Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is Europe's largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 hot air balloons from across the globe. This spectacular event features a mass ascent of hot air balloons taking off at dawn and dusk and throughout the event, visitors can also expect entertainment and activities throughout the day including aerial displays, fairground rides, delicious food stalls and bars, balloon tethering and demonstrations, model aircraft displays and a local music stage. As night falls, over 20 balloons gather for the famous Night Glow lighting up the sky to the specially created soundtrack. Come and experience this fabulous event, staying in a central Bristol hotel. A day out in Beautiful Bath is also included.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Day 1 - Board your holiday coach to head west to the centre of Bristol to check into 4* Novotel Bristol Centre in time to freshen up for dinner. Buffet dinner on first and last evening included. Bed & breakfast on Saturday to allow you to make you own food selection at the Balloon Fiesta

Days 2 - 3 - At leisure in Bristol with two included excursions

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Early risers may like to witness the early morning mass ascent at 06.00 from the comfort of the hotel as over 100 hot air balloons fly together over Bristol. After a leisurely breakfast and morning in Bristol, head to Ashton Court Estate, the historic park with over 850 acres of woods and grasslands and home to Bristol's International Balloon Fiesta. Comfy shoes are the order of the day. The fiesta is truly a sight that must be seen to be believed and throughout the day you can expect to see hot air balloons tethering (weather-permitting) plus plenty of activities, live music, traders, five public bars and street food, all positioned around a huge launch field. The early evening mass ascent takes place around 18.00 followed by the hugely popular Night Glow at around 21.00. There is no dinner included at the hotel tonight to allow you to make your own selection from the catering options available on site. Return to the hotel late

NB Ballooning is very weather and wind dependent so the decision to fly is left to the last minute when the flying committee announce with a smoke cannon whether it is safe for pilots to take to the skies. This jeopardy is a big part of ballooning and adds to the magic when there are perfect conditions to fly. The event goes ahead regardless of weather

Beautiful Bath
Enjoy a lie-in and a leisurely start to Sunday before heading off to spend the day in the exquisite Georgian city of Bath with its many historical monuments and beautiful architecture dating back to Roman times. Bath's extraordinary array of architectural treasures has earned the whole city UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Explore the Abbey, Roman Baths and the famous Pulteney Bridge or just relax on the banks of the River Avon. Bath is, of course, also home to many of the locations and scenes of the popular Netflix production 'Bridgerton and its portrayal of Regency England. Enjoy free time or join the optional city sightseeing tour (details available from your driver).

Day 4 - Retrace your footsteps after breakfast as you head homewards with a refreshment stop along the way.

Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast- Two buffet dinners in the hotel (first and last night)- Excursion to the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta- Visit to BathNovotel Bristol Centre
Novotel Bristol Centre
The Novotel Bristol Centre is a modern red-brick 4* hotel just a 15-minute stroll form the thriving Harbourside area and the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre. Spacious guestrooms offer flat screen TV, hair dryer, safe, WiFi and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a relaxed restaurant and bar as well as a fitness centre. There is a lift to all floors

Hotels
• Novotel Bristol Centre (Bristol) - View Information