Wickers World Hot Air Balloon Flights

Please read before booking a balloon flight! We had an excellent experience and highly recommend them. The flights are subject to weather conditions that go beyond just wether it’s raining or not. Winds that are too strong or gusting to high make it unsafe to fly, as well as fog, mist, low cloud etc so do not presume that as long as it’s not raining your flight will go ahead. We had to reschedule four times because of weather in a five month period but there was another couple that had waited almost two years. So be prepared that you may not fly on your chosen date. That said, it was an amazing experience! Andrew, our pilot, Carl and Martin, ground crew, were all friendly, knowledgeable, helpful and most importantly all about safety. The basket holds 16 people which doesn’t feel cramped. We had a morning flight which meant being on site by 6am and we took off just after 7. We all helped set the balloon up and pack it away after. Andrew kept us informed throughout the experience and was great at pointing areas of interest out to us. The whole trip was videod, which we had the option to purchase afterwards. You need to be able to walk through fields which may be muddy so walking boots are ideal. There is some heat given off especially during take off so a baseball cap or similar is advised. As we travel the same speed as the wind, you don’t feel the wind. Climbing in and out of the basket requires good mobility. The flight was about an hour so between set up, the flight, and packing up it’s about three hours so make sure and use the toilet before hand as there aren’t any in the fields. You don’t really need anything other than your phone/camera so it’s best not to bring handbags, purses, backpacks etc. The views are great no matter where you are standing.we had such a great experience I highly recommend it!

I would give WIckers World 6 stars if I could - we had such a brilliant balloon experience with them. Life was made very difficult with the pandemic but we were regularly informed and updated throughout.They don't lie when saying you may need to book numerous attempts before being successful - I think we eventually got out flight on our 6th booking. We read all of the information and were more than happy and prepared for this eventuality so I found it contributed toward excitement on the day.We met early in the chilly but sunny field and after witnessing the inflation and safety brief we were soon floating above the glorious Cotswolds.Jon our pilot was professional, charming and incredibly knowledgeable with all questions answered in- depth and enthusiastically. I could listen to his anecdotes for days.The flight itself was such a surreal experience, it is so calm and quiet because you're flying with the wind and understanding how the balloon actually works contributes toward the experience.If I could go and work for them I really would - I can't wait to go flying agin sometime soon!

We had a fabulous experience. We were very lucky in being able to fly at our first attempt - the weather conditions on the day have to be suitable (no rain, very low wind speed, and high cloud base). After rain the previous night our day was glorious sun and blue sky. We flew from Tissington (Derbyshire) on an early morning flight. Mist was lying in the valleys, giving spectacular views. We found Wickers World to be very professional and efficient and very easy to deal with, from initial booking (with a good choice of available dates), update on weather forecast by phone the night before, to thorough preparation of the balloon and our safety briefing. Our pilot was very friendly, describing the flight procedure and pointing out landmarks as we flew, reaching a height of more than 3,000 ft before our very smooth landing. The only downside is the English weather - expect your flight to be cancelled 3 or 4 times before you get a successful flight (but the night-before phone briefings mean you don't usually have to travel there to find that your flight has had to be cancelled that day)

Fantastic experience with friendly crew. Perfect conditions and smooth booking process. Yes, you may have to try several times before a flight happens but they don't control the weather!

The best birthday gift ever - my mom got me a hot air balloon ride for my birthday as I've always wanted to go in one. We had booked 1 - 2 times before but was cancelled due to the weather. It is so worth the wait! I am definitely booking again, I want to do it all over again!! I was so nervous beforehand but once you are in you feel at ease. Jon our pilot was fantastic and very knowledgeable. It was an amazing experience seeing all the wildlife from above, we were in the air for over an hour. I would highly recommend to anyone! It was also good fun mucking in and helping pack away the balloon. Thanks again Wickers World for providing this amazing experience.

Jon was a brilliant balloon pilot! The whole trip was a wonderful experience. I am not one for early mornings but this was definitely worth the early alarm! We had such lovely weather, the views were amazing! Thank you :)

An incredible experience from start to finish. Pre flight information was thorough and strongly recommend you make sure to read it all. We flew on our second attempt, but had people in our party that had taken alot more than that to get up in the air. Booking this experience does take patience and is always dictated by the weather, wind and safety conditions. First attempt we were given the green light, got to the location for 630am and then never made it in the air due to wind speed so had to be called off. However, our flight experience was WELL WORTH THE WAIT.Second attempt, we arrived at the location in Derbyshire, helped set up the balloon, were guided through health and safety and really looked after by out pilot. The morning was incredible and everyone got involved to help get the balloon ready for flight, that in itself was a beautiful experience to be part of. Our pilot was extremely knowledgeable and clearly has a passion for Derbyshire and exploring the air. We saw all of our favourite spots including Dovedale, Carsington Waters and Chatsworth. The pilot shared his experiences and favourite spots during the flight and even gave us some breakfast recommendations for afterwards. We were in the air for about an hour. Top tip - take a baseball cap it gets hot up there! Also walking boos as recommended are a must! We landed in a wet muddy field and these were essential. Our landing was bouncy so be prepared to hold on but it's fun and all part of the experience. We helped pack down the balloon and get into the bag and things on the truck before being driven back to our cars to end the morning. We were presented with our flight certificates to end the morning and left extremely happy. This was a gift for my partners 40th Birthday and was truly magnificent. We've now seen our favourite walking locations from above and created an incredible memory and experience we will never forget! We purchased the in-flight pictures to add to the others we took during the flight and looking back at them just doesn't show how magical this experience was. Amazing, customer service and communication from all staff we encountered, thank you!!

Wonderful trip, very professional pilot and crew. Great experience. Highly recommended but be prepared to wait for good weather!