Air Balloon Flight over the Cotswolds - Review

A flying experience with 1st Choice Balloon Flights

On a beautiful summer evening in July, Explore Gloucestershire went hot air ballooning.

We met at Bushcombe Farm at 7pm for our 7.45pm flight and met our fellow 6 passengers. Along with their families and friends we prepared the balloon for our flight supervised by Howard, our pilot.

Following our safety checks we were airborne - so smooth you couldn't believe you had left terra firma!! Not being a big fan of heights I was relieved how safe and secure I felt.

It was a wonderful flight, so peaceful and serene with a quick burst of hot air to remind you what was actually keeping you up there!

What a way to Explore Gloucestershire - we saw deer, rabbits and guinea fowl in their natural surroundings and a few puzzled looking horses and cows.

We were amazed at how flat the landscape looked below as we knew there were steep hills.

We flew over Prescott Hill Climbing Club, Winchcombe. Toddington Railway, Broadway Tower and even managed to get as far as Chipping Campden.

We were all surprised at how far we had travelled - in the balloon you don't notice the wind speed.

After finding an uncut field we landed, which was an unusual experience but so much fun.

The balloon was packed away by a group of very happy passengers and their relatives who had followed us into the next county by car! The film 'Twister' sprang to mind but balloon chasers not storm chasers.

We were driven back to the farm in the land rover towing our balloon and basket behind.

An exhilarating experience we will never forget but recommend to everyone who can see over the top of the basket!

Thank you Howard. Hope to see you again soon.

Thank you Howard. Hope to see you again soon.

30 July 2006
Explore Gloucestershire