Bristol is well known for being the home of ballooning in the UK and it is for a very good reason – the views and scenery you see from a balloon over Bristol are amazing and no matter how many times you fly over Bristol, you will see something new every time!
Most Bristol Balloon flights start in the grounds of the beautiful Ashton Court Mansion house and estate. The manor house was first built in the 11th century and has been developed by various different owners and has had many uses. In the first world war it was used as a military hospital and an army transit camp in the second world war. Currently the house and grounds are open to the public and of course it plays host to the annual International Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Due to it’s proximity to the sea and airport, some flights have to launch from an alternative location in Keynsham or Bath if the wind direction dictates this.
photo credit – Bristol Balloon FiestaLaunching from Ashton Court is a delight in itself, as you rise up into the air, the house and grounds lay out before you, getting smaller and smaller as you drift peacefully along. You can usually get a great view of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Clifton Downs.
From then on the wind will guide you on your journey, whether it will be across the centre of Bristol offering sights of Brunel’s SS Great Britain, the floating Harbour, Ashton Gate Stadium, Cabot Circus and the Harborside or you may head off into the North Somerset Countryside over pretty villages such as flax bourton, Potters Hill and towards the Chew Valley with the spectacular lakes and rolling hills.
No wonder Bristol is such a popular location for balloon rides, each flight takes a unique path and offers wonderful views every time. Book your Bristol Balloon Flight now!
