With our flights now fulfilled by Virgin Balloon Flights, launch sites in Cornwall have changed. See the Locations page on Virgin Balloon Flights website for an up to date list of locations.
Cornwall, famous for its dramatic coastline, golden surfing beaches, beautiful rolling countryside and tasty pasties, Cornwall is a fantastic choice for your hot air balloon ride in the South West of England.
All of our hot air balloon rides in Cornwall meet between Bodmin and Launceston thus placing us in the centre of the county as the Balloon is directed purely by the wind. Perfectly placed for easy access via the A30 & A39 from the popular towns and holiday resorts in Cornwall such as Wadebridge, Camelford, Minions, Padstow, Liskeard, Looe, St Austell, Truro, Newquay and Falmouth. Our Devon and South East Cornwall residents and visitors have the choice of conveniently placed meeting locations in either Cornwall or South and Mid/East Devon – you could even try both!
Choose to launch from the beautiful, historic market town of Launceston or the pretty, ancient village of 5 Lanes. North Cornwall has spectacular landscape and dramatic coastline where nearly one third of the region is a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty. From the sky you could fly over Beacon Hill, Bodmin Moor, many striking country houses, medieval castles and numerous places of interest. Views stretch for miles, in the north to Lundy Island and the breath taking cliffs of Forrabury, to the east Exmoor and Dartmoor and to the west King Arthur’s Tintagel, Port Isaac and the surfing centres of Newquay and Rock.
Balloon flights from our Cornwall locations are normally within the Bodmin, Launceston, Bude, Okehampton, Tavistock and Liskeard area:
Launceston: Lies on the Devon & Cornwall border between the Moors of Dartmoor and Bodmin. A busy market town with an attractive market square hosting a wide range of shops mixed amongst Georgian houses and narrow streets, the town still retains a traditional atmosphere. Launceston Castle, stands on a large natural mound and dominates the surrounding landscape. The castle was originally used to control the river crossing in and out of Cornwall. On the outskirts of Launceston you’ll also find Holmleigh Garden Centre, one of our balloon ride meeting locations in Cornwall.
Liskeard: An ancient Stannary and market town lying above the Looe River valley. The town has narrow traffic free streets with a range of shops many of which specialise in unique local produce.
Bude: A seaside town on the heritage Atlantic coast that is known for some of the best surfing in the country. The town is on the South West’s coastal path and also has the famous Bude canal, which runs to Holsworthy and onto Launceston. The canal was original used to carry sea sand, which was rich in calcium and used inland by farmers for improvement in poorly fertilised soil, it ceased being used for commercial reasons in the 1930’s.
Okehampton: Surrounded by moorland and with dramatic views of the highest peaks in Dartmoor and granite tors. The town dates back to the Bronze Age and a short distance from the town centre are substantial ruins of Okehampton Castle, built during the Norman times.
Tavistock: By the River Tavy Tavistock is a stunning area with views to Dartmoor and wooded valleys. Tavistock is an energetic town well known for its various markets, including weekly markets of craft, antiques and collectables, and Friday’s traditional charter market with Organic and farmers produce. In October it also hosts the annual Goosey Fair.
Bodmin: North Cornwall’s largest town and formally the capital of the county. The town is situated on the famous Bodmin Moor a dramatic landscape with mass areas of unspoilt moorland and granite tors, laid with prehistoric and medieval past remains. The moor has been the inspiration for many writers and poets.
Address: Homeleigh Garden Centre, Dutson, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 9SP
Telephone:
OS Map Info: 201 (340 858)
Very well known garden centre ½ mile north of Launceston on the A388 Launceston to Holsworthy road. Meet at the entrance to the car park. Café/restaurant facilities during opening hours.
