| Somerset is as famous for its Cheddar cheese and | | | | distance from the historic Cheddar caves and just a |
| strong ciders as it is for its coastal towns, sweeping | | | | hop skip and a jump from beautiful Devon, you can |
| beaches and areas of outstanding natural beauty. A | | | | be sure that a flight from Glastonbury will be a feast |
| hot air balloon ride over the area provides the | | | | for the eyes. |
| perfect opportunity to view many of the county's | | | | Further north, Bristol is the UK's home of hot air |
| landmarks from a completely new perspective - or | | | | ballooning as it plays host to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta |
| more specifically from anything up to 5,000 feet. | | | | every year. Now an internationally renowned |
| If you're looking to explore southern Somerset, then | | | | festival, attracting over half a million visitors, the |
| a hot air balloon ride from the county town of | | | | balloons launch from the Ashton Court Estate - 850 |
| Taunton - ‘town on the River Tone' - is a | | | | acres of woods and grassland, once the gracious |
| fantastic way to start. In fact, anything else just | | | | home of the Smyth family. |
| wouldn't be cricket: the town sits in the spectacular | | | | A Bristol hot air balloon ride also offers the |
| Vale of Taunton Deane between the Quantock and | | | | opportunity to view Isambard Kingdom Brunel's |
| Blackdown Hills and its skyline is dominated by several | | | | masterpiece - the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The |
| impressive churches including that of St James, which | | | | great Victorian engineer never lived to see his |
| towers over the grounds of Somerset County | | | | creation finished but today it attracts a huge number |
| Cricket Club'. | | | | of sight-seers as it has become the symbol of the |
| Whilst ballooning over Taunton, it is possible to see | | | | city. You may also be able to catch a glimpse of the |
| beautiful Vivary Park, home of the annual Taunton | | | | S.S. Great Britain - Brunel's other great contribution to |
| Flower Shower, and Taunton Castle, which dates | | | | the maritime world. After a life as a luxury liner, troop |
| back as far as the Anglo Saxon times of 710. The | | | | ship, cargo vessel and floating warehouse, she was |
| Bridgewater and Taunton Canal is a fantastic sight to | | | | towed back to Bristol from the Falkland Islands in |
| see too as colourful barges can be seen wending | | | | 1937 and restored to her former glory. |
| their way along the waterway. More unusually, | | | | Just a stone's throw away is Bath, 'the finest place |
| military pill-boxes can be seen on the banks of the | | | | on earth, for you may enjoy its society and its walks |
| canal as it was planned to be a Stop Line to halt | | | | without effort or fatigue' according to 18th century |
| invading enemies during WWII. | | | | traveler James Boswell. |
| Ilminster is another great launch site in south | | | | With its well-preserved Roman remains and famous |
| Somerset. This charming market town lies half way | | | | baths, compact centre, historic buildings, pretty shops |
| between Yeovil and Taunton, close to the A303, and | | | | and set in spectacular countryside, Bath truly is a |
| takes its name from the 15th Century Minster church | | | | ballooning paradise. It is brimming with heritage and |
| and the nearby River Ile. Well known for its striking | | | | beauty and without a skyscraper in sight! Within |
| architecture, Ilminster's church is one of the most | | | | minutes you might find yourself looking down on the |
| noticeable of all. Its perpendicular structural design and | | | | atmospheric village of Lacock, virtually untouched |
| ornate stained glass make it a beautiful building which | | | | since the 18th century. It will come as no surprise, |
| stands tall above the market square's medieval | | | | when viewed from the basket, that this village often |
| patterned streets. Described as Ileminstre, meaning | | | | features in television and cinema such as the BBC's |
| 'The church on the River Isle', the town is noted in | | | | Cranford, Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter and |
| the Doomsday book of 1086, although records of | | | | the Philosopher's Stone. |
| Ilminster date as far back as 725. | | | | A flight in any direction from this great city will lead |
| North east of Illminster is the infamous town of | | | | you over some adorable villages and ancient |
| Glastonbury. Today the town is best known for its | | | | landmarks including the mysterious and evocative |
| famous festival when the world's top musicians and | | | | circle of enormous rocks that is Stonehenge. |
| stars descend on the nation's most famous farm for | | | | For more information on ballooning in Somerset visit |
| a 100,000 strong annual music marathon. If that's not | | | | Virgin Balloon Flights - the leading hot air balloon rides |
| your scene then you'll most probably adore the | | | | company in the world with the largest passenger |
| serene picture of rural perfection that is Glastonbury | | | | carrying balloons in the UK. |
| for the other 363 days of the year. Just a short | | | | |