) in such good spirits.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Absolutely amazing experience
Absolutely amazing experience. Pilot was really good and the ground staff were also excellent.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Great pilots deserve great ground crews, so we're delighted the whole team made such a brilliant impression. Thanks for flying with us!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Had a fabulous morning ride
Had a fabulous morning ride, it's not just the ride it's also the hands on experience of getting the balloon to fly. The pilot was amazing and made sure everyone was aware of the safety features. What a smooth ride we had and such a wonderful experience. I would whole heartedly recommend it .
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We love that you spotted it's so much more than just the flight. Getting hands-on with the balloon is all part of the adventure, and we're so pleased you enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks for your recommendation!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
It was absolutely amazing
It was absolutely amazing, very well organised and informative, the crew were fantastic, I loved every minute, we were so lucky going up on our second booking and would definitely book to go again
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Going again after just one flight... now that's the sort of review we love! We're so pleased everything came together for you, and we'll be sure to share your lovely comments with the crew.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
A fantastic experience
A fantastic experience.
A pilot with a great sense of humour.Opportunities to “crew”.
Would book again! Thank you to the team.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
"Would book again!" We couldn't ask for a better endorsement than that. We're so pleased you enjoyed getting involved with the crewing too - it all adds to the adventure! Thanks for flying with us.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
This is a terrific experience
This is a terrific experience and you are in safe hands! Russell Collins is an excellent pilot who is professional, safety conscious and ensured it was a fun experience.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
"You're in safe hands" is about as good a compliment as a balloon pilot can receive! We'll make sure Russell sees your lovely comments – he'll be delighted to know he struck the perfect balance between professionalism and fun.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Wonderful team
Wonderful team, great pilot. Flight from Oundle. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and humorous flight which passed too quickly.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We always say the hardest part of ballooning is how quickly it's over! We're so pleased you enjoyed your flight from Oundle, and we'll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to the team.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Wonderful Experience
Waited a couple years to finally get through as flights had been cancelled 3 times due to weather. However the wait was worth it as we had wonderful weather, blue skies, clear views and a great time with my grandson 🥰
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Some days are worth waiting for, especially when you get to share them with your grandson. We're so pleased the blue skies finally arrived and made it all worthwhile.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Amazing from start to finish!
Amazing from start to finish! Well organised and informative.
31 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Well organised, informative and amazing - that'll do nicely! Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Amazing experience
First time in an air balloon and it was amazing! Really enjoyable experience from start to finish. Chris and the crew were brilliant made us feel welcome and involved. I absolutely highly recommend this experience.
Will be looking to book again very soon.
Thank you.
29 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
We love hearing that your first balloon flight has already got you planning the next one! We'll pass your kind words on to Chris and the crew, and we'll be ready when you're back for round two.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Matt flew us over Rutland and was…
Matt flew us over Rutland and was informative and calm, answering our questions. We felt incredibly safe and thrilled at the same time as he explained how the balloon worked and about out (Soft) landing.
Thanks to the Rutland Team, Matt,Martin and Bob for a fantastic balloon flight experience!
21 July 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Thrilled and completely at ease at the same time - that's a pretty good combination! We'll pass your lovely comments on to Matt, Martin and Bob, who'll be over the moon to hear they helped make your Rutland flight such a success.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
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