Kent Ballooning
Kent Ballooning
5
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Full view

About
Kent Ballooning operates premium champagne hot air balloon flights & rides in Kent. As a local, family run business we still believe that quality of service is of the utmost importance, as is value for money. With Flight Voucher to suit everyone from early risers to romantic proposals why not join us to see that the world really does look different from a balloon.
Ashford, Kent, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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(79 reviews)
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5.0
763 reviews
Excellent
712
Very good
38
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
10
Wendybusyb
London, UK9 contributions
Oct 2023
Had to reschedule due to weather a couple of times but finally got our flight on 9th Oct 23 which really didn’t expect so late in the year.
Must say it was amazing & the whole team were brilliant explaining every detail & putting us at ease.
Would totally recommend this company
Must say it was amazing & the whole team were brilliant explaining every detail & putting us at ease.
Would totally recommend this company
Written 18 October 2023
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.
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for taking the time to review your experience. We're glad that you enjoyed your flight - thanks for your recommendation.
Kind regards
Michael
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SteveMRochester
Gillingham, UK205 contributions
Oct 2023
My wife bought us this Ballooning experience for my 50th birthday, so I don't know what the cost was, but no matter of the cost it was well worth the money. It was a superb experience We were lucky as the weather on the day we flew (October heatwave 2023) was near to perfect, 25 degrees and a 5mph wind. All the ground crew were polite and helpful & Michael (our pilot) was informative and reassuring as I am not a fan of heights, but there were others who were more afraid than I was. The flight was so peaceful and gentle & I would recommend to anyone to do this, you won't regret it. Word of warning, wear a hat. The burners are hot and you will feel the heat of them no matter where you are in the basket
Written 16 October 2023
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.
Hi Steve
Thanks for your review. Top tip! Yes, bring a hat, especially if you're tall and follicly challenged!
I'm pleased that you felt at ease on the flight. You'd be surprised how many people are nervous about the flight (especially the landings!!!), but most people won't admit it! However there are tell-tale signs like silence when we take off, or people holding onto the rope handles inside the basket very tightly. Hopefully we seem professional enough for people to relax and enjoy the flight and more often than not, eventually the most nervous of passengers relax as the flights progress.
We're stoked that you enjoyed your experience with Kent Ballooning.
Kind Regards
Michael
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
caitlinmelvin2000
Eastbourne, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023
Our whole experience was beyond amazing. The views were breathtaking! The pilot Mike made us feel at ease and comfortable and all of the staff were lovely. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to do a balloon ride to book with this company.
Our balloon ride was cancelled quite a few times as it is weather dependant meaning it took over a year for us to finally get up there. However it was definitely worth the wait.
Our balloon ride was cancelled quite a few times as it is weather dependant meaning it took over a year for us to finally get up there. However it was definitely worth the wait.
Written 16 October 2023
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.
Hi Cailtin
"Beyond Amazing"! Wow! High praise indeed - thank you. We're pleased you had such a good time. Being cancelled because of the weather can be frustrating, but like you say - it's worth the wait.
Thanks for coming along and joining in the fun
Regards
Michael
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KarlDodd
Elham, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
We have nothing more to say other than the flight was fantastic, the crew were amazing, and it’s something we will definitely do it again!
Written 9 October 2023
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.
Hi Karl
We're pleased that you enjoyed your flight - thanks for mentioning the crew, they love getting a mention on Trip Advisor!
If you do decide to come again, make sure that you let Louisa know when you rebook as you'll get 10% off.
Thanks for your review
Regards
Michael
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Phillip W
2 contributions
Sep 2023
After several inclement weather delays the flight was well worth the wait. All the staff were very helpful & informative. Michael our pilot pointed out many places of interest during our flight & also made us fill safe & secure. Would love to do it again.
Written 24 September 2023
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.
Hi Phillip
Thanks for your review. Unfortunately ballooning is more weather dependant than most people perceive, but we only cancel flights because the weather isn't suitable for a safe flight. Like you suggest though, it's worth the wait. I've been flying in Kent for over 20 years and I've lived her for over 40, so it's easy for me to be able to point out the local history and points of interest. One benefit of flying in Kent is that there's loads of history here, from Roman times, through Napoleonic times and on to the two world wars and even into the modern day. It's a great place to fly and even being surrounded by the water on three sides adds another unique aspect to the flying here. I love it!
Thanks for coming along and joining in the fun!
Kind regards
Michael
Written 21 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen J
Orpington, UK148 contributions
Sep 2023
This was an amazing experience took a waited of 2 yrs to fly due to bad weather conditions and my wife having an operation. Very easy team to talk, as a licensed drone pilot. I understood the basics of the thermals and safety procedures but was very much impressed with how this was implemented. before, during and after the flight. Yes, we'll definitely do this again.
Written 21 September 2023
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.
Hi Stephen
Thanks for your review. Obviously we take safety very seriously and I'm glad that you thought that we'd got it dialled. A lot of the procedures for a drone take off are actually more involved than those for ballooning. When I got my commercial drone licence I was astounded by the amount of pre-flight planning and safety procedures! I guess I do all the same stuff for a balloon launch, but it's become second nature now. I'm glad that you enjoyed your flight and a different perspective from your drone footage. As we say - "The World looks different from a balloon"!
Kind regards
Michael
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charmaine1981
Dover, UK1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
The staff from booking to the flight were fantastic, so friendly and helpful would use again :) 10/10
Written 19 September 2023
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.
Hi Charmaine
We were glad to be a part of the 80th birthday celebrations!
Thanks for taking the time to write a review
Kind Regards
Michael
PS - see you for the 90th!!
