The South West of England is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK with a very diverse and interesting mix of metropolitan cities, architecturally beautiful and historic towns to lush green countryside and dramatic coastlines. It is a huge area to explore and it would be impossible to see it all in one trip. There is one great way that you could experience a piece of each area and get a unique, birds eye view of a vast and varied land and that is from a Hot Air Balloon!
Aerosaurus Balloons have handpicked some very special launch sites across the South West to give our passengers the best possible views of their chosen area. Our flight vouchers can be used for any of launch sites in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Bath and South Wales! If you are going to be visiting the South West and can’t decide which area to fly from – talk to our friendly team who are best placed to advise you on what you might see from each area, they are always pleased to offer advice and assistance and are all passionate about ballooning and the South West! Give us a call today on 01404 823102.
This guide will give you a brief idea of what you can expect from a flight in the various areas that fly from but you can read more detailed guides about each specific location by following the links at the bottom of the page.
The home of the Cornish pasty! Famous for beautiful beaches, great surf, rolling hillsides, typical seaside towns and quaint country villages, Cornwall is a spectacular location to fly over. Our flights launch from historic market town of Launceston and the small village of Altarnum nr Bodmin East. From here, depending on the wind direction, you can expect to see wonderful views of Bodmin moor, The North Cornish coastline and sometimes across to Lundy Island, or head across the county border towards Dartmoor National Park – home of the Ten Tors Challenge and the Dartmoor Ponies! Read more about Hot Air Balloon Rides Over Cornwall.
Image – Launceston Castle welovethetamarvalley.co.uk
Devon is one of the largest counties in the country so we have chosen 3 special locations to fly from – Tiverton and Exeter in the east and Lee Mill in the south. Each one offering a unique insight into the counties history and geography. The Cathedral city and capital of Devon, Exeter is one of our most popular launch sites. Taking off to the north of Exeter usually takes us over the vibrant city and out towards the surrounding towns such as Crediton, Cullompton or Honiton. Our South Devon launch site is Lee Mill which is located conveniently for easy access from Plymouth, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth, Brixham and Torquay. From here our flights usually head North towards the beautiful craggy tors of Dartmoor or south over Modbury and towards Kingsbridge. Look out for our next blog which is all about how to spoil your loved one this year in Devon!
The small, yet perfectly formed county of Somerset offers 2 lovely places to fly from, Taunton and Castle Carey. Taunton is easily accessible, just off the M5 and flights from here generally enjoy views across Taunton Deane, Taunton Castle and across to Exmoor. We also fly from the Wheathill Golf course in Castle Carey which is located just to the east of Glastonbury. From here, our flights enjoy views of the Somerset levels, and across the border into Dorset.
Dorset flights take off from the medieval town of Shaftesbury, famous for its starring role in the Hovis advert! Shaftesbury is a beautiful town to fly over and our knowledgeable Pilots will be pleased to point out the famous landmarks and scenery as you float peacefully above. We also launch from the Saxon town of Sherborne which is on the Dorset/Somerset border and is set amongst wooded hills and lush green valleys. On a Sherborne flight you may see Sir Walter Raleigh’s Sherborne Castle, the abbey and perhaps the Blackmore Vales. Read more about Seeing Dorset from Above.
The beautiful county of Wiltshire offers many delightful scenes. For the first part of the season we offer flights launching from the fabulous Larmer Tree Gardens, situated to the south west of Salisbury. A short distance to drive for visitors to Weymouth, Bournemouth and Southampton. Later on in the year, once the farmers have harvested their crops, we are able to fly from the city that is home to Europe’s oldest working clock – Salisbury! Flights from Salisbury often give fantastic views of the Cathedral’s Spire and you can sometimes even se Stonehenge from a distance! Read more about Exploring Wiltshire from a Balloon.
Our sister company Bailey Balloons is one of the most well regarded Balloon Operators in the Bristol, Bath and South Wales areas, offering flights with chief Pilot Clive Bailey who is director of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta and has been awarded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh along with David Hempleman-Adams who he coordinated and ran the flight control centre for during David’s flight across the Atlantic.
Bristol flights take off from the grounds of the Ashton Court mansion house and from here flights generally float across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and over the city where Bristol’s best known landmarks can be seen, such as the SS Great Britain, Queens Square, the harbour side and sometimes even the zoo! Bath flights take off from Royal Victoria Park giving a fabulous perspective of the Royal Crescent, Roman Baths and other significant Roman, Edwardian and Georgian Landmarks.
Llanarth is our launch site of choice in South Wales, from here you can expect wonderful views of Raglan Castle, the Brecon Beacons and the Wye Valley. Read our Valentines Guide which gives our suggestions on how to spoil your loved one in Bath.
Aerosaurus Balloons offer hot air balloon rides across the whole of the South West including Wiltshire, Dorset, Bristol, Bath, South Wales, Somerset & Devon!
