Virgin Balloon Flights (Lancaster) - Hot Air Balloon Rides

Rising above Lancaster in a wicker basket before dawn breaks is properly exhilarating. Virgin Balloon Flights launches from sites around the Lancashire area, and you'll float silently over the Lune Valley and beyond - on a clear day the views stretch toward the Lake District fells. It's the sort of experience that sticks with you: the gentle heat of the burner, the landscape unfolding in slow motion beneath your feet, no engine noise, just wind and the occasional roar of flame.

This isn't for the wobbly-kneed, but if you've got a head for heights it's genuinely brilliant. Most flights last around an hour, though you should budget three to four hours total including the drive to the launch site, the pre-flight briefing, and the journey back. The landing can be bumpy - you're at the mercy of where the wind takes you - but that's half the charm.

It's pricey and weather-dependent, so you'll need to be flexible with dates. Summer mornings work best. Families with teenagers will love it; younger kids might find standing still in a basket for an hour tedious. Couples after something memorable - anniversaries, proposals - absolutely get their money's worth.

If you're basing yourselves at Hidden Hills Luxury Glamping nearby, this makes an unforgettable morning excursion before heading back for breakfast. Check their website for current prices and availability well in advance.