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Zip World launches first hot-air balloon-style ride in Rhyl, North Wales

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Riders will experience panoramic views across North Wales and beyond.

Zip World, a North Wales-based adventure company, has launched an aerostat attraction called ‘Skyflyer’ in Rhyl.

The company’s first hot-air ballon-style attraction takes passengers 400 feet into the air where they will enjoy panoramic views across North Wales and beyond. On a clear day, riders will see the peaks of Moel Famau and Snowdonia.

Located on Rhyl beach, the £2.5 million ride is accessible to wheelchair users and people with other disabilities.

Zip World expects to attract 50,000 guests during Skyflyer’s first eight months of opening, rising to more than 100,000 annually after that.

skyflyer zip world

“When researching other commercial aerostats globally, I quickly realised that high winds seemed to be a common thread when it came to flight restrictions,” said Sean Taylor, the founder and president of Zip World.

“The unique design and innovative technology of Skyflyer allows the safe operation in winds of up to 40 knots – this was a game-changer for me in terms of both customer experience and commercial viability.”

The 32-metre balloon requires 6,750 cubic metres of high-grade helium to inflate. The viewing platform can carry up to 28 passengers at a time.

The ride also offers vertical views through a glass floor section. Zip World hopes to launch similar attractions in other locations.

“The Skyflyer attraction is of course highly visible and presents some interesting sponsorship opportunities as well,” Taylor added.

Adventure attractions

“I’m also really excited about exploring ways in which we can use the viewing platform for other activities – watch this space.”

Opened in 2013 in Bethesda, Zip World has more than 22 adventure activities across seven UK sites. The group is best known for Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line. 

Adrian Jones, the former US president of Merlin Entertainments, recently joined Zip World as its new CEO.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity to be joining the Zip World team at such a pivotal time in the company’s existence,” he said.

Images: Zip World

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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