There are not many areas of Bristol that are sizeable enough to host an international balloon festival. The Bristol Balloon Fiesta is one of the biggest events on the city's cultural calendar, so it's only fair that it has a grand venue to match its gravitas.

Ashton Court is the impressive 850-acre site that has been the home ground of the festival for years, large enough to facilitate mass ascents of some 100 hot air balloons. Its size alone means it can be a tricky one to navigate, especially after dark after the Night Glows.

The site has been separated into several areas including viewing points, fairgrounds and food stalls. A detailed map of the festival site can be found below.

Read more: Balloon Fiesta 2022: Timings, line-up and all you need to know

Areas

Balloon Launch Field (Green Zone)

The balloons will be launched from the centre of the festival site

Blue Viewing Area

This is the most popular area to see the balloon launches and organisers have advised it can get particularly busy around the times of the ascents. Spectators can head to the Yellow Viewing Area for more space around the ascents.

Yellow Viewing Area

A second viewing area for spectators to look over the main balloon launch field.

Balloonist Village (Pink Zone)

A zone for balloonists attending this year's event.

Fairground

There are two main fairground areas on site with a carousel and a helter-skelter in one section. Separately stands the Big Wheel, boasting the best views across the estate.

Entrances & Exits

  • Main entrance - UWE Bower Ashton campus
  • Pedestrian entrance - Mansion House
  • Pedestrian Entrance - via Orange Car Park
  • Pedestrian Entrance - via the Ashton

  • Disabled, Motorbike, Exhibitors & Production Entrance - via Fairground

  • Balloonist entrance - via B3128

Food and Drink

There are six bars on site and more than 40 food stalls selling street food, fairground favourites and cakes. You can find the full list here: All the food you can expect to see at this year's festival

Toilets

There are three main areas for toilets at Ashton Court and two disabled toilet areas. These are situated by the fairground, near the carousel and by the medical centre. There is another disabled toilet by the mobility scooter area.

Map of the site

Map of the festival site in 2022

Bristol Balloon Fiesta 2022 will take place from Thursday, August 11 to Sunday, August 14 at Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton.

Plan your visit: