We were so delighted when this flight went ahead as we had tried about 5 times before but each time was cancelled. It was WELL WORTH the wait! Good clear communication, a very experienced and good hu... See more
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Review summary
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Team were really good. We got involved with getting balloon ready and packing away afterwards which was really good. Flight itself was fabulous and pilot pointed out different areas. Photos and vide... See more
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Tom, our pilot, was courteous and professional, gave clear instructions and invited and answered all and any questions. His two support crew were equally friendly and helpful. Instructions to get to t... See more
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An experience well worth the wait. I felt safe and reassured by our pilot Robert, taking off from Mattishall. Smooth take off and even smoother landing. Very knowledgeable of the area. Relaxing and 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 96% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 1 week
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Great evening all around
Great evening all around. It was really good participating in setting the balloon up and packing it away. The views were incredible, and felt extremely safe throughout.
6 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi Mr Fowler,
Thank you for your lovely review and we're glad you had such a fantastic evening flight with us......how beautiful are those sunsets when you're sailing across the skies? :)
We're glad you felt safe and in good hands too!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Virgin Ballon flight.
We had the most amazing flight with Virgin Ballons.
Chris Andow and his team at Fernhurst made us feel very safe. They were helpful, funny and very experienced. We had fun helping to set the ballon up and even more fun packng it way! The whole experience was truly magical. Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of doing it !
8 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey Debra,
Thank you so much for your lovely review! Chis and his crew really are a hilarious bunch and it's so lovely to read that this added to your experience.
Thank you for your recommendation too.....word of mouth certainly is the best form of advertisement! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Finally got to fly, after many cancellations.
After 7 years continuously trying to get a flight, we wanted to launch from the Norwich site as lots to see picture opportunity wise with the castle & a number of cathedrals. Even though they still advertise the Norwich launch location, they no longer operate from this site. Finally got to fly from Mattishall golf club. The pilot & ground team were great, but like all their other launch sites all you’re going to see is flat fields & houses as Norfolk is flat & featureless! That’s why we wanted to fly from Norwich which they no longer use. We seemed to go around in a big circle so we didn’t travel very far which was a bit disappointing so same scenic view for most of the flight. As I said before the pilot & crew were great explaining everything & friendly. The landing was a hard three bumps so if you have any kind of back issue forget this activity. Nice to tick this finally off my bucket list, wish we could flown from Norwich which is why we booked in the first place 7 years ago. But at least we have now finally completed this activity.
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Seven years is an extraordinary amount of persistence, and we're genuinely pleased you finally got to take to the skies and can tick ballooning off your bucket list.
We are sorry, though, that the eventual flight wasn't quite the experience you'd originally envisaged. We completely understand that Norwich itself was part of the appeal when you first chose where to fly, and we appreciate your feedback regarding how that location is currently presented.
It's great to hear the pilot and ground crew looked after you so well on the day, and we'll make sure those comments are shared with them.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Beautiful early morning flight
We had a beautiful early morning flight over Kent countryside. With our pilot, pointing out local places of interest.
9 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi David,
Thank you for your review - we're glad you had such a beautiful flight with us! You're welcome back for another anytime! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Beautiful views over Rutland water.
Pilot and crew were excellent and made the experience brilliant.
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey Kim!
Thank you, we're glad you had an incredible flight with us!
We hope we'll see you again in the not too distant future! :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
I was braver than I thought
Was disappointed at first that we weren’t flying from Canterbury in Kent and it was a effort to
Travel to hop farm in paddock wood and then when we arrived it was still doubtful but we finally got off the ground by 7.50 and well it was amazing
So glad we travelled to catch the balloon ride.
The views were incredible so clear and quite. The only trouble I had was getting in and out of the basket that was like watching a stranded giraffe legs everywhere. Why couldn’t you have a rope ladder it might have been easier
Anyway aside from that if you haven’t been on a balloon flight then do it.
It’s well worth it loved every moment of if it even the ruff landing lol
7 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi June,
Oh bless you! We're so sorry that your flight was moved to one of our back up sites but we're so glad you still had an incredible time! We fully appreciate it can be a little disappointing when a flight has been moved and adds to the travel time.
As for getting in and out of the basket, we're sure you didn't look as bad as you thought ha ha! ;)
Despite the nuances, we're so glad to read that you had a lovely time.....it is a very fun and incredible experience and we truly hope we'll see you again for another....hopefully with a smoother landing next time :)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Worth getting up at 4.15 for.
