Are you a ‘die hard’ festival goer? Do you live for your rock? Maybe you’re committed to one festival and go back every year with a reputation for being the king/queen of the fields. I’ll bet you even make your own flag for your tent don’t you….be honest now! Reading Festival is one of the UK’s favourite festivals with a great mix of bands covering music genres from indie to rock, and punk to dance, there’s something for everyone.

With next year’s tickets going on sale on the 2^nd December and talk of them selling out sooner than ever, you’re sure to find that this coming line up will be as good as the last! But have you considered what it would be like to see the whole thing from a different perspective altogether?

Here at Adventure Balloons we have flight locations dotted all over the UK. However on our balloon flights from Prospect Park, during flights at the end of August, our passengers are often lucky enough to see Reading Festival from a new and quite wonderful angle! On August bank holiday Friday evening 2011, our balloon ride passengers were treated to some great aerial views of the Reading Festival. But as you can imagine, with all the rain from the previous few weeks this was another muddy music festival! In fact, one passenger commented, “Best viewed from a distance” and I’m inclined to agree! But if you’ve ever been to a music festival you may remember the breeze the sound waves make leaving those gigantic speakers and how they literally ripple through your hair making it blow around behind you. So as you can imagine, the sound travels very well and we could hear an interesting mix of the bands performing on the many stages!

If you’d like to see Reading Festival from this perspective for yourself, then get in quick. You can book your flights for next summer now either by booking online or by calling us on 01252 844222.

Are you booking your next year’s summer surprise? Have you decided to knock the vacation on the head for the coming summer and to try something a little different this time? Many people have changed the way they do their summers these past couple of years and with the latest government cuts and taxations, it’s only going to keep changing. So not many of us can afford a yearly break, and instead opt for camping trips and UK weekenders in the caravan; that’s fine, we’re all in the same boat, so to speak, but wouldn’t you prefer to be in a balloon?

Here at Adventure Balloons you can enjoy a hot air balloon flight across locations such as Oxfordshire, York, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Berkshire, London, Essex, Kent, Sussex, South Hampshire, North Hampshire and Surrey!

Our popular North Hampshire location has launch sites in Down Grange and War Memorial Park in Basingstoke. However we also have our own site based in Hartley Wintney. You will find all these sites conveniently positioned for access to the M3 motorway.

During your alternative summer day outing you will see sites such as Tylney Hall Hotel, Wellington Country Park, Stratfield Saye (the Duke of Wellington’s Home) and Bramshill Police training college! Keep your eyes peeled for the small villages of Odiham, Hartley Wintney, Crondall, Overton, Dummer and Hook which will look like toy towns from your birds-eye view 3,000 feet up!

The icing on the cake however is the champagne toast, adding the final touch of elegance to your tranquil, magical balloon tour over your favourite location. Our passengers often comment on a feeling of royalty, and many of them get in touch to say that the whole day didn’t sink in until the following day. It really is no wonder that hot air ballooning is high on our lists of things to do, so why put it off, make it happen!

Get in touch with us by phone on 01252 844222, e-mail, or alternatively you can check date availability or make bookings online.

Hot air balloon companies don’t tend to schedule passenger balloon flights during the winter months due to the ‘unforgiving’ and rather unreliable weather conditions. Conditions for ballooning need to be just right; wind direction and speed need to meet specific guidelines, visibility must be good and there cannot be forecasted rain – packing away a wet tent is a bad idea! Having said all this, when you do get a good day weather wise, it can be perfect and so sometimes here at Adventure Balloons, we take a balloon out with the crew to give them a treat, but also to enable them to learn more about what is involved in piloting a hot air balloon.

On the last day of January this year we had studied the weather forecasts and found that at around midday, the wind would change from a North Easterly to a South Westerly, and remain very light throughout. So we took out 4 person Happy Birthday balloon out at 10.45 in the morning, drifting from our Hampshire balloon ride base down towards the villages of Hook and Odiham. There are so many ‘visual treats’ on this route, on this particular day a stunning frozen lake; however you float wherever the wind takes you and for now, it took us along one side of the lake.

As we climbed in height and the wind fluctuated we found ourselves among the tree tops, after which we ended up back at this enchanting lake. At one point we were even able to touch the frozen lakes surface, flying along just a few inches above it! As some trees along the lakes edge loomed ahead, we crept once again in height where the varying winds once again took us back to this ‘magnetic’ lake where we landed gracefully on its edge; well, I say gracefully but the swans inhabiting the area were not too pleased about our sudden visit, still they reclaimed their spot when we drifted away again!

