"Perfect balloon flight"

We had a balloon flight booked for the morning of the 11/11/2024 and had to ring up at 11pm the night before for a flight update. Due to possible weather issues Nobby explained very clearly on the answer machine that the morning flight had been postponed and we could possibly fly in the afternoon. We had to ring back the flight number in the morning. These answer machine messages are clear and extremely helpful and explain why certain conditions are not suitable for hot air ballooning.

We were able to go up at 2pm that day. On arrival we had a welcome greeting and given safety sheets to read. Some were able to help with pumping air into the balloon too.
Climbing into the basket was fine however if you have mobility issues it may not be easy. Take off was effortless and it was magnificent to see the town get smaller.

The weather conditions were perfect up in the air and it honestly didn’t even feel like we were high up. No wind, just pure silence. Luckily the wind blew us out of Swindon towards Avebury (near to where I live) so that was a lovely surprise.

The landing was fun, a few bumps and a side tip! We all helped pack the balloon away too. Glass of bubbly at the end! Then a mini bus ride back to our starting point.

Nobby and his crew were amazing throughout. I can highly recommend flying with nobby and his gang! Such a magical experience and definitely worth the wait for the perfect weather for views and safety reasons.

"Breathtaking!"

Breathtaking!

What an incredible experience!
Nobby is such a professional, and instantly put my initial nerves to rest as soon as we met. His knowledge of ballooning is unchallenged.
The whole experience from start to finish was fantastic, from watching the inflation, the seemless take off, the incredible views, the perfect landing to the team effort for packing the balloon away at the end!

This was a 30th birthday present and it’s something I’ll remember for life.
Already considering another flight again!

Thank you Nobby and team!

"The guys running it were amazing but Virgin customer service poor"

Virgin's customer service is awful so this review is not for them but for the amazing guys who ran the event. Peter Philpott and Steve Crew. From the moment we arrived they were professional but really put us all at ease. It was a still day but popping up above the clouds was magical. Drifting low over the houses and waving to people was fun too. For me though being above the clouds in silence was my most wonderful memory. They guys were funny and friendly. When we landed they still helped us take photos and allowed all the local kids in the part that we landed in to help. The kids were amazed. I highly recommend them and they definitely helped my experience be as great as it was.

I don't recommend virgin unless you are entirely sure you can make the day. I was unwell with a chest infection and had nearly been hospitalised and was told I had no choice but to attend, give the day to someone else or pay £80 to rebook!

"Amazing and Surreal "

Thanks to the great British weather, took us a while to get a flight but it was very much worth the wait. Going into the clouds was one of the most surreal experiences. The whole team provided an exceptional experience, one that my daughter and I will never forget! Thank you.

"Great Flight - Give it a go!"

Only one cancellation (due to weather conditions!)
After a very comprehensive pre flight safety briefing by pilot Pete Philpot the guys took position holding the crown rope whilst the balloon was inflated - a Tug of war which we were never going to win...Once inflated it was time to climb aboard and assume positions for take off. Burners on and away we went. The advice to wear a hat was appreciated, it gets pretty warm with the burners going. A steady flight over lovely countryside the colour of the trees this time of year was great. A commentary of all the stately homes in the area was topped off with a "Fly Past" by a Spitfire!
The landing was a gentle 3 bump affair, the basket remaining upright - Skill! Once on the ground we were met by the Ground crew of Ben and Keith who were left to load the basket and balloon onto a trailer whilst Pete turned into the taxi driver taking us back to the launch site. Great experience. Well worth it. Give it a go!

"A magical Fantastic experience."

A magical Fantastic experience.
With a great crew and Peter Philpott as our Pilot.
Deffinitely a must for everyone to expperience.

"An amazing experience, give it a try you won’t regret it."

From a very misty start we had the most amazing balloon flight. Our pilot Pete Philpot and his team did an outstanding job making sure we had the very best experience. Although quite cloudy initially the sun was shining brightly above the clouds which gradually evaporated to show the beautiful scenery below us. The balloon landing was an experience we will not forget, but saying that it was exciting; even landing on our backs facing the sky.

"Great experience"

Great experience and lovely customer service. Lynn made the extension process quick and easy.

"My issue was resolved very quickly and…"

My issue was resolved very quickly and efficiently! So friendly

"Worth the wait"

The frequent cancellations made for a lengthy wait....just over 4 years!
However, the experience was fantastic and, as a glider pilot, I was very interested in how you fly a balloon.
I was fascinated that when descending, the pilot stopped the 'burn' while we were still sinking. However, there was a time delay before the balloon maintained its height. It would be so easy to 'over burn' and end up soaring upwards. I would have been yo-yoing all over the sky until I ran out of gas!
This delay made me appreciate the landing which appeared so straightforward. To make the balloon follow a gentle constant glide slope into the landing field called for great expertise in getting the 'burn times' just the right length. I was incredibly impressed and wanted to say so in a review.....I should have said this on the day but my natural reserve kept me silent!!