Balloons have been used by the military for hundreds of years and were mainly used for reconnaissance and battlefield map making. It wasn’t until 1941 that the British used balloons as weapons to fight the Germans during World War II.

Operation Outward was given the go ahead in September 1941 and consisted of free-flying balloons with two different types of weapon. The first was a steel trailing wire, intended to damage high voltage line by producing a short circuit. The second was a set of flexible socks filled with flammable material designed to start fires in forests and fields.

The first launches took place on the 20th March 1942 and within days the British were receiving reports of fires near Berlin and Tilsit. Interception of German radio soon showed that German planes were trying to shoot the balloons down, this encouraged the British as it cost the Germans more to shoot a balloon down than it cost the British to make.

On the 12th July a wire carrying balloon struck a high voltage power line near Liepzig and the resulting fire destroyed Bohlen power station. In the lead up to D-day balloon launches became more sporadic, as there were fears that Allied bombers might get damaged. The last balloons were launched on 4th September 1944.

At least today when you take your Hot air balloon ride you can rest assured that there is no chance of being shot down by a German plane, it’s just you, the tranquil countryside and the peaceful sound of the wind gently lifting you away.

Thinking of visiting London? There are many wonderful sights to see from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye and everything in between. But don’t be a regular tourist; take your sightseeing to another level with a hot air balloon ride over london.

Experience the romance of ballooning whilst enjoying London’s fabulous landmarks from a different perspective. Whether you’re treating a loved one or maybe just treating yourself this is an excellent opportunity to see London from a unique point of view.

Why not bring your camcorder or camera so you can take pictures of the breathtaking sights and share your experience with friends and family for years to come.

Flights are available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings and normally last for an hour but will depend on operational and weather factors. After the flight you will be returned to a suitable rail or underground station for an easy return to London, so you can continue your sightseeing as a regular tourist.

For more information or to book your flight go to Adventure Balloons.

Hot air balloons work on the simple principal that warm air rises. Warm air is lighter than cooler air and when contained in the balloon or the envelope as it’s known in the business, it produces lift and thus propelling the balloon upwards. To ensure the balloon stays in the air it must be continuously heated using gas burners.

To move the balloon upwards the pilot uses the burners to deliver regular burst of fire to maintain a stable flight. As hot air rises very little of it is lost through the bottom of the envelope.

To bring the balloon downwards there is a valve at the top of the envelope called the parachute valve. The valve is a round piece of fabric connected to a chord which is runs down the centre of the balloon to the pilot. If the pilot wishes to decent they simply pull the chord to open the valve, letting the hot air escape and bringing the balloon downwards as the hot air cools. The balloon can also be brought back down by using the burners less frequently this has a similar effect to the parachute valve bringing the balloon to a gentle decent.

For more information about ballooning check out Adventure Balloons website.

Now is the ideal time to book a balloon flight with us. Adventure Balloons offer wonderful flight experiences with champagne toasts. What better way to explore the unique British countryside than from the higher perspective of a hot air balloon?
Adventure Balloons provide hot air balloon flights over Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxford, Surrey and London so there are plenty of flight locations for you to choose from.

With many years of flying experience you can be confident that all of our hot air balloon flights are not only safe but highly enjoyable. You may be celebrating a Birthday or that extra special anniversary. Why not book a flight with Adventure Balloons for that truly memorable experience?

There are many beautiful places that you can choose to launch your hot air balloon flight from and Adventure Balloons now offers flights from Essex. This is the perfect way, if you live in Essex, to see your home county from the sky as you float by in the hot air balloon.

The launch sites are located across the county and have been specifically chosen to avoid the areas of controlled air space that surround Stansted Airport. The hot air balloon launch sites are in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester, Billericay, Brentwood and Kelvedon, so you have plenty of choice of where to fly from.

Going up in a hot air balloon is a wonderful experience and will be enhanced if you can see from the air recognisable landmarks that you have so often seen from the ground. If you are interested in booking an Hot Air Balloon flight in Essex then get in touch with Adventure Balloons.

Here’s your chance to win one of the limited editions Adventure Balloons rugby shirts by entering our monthly online prize draw. We decided that when we took delivery of our latest hot air balloons, and all of our fleet was made by Lindstrand Balloons, that this was something to be proud of.

The founder of Lindstrand Balloons, Per Lindstrand became famous when he made the balloons that he and Richard Branson made their round the world trips in. Even though the trips were not all entirely successful the balloons themselves were the best you can get.

We commissioned the special rugby shirts to thank the Lindstrand team for the wonderful hot air balloons that we fly today. We only have a few shirts left so make sure that you get your entry registered with is, and we wish you lots of luck.

Adventure Balloons offer unique vouchers meaning you can purchase all of our ballooning merchandise online. Adventure Balloons don’t just sell balloon flights; we like to encourage all people interested in ballooning to invest in our quality balloon products.
The range of ballooning merchandise is extensive, from Adventure Balloon rugby shirts to base ball caps and t-shirts all with the adventure balloons design displayed.
Perhaps your favourite drink is coffee, in which case the adventure balloons mug will be right up your street at an amazing low price. Why not remember your flight with us by purchasing an enamel ballooning badge.
Get fully conversant with balloons through a ballooning manual or balloon book. It’s the best way to learn before you embark on an adventure with us.

We have the perfect solution for you if you are running out of time to get that all important birthday gift or anniversary gift organised. Here are Adventure Balloons we have a wide range of Gift Vouchers available but how about an E-Voucher.

This is the perfect opportunity to get your gift delivered straight away and there is no need for you to leave the comfort of your home or office to find a good present. All you have to do is go to the special Hot Air Balloon Gift Voucher section and select the E-voucher. When you have chosen the value of the voucher, filled out all the required details, processed the payment, the gift voucher will be sent immediately by email to your chosen recipient.

What better way to send a wonderful surprise to someone.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to see your home county in a hot air balloon? To be able to see your local town and communities from the air? Or have you just wanted to experience the sensation of taking off and floating calmly in a hot air balloon?

Adventure Balloons now take flights in Kent, which means that we are expanding out into and area near you. There are various start points in Kent for the journey, which mainly depends on the wind direction due to the proximity to Gatwick Airport and the Thames Coast line. Normally the flight would take off from the magnificent Hop Farm Country Park near Tunbridge Wells, but we have the reserve sites Lamberhurst Vineyard and Bewl Water in needed.

What better way to spend a morning that seeing Kent from the air, the spectacular Garden of England. Book now to go Ballooning in Kent

Passengers always tell us that balloon flights are one of the most romantic ways to spend the day. The first balloon flight can often be a daunting prospect; we aim to make it as relaxing and rewarding as possible. The majestic rise of a balloon into the air as the dragon burners kick in is an experience that cannot be compared to anything else.
Adventure Balloons treat every balloon flight as unique and will make your day both memorable and enjoyable. The whole ballooning experience is romantic, from the wicker basket to the nylon making patterns in the sky.
A true feeling of peace and tranquility will be reached when you take a balloon flight with us. Our aim is for you to have the best flying experience possible, accompanied by high levels of flying safety whilst enjoying a true panoramic view as the balloon floats effortlessly in the air.

Why nottake your partner on a Romantic Balloon Flight today ?