Imagine sitting inside a beautifully striped wicker basket, a warm summer breeze drifting past, a glass of something cold in hand, and a truly extraordinary meal arriving course by course. You haven’t left the ground. You don’t need to. The UK’s hot air balloon dining experience trend has taken off in the most spectacular fashion, and in 2026 there are some genuinely jaw-dropping places to try it!
These aren’t gimmicky pop-ups. We’re talking about lavishly designed, custom-built hot air balloon structures set in the grounds of some of England’s most beautiful estates, serving everything from quintessential afternoon teas to multi-course tasting menus. And yes, the kids are welcome at some of them too!
TL;DR: The two standout hot air balloon dining experiences in the UK right now are Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove in Hertfordshire (family-friendly, afternoon tea from £39.50 per child) and the Hot Air Balloon Dining at Beaverbrook Estate in Surrey (adults and over-13s, Japanese tasting menus from £85pp). Both run through summer 2026. Book early because these sell out fast!
Here’s everything you need to know before you book your sky-high table.
What Is a Hot Air Balloon Dining Experience?
A hot air balloon dining experience is exactly what it sounds like, with one small but important clarification: the balloon stays firmly on the ground! These are beautifully crafted, full-size hot air balloon structures with open wicker dining baskets, set up in scenic outdoor locations and dressed to the nines with gorgeous table settings, flowers, and fairy lights.
The magic isn’t in floating through the clouds. It’s in the atmosphere. Dining inside a real balloon basket, surrounded by sweeping grounds, with a dedicated menu and waiter service, creates a sense of occasion that a restaurant table simply cannot match.
Why are they so popular right now? A few reasons:
- They’re genuinely unique. There are very few places in the world, let alone the UK, where you can dine inside a hot air balloon.
- They photograph beautifully, making them a favourite for birthdays, anniversaries, and summer celebrations.
- They offer something for everyone, from relaxed afternoon teas to lavish tasting menus with wine pairings.
- Children’s menus and family-friendly sessions make them accessible for special family occasions too.
The concept has been steadily growing since experiential dining became a major trend, and 2026 sees the UK’s two flagship venues returning with upgraded menus and new design touches. Let’s take a closer look at both!
Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove, Hertfordshire
If you’re looking for the ultimate family-friendly hot air balloon dining experience in the UK, Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove is the one to know about. This extraordinary summer pop-up has been wowing guests since its debut, and it’s back again in 2026 at one of Hertfordshire’s most stunning five-star hotel estates.
Set beside The Grove’s ornamental canal, a collection of red-and-white striped hot air balloons create a scene straight out of a storybook. You’ll dine right inside the wicker basket of your very own balloon, surrounded by the beautifully manicured grounds of this award-winning countryside retreat just outside London.
What’s On the Menu?
There are two distinct dining experiences to choose from, so you can pick the one that suits your group perfectly.
Afternoon Tea
- Served daily: 12:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 17:00
- A classic spread of finger sandwiches, warm scones with homemade preserve and clotted cream, plus a selection of cakes and edible clouds (yes, really!)
- Vegetarian and vegan options available
- Adults from £65pp | Children (ages 4 to 12) from £39.50
Nine-Course Evening Tasting Menu
- Served daily: 18:00 to 19:45 and 20:30 to 22:15
- A culinary journey through fairground nostalgia, featuring dishes like popcorn, crystal bread with mozzarella, beef burgers, panna cotta in tea cups, and chocolate treats
- A children’s menu is available for younger diners
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available (must be confirmed at booking)
- Adults from £75pp | Children (ages 4 to 12) from £49.50
Key Details
| Location | Chandler’s Cross, Watford, WD3 4TG |
| Season | May to August 2026 |
| Group size | 2 to 6 guests per balloon |
| Children | Welcome from age 4 (children’s menus available) |
| Dietary options | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free available |
Why We Love It
This is the one to book for families. The afternoon tea session is genuinely brilliant for children who are old enough to appreciate a special occasion, and the fairground-themed tasting menu is imaginative and fun rather than stuffy. The setting beside the canal is magical at golden hour, and groups of up to six mean you can bring the whole family or a group of friends along for the adventure.
Bear with us here! The balloons don’t fly, but honestly, once you’re seated inside one with a scone in hand and the Hertfordshire countryside around you, you won’t miss the altitude one bit!
Hot Air Balloon Dining at Beaverbrook Estate, Surrey
For a more grown-up, luxury take on the hot air balloon dining experience, Beaverbrook Estate in the Surrey Hills is in a league of its own. This is five-star, fine-dining-meets-theatre territory, and it is absolutely stunning.
Set in the Italian Garden at The House, six hot air balloons dressed in elegant rose pink and raspberry red stripes by luxury table dressers Summerill and Bishop provide the backdrop for an alfresco Japanese dining experience with a serious creative twist. The balloons are redesigned each season and the 2026 edition features the Summerill and Bishop “Stripe” collection, where Notting Hill cool meets Riviera chic.
