Balloon Rides
Near Ashbourne
Looking to fly from the Ashbourne area? Your closest main Peak District launch is at Tissington, around five miles north of town.
See your closest launch
Closer Than
You Might Think
Ashbourne sits right on the southern edge of the Peak District, with Dovedale and the limestone country of the White Peak just a short distance away. It is also very well placed for one of the region’s main passenger balloon launch sites.
The Tissington launch is around five miles north of Ashbourne, making it the natural starting point for anyone looking for a hot air balloon ride near the town. From there, the exact route is decided by the wind, with the surrounding countryside opening out in every direction.
So while the balloon does not actually launch from Ashbourne itself, you do not have far to travel before the adventure begins.
See your closest balloon launch
Gateway To
The White Peak
Ashbourne is a historic Derbyshire market town on the southern edge of the Peak District. Its streets, old buildings and cobbled Market Place give it plenty of character, while the hills and dales begin almost as soon as you leave town.
It is especially well known as a gateway to Dovedale, with Thorpe Cloud and the famous stepping stones only a short drive away. Henmore Brook runs through the town itself, while the surrounding roads quickly lead into quieter limestone villages and open countryside.
That position makes Ashbourne a particularly handy base for a Peak District balloon trip. Tissington lies just up the A515, so the move from market town to launch field is a short one.
Tissington
Is Your Launch
The main Tissington launch is at The Green, around five miles north of Ashbourne. It is the straightforward choice for balloon passengers travelling from the town and surrounding villages.
Tissington
Head north from Ashbourne on the A515 towards Buxton. Tissington Gates is about 4.5 miles from town, with the launch area reached through the village.
Choose Your
Tissington Flight
All three vouchers use the same Tissington launch. The difference is how much choice you want over the day and time of your flight.
Weekday Morning
Weekday Morning
Or Evening
Any Day Morning
Or Evening
A Short Trip
To Take Off
Tissington sits directly north of Ashbourne, just off the A515. The map shows the relationship between Ashbourne town centre and the main balloon launch point at The Green.
Before You
Head To Tissington
The useful bits if you are starting your ballooning plans from Ashbourne.
Do balloon rides actually take off from Ashbourne?
The main passenger balloon launch for the Ashbourne area is at nearby Tissington rather than in Ashbourne itself. It is around five miles north of town.
How far is Tissington from Ashbourne?
Tissington Gates is about 4.5 miles north of Ashbourne on the A515. The village and passenger parking area are reached from there.
Can the balloon fly over Ashbourne?
Possibly, but there is no fixed sightseeing route. Hot air balloons travel with the wind, so the direction of each flight depends on the conditions on the day.
What if the Tissington launch cannot be used?
Ballooning is weather and wind dependent. The operator may use a nearby alternative launch site if conditions make that the safer or more practical option for the flight.
