Share an exclusive sunrise balloon flight over Somerset with only your invited guests in the basket. You drift above cathedral towers, open Levels and familiar landmarks in the still air of an early morning, with the whole experience shaped around your private group rather than a large passenger load.
Your morning begins at the Somerset launch site we confirm one to two days ahead, once weather checks show a safe window. You meet the pilot and ground crew in the half-light while the valley is still quiet, receive a full safety briefing, and can watch the envelope take shape if you arrive in good time. Because the basket is reserved for your group alone, boarding is unhurried and there is space to settle before lift-off, whether you are marking a birthday, an anniversary or simply treating someone to a calm adventure above the Levels.
Once airborne you travel where the wind allows for roughly an hour, often passing above Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Tor, the Mendip edges, Cheddar Gorge or the wide Somerset Levels depending on conditions that day. Your pilot points out landmarks and keeps the pace relaxed so you can photograph the landscape without feeling rushed. After a gentle landing in a suitable field, the retrieve crew meets you, you help pack the balloon away, and we share a glass of champagne and pastries before returning you to the launch area. The itinerary steps below break down meet-up, inflation, flight and celebration in more detail.
Somerset offers some of the most peaceful ballooning country in the south west of England, with a mix of historic towns, open moor and reservoir views from a few hundred feet. We choose among several trusted launch areas so we can fly when wind direction and weather allow, rather than forcing a single pin on every date.
Primary meeting points are confirmed individually for each flight near Glastonbury, Wells, Cheddar or Sparkford, including sites associated with Wells Cathedral, Glastonbury Tor, Cheddar Reservoir and Haynes Motor Museum. Directions and parking notes are sent once the site is set, typically one to two days ahead when the forecast is clearer.
No previous ballooning experience is required. Children must be at least seven years old and 1.4 metres tall, and anyone under sixteen must fly with a responsible adult. You should be able to stand unaided in the basket for the duration of the flight and walk across uneven grass during boarding and after landing.
Ballooning is weather dependent. We confirm or postpone flights when wind, visibility or rain would make flying unsafe, and we will reschedule or refund according to our policy if we cannot fly on your booked date.
You fly with a long established husband and wife team who treat every private flight as a personal occasion rather than a conveyor belt of passengers. Our baskets are kept deliberately small so attention stays on your group, and we draw on decades of commercial ballooning experience across the UK and abroad.
We hold a UK CAA balloon operator licence, follow recognised industry standards and belong to the British Balloon and Airship Club and the Commercial Balloons Association. From the first message to the post landing toast, we aim for clear communication, steady pacing and a safe, memorable morning above Somerset.
You meet your pilot and ground crew at the confirmed Somerset launch site while the morning is still quiet. After a warm welcome, you receive a clear safety briefing and can ask questions before the balloon is prepared.
The crew walks you through how the flight will run, what to expect during inflation and boarding, and how we stay in contact with the retrieve team once you are airborne.
Watching the envelope take shape is part of the magic. The crew completes final checks, then you board the basket with only your private group on board.
Lift-off is smooth and unhurried. Because the basket carries just two or three guests, there is space to move carefully for photos and to take in the views together without crowding.
After roughly an hour in the air, you descend to a suitable landing field where the retrieve crew meets you. Together you help pack the balloon away, which many guests enjoy as the final team moment of the morning.
We celebrate the flight with a glass of champagne and a selection of pastries, a tradition that rounds off the experience before you head off with your memories and photos.
Exact launch sites among our Somerset locations are chosen according to wind and weather on the day of your flight. We confirm the meeting point one to two days beforehand, usually near Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar or Sparkford.
Please arrive in good time at the location we confirm by email or phone. Parking is typically on nearby verges or agreed farm gateways; we send clear directions once the site is set.
This product is a private flight for two or three guests in the basket at one time, reserved exclusively for your group. It is not a shared flight with strangers.
Larger groups can sometimes be arranged separately on request; this experience covers the exclusive two or three guest flight only.
Allow about three hours from meeting the crew to finishing celebrations after landing. The time airborne is roughly one hour, depending on wind and landing options on the day.
The remaining time covers briefing, balloon preparation, pack down after landing and the champagne and pastries we serve once the flight is complete.
We fly from selected launch sites in Somerset near Wells, Glastonbury, Cheddar and Sparkford. The exact site is chosen for safety according to wind and weather and is confirmed one to two days before your date.
You receive directions and parking guidance by email or phone once the site is set, so please ensure your contact details on the booking are correct.
Hot air ballooning needs calm enough wind, good visibility and dry conditions. If we cannot fly safely, we contact you to move the flight to another suitable date or refund your payment in full.
We never pressure guests to fly in marginal conditions. Final decisions are made by the pilot on the basis of safety and CAA guidance.
Private flights are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and other milestones because the basket is yours alone. Tell us when you book if you are celebrating so we can keep the pacing relaxed.
Many guests combine the flight with a weekend in Somerset exploring Wells, Glastonbury or the Levels after landing.
Wear comfortable outdoor layers suitable for cool early mornings and warmer sun later. Flat, closed toe shoes are essential for walking on grass at launch and landing sites.
A hat can help with heat from the burners above you, and sunglasses are useful on bright days. Avoid high heels or open sandals.
Children must be at least seven years old and 1.4 metres tall, and anyone under sixteen must fly with a responsible adult in your private group.
Special discounts are available for children under twelve on this private flight.
After landing and pack down we serve a glass of champagne and a selection of pastries to mark the flight. This is included in your booking.
Optional video packages capturing ground and airborne footage can be arranged separately if you would like a professional record of the morning.
A deposit secures your date when you book, with the remaining balance due once we have completed weather checks shortly before the flight.
We confirm final details one to two days ahead so you know whether the flight is going ahead and where to meet.
No prior ballooning experience is needed. Your pilot is commercially licensed and the crew brief you clearly on boarding, landing positions and safety before inflation.
You simply need reasonable mobility to enter the basket and stand during the flight, plus the ability to walk across fields after landing.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
About the centre
Glastonbury
Operated by Chris Monk Ballooning, a partner of adventuro.