The Bournemouth Balloon

The Bournemouth Eye is a great attraction the centre of Bournemouth situated in the lower gardens. It is a large hot air balloon which is suspended by a large wire cable. You can fit about 20 –30 people inside the basket on a good day and the ride takes about 20 minutes. Once up you get magnificent views across the whole of Bournemouth. You can see the Jurassic coast including Old Harry Rocks and on a clear day you can see the Isle of Wight. To the north you can see Bournemouth International Airport. I would recommend a ride so long as you dont have a fear of heights!

The Bournemouth Eye is a large hot air balloon used for sight seeing. It is tethered by a large steel cable which is slowly unwound until the baloon reaches a hight of 500 feet. Passengers stand in a large enclosed basket like area suspended beneath the balloon, it holds 25 to 30 people. Once it has reached it’s maximum height the view accross Bournemouth and the English Channel is spectacular. It is said that you can see for 20 miles. It is perfecly safe, you don’t actually feel as if you are at such a great height and the mesh quard means that it is impossible to fall out. Tickets have to be bought in advance from the ticket hut and there can be quite a long wait to board at peak times.