A flight in a hot air balloon is all about peace. If flying by plane is like driving a car on a busy motorway, gliding through the sky in a balloon is like taking a peaceful bike ride down country lanes: the breeze in your hair, the absence of noisy engines, and the pleasure of solitude. But the experience of flying isn’t just about being in the sky - it’s also about being above the ground. Pretty rural Monmouthshire provides the perfect scenery to look down on. Mountain and valley, town and castle, this region on the Welsh border is a treasure to discover, and we recommend doing it from the air.

It’s worth mentioning that this county hasn’t always been peaceful. Until relatively recently, the border between England and Wales was hotly contested and evidence of these struggles is visible to this day in the forms of ancient earthworks and mediaeval castles. Famous military leaders - King Henry V, famous for the battle of Agincourt, and Lord Nelson (for Trafalgar) - are also linked to the area, but with a couple of century’s separation from these events, as well as a couple of hundred metres, the background to your hot air balloon ride is sure to help you relax, unwind and enjoy the adventure.

Where to go on a balloon ride in Monmouthshire?

• Vale of Usk: charming mediaeval towns pepper this rolling landscape of the Vale of Usk, while herds of cattle graze the emerald grass between. Among the fields you’ll spy the Hen Gwrt moated site from the basket. This mysterious artificial island was the site of a Bishop’s residence and a hunting lodge, both of which have gone, leaving behind a tranquil oasis, surrounded by legend. A more striking historical monument lies outside Raglan, the imposing hexagonal fortification of Raglan Castle. Now semi-ruined, you’ll be able to peek inside the castle walls as you glide above it.

• The England-Wales Border: you’ll notice from your airborne viewpoint that this is a geographical and a historical boundary. Geographically, the beautiful Wye Valley separates the two countries - sometimes dramatically with gorges and cliffs. Human efforts to divide the countries can be seen nearby: Offa’s Dyke is an ancient earthwork, built by Anglo Saxon King Offa to mark the boundary between his land and the Welsh. At 240km long, it’s longer than Hadrian’s wall and is still visible in many parts of the Welsh borderlands.

• Brecon Beacons: to the West, the Brecon Beacons Hills will rise into view as you gain altitude. The prominent peak that stands out above the rest is called the Sugar Loaf, and is often mistaken for an extinct volcano given its conical shape. The Beacons National Park extends right across South Wales, covering over 500 square miles of wild Welsh landscape.

• Further afield: depending on the direction of your flight and the visibility, there’s a huge range of things you might see in the distance from the comfort of a hot air balloon. Without leaving the county, take in the views of Cardiff, the Severn Estuary and Bristol Channel, and further still the Somerset Coast and Lundy Island.

Meeting points

- The most common spot to take off in Monmouthshire is Llanarth. This is a tiny hamlet near the town of Raglan in the Vale of Usk, whose undulating plain means that there are no hills to obstruct the views and you can start sightseeing as soon as you take off. There are no motorways or main roads in the area, which means that you’ll enjoy peace and quiet throughout the lighter-than-air flight.

- On the river Wye, which separates Wales from England, the historic town of Monmouth is an alternative take off point. Natural beauty abounds in this area and you’ll have it just below your feet when you take to the skies. The Wye Valley winds its way towards the Severn Estuary, while the picturesque Forest of Dean sits just on the other side to the East.

How long does a ride last?

- Most hot air balloon trips last around one hour from takeoff to landing. This timeframe lets you ascend to an altitude of several hundred metres and travel around the area, taking in views of Monmouthshire that stretch out in 360 degrees. A common ballooning technique is to ascend to a low altitude and travel with the air currents in one direction, before ascending further and catching a current that flows in the opposite direction, to return to the ground as close as possible to the takeoff point. Where this isn’t possible, return transport to the starting location will be provided.

- It’s also possible to take a 4 hour balloon ride, you’ll travel across a wider area and enjoy even more expansive views. The route of each flight depends on the direction and speed of the wind, making every voyage a unique adventure. Whichever way the wind blows, in a place like this you’re guaranteed a ride to remember. And just to make sure that you don’t forget it, on every experience you can enjoy a glass of champagne to toast your success.

Requirements to do this activity

This unforgettable experience is perfect for any occasion. It could be that you’re on a family holiday in Monmouthshire and want to get a new perspective on the surrounding area. Maybe you’re looking for a romantic moment with your partner? Even large groups of friends, a birthday party or stag/hen do for example, or co-workers who’ve achieved a business goal can climb aboard together for a high class, high altitude celebration. Everyone who does the actividad gets a certificate to commemorate their experience, and to help persuade other people to come here and experience it in the same special way! The only requirement to fly is to be over 6 years old and to be accompanied by an adult or to be over 1.10 m tall, in order to see the landscape above the basket.

The adventure begins here - you just have to make a booking with us and we’ll do the rest. We’re waiting for you!