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 pointing out places of interest during the flight.
We were " hands-on " inflating the envelope and with folding and storing on landing, which added to the experience.
I'm thinking that I will be back for more.
9 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey Ken!
Yes a 4.15am wake up call is not fun at all but it sounds like it was well worth it! Sounds like you had a bit of an early morning work out too! We're so glad it all added to the experience though!
You are certainly welcome back for another flight....do pop us a call on 01952 212750 and we'll happily see what we can do for you as we do look after our Frequent Fliers ;)
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Great experience
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 landing, after which we were offered Prosecco and oj and our balloon certificates.
Overall highly recommend . Luke and the team were brilliant.
7 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey Siobhan!
We're so glad you had a great time with us! We hope your BFF had the most incredible time....what a fantastic way to celebrate and a cheeky glass of fizz certainly adds to the celebration! :)
Pete really is a phenomenal pilot and he certainly knows how to ensure a smooth and perfect landing!
Thank you for the recommendation, we really appreciate it and you're welcome back anytime!
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
The crew was really friendly…
The crew was really friendly knowledgeable and enjoyable to be around answered any questions the experience was amazing. Will do it again in the near future.
9 August 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Already planning the next one? That's what we like to hear! Sounds like the crew did a cracking job both in the skies and answering all those ballooning questions along the way. We'll be ready for round two!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Had a great experience
Had a great experience, finally got out today after many many cancellations over this last year, a very happy birthday for my girl friend who was also overjoyed by it all
9 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi Mr Hamilton,
This is amazing to read and we're glad you both had a wonderful time! Happy Birthday to the significant other ;)
Thank you for leaving this lovely review, we really appreciate it.
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Absolutely fantastic
Absolutely fantastic. Dave and his team were fantastic. Well worth the wait.
9 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Sounds like Dave and the team absolutely nailed it! We'll make sure they get their well earned shout out. Thanks for sticking with us until flying day finally arrived.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Absolutely amazing experience
Absolutely amazing experience. The team were so much fun and added to the enjoyment. Highly (no pun intended) recommend. Thank you
6 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Oh, we spotted that pun... and we highly approve!
Sounds like the crew brought plenty of personality along for the ride too. Thanks for the recommendation!
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
The team were well organised and safety…
The team were well organised and safety being a priority, we could all join in on setting up and packing up. Such a great experience
2 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Safety first, sleeves rolled up second, then it's time to fly! We're glad you got stuck into the full ballooning experience and had such a great time with the team.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Knowledgeable and relaxed pilot.
6 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Sounds like you were in very safe hands! We'll make sure your comments find their way back to the pilot.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
On our 15th attempt and after 6 years
On our 15th attempt and after 6 years
It was amazing
Worth the wait 🎈
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
FIFTEEN attempts?! We think you might officially win the award for persistence! Six years in the making, and we're so glad the skies finally said yes.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Most magical experience ever
Most magical experience ever! The pilot was very professional and made us feel safe and happy. Brilliant!
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Safe, happy and somewhere up in the clouds... sounds like the pilot got the important bits spot on! Thanks for such a brilliant review.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Fantastic!
Fantastic flight from Tissington above Dove Dale and surrounding areas, absolutely wonderful experience. Our pilot Tom and his team did an amazing job, loved every minute, perfect day out.
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hey!
Sounds like Tom and the team picked a cracking day to show you the Peak District from a whole new angle. Thank you for your review.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Great flight
Great flight - perfect location and the pilot - Matt was brilliant we even dipped in the water! Amazing 🤩
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
A little splash and dash?! Now that's a balloon flight with a difference! Sounds like Matt gave you quite the adventure – we'll make sure he sees your fantastic comments.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Not enough stars
Not enough stars! What an incredible experience flying with the Virgin crew at the Bristol Balloon Festival. They looked after everything, the booking, safety briefings, the ground care and of course the pilot. Can’t wait to go again…!
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
Not enough stars?! Careful, you'll have us asking Trustpilot for a sixth one!
What a place to fly too. We're delighted the whole team looked after you from booking right through to landing at the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. And we particularly like that you're already plotting the next one...
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
10/10 experience
10/10 experience! Amazing flight, super competent, and friendly crew. Everything went smoothly and safely. Thank you for a magnificent time!
8 August 2026
Reply from Virgin Balloon Flights
Hi,
10/10... we'll take that score! Safe, smooth and with a cracking crew along for the ride sounds like a pretty successful day in the skies to us.
Thanks,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
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