Bucket list experience:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
For an alternative view of Bath’s sublime architecture, and for soaking up the scenery of the rolling hills of north Somerset that surround this picturesque city, take to the sky in a hot-air balloon.
There are private and Champagne options for something more extravagant, and even piloting lessons available here for budding balloonists.
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Destination Guide >Take-off is from Victoria Park – your balloon tour operator will tell you the precise location to head for. A round trip takes three to four hours, with the flight lasting around an hour.
There’s no minimum age, but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must be able to stand unsupported for an hour. Children under 6 are usually too small to see over the top of the basket.
Dress as if you’re going for a country walk – your balloon may land in a field. And bring a hat as the burners are surprisingly hot.
The ballooning season runs from March to October. Flights usually depart around 6am or 6pm.
Dawn and dusk are the most delightful times for viewing the city; they’re also the most reliable times of day for still air, which is essential.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
The city’s finest, most luxurious hotel is set I the middle of this dazzling crescent of Grade I listed Georgian townhouses. For dreamers, film stars and spa lovers.
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Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
A Gothic-tinged, classic country house hotel is a luxury retreat with landscaped gardens, a modern spa and exceptional food. Everything you need for an indulgent spa and foodie break.
Official star rating:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
Contemporary, stylish hotel spread across four Georgian townhouses on a classic Bath street.
Official star rating:
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
No need to head to the often-busy Thermae Spa to get the full benefit of Bath’s healing waters – the gorgeous Gainsborough Hotel, which shouts luxury throughout, has its own thermal pools in its in-house spa, right in the city centre.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)
A lovely west country city of world-class Georgian architecture, ancient and modern spas, and an atmosphere of romance and refinement.
United Kingdom (UK)
Bristol is the beating heart of the UK’s South West, with an offbeat focus on culture and the arts plus interactive history, a cutting-edge independent food scene and street eats all on offer.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
A unique modern spa with steam rooms and showpiece rooftop pool, that uses Bath’s natural thermal water.
Best for ages: 12+ | £38
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[1.2 miles]
The historic Grand Pump Room next door has a fountain spouting genuine mineral-rich Bath spa water for tasting. It also does an enjoyable afternoon tea, a popular and highly recommended way to round off your visit.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
Castle Combe, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (UK)[15.5 miles]
One of England’s prettiest villages, Castle Combe is a perfectly-preserved slice of medieval life, with a pub that has been open for more than 500 years.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)[19.2 miles]
One of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is a spectacular sight, 75 metres above the dramatic geography of Avon Gorge.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
Part museum, part house of horrors, this spooktacular celebration of Mary Shelley and her most infamous creation is good fun for older children as well as for hardcore Shelley fans, and definitely less twee than Jane Austen’s offerings.
Best for ages: 12+ | £13
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
Style worshippers will love this walk through the fashions of the 18th century through to modern-day garb – the Dress of the Year exhibition is a highlight. The museum is located on the lower ground floor of the Assembly Rooms, and the lofty Ball Room is worth a peek.
Best for ages: 8+ | £10
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
Step inside one of Austen’s novels (Northanger Abbey and Persuasion were both set in Bath) at this elegant town house, on the same street where the author lived. The Centre offers an interactive snapshot of Regency life, fashion and food as well as insights into Austen herself.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12
Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
The cheery cluster of wooden cabins that take over the city centre from mid-November attracts a throng of shoppers, but is still well worth wandering through on a Christmas weekend trip if you fancy meeting local makers and sampling festive foodie treats.
Best for ages: Any | Free
