South Devon & the South Hams is an area of exceptional beauty, with river estuaries, rolling hills and 60 miles of spectacular coastline. The South Hams has a national status as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and it’s no wonder with a landscape, which has hardly changed in centuries.
South Devon has one of the mildest climates in the country, the name Hamme’s means sheltered place, and this is visible from the balloon basket as you see a landscape rich in colour. During a balloon flight in this area you could see the granite slopes of Dartmoor, ancient woodlands, mystical stone circles, famous tors and castles along with far reaching views across Lyme and Tor bays, Plymouth Sound and down into Cornwall.
Please be aware that flights booked from South Devon can be moved to Exeter at short notice, due to weather conditions and the proximity to Dartmoor and the coast.
Balloon flights from our South Devon locations are generally within the Tavistock / South Dartmoor / Torbay / Kingsbridge area with our meeting location being in Lee Mill near Ivybridge, providing a convenient meeting place for residents and visitors coming from, Plymouth, Saltash, Ivybridge , Totnes, Kingsbridge, Brixham and Salcombe areas. Visitors to the Torquay, Paignton, Teignmouth, and Newton Abbot region have the benefit of being equidistant to our Lee Mill and Exeter launch sites.
Plymouth, situated on the South Devon and North Cornwall border is a vibrant city mixed with the city’s maritime traditions, Sir Francis Drake the Elizabethan sailor and navigator and the first English man to circumnavigate the globe was once Mayor of the city. Plymouth is full of action with a busy working harbour and fishing port and many famous heritage sites including Plymouth Hoe and the mayflower Steps.
Plymouth also has a strong history with the Royal Navy, in 1588 the ships, which defeated the Spanish Armanda, sailed from Plymouth’s River Plym, and today Plymouth is home to HMNB Devonport the largest Navel base in Western Europe.
Ashburton: On the southern hills of Dartmoor surrounded by lush countryside, and close to the river Dart and Canonteign Falls – England’s highest waterfall. The town has a wealth of history dating back to Saxon times.
Torbay: Also called the English Riviera is known for its great climate, sub-tropical plants and its romantic beautiful setting. Stretching across 22miles of South Devon coastline, the area has three towns: Paignton, Torquay and the historic fishing port of Brixham.
Kingsbridge: An ancient market town situated on the southernmost part of Devon with some beautiful unspoiled sandy beaches and lush green countryside.
Address: Tesco Superstore, Lee Mill, South Devon, PL21 9PE
Telephone: N/A
OS Map Info: 202 (604 560)
Minutes up the A38 from Plymouth, turn off at Lee Mill and follow the 'Superstore' signs. Meet in the car park outside of the Tesco Extra cafe. Superstore, cafe and petrol facilities.
Address: The Westward Inn, Lee Mill, near Ivybridge, South Devon, PL21 9EE
Telephone: N/A
OS Map Info: 205 (600 558)
Just off the A38 in the centre of Lee Mill. Range of real ales and good traditional freshly cooked pub food using locally sourced ingredients. Open all day weekends.
