It’s that time of year to choose gifts for your nearest and dearest, and as the world grows more mindful of their choices, we’re starting to change the way we shop at Christmas. If you’re looking to buy something that won’t be discarded after a few months — and will create beautiful festive memories to last a lifetime — then an experience gift is the one for you. Whether you want to take to the skies on a hot air balloon ride, savour an elegant afternoon tea in Devon, or try your hand at a new watersport in Exeter, an experience gift voucher gives you and your loved one an unforgettable experience that far exceeds the lifespan of a physical gift. Enjoy these top 10 experiences on offer in the South West of England this Christmas!
The ideal gift to relax and unwind
Located in the heart of the city of Bath, just a stone’s throw from the traditional Roman Baths, is the Thermae Bath Spa. Relax in the indoor Minerva pool, enjoy the multi-sensory wellness suite and take in the stunning city skyline from the open air-rooftop pool. The mineral-rich water bubbling jets (and an optional add-on glass of fizz!) will leave your giftee feeling fabulous and recharged.
Spa gift packages start at £40pp for a two-hour session, with packages including massage or spa treatments or even a romantic Twilight session for two.
Thermae Bath Spa Gift Vouchers
A great occasion to dress up for
Gift your loved one an afternoon at the enchanting Lewtrenchard Manor in Devon for a cosy afternoon tea for two. The Jacobean country manor house is located in Okehampton, with a hilly backdrop of Dartmoor National Park. The manor house exudes character and history, surrounded by countryside drives and walks to be enjoyed.
The afternoon tea includes a hot beverage, scones, jam and clotted cream, and a selection of cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Gift vouchers for this experience cost £50 for two. You can add a bit of sparkle and upgrade to a champagne afternoon tea for £76 for two.
For those with a taste for cider
Somerset is renowned worldwide for producing some of the finest ciders out there. Burrow Hill Cidery is one of the oldest in the UK, famously producing cider for the nearby Glastonbury festival each year. Harvested from a combination of 40 varieties of homegrown apples, the brewery produces 11.5% abv cider that certainly hits hard, with a bittersweet taste from the traditional vintage apples.
Burrow Hill’s tasting tour is only £10pp, making this gift an excellent stocking filler for a cider-lover! The tour includes an orchard walk, where you’ll be guided through the whole process of cider making, from the tree to the bottle!
Did you know? Fly Away Ballooning offers hot air balloon rides across the South West, whether you want to enjoy a family balloon ride in Taunton, an exclusive balloon ride in Bath, or a shared group balloon ride in Exeter. Shop all of our experiences here.
One for the history lovers
Soak up a slice of history with the 2,000-year-old traditional Roman Baths, found nestled in the centre of Bath. With a gift ticket, you can explore some of the best-preserved Roman remains on the planet and dive into history in the interactive museum. Built in 70 AD, the baths are preserved at a temperature of 46°C, and you can follow in the Romans’ footsteps as an audio guide leads you around the site.
Adult gift tickets are priced at £27.50, with children’s tickets costing £20 (6-18 years).
FAB tip: Staying in Bath for a few days? Why not enjoy a private hot air balloon ride in Bath while you’re there? See availability for our exclusive balloon rides here.
A great gift for art lovers
The infamous but anonymous street artist Banksy is renowned for his graffiti across the globe, but did you know that he hails from Bristol? His famous works can be seen across the city and include the iconic Valentine’s Day mural in Barton Hill.
Tickets for local walking tours cost around £10 for adults and £5 for children and run most days throughout the year. Bristol company, ‘Blackbeard to Banksy’, combines street art with history and culture, showing must-see landmarks and hidden gems. This makes for a perfect gift for those with a liking for art or history — even the locals will learn a thing or two!
For the adventurer in your life
Take to the skies in style and see the striking scenery of the southwest, with shared balloon rides available in Bath, Taunton and Exeter.
With a 360-degree view for miles around, you’ll see the breathtaking landscapes of the South West with new eyes — from toybox towns and rolling hills to the awe-striking Jurassic coastline.
We’ll take you up on an aerial adventure of a lifetime, sharing three generations of hot air ballooning experience and passion. The best bit? The balloon travels with the wind, so we’ll drift wherever it takes us, making every ride totally unique.
A group balloon ride over Taunton, Exeter or Bath can be booked on our website, or you can purchase a gift voucher so your giftee can book a flight at their leisure. All of our balloon rides also include a complementary tipple from local distilleries, so you can enjoy a Bath Gin or Somerset Cider Brandy post-flight to celebrate your adventure.
A romantic adventure for two
If you’re looking for a special, once-in-a-lifetime gift, a private hot-air balloon ride in Bath might just be it. Whether it’s a romantic trip into the skies for two, a family balloon ride, or a group of friends, the trip will be tailored to your desires from start to finish.
The private experience means you’ll have the balloon to yourselves (sharing only with our talented pilot), giving great opportunities for photos and a spacious flight on this exclusive balloon ride. Our tailor-made packages can also include a champagne or gin experience to add that extra special touch.
To book this extra special ride, head to our ‘Gift Voucher’ section and choose the private flight option. Before you know it, you and your very lucky giftee will be up, up, and away!
Read more about our private balloon rides
An activity for the water-lover!
If you’re looking for a gift for a watersports lover, Exeter is a great place to start. Experience power sports like jet skiing, paddle sports like SUP boarding and kayaking, or take to the high seas with sailing and windsurfing. Whatever you choose, the West Country provides a great spot to try something new for the first time or take your skills to the next level.
If the cold water doesn’t appeal this Christmas, vouchers are usually valid for 12 months, so the experience can be booked ahead for the summer season. Taster sessions start from £25, with other offers catered to all skill levels. Happy sailing!
For the culinary creative in your life
Good food is a good mood, which is why a cooking class could be the perfect gift for your nearest and dearest. With dishes and cooking styles available from around the world, including Indian, Italian, Lebanese, and British cuisine, as well as vegetarian-themed classes, the world is your oyster!
The Olive Tree Cookery School offers classes throughout the year, a stone’s throw from Corfe Castle. The courses vary in length, and every option can be purchased as a gift. Gift vouchers are also available as a contribution towards a cooking experience. Time to cook up a storm in the kitchen!
One for those who like to get arty!
Pottery is the ideal gift for a creative friend, family member, or partner in your life. The best thing about a pottery workshop is not only will you learn about the basics of pottery, but you’ll also come away with your own handmade goods as a keepsake.
Barrington Pottery offers taster sessions, full-day workshops, and gift vouchers at a price of your choice so you can make a contribution to someone’s experience. With sessions throughout the year in this cosy space, your giftee can book in and get crafting at their leisure!
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There’s something for everyone among our 10 best Christmas gift experiences. Whether it’s seeing Somerset from above on a hot air balloon ride in Bath, relaxing at the spa, or trying your hand at something creative like pottery, the unique nature of these experiences will create lasting memories for your giftee for years to come.
Wishing you a very merry Christmas from all of us at Fly Away Ballooning.
Purchase your hot air balloon ride gift voucher this Christmas.