The Menu
Executive Development Chef Wojciech Popow has crafted a menu that’s as theatrical as the setting itself. This year’s offering centres on a three-course Japanese extravaganza with the return of the popular Yakiniku interactive grill, where guests cook their own dishes tableside. For those who want to go all-in, a Moët and Chandon Vintage Champagne Flight pairing is available.
| Menu Option | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Lunch or Dinner (Pescatarian/Vegetarian) | £135 |
| Lunch or Dinner (Standard) | £135 |
| Pairing Menu (Pescatarian/Vegetarian) | £195 |
| Pairing Menu (Standard) | £195 |
| Pairing Menu (Pescatarian, reduced pairing) | £145 |
Key Details
- Location: Beaverbrook Estate, Surrey Hills
- Availability: Wednesday to Sunday, lunch and dinner
- Group size: Up to 4 guests per balloon
- Age: Children aged 13 and over only. No children’s menu available.
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome!
- Cancellation policy: Cancellations within 48 hours incur a 100% charge
Who Is It Best For?
Beaverbrook is the one to choose for a truly special adult occasion. Think milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or a genuinely unforgettable date night. The Japanese tasting menu with the interactive Yakiniku grill makes it an experience as much as a meal, and the Surrey Hills setting is breathtaking on a summer evening.
Worth knowing: Because each balloon holds a maximum of four guests and the experience is adults-only (13+), this is a more intimate and exclusive setting than The Grove. Booking well in advance is strongly recommended as tables go fast!
Feast on Cloud 9 vs Beaverbrook: Which Should You Book?
Both experiences are exceptional, but they serve very different occasions. Here’s a quick side-by-side to help you decide!
| Feast on Cloud 9 (The Grove) | Beaverbrook Estate | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Hertfordshire (near London) | Surrey Hills |
| Best for | Families, groups of friends | Couples, adult celebrations |
| Children | Yes, from age 4 | 13+ only |
| Menu style | Afternoon tea or fairground tasting menu | Japanese fine dining |
| Price from | £39.50 per child / £65 per adult | £135 per adult |
| Group size | Up to 6 per balloon | Up to 4 per balloon |
| Dietary options | Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free | Pescatarian, vegetarian options |
| Dogs welcome | Not specified | Yes (on lead) |
Our Verdict
For families: Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove wins every time. The children’s menus, the larger group capacity, and the afternoon tea option make it the perfect choice for a special family day out or a celebration with little ones in tow.
For couples and adults: Beaverbrook is in another league for pure luxury and drama. If you’re planning a landmark anniversary or a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime date night, the Japanese tasting menu in those breathtaking Surrey Hills surroundings is hard to beat.
Can’t decide? Book both! They’re different enough that experiencing one doesn’t diminish the other.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Hot Air Balloon Dining Experience
You’ve booked your balloon table. Amazing! Here’s how to make sure the day goes perfectly.
Before You Go
- Book early. These experiences sell out weeks, sometimes months, in advance. Don’t leave it to the last minute, especially for peak summer dates and weekends.
- Confirm dietary requirements at booking. Both venues are clear that dietary needs must be stated when you book, not on the day. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options need advance notice.
- Check the weather policy. Both experiences are outdoors. If the weather is poor, venues will contact you to discuss options. Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your visit.
- Plan your outfit. Smart casual is the expected standard at Beaverbrook. The Grove is a little more relaxed, but it’s a special occasion, so dress for the occasion!
On the Day
- Arrive a few minutes early. You’ll want to take in the setting before you sit down, and the balloons look incredible in the afternoon or evening light.
- Take photos before the food arrives. The table settings and balloon interiors are stunning. Get your shots in while everything is pristine!
- Consider adding a drinks pairing. Both venues offer optional wine or champagne pairings. If you’re celebrating, it’s well worth the upgrade.
- Come hungry. The tasting menus in particular are generous and immersive. Save room for every course!
With Children (The Grove Only)
- The afternoon tea session is ideal for younger children who may not manage a longer evening tasting experience.
- Children aged 4 to 12 have their own dedicated menus, so there’s no need to share adult portions.
- The Grove’s grounds are beautiful, so arrive early and let the children explore before you sit down.
Ready to Book Your Balloon Table?
A hot air balloon dining experience is one of those rare days out that genuinely lives up to the hype. Whether you’re treating the family to a magical afternoon tea at Feast on Cloud 9 at The Grove or whisking a loved one away for a Japanese fine dining adventure at Beaverbrook Estate, you’re guaranteed memories that will last long after the last course is cleared.
The most important thing? Don’t wait. Summer 2026 dates are already filling up, and these are the kind of experiences that disappear from the calendar before you’ve had a chance to decide. Pick your date, pick your balloon, and get booking!
Looking for more amazing days out and special experiences? Explore thousands of family-friendly attractions and events across the UK right here on Day Out With The Kids and find your next unforgettable adventure.