Ripley Castle is a Grade I listed 14th century country house, 3 miles north of Harrogate. The grounds provide an ideal launch site for your Harrogate hot air balloon ride. The castle is privately owned however is open to the public for guided tours. You’ll be treated to views of the house, lakes and deer park adjacent to the grounds as drift slowly skywards on your ballooning adventure.
Regardless of the wind direction on the day, the village of Ripley will come into view along with its Grade II listed All Saints’ Church.
The nearest town of considerable size is Harrogate and with a southerly wind, this prosperous spa town is sure to delight on your balloon flight.
The town has many places of interest including Betty’s Café Tea Rooms, the Royal Pump Museum, the Mercer Art Gallery and Valley Gardens. The latter being English Heritage Grade II listed gardens covering 17 acres which includes woodland and a greater number of mineral springs than any other known place.
The Majestic Hotel situated in the heart of Harrogate is a stunning Victorian property built in 1899. Along with its landscaped gardens its sure to add to the spectacular views you’ll be enjoying on your Harrogate hot air balloon ride.
To the north and west of Ripley Castle lies the Yorkshire Dales National Park with its rolling hills and rustic villages. You may have enjoyed the beauty of this landscape on foot or by car but seeing it from the comfort of your hot air balloon basket will make it even more unforgettable.