Sky Safari 2023

Longleat’s spectacular Sky Safari returns for three days of hot air ballooning fun from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September.

Marvel as a kaleidoscopic array of more than 115 balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies over the Wiltshire stately home for a weekend to remember.

Each day, visitors have breathtaking views, and photo opportunities, as balloons take off in mass launches as well as tethered displays against the unique backdrop of Longleat House.

Early birds can catch the stunning sunrise balloon launch and throughout the day there will be chances to enjoy close up views of the tethered balloons.

When the late summer sun goes down, it gets even more magical as the balloons fire up their burners in unison for a stunning night glow routine to the beat of a selection of favourite tunes.

It wouldn’t be a Sky Safari without a menagerie of special animal-shaped balloons, including Simbaloo, Longleat’s very own lion; Adelaide the koala; Puddles, Splash and Tall Steve, the penguin trio; Wes the wolf and Dolly the sheep.

Balloon pilots come from all over the world for this balloon festival like no other, with teams coming from as far as the United States.

Plus, brand-new for 2023, catch the first sighting of the cutest baby dragon balloon – bringing a whole new perspective to fire-breathing dragons and no doubt inspired by Longleat’s hit attraction this summer, medieval inflatable course, The Realm.

As well as the aerial menagerie don’t forget to visit Longleat’s other amazing animals: Hop aboard the Boat Safari to encounter noisy sea lions, glorious gorillas and Half Mile Pond’s resident hippo.

On the Drive Through Safari, the real big cats are waiting to greet you and stop off at African Village to say hello to gentle giants, the giraffes.

Sleepy sloths, mischievous meerkats and fluffy koalas are just some of the many other species you can meet on a Walking Safari.

Daily Schedule

• 7am – Morning mass launch*

• 10 am – Tethered hot air balloon displays

• 2.30pm – Tethered hot air balloon displays

• 5pm – Early evening mass launch*

• 8pm – Night Glow

*Subject to change and weather dependent

The Sky Safari is included in a Longleat Day Ticket. Adult £39.95, Child (3-15) £29.95, Under 3s Free. Please note the event is highly popular and places are limited. For more details and to book tickets go to www.longleat.co.uk/sky-safari