Launch site · Bristol
Hot air balloon rides over the Chew Valley
Lift off from the shore of Chew Valley Lake, with the Mendip Hills on the horizon.
The Chew Valley is one of our favourite places to fly. We launch from New Manor Farm Shop on the south-eastern shore of Chew Valley Lake – one of the largest lakes in the South West – and on a still morning the water reflects the balloons as they rise.
From the air you’ll see both Chew Valley and Blagdon lakes, the villages of the valley and the long ridge of the Mendip Hills to the south. Look out for the ancient stone circles at Stanton Drew, and on clear days views north to Bristol and beyond.
The farm shop café is the perfect place for breakfast after a sunrise flight.
What you’ll see from Chew Valley
- Chew Valley Lake – The lake and its nature reserve, often busy with birdlife
- Blagdon Lake – The smaller lake tucked beneath the Mendips
- The Mendip Hills – The ridge running along the southern skyline
- Stanton Drew stone circles – One of the largest prehistoric stone circles in England
- Bristol in the distance – The city skyline to the north
Balloons fly with the wind, so no two flights follow the same path – your pilot will point out the landmarks as you go.
Where we meet
The Chew Valley launch site
New Manor Farm Shop
On the south-eastern shore of Chew Valley Lake, near Bishop Sutton.
///supreme.rules.convergedWe fly around sunrise and in the evening a few hours before sunset, when the air is calm. We’ll text you the exact meeting time and confirm the weather the day before. Allow three to four hours for the whole experience.
Questions
Flying from Chew Valley
Where is the Chew Valley launch site?
At New Manor Farm Shop on the south-eastern shore of Chew Valley Lake, near Bishop Sutton. The What3Words reference is ///supreme.rules.converged.
Is there somewhere to eat afterwards?
Yes – New Manor Farm Shop has a café serving local produce, and Woodford Lodge on the lake is popular for lunch. See our food and accommodation page for more ideas.
More answers on our FAQs page. Making a day of it? See where to eat and stay near our launch sites.
Reviews
What our customers say
“We had an absolutely fantastic afternoon. The balloon flight exceeded our expectations and we would definitely recommend First flight. Nick and his team were great, informative and very friendly.”
“An Amazing Experience - NOT TO BE MISSED - and I'm not keen on heights! Great prior communication. Clarity of set up, flight and landing instructions were hugely reassuring. Nick & the team are clearly hugely experienced and we were all put at ease with their friendly engaging style.”
“A perfect balloon experience A beautiful experience flying over the city of Bath. There was nothing that could make it better.A professional and informative pilot who turned the basket during the flight to ensure everyone had the same opportunity to see the iconic sights of Bath. Simply a perfect experience which I would do again in a heart beat. Excellent communication before the flight”
Other launch sites