Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Wetherby Racecourse (Yorkshire)

Located in West Yorkshire between Leeds and York, our Wetherby launch site will give you a new perspective on this fabulous county as you view it from the skies.

You'll launch from Wetherby Racecourse from where the rolling landscape opens up beneath you. As you float gently on the breeze, here are a few landmarks you can look out for. The medieval Wetherby Castle and the historic St. James Church, which dates back to the 12th century are both worth seeing from the skies. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the nearby Lacey Grove, named after the famous Battle of Britain flying ace who was born in Wetherby. If the wind is on your side, you may even float over the River Wharfe, which meanders its way through the heart of the town.

As you enjoy your hot air balloon ride, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the tranquility and peacefulness of the Yorkshire countryside. You may have visited this ever popular country many times before but have you seen it from a birds eye view? Well now's your chance!

Historic Architecture in  West Yorkshire

As the hot air balloon gracefully ascends over West Yorkshire, UK, a captivating tapestry of diverse landscapes and historic architecture unfolds beneath. The patchwork of fields and meadows, interspersed with small villages and towns, presents a quintessentially English scene. The balloon's vantage point offers a breathtaking view of West Yorkshire's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The undulating hills and valleys of the Pennines, defining the region's topography, stretch out in every direction. Rolling fields, divided by traditional dry stone walls and hedgerows, showcase an array of greens and golds. Charming villages with stone-built houses nestle amidst the greenery, their terracotta roofs adding warmth to the landscape.

As the balloon drifts over West Yorkshire's towns, the mix of historic and modern architecture becomes apparent. The spires of ancient churches, such as those in Halifax and Wakefield, punctuate the skyline, providing a visual link to the region's rich history. Industrial heritage is evident in the remnants of mill buildings and Victorian-era structures that stand as a testament to West Yorkshire's past.

The Calder Valley reveals itself as a corridor of lush vegetation and meandering waterways. The River Calder, along with its tributaries, adds a serene element to the landscape. Stone bridges cross the water, connecting the towns and villages along the valley.

Urban centers like Leeds and Bradford come into view, their modern cityscapes blending seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The bustling streets, interspersed with green spaces and parks, showcase the vibrant energy of West Yorkshire's cities. Landmarks like the Leeds Town Hall and the Victorian-inspired Salts Mill in Saltaire contribute to the architectural richness of the area.

The balloon's journey offers glimpses of West Yorkshire's iconic landmarks, including the Brontë Parsonage in Haworth, where the famous Brontë sisters lived and wrote. The Brontë Moors and the rugged landscapes that inspired their literary works unfold in the distance.

As the balloon continues its leisurely voyage, West Yorkshire's cultural and natural heritage comes together in a panoramic view. The juxtaposition of historic charm and contemporary life paints a picture of a region with a rich tapestry of landscapes and a deep connection to its industrial and cultural past. The experience, suspended between earth and sky, captures the essence of West Yorkshire's diverse and captivating scenery.