Hot Air Ballooning in Bristol & Bath
Bristol isn't only home to Europe's largest, free annual balloon fiesta - it's the ballooning capital of Great Britain! The hot air ballooning season runs from March to October with balloons mainly flying from well-known UK launch site Ashton Court Estate. You can spot a balloon flying somewhere in our region on most days in the summer, that is if the wind is light enough, of course! Balloon teams also fly from Keynsham as well as Royal Victoria Park and Maize Field nearby in Bath. We have 100 airworthy hot air balloons based around Bristol, which you can find more about below.
Have a look through this page to see which balloons you can expect to see in the skies and info about our flight updates.
Flight Updates for 2023
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STATUS: ACTIVE
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Go to LIVE FLIGHT UPDATES
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You can access this via our MJ Ballooning Live Flight Updates page, which will be updated every day AM and PM with flight status, number of balloons expected and meeting times. Of course, it won't always be flyable. Info will be available for Ashton Court and Royal Victoria Park only - Maize Field and Keynsham flights are not available. This is now active - 1st April to 31st October 2023.
For these updates and much more, follow MJ Ballooning on Facebook and Twitter. Follow on Instagram for our best ballooning photos and throwbacks.
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DOWNLOAD - 2023 Bristol & Bath Hot Air Balloon Guide
We have created a new guide for 2023 with every balloon you can see in the skies around Bristol and Bath. Simply download, print and enjoy!
Your challenge - try and spot as many as you can during this year’s season.
Launch Sites main sites in Bristol and Bath
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Ashton Court: Park in the car park via the Bower Ashton entrance (festival way). Walk around keeping the mansion house on your left and you will see the balloon teams setting up on the right. This is called the Ashton Court bowl and you can watch many different balloon teams fly from here.
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Royal Victoria Park: You can park in Charlotte St car park or in the park itself. Mainly ride balloons fly from Bath Park, known as RVP, taking off from the large open area in the centre. It's a beautiful setting on a fine summers evening for a flight!
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Wind Direction
Wind direction and speed are the main factors to consider when flying and planning a flight. Pilots will often aim for a particular landing site based on the forecast prior to take off and will use the wind at different levels to 'steer' the balloon as best they can. But ultimately, you never know where you will end up.
For flying from Ashton Court, NE (Bristol Airport) is a bad direction, which will see ride balloons mostly likely divert to Royal Victoria Park to get as far right as possible for their flight. Private balloonists would likely move to maize field in this situation. Anything around 8-15kts gradient (2000ft wind) from Ashton Court and SW-NW direction will allow for a perfect flight across Bristol. Complications may arise if there isn't enough wind to reach the other side of the city!
The trickiest wind direction in our region is a SE, which even from Bath will take the balloon straight over Bristol. Make sure you follow us for updates!
Hot Air Balloons in Bristol and Bath
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Here are the balloons that you can expect to see flying in Bristol and Bath from all different launch sites.
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Total active balloons: 105
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Passenger Balloons
Name: Virgin G-VBBF
Balloon Team: Virgin Balloon Flights Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Virgin G-VBAU
Balloon Team: Virgin Balloon Flights Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Virgin G-VBAO
Balloon Team: Virgin Balloon Flights Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Virgin G-VBBB
Balloon Team: Virgin Balloon Flights Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Tribute
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field |
Name: Thatchers Cider
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: Thatchers Cider
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: Bradfords
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: TVE Group
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: Huboo
Balloon Team: Bailey Exclusive Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Royal Crescent Hotel
Balloon Team: Bailey Exclusive Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Sabio
Balloon Team: Bailey Exclusive Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Anana
Balloon Team: Bailey Exclusive Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Keynsham, Newbridge |
Name: Polar Bear Windows
Balloon Team: Elite Air Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Cash4Cars
Balloon Team: Elite Air Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Poplar Insulation
Balloon Team: Sky High Ballooning Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: Xplosive Events / Illusion Fireworks
Balloon Team: Sky High Ballooning Flies From: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: G-JHNY
Balloon Team: The Hot Air Balloon Company Flies From: Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field |
Name: Bateman Skips
Balloon Team: The Hot Air Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Upper Swainswick |
Name: Pump Wright
Balloon Team: The Hot Air Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Upper Swainswick |
Name: Bath Gin
Balloon Team: Fly Away Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: G-OGIN
Balloon Team: Fly Away Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park |
Name: G-CIHN
Balloon Team: Airship & Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-CIXU
Balloon Team: Airship & Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-BTHF
Balloon Team: Airship & Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-XABC
Balloon Team: Airship & Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Special Shapes
Name: Orange
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham |
Name: Maxwell House Coffee Jar
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham |
Name: Slick the Dragon
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham |
Name: Joycam Lips
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Royal Victoria Park, Keynsham |
Name: Astro the Alien
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field |
Round Balloons
Name: Able Scaffolding
