Hot Air Balloon Rides Cornwall 6 prices and offers 2025

Cornwall, the Southwest extremity of England, has long been the envy of other English counties for its landscapes, history and legends. Surely the best way to discover this unique corner of the United Kingdom is to take a unique trip far above the ground - in a hot air balloon. From the basket of this lighter-than-air aircraft you’ll be able to see the land of King Arthur, Merlin and the knights of the round table.

The Cornish scenery mixes dramatic coastlines to North and South with rolling hills, ancient woodlands and picturesque villages - we can’t think of a better way to take all this in than by flying gracefully through the air in a hot air balloon. If you’re planning a holiday to Newquay, Bude or St. Ives, get to know the area on a grand scale with one of these balloon flights. Keep reading to find out about the top flying experiences, each one at an attractive price.

Where are the best places to go ballooning in Cornwall?

• Newquay: the most famous surfing beaches in the country are found in Newquay. Flying above the coastline you’ll be able to pick out the best spots to catch the biggest waves, and impress your friends in the surf the next day.

• Launceston: on the border with neighbouring Devon, Launceston is the gateway to Cornwall. Launceston Castle with its high central tower has stood on the top of St Stephen’s Hill for a thousand years. Higher still than this ancient fortification, you’ll get the best views of the castle and town on a ballooning ride.

• Bodmin: this pretty town lies to the Southwest of Bodmin Moor, 80 square miles of treeless, granite wilderness. It’s great for hill walking, but if you prefer to take it in from a more leisurely viewpoint, we recommend climbing aboard a hot air balloon and getting the bird’s eye view. As well as the moorland, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the Cornish coast as Bodmin is located less than ten miles away from the River Camel estuary on the North coast to the Carlyon Bay on the South.

• Bude: repeatedly named Best UK Coastal Resort by the British Travel Awards, Bude has it all. Its colourful beach huts, shoreline rock formations and coast paths are a magnet for holiday makers, and you won’t be able to take your eyes off them from the vantage point of a hot air balloon.

• Liskeard: nestled amongst patchwork fields is Liskeard, an ancient market town. It was an important economic centre when the main industry of Cornwall was tin mining, and the hills rich in this mineral are located nearby. It’s the perfect place for a ballooning trip.

• St. Ives: haven for artists since the Victorian era, St. Ives sits on a headland between two bays. The best way to appreciate this fantasy setting is from the air. A hot air balloon ride will give you views over the town, Godrevy lighthouse, and the seal colony on Seal island and leave you inspired.

Meeting points

- Dutson: located outside Launceston not far from the county line, lies Dutson, a small hamlet set amongst rolling hills and patchwork fields. Rise above this undulating landscape in the basket of a hot air balloon to get a new perspective on the area. From this vantage point you’ll be able to see up to 40 miles in each direction - to the seaside town of Bude on North coast to Okehampton in neighbouring Devon. The ballooning experience offered in Dutson includes a champagne toast to celebrate a special occasion, or, for early risers, to greet the sunrise and the dawn of a new day.

- Bodmin: in recent years the name Bodmin has become well known for reported sightings of a beast - perhaps a leopard or other large cat - stalking the ruggedly beautiful Bodmin Moor. If you want the chance to see it, without running the risk of becoming its prey, climb aboard a hot air balloon and get a bird’s eye view. As well as the moorland, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the Cornish coast as Bodmin is located less than ten miles away from the River Camel estuary on the North coast to the Carlyon Bay on the South. This balloon ride is the perfect way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, engagement or any other special occasion, all are catered for in Bodmin.

- Liskeard: the exact route of your hot air balloon flight from Liskeard will be determined by the wind conditions on the day of your booking - so no two rides will be the same! Whichever way the wind carries you, your guide will talk you through the landscape and landmarks that can be seen from the basket. The port of Plymouth is a short distance to the Southeast, while Looe Island Nature Reserve to the South and Bodmin Moor to the Northwest some of finest natural features, and they look great from the air.

How long does a ride last?

Short and long rides are on offer in this region. From Dutson the trip will last one hour, enough time to take in the breathtaking scenery, while leaving you time in the day to see it close-up. From Bodmin, the typical length of a ride is 3.5-4 hours. If you’re not in a hurry, enjoy a moment of quiet contemplation hanging suspended in mid air with the Cornish landscape laid out like a picnic blanket below you.

Rides are available at sunrise and sunset. You’ll love seeing the colours change in the sky and across the rugged Cornish coastlines and landscapes as the sun rises or sinks into the Atlantic ocean. Upon landing you’ll receive a commemorative certificate so that you’ll never forget this once in a lifetime experience - the perfect souvenir of your holidays.

Necessary requirements to participate

The hot air balloons that are available in boast commodious baskets so that no one is left out. In Dutson, up to 12 people can ride together in a balloon, making it the perfect option for a family or two, or a party of friends. Bodmin’s balloons have a capacity of up to 9 people, so you can enjoy this unique experience with your loved ones.

Children of seven and up are welcome on board, so that the whole family can be together. They’ll love watching the beaches of Newquay, the tower of Launceston Castle or the twin bays of St. Ives getting smaller and smaller below them, and will talk about the flight for years to come.

This is an ideal choice if you’ve got something to celebrate. Graduation, golden wedding anniversary or business deal, mark the occasion with the ride of your life.

So now that you know all about the options, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and make a reservation!