Hot Air Balloon Rides from York over Yorkshire
Treat yourself to a hot air balloon ride in an area of great natural beauty in Yorkshire. Yorkshire contrasts varied geography and weather conditions and makes for an interesting region for hot air balloon flights.
Only one balloon ride company offers a choice of different locations for Yorkshire balloon flights.
Virgin Balloon Flights iconic big red balloons launch from the following towns and cities across North, West and South Yorkshire.
Balloon rides from York Racecourse, known locally as the 'Knavesmire'
Leeds hot air balloon flights from the picturesque Lotherton Hall
Balloon flights from Harrogate, launching from Ripley Castle just north of the famous spa town
Doncaster balloon flights from the beautiful Cusworth Hall.
South Yorkshire balloon rides from Sheffield.
Once the capital city of England, York's Minster is claimed as the finest Gothic church in northern Europe and the city is renowned for its Roman, Viking, and Medieval heritage. North east of York and within an average balloon ride of York is Castle Howard, made famous in the production of Brideshead Revisited.
To the West and North of York the landscape is limestone country - lush green valleys (known locally as "dales") crested with white limestone cliffs ("scars") and limestone pavements cutting through wilder uplands beneath towering peaks ("fells") of dark millstone grit. Horton in Ribblesdale is a focal point for walkers on the Three Peaks and the area around here is well liked for caving and potholing. Nearby Ingleborough Hill hides the famous White Scar Caves with immense stalactites and stalagmites carved out over thousands of years by nature itself. Not far away is the Ribblehead viaduct, a marvel of Victorian engineering on the Settle to Carlisle Railway
Throughout the dales, fields and pastures are bounded by distinctive white drystone walls which criss-cross the hillsides in elaborate patterns; set against the limestone cliffs and escarpments these walls (which were originally built by sheep farmers in days gone by) look almost a natural part of the limestone scenery as viewed today. This vista was the inspiration for the internationally re-nown James Herriot stories.
Here are some things to do in Yorkshire, UK:
Visit York Minster: This historic cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe and offers tours, events, and beautiful views of the city.
Visit the National Railway Museum: This museum in York is dedicated to the history of rail travel and features a variety of trains and artifacts.
Visit the Leeds Castle: This historic castle in Kent is set on an island in a lake and offers tours, events, and beautiful gardens.
Visit the Royal Armouries: This museum in Leeds is dedicated to the history of arms and armor and features a variety of exhibits and live demonstrations.
Visit the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden: This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ripon includes the ruins of an abbey and a beautiful water garden.
Visit the Yorkshire Dales National Park: This national park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and rock climbing, as well as beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Visit the York Castle Museum: This museum in York tells the history of the city and has a variety of exhibits, including an interactive Victorian street.
Visit the Sheffield Botanical Gardens: This beautiful garden in Sheffield offers a variety of plants, flowers and a beautiful Victorian glass pavilion.
Visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr: This garden in Harrogate offers a variety of plants, flowers and a wide range of events and classes throughout the year.
Visit the York Dungeon: This interactive attraction in York takes visitors on a journey through the city's dark history, featuring live actors, special effects, and exhibits.