With Mothering Sunday just around the corner, why not make the most of it and treat her to something a little special?
What better way can you think of to celebrate your mother, grandmother or the mother of your child than by offering her a trip over the skies of Bath that she will never forget?
The beautiful city of Bath draws in visitors from around the world, who come to marvel at the golden stone buildings, the Jane Austen visitors’ centre, and the remarkable Roman baths. However, the best way to explore this UNESCO heritage site and cultural icon is from the skies.
In the middle of the 18th Century, Bath became a tourist hot spot for the affluent classes to visit in order to enjoy the restorative properties of the waters in the Baths. The famous Royal Crescent, designed by John Wood, was built to accommodate these visitors in a series of serviced apartments. This marvel of architectural skill is breathtaking to see from the skies. Rounding the lush Royal Victoria Park, from where your flight takes off, it will be one of the first things you see as your Mother’s Day flight gets underway.
A little to the side, you will come across another of John Wood’s creations; the perfectly circular Circus. Mystery surrounds the conjunction of the adjoining Queen’s Square and Gay Street, also designed by John Wood, which together with the Circus form a key shape when seen from above; a masonic symbol that features in many of his designs. Can you spot it?
Further south, you will see the historic Pulteney Bridge, which is an exceptional example of Palladian style design, with rows of shops running on either side of the structure. Pass over the jade-coloured waters of the Thermae Bath Spa to be reminded of why the Romans were enamoured with this unique part of the country.
Hoping for a clear day, as your flight ascends farther into the air, you might be able to spot the penetrating Glastonbury Tor to the South, or the mystical standing stones at Stonehenge.
Hot air balloon flights in Bath are available for parties of up to 16 people, so bring the whole family along. All passengers over the age of seven are welcome in the basket. Upon landing, treat your mum to a champagne reception. A picnic, or other special treat can also be arranged (and of course, soft drinks are available, too). The whole experience lasts three to four hours and your pilot can take pictures of your family group for you to purchase and take home on a USB stick, as a permanent memento of your mother’s special day.
If you cannot get up into the air for Mother’s Day itself, gift vouchers are available and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Make it a day to remember this year and book your trip now.
