When to Fly
Our flights take place throughout the whole year. With the main flying season being March to October.
We fly twice a day, once in the morning about an hour or so after sunrise and again in the evening about 2 hours before sunset. It is at these time the conditions are most favorable for balloons to fly and, of course, all flights depend on suitable weather conditions. For safety’s sake and passenger’s enjoyment & comfort we do not fly in strong winds, rain or poor visibility. Your enjoyment, comfort and of course Safety is our paramount concern.
Weather Conditions
When you receive your Flight / Gift Voucher you will find our Flight Information Telephone Number printed on it. As Ballooning requires ideal weather conditions we take regular up-dates from the met office. When you choose your flight date, you will be asked to Telephone this number either the evening before a Morning Flight or on the flight day for an afternoon / evening flight.
At this time we can confirm the suitability of weather conditions also the exact meeting, time and where to meet at Trentham. Should you be unlucky and your flight is cancelled due to weather conditions passengers can re-schedule flights at their convenience. Remember vouchers are valid for 12 months
The Flight Itself ( 1 to 1 ½ hours)
Whether you choose a morning or evening flight, floating gracefully out of The Trentham Estate and over the Staffordshire and Shropshire countryside in the Trentham Balloon is just Magical making an ideal platform for photography. The flight will last for between one and one and a half hours giving you plenty of time to take those photos. (You will need to allow about 4 hours for the whole experience) during which time you can ask your pilot for the answers to all those questions. One of the most interesting parts of ballooning is drifting with the wind nobody knows just where it will take you. Whilst we are on our ‘magical mystery tour’ the ground crew are following the balloon by road and in radio contact with the pilot.
Landing
When the time comes your pilot will decide on a suitable landing site to bring you back to earth. Once the balloon has landed the ground crew will find the land owner, gain permission to come in to the field where the balloon will be load on-to the trailer, we will then return you to Trentham to be reunited with friends and relatives who have been waiting for you, keen to hear all about your "Magical Experience". At this point you will be presented with a personalised flight certificate signed by your pilot and we will toast the flight in the traditional manner with a glass of champagne.
What Should I Wear
Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year, “and a hat” to protect you from the heat of the burners. It is also Strongly Recommended that your clothing is of 'Natural Fibers' (i.e. wool, cotton,) and that long sleeves & trousers should be worn. Temperatures in the air are similar to those on the ground. Waterproof footwear is ideal especially in wet ground conditions (NO HIGH HEELS PLEASE)
Any Questions? Click here to view our “frequently asked questions” pageMeeting At Trentham
When you arrive at the meeting point you will be greeted by a member of our crew and given full instructions & information about what to do next. We will than proceed to the launch field where the crew (you can help if you wish) will prepare the balloon for inflation. Once this is done your pilot will give all passengers a Full Safety Briefing (this is a mandatory requirement under the Air Navigation Order). Once safety is taken care of the inflation begins, within 10 to 15 minutes your pilot will be inviting you to climb aboard. Within no time at all we are leaving the ground to the cheers and waves from friends and family, off on your ballooning adventure.
Where do you fly over
Flights from this amazing site can take you over the beautiful Staffordshire countryside with breathtaking views of Staffordshire, Shropshire, Cheshire & the Peak District & what’s more you will be flying in the brand new Trentham hot air balloon specifically designed for your comfort and enjoyment. The balloon launches from various locations within the Trentham Estate, the meeting point will either be via the main entrance (North Gate) or at what was the ‘caravan park entrance’ now signed for Trentham Estate Office.
The Launch Site
The Trentham Estate.
Our balloons launch from The Trentham Estate. Most people will remember this site as Trentham Gardens. The site has been undergoing extensive re-development and at the completion of the 3rd phase of development Trentham has reverted to its historic name of The Trentham Estate.
Click Here to discover the Trentham Estate Website!
The former Trentham Gardens has been renamed and taken its historic name from the Duke of Sutherland era of The Trentham Estate. Over the past 4 years the 750 acre site has been going through a £100 million pound re-generation programme and has been the site of an amazing renaissance. The owners, St Modwen, have sympathetically restored the old and cleverly integrated the modern. The estate is now one of Staffordshire’s top visitor attractions. From the Award Winning Italian Gardens to the ‘Scandinavian style’ shopping mall, monkey forest, garden centre, outdoor activities plus much much more. Visit www.trenthamleisure.co.uk for more information or even better visit Trentham in person for the full experience.
Situated on the A34 Stoke to Stafford road, 2 miles East off J15 of the M6.
Approximate travel times to Trentham.
Manchester 1 hourBirmingham 45 minutes
Chester 30 minutes
Derby 30 minutes
Telford 30 Minutes
Stafford 20 Minutes
Market Drayton / Eccleshall 15 Minutes
Directions to The ‘Old’ Caravan Park Entrance
Coming from STONE on the A34 carry on the A34 Past the North Entrance to the traffic lights, at the lights Turn left signed to Hanchurch, after about 50 metres turn first left (you will see a sign for Trentham Estate Offices. Follow this road to the end you will see a bridge with green metal railings go over the bridge follow the road to the right, past the church and you will come into the estate security car park where we will meet you.
Directions to North Entrance.
This entrance is off the A34 you will see the sign board for The Trentham Estate NORTH ENTRANCE turn in here and at the mini island follow the road to the left driving to the end of this road you will see a large white marquee and this will be the meeting point.
Alternative launch site
Should you wish to fly from your own chosen launch site this may be possible for group bookings or for our charter flight service. All alternative launch sites would be subject to a site inspection. If you are interested please telephone for our advice.