Thankfully most of this was captured by a very nice gentleman who gave us photographic evidence of our eventful morning in exchange we gave him some excellent shot’s of his home! Just take a look at the stunning photograph above! Furthermore, this lovely gentleman later sent us a link to this amazing You Tube video, please watch; it’s that good I even posted it to my own profile! – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfgOYsWnisk

For those of you who have been ‘umming’ and ‘ahhhing’ over whether to book a Lake District Autumn Adventure or not, it’s time to pull your sock’s up! With flights up to the beginning of October and limited tickets left, you’ll need to get in quick to guarantee your spot.

Many of us have seen the Lake District on foot one magical holiday or weekend away, explored its wonders, as England’s largest National Park you are guaranteed to experience sights you could never imagined, like Scafell Pike – its highest mountain, Wastwater – its deepest lake along with thriving communities like Keswick and Bowness-on-Windermere. Imagine seeing Windermere, the ten and a half mile long and 219 feet deep lake, in fact England’s largest lake, from the sky!

The Lake District is famous for its stunning scenery, cultural heritage and abundant wildlife, but what is it that makes it so special? Could it be its breathtaking lakes, tarns and rivers? Or maybe the ancient woodlands are what attract so many visitors? It could even be the mix of lakes, farmland, fell, woodland and settlement which gives each valley a visual and cultural distinctiveness that can only be the Lake District. Whatever it is, there’s no doubting the Lake Districts magnetic powers! It’s easy to see why so many people make their decision to escape modern day living and enjoy instead the tranquillity of the fells, valleys and lakes; it all amounts to a sense of space and freedom.

Well here at Adventure Balloons we’re offering you all this but from another perspective; sure to make you gasp, hot air ballooning over the Lake District will enable you to experience all of its beauty from the eyes of a bird and also in the peace and serenity that only the sky can offer. Our Lake District Autumn Adventure ends in October so hurry if you’re interested.

We will be using launch sites around the North Lakes close to Bassenthwaite, Ullswater, Thirlmere and Derwent Water and the Cumbrian market towns of Keswick and Penrith in the Lake District National Park. Both these towns are easily accessed by the M6 and the A66 and our pilots will choose which site we will fly from on each occasion depending on the forecast wind direction for your flight.

So get in touch if you’d like more information, or view dates online, you can even book your tickets online too. To chat to us personally for more information and even booking, just call us on 01252 844222.

Today’s blog brings you the latest at Adventure Balloons and you wouldn’t believe the sights we get to see here. Yes, we know that you know all about the beautiful rolling landscapes (although you couldn’t possibly image how breathtaking they are from the Sky), the historic castles, tranquil rivers and patchwork fields; what we’re talking about is something rather different indeed!

Do you like to watch the ‘behind the scenes’ chapters on your DVD’s? Maybe you watch the ‘in the making’ documentary’s of your favourite films? I’ve even known people apply to be an ‘extra’ just so that they can watch their favourite book be made into an epic film! Madness I think, but we’re all different, very different!

Well what if I told you that some lucky passengers of ours didn’t have to do any of the above? They didn’t have to see it happen from a TV screen and didn’t have to apply to be in it just to get close, oh no, all our passengers had to do was glide overhead in one of our balloons! Our flights in Surrey often take passengers over Bourne Woods near Farnham which is famous for having been used in many different film sets due to its staggering beauty! For example the Russell Crowe epic Gladiator was filmed in Bourne Woods along with a recent Maid Marion film! Well lucky passenger Dean Collins kindly sent us in the featured picture of what he saw on the day of his balloon flight over the dramatic Bourne Woods.

At Adventure Balloons we’ve even spotted nearby Waverly Abbey whilst filming its period costume dramas, using it’s backdrop for film work! Why not book your own flight over Surrey in our hot air balloons and you may be just as lucky, as you can see on our Surrey Balloon Rides location page! http://www.adventureballoons.co.uk/newsPages/period-costume-drama.html

On Thursday 7th April, 50 hot air balloons (including us, Adventure Balloons) drifted into the record book by flying together across the English Channel.  Originally a group of 51, one balloon had to abandon the attempt shortly after launch ,leaving 50 to take on this incredible feat. 

Launching at 0700 BST from Lydden Hill Race Circuit near Canterbury, Kent, the 50 balloons and their pilots (mainly British but also Germans teams and a an Italian team who drove 10 hours for the challenge) were soon soaring over the White Cliffs of Dover towards the English Channel, heading for Calais, France.  The English Channel is one of the biggest shipping lanes in the world, posing a hazard for this challenge.  Balloonists donned special suits and each balloon carried a life raft.  The sense of safety in numbers was really felt during the challenge! 

Thankfully, the weather was on our side, providing clear blue skies with excellent visibility.  Thousands of feet above the channel, we could see both coastlines as we headed towards Calais.  Usually, the views from a hot air balloon are those of rolling countryside, towns, villages, lakes and rivers, so as you can imagine, it was rather unnerving floating over the continual waters of the channel! 

