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Balloon Ride

Lake District Balloon Flights

The Lake District can provide balloon flights over the some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in England. This was the area that inspired William Wordsworth, Samuel Coleridge Taylor and others in the "Lake Poets" group. Confirming it's appeal are it's five tallest mountains, the longest and deepest lake in the country, national parks and designated areas of outstanding national beauty.

Its features including the U shaped valleys now filled with lakes were formed during the ice ages over 10,000 years ago. From your balloon flight basket over the Cumbrian countryside you may view the peaks of Skiddaw, Helvellyn or Scafell, the tallest of the twenty five Lakeland Peaks that are over 2,500 feet high.

Flying in the Lake District on hot air balloon flights with its changeable weather requires careful planning. Flights are either made in the lighter low level winds to keep within one lake area or if conditions permit and there is enough wind you may be able to "go over the tops" to fly from one Lakeland area to the next. In either situation foremost in the pilot's mind will be to land close to somewhere that provides access to recover both the balloon and passengers.

You can take a hot air balloon flight over the Lake District with Virgin Balloons Flights.

Here are some things to do in the Lake District, UK:

  1. Hike: The Lake District offers some of the best hiking in the UK, with trails that take you to the top of peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn and Skiddaw, as well as through valleys, forests and lakes.

  2. Boating and watersports: You can explore the beauty of the lakes by taking a cruise on Windermere, Coniston Water or Ullswater, or try your hand at kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding.

  3. Visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery: This gallery in Hawkshead is dedicated to the famous children's author, who wrote many of her books in the Lake District.

  4. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction: This attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere is a fun and interactive way to explore the stories of Beatrix Potter.

  5. Visit the Treetop Trek: This adventure park near Windermere offers treetop ropes courses and zip lines with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

  6. Visit the Keswick Museum and Art Gallery: This museum in Keswick tells the story of the area through exhibits of art, artifacts, and photographs.

  7. Visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle: This ancient stone circle is one of the oldest and most impressive in Britain, dating back to around 3,000 BC.

  8. Visit the Rheged Centre: This cultural center in Penrith offers a variety of exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.

  9. Visit the Honister Slate Mine: This working slate mine in the Lake District offers guided tours of the mine, rock climbing, and unique shopping experience.

  10. Visit the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway: This historic railway offers scenic train rides through the beautiful Eskdale Valley.