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gillhard62
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Family
This was an amazing experience took a few attempts to actually fly due to the weather but prompt rebooking all very easy and the team on the day was very professional and the whole trip was amazing the views spectacular quite surreal would definitely do this again
Written 19 September 2023
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.
Hi Gill
Thanks for your review. We're pleased that you enjoyed your flight. Taking off from Etchinghill Golf Club is always good fun and being so close to the coastline gives a different perspective to the flight. Landing at Ashford RFC was fun too! It's not the first time that I've landed there and dodging the goal posts is a challenge for the landing phase!
See you next time!
Kind Regards
Michael
Written 27 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John C
1 contribution
Sep 2023
Our trip was on a beautiful clear day, giving us views for miles. Our pilot, Mike, was very knowledgeable on the area, pointing out where we were and what we could see in the distance. A gentle take-off and a smooth landing followed by a glass of champagne. A most enjoyable morning, would thoroughly recommend and we want to go again!
Written 18 September 2023
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.
Hi John
Thanks for your review - I think that you've described the flight very well! A most enjoyable morning!
I'm going to leave it there I think - you've said it all!
Thanks for coming along and joining in the fun,
Kind Regards
Michael
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Malcolm R
Providenciales15 contributions
Sep 2023
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the staff and Mike in particular (pilot), were very informative, attentive & friendly. The views were spectacular & we would highly recommend Kent Ballooning.
Written 16 September 2023
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.
Hi Malcolm
Thanks for your review and your kind comments.
I love flying in Kent and as you say the views are spectacular and more importantly, there is so much to see. So much history and the living landscape underneath tells its modern day story too, from the house building, the motorways, the Channel Tunnel and the farm land, you can see stories unfolding everywhere underneath the basket.
Thanks for recommending us!
Regards
Michael
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Asawala
1 contribution
how much for a family of six and are there any age limit and how far from Marlin park never been before so will we be supervised
Kent Ballooning
Ashford, UK
Hi Asawala
Our prices range from £109 per person to £149 per person depending on when you wanted to fly with us. If you visit our website using the link on our Trip Advisor page you can see all of our prices. I am afraid I don't know where Marlin Park is so I can't help you with the distance. And yes, you will be supervised. You will be flown by a commercial balloon Pilot - we don't just send you up there alone!
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Louisa, Kent Ballooning
Asawala
1 contribution
how much for a family of six and are there any age limit and how far from Marlins park never been before so will we be supervised
jones3667
Kent, England41 contributions
We took off from Canterbury but there are six sites around Kent and it does depend on wind direction and weather, you will be notified day before where you need to be, morning flights are early! Be prepared for flight to be postponed as weather has to be perfect. The balloon takes 16 people, 4 to each compartment and you have a pilot. Cost is about £100 per person from memory and I don't know about age limits but the people that run Kent ballooning are very helpful. It's great experience and if you do decide to take a flight I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
I've never been on a plane before or anything that involves being in the sky! How does it feel when you are up high? Do you think it would be best to go on a plane before going up in a balloon? Balloons have always been something I want to do and was thinking about booking - has anyone else been up in a balloon / experienced height for the first time and have any advice??? Thanks!
Kent Ballooning
Ashford, UK
Hi Loz2205
Thanks for your message. A balloon is certainly an excellent introduction to flying! Unlike a plane or a helicopter we are completely open so you aren't restricted by glass for your views. In a balloon you have a 365 degree view out over the beautiful countryside.
As to what it's like to fly in a balloon? There are few words that adequately describe the exhilaration as you first lift off in a hot air balloon. The ground gently slips away as you rise up into the sky. The roads and towns start to shrink and the colours and shapes of the beautiful Garden of England take over your senses. Once airborne, you will see the countryside from a totally new perspective! Viewing the world from the calm and peace of a hot air balloon as it drifts across the sky really is an experience of a lifetime. As we say – ‘The world looks different from a balloon’.
Many passengers are surprised by how quiet it is; you can hear dogs bark from 2,000ft! The occasional roar of the burners usually goes unnoticed during the flight as you marvel at the sites below. On the clearest of days it is possible to see Essex to the north, the Kent coastline to the east, France to the south and London to the west. The colours of the countryside change depending on the time of year that you choose to fly. For instance, in May you often see vivid patches of yellow rapeseed in flower, whilst in August the crops turn golden brown ready for harvesting. During your flight, you can reach heights of up to 6,500ft to enjoy the full panoramic view, or you may even dip down low to brush the treetops! The wind direction and speed will determine the course and distance that you will fly. Usually you can expect to cover anywhere between 5 and 25 miles.
For a better idea it might be worth visiting our website from the link on our main Trip Advisor page where you can find a Flight Video which will give you a real sense of the experience.
I hope my answer has helped you decide and we look forward to flying with you soon!
Louisa Spice, Kent Ballooning
Chie24
5 contributions
What is the nearest accommodation on your launch site
Kent Ballooning
Ashford, UK
Hi Chie24
Our launch sites are chosen based upon the wind direction on the day of the flight so they do vary. You can find maps for their locations on the launch sites page of our website.
If you are looking to stay in Kent then I would suggest you look around the Ashford area as that is central to most of our websites.
Please let me know if you have any further questions.
Louisa, Kent Ballooning
How much does a trip for 2 cost?
Kent Ballooning
Ashford, UK
Thanks for your message. Our flights start from £109 per person for a weekday morning flight. You can find out more information about our prices and what's included on our website which you can link to from the top of our Trip Advisor page. Louisa, Kent Ballooning