Four hours later, all fifty balloons had safely landed at Calais, having raised money for the RNLI, the Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund and the Halow Project, which supports young people with learning disabilities.  The pilots all agreed that this mass channel crossing will always be remembered!

During the winter months, the weather conditions in the UK are unsuitable for hot air balloon flights.   Adventure Balloons along with balloon flight operators cease to take passengers on balloon flights during these months but don’t think that they sit idly, twiddling their thumbs until March when ballooning season is upon us once more.  They busy themselves with balloon maintenance as well as going on interesting  adventures of their own…

Adventure Balloons decided to take to the skies last month in an effort to reach a balloon festival in Italy.  En route to the festival, they took the opportunity of a stop over at the French Alps and celebrate pilot Kim Hull’s birthday by taking a flight in the “Happy Birthday” balloon.  After much preparation and planning, the balloon launched from a football pitch, pre-arranged by the mayor, and landed right outside a friend’s house!  You really couldn’t have planned that if you wanted to!  After a passenger change over, the second leg of the flight began, ending up with a landing in front of a new house just built and occupied by a family whose son is a balloonist in Brittany.  After a coffee break with these lovely people, it was onwards to Italy.

Mondovi in the Piemonte region of Italy is where the annual balloon festival was being held.  The region is famous for its Barolo and Asti Supmante wines, truffles and balsamic vinegar.  Along with 30 other balloonists, we drifted over the town and surrounding countryside taking in the magnificent views of the two mountain ranges and the snow sprinkled buildings.  Mondovi is home to many beautiful churches and a cathedral at nearby Vicoforte.  When flying past a church tower as the midday bells were being rung, every bell in the tower rang in an amazing peal, either as a warning of the nearby church or to join in the fun!

The first weekend in January 2011 will see a large group of keen balloonists gather at Warren Farm in Savernake Forest, Wiltshire, for the annual Icicle Balloon Meet.  This exciting, yet rather chilly gathering falls on the 8th and 9th of January and anyone with a balloon license and of course, a hot air balloon, are welcome to attend!

Balloonists compete for various prizes and it is easy to book your place.  It costs £15 to enter if you pre-book and £20 on the days of the event.  Make sure that if you are entering, you will need to provide a written declaration that you carry third party insurance to comply with the 2005 EU directive. Balloonists will need to meet on the farm at 8 am to be briefed about the event. 

Elcot Park is the Icicle Meet’s base hotel so if you would like to enjoy a long weekend away, you can contact them on  0844 8159060 between 8am & 5pm, Monday to Friday to make a booking.  They are offering excellent package deals for the weekend of £37.50 per person per night, B&B sharing a twin or double room or £48.50 per person per night in a single room for two nights or £95 for a double and £69 for a single for one night. To make your booking, please contact the hotel direct on 0844 8159060 between 8am & 5pm, Monday to Friday.

If you are entering the annual Icicle Balloon Meet, good luck and safe flying!

On the 25th September, 20 gas balloons launched into the skies to compete in the 54th Coupe Aerontautique Gordon Bennett Race.  Racing across the globe, the pilots that fly their balloon the furthest distance wins the race.  This year’s annual Gordon Bennett race was held in England, thanks to 2008 winners David Hempleman-Adams and John Mason of Great Britain.  Take a look at the leader board to see just how the teams got on:

Wow, Kurt Frieden and Pascal Witpraechtiger certainly did well, braving the weather and flying for 58 hours 37 minutes before landing at Lake Sinoe on the eastern coast of Romania. 

Next year’s race will be held in France, the birth place of the annual Gordon Bennett race, but until then why not experience your very own hot air balloon flight with Adventure Balloons?  With a range of locations and flight vouchers to choose from, you can be sure to experience the flight of a lifetime!

Tuesday 23rd August marked 100 days until the 2018 FIFA World Cup host is selected.  England are hoping to host the World Cup, something that they have not done since 1966. England also won the World Cup for the first time in that year, however this feat has not been repeated since. 

Last week was “Back the Bid” week in England.  This was coincided with a six-man inspection of the country.  To mark 100 days until a host is selected, a hot air balloon was launched over Buckingham Palace to encourage the nation to show support for England to host in 2018. 

Hot air balloons are often used for promotions and events.  When a hot air balloon is floating above you do you watch it?  I do.  I watch the balloon until I can see it no more and I imagine this is true for many of us so think what could be generated if you use a balloon for advertising purposes.  The England balloon has generated a lot of publicity, why not have a go yourself at promoting an event with a hot air balloon?

Contact Adventure Balloons if you would like information on hiring balloons for corporate or promotional events.  If you would like to take a flight with us, visit our site for a choice of locations and flight vouchers.