First Flight

First Flight

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles373 reviews
Excellent
369
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0

David G
Portsmouth, UK1 contribution
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
We booked the Sunday evening flight for this years balloon fiesta, and paid a premium for it (an extra £100 each). We travelled up from Portsmouth to made a weekend of it, going to the fiesta on the Saturday and seeing the mass assent on Saturday evening, then watching the 'nightglow', which were both spectacular, then enjoying sightseeing in Bristol on the Sunday morning and heading for the fiesta in the afternoon.
As it transpired, the wind direction wasn't good for flying in the afternoon, as it was blowing out toward the Bristol channel (not ideal when in a balloon), so the flight was cancelled last minute (nobody's fault, we fully appreciate that safety is the number 1 priority). So we were told to contact First Flight during the week to make alternative arrangements. Which we did.
We thought we may be able to carry the flight over till next years fiesta (as we'd paid the premium), even if we had to pay a bit extra to but no, we were told we could only book a date within the next year to 'use our voucher', (or pay another £50 to carry it over till next year - but NOT the fiesta dates) no refund of the £200 premium (for the both of us) we paid, we were just sent a copy of the T's & C's explaining that there were no refunds, nor could we carry the voucher over to next years fiesta. So yes, our fault for not reading them properly, so we're just warning others, if your flight is cancelled because of the weather, you have to shoulder the costs of getting to Bristol (or Bath or Cheddar) to use your voucher. In the end the balloon flight cost us over £1000, what with hotels & travelling expenses.
We could have booked a balloon flight local to Portsmouth for £400, but it was the draw of the fiesta that took us to Bristol.
On the plus side, the flight we did end up taking was amazing, we would recommend everyone to do it at least once. Richard, our pilot, was great, had lots of ballooning stories from around the world. We felt safe, even though we were both very nervous beforehand. Getting us to assist in inflating (and deflating) the balloon was good too, made you feel part of it all - "all part of the experience" Richard told us with a smile. When we were in the air it was breath-taking, the view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the gorge, the colourful houses, SS Great Britain, the whole of Bristol city below us ... amazing, serene, peaceful, people waving at us from below, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
So yes, do it, especially if you live close to Bristol, but otherwise think carefully about getting there and all the other associated costs if you need to rebook. And read the T's & C's
Written October 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explorer21389060534
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Family
We signed up for a private balloon flight for our family of 3, imagining we’d take off from Ashton Court and fly over Bristol in lovely evening sunshine. We actually ended up taking off from Langford and flying less than 3 miles near Cheddar in cloud, but it was a totally brilliant experience. Everything was great – the Thatcher’s balloon with classic (tiny) wicker basket, the theatre of blowing it all up, fantastic views (over 60 miles to Port Talbot & Devon), perfect landing greeted by the cows in the next field, champagne at sunset, loads of great photos and even a video of the whole trip afterwards. Nick and Steve were really jolly and informative and made it all feel like a real event (which it was). I would 100% recommend First Flight if you want to do a balloon ride near Bristol – nobody could do it better!
Written September 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David W
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Friends
Our pilot (Nick) and the ground crew (Jon and Steve) made the experience feel safe and gave us a memory of a lifetime. Thanks very much - thoroughly recommend.

We booked our flight for early October and after a couple of weather cancellations managed to get our flight in late October. Beautiful views and great fun getting involved with set up and pack away. One party member was a nervous flyer but the professionalism and care of the team put them at ease and they enjoyed the flight.
Written October 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Deborah T
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Friends
Although initially hoping for an evening flight over Bristol we took advantage of the better weather in early morning and had a sunrise flight out of Glastonbury. It was absolutely magical, rising into the air as the sun came up over Glastonbury Tor. Nick filled us with confidence and pointed out various points along the way, ending in a perfectly gentle landing and celebratory champagne toast. Can’t wait to do this again. Thanks Nick and the team.
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jeremiah F
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
Nick and his crew were amazing. We were vacationing from America and due to weather we were delayed but luckily it cooperated before we had to depart.

We have been on a flight in the states and their professionalism, knowledge and skill was the best we have seen. We had 5 time first fliers and Nick used his outstanding and warm personality to lighten up and make our children comfortable as they were nervous.

The scenery was amazing, the trip was smooth and we were able to finish the trip off with some fizzy and cider. Not only was the experience great but we felt we made new friends.

5 stars was not enough on this rating. We had an amazing British adventure but this was the highlight.

Britain does many things better than the states and flying big balloons is definitely one.
Written October 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CharlieSeagull
Bath, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Family
Reinforcing the 5 star reviews - an excellent trip. The vagaries of the British weather didn't work to our advantage three times this summer but Nick and team always kept us informed and well in advance when a postponement occurred. We finally took off in early September on a beautiful evening over Bath. Nick and Steve looked after us very well, I felt we were in the hands of professionals and very safe and all with a dose of good humour. Landing was exceptionally smooth. Finally, I had my 10 year old daughter with me and she had a fantastic time - credit to Nick and Steve for making her feel welcome and safe.
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jill T
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
Our balloon trip was a wonderful and joyful experience. Nick and Steve were brilliant, friendly and fun, but also very capable and we felt safe all the time. We flew over the iconic Bristol Suspension Bridge and spotted lots of familiar places. It was moving to see everyone going about their lives from high above, especially when they looked up and waved to us. Children cheered, dogs barked and tennis players waved their rackets ! We met so many friendly people at take off and landing. All the world, it seems, loves a balloon!
Written October 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Greg Maddocks
Wrington, UK2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
From the beginning booking a flight to the flight itself first flight were first class. Very informative and helpful and dealing with a person not an automated online platform was great.
There were Amazing views over Bristol and beyond, we did an evening flight in September so we were able to catch the sun setting and the weather was clear.
We had to reschedule a few times due to the weather but Nick and the team were very accommodating.
During the flight Nick was very knowledgable about the area and took the time to answer many questions.
Finishing up with a bottle of cider when we landed was a nice touch. Would highly recommend!
Written September 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Philippa R
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Family
5 of us over 3 generations had a fabulous experience with First Flight. For 3 of us it was the first balloon flight and what a time we had. The A crew (I'm sure that's what Richard and John told us!) flew from Churchill over the Mendips to Cheddar. We had hoped to go out of Ashton Court over Bristol but, you know, weather! And the magical flight over the trees and the landscape was just as brilliant as we imagined it might be, if not better. Thoroughly recommend this business over the big companies, great people, great experience and what went down in Cheddar stays in Cheddar.
Thanks so much First Flight for a wonderful memory.
Written October 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Big Geordie
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
First flight ,after several delays due to inclement weather (completely understandable) gave us a ballon trip to remember on 9th July 2022. Nick & team were spot on . Very friendly and obviously knowledgeable leading to a well organised experience which all of our family of 4 enjoyed. Would whole heartedly recommend and someday we hope to will repeat the experience.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the kind words and for being so understanding of the weather. It can be frustrating, but as you know we only ever cancel on safety grounds and what a beautiful frosty morning we had in the end. We look forward to meeting you all again.
Written November 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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First Flight - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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