The hot air balloon flight. At what time of year do hot air balloons fly?
Spring, summer and autumn in the early mornings and evenings offer the most ideal conditions. Ballooning in winter is possible but is very weather dependant. See our guide to buying a hot air balloon flight.

Where we fly from in Essex
We meet at the take-off site, where you are welcomed by the balloon pilot and ground crew to check in and answer any questions you may have. The hot air balloon is prepared and inflated first on its side using large fans to fill it with air. Then the burners are used to fill the remaining volume with hot air. The lifting affect of the hot air will then cause the balloon to stand up. At this point our passengers climb aboard into the basket. You are welcome to participate with the inflation, or feel free to watch with your family and friends and take photos.

The Hot Air Balloon Flight
During the flight we take in-flight photographs. These are photographs taken outside the balloon of everyone in the basket (it's clever how we do it!). These can be ordered at the end of the flight. After one hour or so of ballooning over Essex and sometimes Suffolk we land to be met by the balloon's ground crew and start our Champagne celebration.

A Unique Journey
Hot air balloons float on the breeze and so will always follow a different route, making every journey a unique adventure. Countryside Balloons is a Civil Aviation Authority licensed balloon operator and we have been ballooning in Essex longer than any other balloon operator and so we feel you can count on our local knowledge as being second to none.

Celebration After Landing
In the traditional manner we celebrate the balloon flight with Champagne, or if you prefer orange juice or Buck's Fizz. During this time each passenger is presented with a commemorative hot air balloon flight certificate to mark the occasion.

In-flight Photographs
After the flight there is the opportunity to order the in-flight photographs taken during the balloon flight. They are a set of 2 mounted photographs, each measuring 25cm x 20cm (10"x8"). One photograph is of everyone in the basket taken during the flight and the other photograph is the balloon taking off. Both are mounted in a quality double sided presentation folder. Total cost including p+p £20.00.

Returning to the Take-off Site
With all celebrations completed we provide licensed minibus transport to return our passengers to the take-off site. We usually advise allowing 3-4 hours for the whole hot air balloon flight experience.

Helpful information. A guide to buying a hot air balloon flight