The slow, peaceful nature and stunning panoramic views make flying in a hot air balloon a totally unique experience. Our Exeter hot air balloon rides in Devon offer spectacular views of the beautiful ancient city and its incredible surroundings. From the rolling green hills and little villages to the stunning rugged coastline, soak up the open-air views of the South while drifting through the wind.
Flying in a hot air balloon in Exeter, Devon
Exeter in Devon is one of England's most vibrant and historically rich cities. Its charming cobblestone streets, grand cathedral, and traces of Roman history make it an exciting destination to travel to. Our hot air balloon rides in Exeter are a great activity to add to your travel plans, giving you a memorable glimpse of the city from above and its incredible surroundings.
Step 1: Drive to the take-off site
For our flights in Exeter, we fly from Winslade Park, which lies just to the east of the city. If the winds decide to come from the other direction, we launch from the Blundell’s School in Tiverton, offering wonderful views over the historical building as you rise into the air.
Step 2: Set up and take off
Feel free to help with the setup and inflation, or stand back and watch as the hot air balloon takes shape. Once it’s time to hop into the basket, feel how quick and easy you’ll take off. As you drift into the sky, you’ll move with the wind, creating a sense of stillness in the balloon — with the occasional whoosh from the burner.
Step 3: Flight
Your hot air balloon ride in Exeter will hold a maximum of 8 people, giving it a more personal and comfortable feel than larger operators. The experience lasts 3-4 hours, taking you past some of the best sights of South West England.
Step 4: Landing
Once you’ve taken in all the beautiful sights the countryside and coast have to offer, you’ll return to the take-off site. While you gently and gradually descend back to the ground, watch how the pilot carefully picks a spot on the site.
For a lot of people, the landing is often the most fun. Your pilot will ask you to get in the pre-explained landing position and either make a drag landing or a gentle upright descent. Either way — it’s an adventure!
Things to see on a hot air balloon ride in Exeter
As we depart from Winslade Park (or our hot air balloon ride in Tiverton) and slowly elevate, witness how everything around you starts to become smaller. Exeter’s colourful city skyline is one of the first sites that pop into view whilst we climb into the air, floating just above the magnificent Exeter Cathedral.
While we keep climbing, look out over the beautiful rolling hills of the South West countryside, with green valleys dotted with trees and little villages in between. Flanked by Dartmoor National Park and East Devon National Landscape, you’ll spot some of the best nature in the region. From here, the southern beaches lie a mere stone’s throw away, where you’ll be able to spot the rugged coastlines and deep blues of the English Channel.
Where to go for food before/after your flight
Whether you’re doing an early flight in the morning — witnessing the fog lift above the beautiful hills as the sun comes up — or you’re on a dreamy tour during sunset, end the experience by grabbing something to eat in town. Exeter is full of delicious bakeries, cafes, and incredible restaurants tucked between the storybook alleys, so there’s plenty to choose from.
Try a quintessential Devonshire cream tea and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and local jam at ‘The Hidden Treasure Tearoom’. Or, grab a coffee and a hearty breakfast at a popular downtown cafe like ‘Mango’s Cafe & Bar’ or ‘The Glorious Art House’.
For dinner, choose a riverside bistro like ‘Rockfish’ for fresh seafood or a cosy pub serving traditional British eats in the north of town. If you feel more like international meals, plenty of restaurants are dotted across town catering to all tastes, from Nepalese to Italian or Middle Eastern.
- The Hidden Treasure Tearoom
- Mango’s Cafe & Bar
- The Glorious Art House
- Rockfish
- Firehouse
- River Cottage at Axminster (Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall).
- The Prospect Inn
- City Gate
- The Turks Head
- Al-Farid
- Turtle Bay Exeter
Other unique experiences in the area
Once you’re back from your Devon hot air balloon ride and have your feet on the ground, it’s well worth exploring the other incredible things to do in Exeter.
Quayside
Wander along Exeter’s peaceful and historic Quayside, a charming waterfront district in town. Here, you’ll stroll past centuries-old warehouses, now fully transformed into fun shops, cafes, and restaurants. Soak up the river views, go on a boat trip, or join in on one of the many events held along the river.
Exeter Cathedral
The stunning Exeter Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Devon, is one of the town's highlights. After witnessing it from the sky in our Exeter hot air balloon ride, explore the cathedral on the ground, immersing yourself in the history and architecture of this iconic landmark.
Note: The building is open from 9:30 am - 4:45 pm on Mondays to Fridays and from 9 am - 4:45 pm on Saturdays. On Sundays, doors open at 11:30 am and close at 3 pm. Entrance to the cathedral costs £7.50 for adults and £6 for seniors and students. Children under 18 go in for free.
Powderham Castle
Nestled on the banks of the River Exe lies the magnificent historic estate of Powderham Castle, dating back over 600 years. While you wander around the lavish site, it’s as if you’ve stepped back in time. There's lots to marvel at, whether it’s the building's grand rooms, enchanting gardens, or deer park.
Tickets: Entry costs £14.95 for adults, £13.95 for seniors, and £10.95 for children. Kids under 5 go in for free, and families can get a discount. The castle also offers free returns within 7 days to soak up more of the estate. Opening times are Sunday - Friday from 10:00 am to 4 pm, and the castle is closed on Saturdays.
Dartmoor National Park
If you’re craving more outdoor adventure after your hot air balloon ride in Devon, explore the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, which is full of rugged landscapes and ancient stone circles. The large stone tors, picturesque valleys, and wild ponies that roam freely across the landscape make it one of the most scenic spots in the South West.
Jurassic Coast
Take a day trip to the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, known for its stunning cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. Explore hidden coves and fossil-rich beaches while you enjoy a walk, soaking up the beautiful vistas along the historic coastline.