Bristol Balloons
Bristol Balloons
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Full view
About
Bristol's longest established balloon flight operator. A small family owned business, operating usually from the Ashton Court Estate. Flights afford a magnificent view of the city (depending upon the wind direction), possibly flying past The Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain and the city docks and central area. Morning, Weekday and Weekend flight voucher options are available, plus flights from the annual Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. NB: Balloon Flight times do vary due to changing daylight hours. 'Hours' given on this listing are 'office hours' excluding public holidays.
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(58 reviews)
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4.5
158 reviews
Excellent
123
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
16
Thomas C
4 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
The time table does not meet with expectation went out for 6pm flight , waited and waited only to be told it was at 9pm. Not advertised any where timetable seems erratic in the end missed the balloons and wasted a whole lot of money completely unbelievable.Recommebdation another company should organise this.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elly P
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
I was very disappointed with the company always hard to get on the phone to book we booked 6 times half of the flights were cancelled because the couldn't get a pilot as they had covid witch was fine but it got to the point they told me because its gone on for such a long time now the flight voucher has now expired if I tried to do this again I would not use them and I would not recommend them sorry
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H C
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
7 of our adult family members had a great flight with Bristol Balloons this morning to celebrate a big birthday.
Colin (the pilot), Nick, Moira & Caroline were all very friendly & professional and ensured we had a great time.
I'd highly recommend Bristol Balloons to everyone.
Colin (the pilot), Nick, Moira & Caroline were all very friendly & professional and ensured we had a great time.
I'd highly recommend Bristol Balloons to everyone.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littlelioncub
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Jul 2021
My dad and I went on a balloon flight with Bristol Balloons. It was SO much fun, I loved it. The pilot was really good, and even when the wind changed direction and we ended up somewhere unexpected I always felt safe and in good hands. I also thought that they were very considerate and dealt very well with the farmer whose land we ended up on. Couldn't recommend them more, it was brilliant.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melissa B
7 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Thank you for a truly wonderful and unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived we were given the most professional care and attention. The pilot made us all feel extremely relaxed and was able to answer everyone’s queries before we started our flight. The whole afternoon was incredibly special. Thank you Bristol Balloons.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the review and to share your experience. We are so pleased you enjoyed your time with us.
Written 17 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona
5 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This experience was on my bucket list and it way excelled my expectations! Visiting my home country from Canada, and wanting to fly in a balloon for decades, I felt my dreams had come true! The whole experience from safety, organization and the crew members were incredible and everyone was on top of covid precautions. The whole flight was made even more amazing flying over Bath with my Dad and my Sister, where we would frequently visit as children. The take off, flight and landing were exciting and something I shall never ever forget. Totally recommend Bristol Balloons for safety, fun and an all round incredible experience!
Written 4 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
That is amazing and to travel all the way from Canada too. We are so pleased this brought back special memories and made new ones for you. We are very proud we achieved this for you.
Written 17 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark White
1 contribution
Aug 2019 • Solo
Had an amazing flight (finally) after Mother Nature decided I should fly (at the 7th attempt). Pilot Mike and his crew did an amazing job in involving not just myself, but my fellow passengers, in the process of inflating and packing away the balloon. Would highly recommend for a fantastic experience.
Written 8 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firstly, big thanks for your patience, yes the weather can upset the best laid plans and we appreciate the frustration it can cause. Wonderful that you got involved and enjoyed the flight. With best wishes from Pilot Mike, the crew and all at Bristol Balloons.
Written 9 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul E
Bristol, UK6 contributions
Sep 2019
We went up on Thursday evening, we were a bit late going up, but it was well worth the wait. Ali the pilot was brilliant, briefing us fully before we took off and at regular intervals, keeping us safe. We had lovely weather so the views were amazing, we took in views of the Mathew, Suspension and both Severn Bridges, as well as Pensford viaduct and the surrounding countryside which was fantastic. A big thank you too the whole team, who made it a very pleasant experience, sorry I forgot names
Written 7 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Really pleased that you had a wonderful flight, sometimes it is best to wait just those few moments more so the wind has dropped away for a more comfortable flight. Yes, the views are fantastic, you see something different every time. With thanks from all the Bristol Balloons team.
Written 9 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becky R
Worcester, England, United Kingdom10 contributions
Sep 2018
We bought a voucher for two for my daughter's Christmas present in 2017. The season runs March to October. During this period in 2018 she and her boyfriend attempted three times to take a flight, all three being cancelled on site at the last minute. For which we do not hold any blame, safety being paramount.
This year my daughter was doing her finals so wasn't able to rebook until July. When attempting to do this she was told her voucher had expired.
This is despite the fact that while on site she had asked if she would still be able to book next season and was told yes of course.
After a couple of emails back and forth she was told in no uncertain terms and in quite an abrupt manner that she wasn't just buying a hot air balloon flight but contributing to the expensive running of "my business".
So it appears we have made a donation to the running of Bristol Balloons and received absolutely nothing in return.
I feel like they have stolen our money and my daughter has not even had a Christmas present.
Buyer beware they say. Do not use this company.
