Virgin Balloon Flights - Rutland Water
Virgin Balloon Flights - Rutland Water
Virgin Balloon Flights - Rutland Water
4.5
Full view
About
Appreciate the beauty of the East Midlands on your flight as you take in the views over nearby Loughborough and Peterborough. Flyers can expect to have good views over Charnwood Forest and the splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle. A perfect setting for a balloon ride.
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Virgin Balloon Flights - Rutland Water
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4.5
11 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
0
John B
4 contributions
Jul 2021
I was gifted a balloon flight at Christmas by a work colleague and friend. I must’ve told her at some point that a balloon flight was on my bucket list. Anyway, fast forward to the summer months and I booked my flight from Colwick Racecourse in Nottingham. Sadly the trio had to be cancelled due the weather. (Folks, it happens, the organisers are unable to control the weather).
I immediately, booked my next flight, but this one was a bit further out near Oakham. An early morning call to the flight line, and I was pleased that the trip was on. Arriving at the departure point a little before 6am.
A safety briefing soon followed, then we set up the balloon. Starting with lifting the basket down off the trailer, rolling out the balloon itself, then with the aid of 2 big fan, we filled it full of cold air. Once the balloon was filled with air, the air was heated and the ballon became upright.
We piled into the basket under the direction of our pilot Rebecca Cains and her ground crew. Assumed the take off positions, and gently lifted up off the ground. Under the instruction of our pilot, we were told that we could now stand up.
I think every passenger, was surprised about how gently we were floating up and how quickly also. We started to drift across Rutland Water in a Northerly direction, over Exton and surprisingly over Stocken Prison, but then again, you may not have much in the the way of control over which direction that you fly, only really the height.
Our pilot, Rebecca is a very experienced pilot and you can can tell that she loves ballooning. She took the time to ensure that all the passengers were safe and comfortable. And answered all our questions fully. We landed somewhere near Corby Glen, I think and as with the take off, the landing was really smooth.
The ground team arrived and we assisted with the packing away of the balloon, then we were transported to the main road, for presentation of certificates and champagne. We were met by a small fleet of taxis that took back to our departure point.
I would like to thank Rebecca Cains and her ground team for a most enjoyable experience. I will be doing this again at some point. If you are nervous of heights or such like, try to put that behind you. Once you are up there and are drifting gently on the breeze, admiring the views you won’t even notice.
Go on, give it a try, you won’t regret it…….
I immediately, booked my next flight, but this one was a bit further out near Oakham. An early morning call to the flight line, and I was pleased that the trip was on. Arriving at the departure point a little before 6am.
A safety briefing soon followed, then we set up the balloon. Starting with lifting the basket down off the trailer, rolling out the balloon itself, then with the aid of 2 big fan, we filled it full of cold air. Once the balloon was filled with air, the air was heated and the ballon became upright.
We piled into the basket under the direction of our pilot Rebecca Cains and her ground crew. Assumed the take off positions, and gently lifted up off the ground. Under the instruction of our pilot, we were told that we could now stand up.
I think every passenger, was surprised about how gently we were floating up and how quickly also. We started to drift across Rutland Water in a Northerly direction, over Exton and surprisingly over Stocken Prison, but then again, you may not have much in the the way of control over which direction that you fly, only really the height.
Our pilot, Rebecca is a very experienced pilot and you can can tell that she loves ballooning. She took the time to ensure that all the passengers were safe and comfortable. And answered all our questions fully. We landed somewhere near Corby Glen, I think and as with the take off, the landing was really smooth.
The ground team arrived and we assisted with the packing away of the balloon, then we were transported to the main road, for presentation of certificates and champagne. We were met by a small fleet of taxis that took back to our departure point.
I would like to thank Rebecca Cains and her ground team for a most enjoyable experience. I will be doing this again at some point. If you are nervous of heights or such like, try to put that behind you. Once you are up there and are drifting gently on the breeze, admiring the views you won’t even notice.
Go on, give it a try, you won’t regret it…….
Written 14 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.
Hi John,
Thank you very much for the amazing review. We are very pleased to hear you enjoyed your flying experience. We are looking forward to seeing you i the skies again. We will be sure to tell Rebecca the pilot the good news!
Kind regards,
Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Written 19 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gemma
3 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
My husband and I went on a flight from Rutland Water this weekend with pilot Rebecca Cains and had the most fantastic time.
It was the first time for us both and I don’t think either of us expected it to be quite so spectacular. We loved getting stuck in, helping to prepare the balloon for take off and pack it away afterwards. The flight was the perfect length and beautifully serene and we all had a real laugh with our Pilot and her crewman Dave. The champagne at the end was the cherry on the cake!
Huge thanks to everyone that pulled the experience together, we will be booking again without a shadow of a doubt!
P.S we secured and flew on first attempt, without any cancellations!
It was the first time for us both and I don’t think either of us expected it to be quite so spectacular. We loved getting stuck in, helping to prepare the balloon for take off and pack it away afterwards. The flight was the perfect length and beautifully serene and we all had a real laugh with our Pilot and her crewman Dave. The champagne at the end was the cherry on the cake!
Huge thanks to everyone that pulled the experience together, we will be booking again without a shadow of a doubt!
P.S we secured and flew on first attempt, without any cancellations!
Written 26 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.
Hi Gemma,
Thank you for leaving your feedback.
We are pleased to hear that you and your husband enjoyed your balloon ride experience with us!
