Virgin Balloon Flights (Huntingdon) - Hot Air Balloon Rides

Rising above the Cambridgeshire countryside in a wicker basket is about as far from an ordinary afternoon as you'll get. Virgin Balloon Flights operates from near Huntingdon, offering hot air balloon rides that genuinely do deliver that stomach-in-your-mouth thrill as you lift off the ground and the landscape shrinks beneath you. The flight itself lasts around an hour, though you'll need to factor in a good three hours total for the full experience - safety briefing, inflation of the balloon, the flight proper, and then the gentle landing and champagne celebration afterwards (yes, really). Early mornings are when they typically operate, which means you catch that soft golden light and clearer air. It's not cheap - expect to pay a fair whack for the privilege - but there's something properly magical about drifting silently over fields and villages at dawn. This isn't for the acrophobic or anyone with a nervous disposition, but for couples after an unforgettable experience or families with older teenagers keen on an adventure, it's genuinely brilliant. The area around Huntingdon suits ballooning perfectly. Flat terrain, open spaces, and enough room for safe landings. If you're camping at Grafham Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just a few miles away, booking a balloon flight as a special day out breaks up a week-long park holiday nicely - though I'd recommend booking well ahead. Check their website for availability and weather restrictions, which do apply.