This year my daughter was doing her finals so wasn't able to rebook until July. When attempting to do this she was told her voucher had expired.
This is despite the fact that while on site she had asked if she would still be able to book next season and was told yes of course.
After a couple of emails back and forth she was told in no uncertain terms and in quite an abrupt manner that she wasn't just buying a hot air balloon flight but contributing to the expensive running of "my business".
So it appears we have made a donation to the running of Bristol Balloons and received absolutely nothing in return.
I feel like they have stolen our money and my daughter has not even had a Christmas present.
Buyer beware they say. Do not use this company.
Written 31 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review.
We feel there are a few facts that do not seem clear and would take this opportunity to clarify these.
Whilst there is an expiry date on vouchers, this date is extended per cancelation and if there is a further extenuating circumstance as to why a rebooking cannot be made we do try to be as flexible as we can be, however, extensions of this nature cannot be limitless.
Often it is not realised that with cancelations that there are costs incurred that we cannot recover to keep the company operational, balloon insurance, maintenance, vehicles, premises etc. so that we can fly passengers in the future, plus office costs to name but a few, these have to be paid., flight or no flight. Obviously, we hope that a flight will be possible on first attempt, but again it is not an infinite pot and will run out, eventually meaning we cannot fly anyone, there would be no company left.
To use the word ‘stolen’ is very unfair, almost as if we go out to take from people and deliver nothing, which could not be further from the truth. The company would not have a 40 year track record if this was the case. All purchasers are encouraged to review our Terms and Conditions prior to purchase and as previously mentioned we try to be as flexible as possible with our approach to rebooking, however, there are limits.
Written 2 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
just4mead
Bristol, UK36 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
Pilot Ali and her crew took us a breathtaking flight from Ashton Court right across the city, landing in a field near Iron Acton. The skies cleared for our evening flight and provided stunning clear views as we drifted peacefully over familiar landmarks. An unforgettable exhilarating experience!
Written 5 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are often asked how to quickly sum up a balloon flight, we think your review just did that. Great to see you had a wonderful time. Thank you and with best regards from Pilot Ali, the crew and all at Bristol Balloons.
Written 5 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samuk87
5 contributions
Hello I weigh around 23 stone and I'm 5ft 9 would I have any difficulty getting into the basket is there any holes or steps to make it easier to climb into? Thanks
minikitten
Bristol, UK469 contributions
There are holes in the basket to get in so as long as you are relatively able to ‚cock your leg over‘ you should be ok.
Geraldene Amy Hunt
Bath, UK34 contributions
How much is a balloon ride for between 5-6 people?
Tony R
Bristol, UK8 contributions
It is really a question of when you wish to fly, the big balloon flying season is 1st March to 31st October. Vouchers valid any day am or pm are currently £135, weekday only Bristol/Bath £125 (non refundable if flight cancelled you would need to rebook).
If coming from afar where there would be little or no chance of rebooking if flight is cancelled due to adverse weather would suggest Bristol Balloons "refundable voucher" for £170, please see the website for options, 'prices and Buy' tag top right of home page.
If you want further information sugges tusing the 'contact' tag next to the 'prices & buy'. Hope this answers your query, if not please do get in touch.
Claud1a_1
Bristol, UK
Hi bristol Balloons.
My brother is coming to the UK for the first time at the end of May 2016. As i'm studying here, I want to show him my adopted city, so we will be in sightseeing 28th-29th May before venturing elsewhere in the South-West. How much would a tour be it for the two of us?
Thanks C xx
Tony R
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Thanks for the question, I would suggest you look on our website at the 'flight availability, (early morning or early evening, 'shared basket') pick a date then look at the voucher options. The 'classic' voucher is our most popular, although for those only visitng Bristol once or who would find it difficult to rebook the 'refundable voucher' may be the best alternative. We suggest you read the details of both vouchers and if you have any more questions please phone or e-mail.
Best regards from all at Bristol Balloons.
sakshi15jain
Bristol, UK
Will it be possible to get it done on 2nd May, 2016?
Tony R
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Ballooning is a weather dependant activity, trying to predict stable and calm weather 24hrs in advance is very difficult, let alone a few weeks in advance. We all hope bank holidays will be fine, but what is good on the ground can be totally different at 1000ft, safety is always the pilots priority. Usually on Saturday mornings 10am-noon there is somebody in the office so perhaps if weather looking 'iffy' give them a call. hope this helps and hope you have a great flight.
tesdeb
Island of Gozo, Malta56 contributions
We are going to visit Bristol in September between 17th and 21st.Will there be any flights and how much will it cost for me and my husband,please?Thanks
Tony R
Bristol, UK8 contributions
Many thanks for your question, we schedule flight usually 4 to 5 weeks in advance right up until 31st October, so during the period of your visit should have several flighrs to choose from, early morning or late afternoon.
As you are visiting from overseas our 'refundable' vouchers may be of interest to you, as you are only here for a short period. Please use the 'contact us' button on our website, if you give us your e-mail address we can send you the direct web-link with more detailed information of flight vouchers that will suit your requirements.
Best Regards from Bristol Balloons.