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Written 27 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah H
Leicester, UK6 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
We had an amazing flight the pilot was brilliant, we went for my dad 60th birthday and really enjoyed it. Loved how we get involved with helping to get the balloon out and up, then helped to put away. Would highly recommend the Rutland flight stunning views .
Written 18 June 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.
Hi sarahphillip20,
Thank you for your feedback.
We are pleased to hear that you and your father enjoyed your balloon ride experience with us!
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Written 19 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Raff
Oakham, UK5 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Hmm, a bit difficult to rate this, as the chances of actually flying are low. I'm sure it's great if you actually manage to avoid one cancellation after another.
I realise the weather dictates whether flights can happen, but I wasn't aware just how perfect the conditions have to be.
Instead of just meteorology explanations, Virgin should disclose the exact number of cancelled and successful flights on their website, allowing potential customers to make a more informed choice.
How about a response from Virgin here with the numbers?
Definitely avoid this product if it's for a time critical special occasion - it probably won't happen. Don't travel far, take days off or book hotels.
That said, if you're not too far from a launch site (as I am) and don't mind waiting months or years, knock yourself out.
My 4th attempt will be on the 26th September...let's see what happens.
I realise the weather dictates whether flights can happen, but I wasn't aware just how perfect the conditions have to be.
Instead of just meteorology explanations, Virgin should disclose the exact number of cancelled and successful flights on their website, allowing potential customers to make a more informed choice.
How about a response from Virgin here with the numbers?
Definitely avoid this product if it's for a time critical special occasion - it probably won't happen. Don't travel far, take days off or book hotels.
That said, if you're not too far from a launch site (as I am) and don't mind waiting months or years, knock yourself out.
My 4th attempt will be on the 26th September...let's see what happens.
Written 21 September 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.
491yannt
Oakham, UK21 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We chose to fly over Rutland Water for its beautiful views. Our flight had several cancellations due to poor weather, which is understandable. We were then due to fly on Sunday of the August bank holiday weekend. Conditions were murky with a little bit of rain in the morning and average to poor visibility. Our flight was relocated to Stoke Rochford, somewhere near the A1 in Lincolnshire. We were asked to wait for a long time, first because of the rain, then because of late customers. This was a disappointment because there is nothing to see in this part of Lincolnshire. Rutland Water was meaningful to us; this wasn't. Of course we had no choice but either fly from their location or lose the money. Sky was grey but conditions were safe with very little wind. The pilot was very good. I wondered whether we could have flown from Rutland Water all the same. I asked the pilot who told me it was because of the weather. Since, I found out that it was because the owner of the field in Lyndon, Rutland Water would not allow the flight to depart in the morning during bank holiday weekend not to disturb his campers at 6:30 in the morning. This is not acceptable because we have been lied to. Virgin knew very well that it was not in a position to operate the flight from the desired location. I wrote to Virgin Ballon Flights showing photographic evidence of the campsite on the field and did not receive a reply, which is even less acceptable. I am now considering legal action. I only give 2 stars because the flight itself was operated with a high level of security and expertise.
Written 21 September 2017
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.
jjeyes
Gaddesby, UK2 contributions
May 2019
What an amazing experience!! Right from helping to get the balloon ready to go airborne through to packing it away and sipping champagne. The air time was on the perfect day, our hosts Rebecca & Dave couldn’t of been a more joyous pair to spend a morning with, highly recommend!!
Written 15 May 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.
Hi jjeyes,
Thank you for your feedback.
It's great to hear you had a wonderful balloon ride experience with our pilot Rebecca and her crew!
Kind regards,
The Virgin Balloon Flights Team
Written 16 May 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Raging_Tiger
Peterborough, UK56 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
This was our third attempt at a flight. The previous two had been cancelled for safety reasons. Although frustrating, better safe than sorry. This time however, conditions were perfect as was the flight. Rebecca, our pilot, is a legend. My girls compared her to Lara Croft, and with her team, Dave in jeep and trailer, and Mark, our coach driver, the whole trip was super-friendly and fun. We felt fully involved, safe, and able to enjoy a most brilliant experience, which I sincerely hope isn’t once in a lifetime. Thank you.
Written 3 June 2018
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.
lucyb932018
Leeds, UK2 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Had the most amazing experience today. It’s hard to get on to the flight but if you persevere, you absolutely will not be disappointed. It was a beautiful view and a good talking point in the future! I would definitely go again and couldn’t ask for a better person to take us. Rebecca made the whole thing so enjoyable and to top it off, we were all impressed that she was off sky diving afterwards! What a legend!
Written 3 June 2018
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.
Jenny B
London, UK4 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Third time lucky, finally got the right weather for the balloon trip after a couple of failed attempts. Had a great trip up - Rebecca the pilot was fantastic and knows her balloons!! It was a group effort to set up and pack up the balloon - budget for an hour either side of the flight. The flight was awesome, peaceful, tranquil, a bit of the morning fog in the distance. Champagne at the minibus after packing up.
Thanks for a fun experience and especially to Rebecca (aka Lara Croft) for making sure we made it up and down safely!
Thanks for a fun experience and especially to Rebecca (aka Lara Croft) for making sure we made it up and down safely!
Written 3 June 2018
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.
rsmithard
Leicestershire, UK3 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
What a fantastic experience. Wonderful weather and beautiful Rutland countryside made for an unforgettable flight.
Pilot and ground crew, very professional, informative and entertaining too boot. another tick on the bucket list and one not to be forgotten.
Thank you
Pilot and ground crew, very professional, informative and entertaining too boot. another tick on the bucket list and one not to be forgotten.
Thank you
Written 21 May 2018
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.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.