Balloon Team: Able Scaffolding Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Ben's Tiles
Balloon Team: SM Gauge & Ben's Tiles Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: SM Gauge Company
Balloon Team: SM Gauge & Ben's Tiles Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Southern Plasticlad
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: ETS Group
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Upper Swainswick |
Name: Prestige Grounds
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Upper Swainswick |
Name: V12 Footwear
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Upper Swainswick |
Name: Bristol Blue
Balloon Team: Bristol Blue Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field |
Name: #GoGlos Cricket
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Bristol County Ground, Dundridge Park |
Name: Ascent
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Red Box
Balloon Team: Red Box Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Belmont Estate
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field |
Name: B&A Group
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field, Ashton Court |
Name: Ginger Ninja G-GNJR
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-BVEN
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: David Hathaway G-BZFD
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: SP UK
Balloon Team: Able Scaffolding Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: ??? coming later in 2023
Balloon Team: Able Scaffolding Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: G-CHXF
Balloon Team: First Flight Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field |
Name: G-CLPD
Balloon Team: Gone with the Wind Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CGVY
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Novia
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Taittinger
Balloon Team: Phoenix Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CBVD
Balloon Team: Phoenix Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Bristol University
Balloon Team: BUHABS Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-CLPC
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: JLL
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Betty P
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: cj Hole
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-CGFY
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-MILE
Balloon Team: Miles Architectural Ironmongery Ltd Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Torex
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Bristol University
Balloon Team: BUHABS Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-CIND
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CLNX
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Rotork
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Royal Victoria Park (PM only) |
Name: G-CKTG
Balloon Team: Kubicek Balloons UK Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: Up / Down G-BZYY
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Keynsham, Maize Field |
Name: Silver Lining
Balloon Team: Gone with the Wind Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Stairway to Heaven
Balloon Team: Gone with the Wind Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Tik Tak G-CLTT
Balloon Team: Phoenix Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: G-CIOU
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: G-CKXA
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-BNPE
Balloon Team: Wind Beneath My Wings Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-BYHU
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Royal Victoria Park, Maize Field |
Name: G-BWEE
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: ???
Balloon Team: ??? Flies from: ??? |
Name: Cameron Balloons G-CKWW
Balloon Team: Cameron Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Chameleon Spray / Perfect Paint
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-BVFF
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field, Club Flyouts |
Name: Creative Developments
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field, Keynsham |
Name: G-PYRO
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Fishtank
Balloon Team: Flying Enterprises Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Zycomm G-BXUW
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: RVS
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Skymonkeys
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Maize Field |
Name: Snow Business G-KAYI
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Bishop Sutton, Club Flyouts |
Name: G-BRMU
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Club Flyouts |
Name: G-CSEE
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: G-OWLY
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Club Flyouts |
Name: G-WADZ
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Hoppers
Name: G-CIJJ Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-HEXE Hopper
Balloon Team: Gone with the Wind Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CIPD Hopper
Balloon Team: Gone with the Wind Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: BWS Standfast G-CJRK
Balloon Team: BWS Standfast Balloon Team Flies from: Ashton Court, Bishop Sutton |
Name: Fairy Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Club Flyouts |
Name: G-LORY Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-BVLA Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Name: Virgin G-BROJ Hopper
Balloon Team: Airship & Balloon Company Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CKSW Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Beat Hopper
Balloon Team: Cameron Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: G-CJOI Hopper
Balloon Team: Cameron Balloons Flies from: Ashton Court ^Photo: Matt Siera^ |
Name: G-BKFG Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court ^Photo: Tom Balson^ |
Name: G-CLPW Hopper
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Out of Area Balloons
Name: G-JHAA (out of area)
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court |
Name: Fly Navy (out of area)
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Unknown / Private |
Name: Bluebell (out of area)
Balloon Team: n/a Flies from: Ashton Court, Maize Field |
Non Airworthy Hot Air Balloons in Bristol and Bath
Here are some other balloons owned locally in Bristol and Bath, which could be tethered at local events and flyouts. Either too old to fly or without ARC.
Name: Choc Dips (no CofA)
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning |
Name: G-DIPZ (no CofA)
Balloon Team: MJ Ballooning |
Name: Bristol Balloon Collectors (70 balloons)
Click here to view the full collection. |
Name: G-LEXI
Balloon Team: Fresh Air Balloon Team |