With its iconic golden brickwork and ornate architecture, the Georgian city of Bath is already a picture-perfect place to spend the Christmas break. What better way to explore the quaint streets, majestic river, and sparkling Christmas lights than from the skies?
The gift of a hot air balloon ride over the rooftops of Bath is a wonderful way to make it a memorable Christmas.
Originally founded by the Roman Empire, Bath is simply teeming with history. Start your ascent from the verdant Royal Victoria Park, just south of the world-renowned Royal Crescent. This perfect semi-circle of Georgian design was built by John Wood between 1767 and 1774. Rather cleverly, the crescent is a façade that hides the individual and usually mismatching dwellings that were built behind the Palladian-styled structure. From the skies, you discover these buildings, and as you head further aloft, spot the area’s famous ‘question mark’, which is composed of the Crescent, the Circus and the adjoining road that joins the two. The Circus, too, was built by the same architect and is a geometrically perfect circle. Seen from above, it even more stunning than when explored on hard land.
Bath is famous for its baths, of course. Your hot air balloon flight also takes you over Bath Abbey which is next door. This former monastery has a unique oblong tower – maybe you will hear the ten bells peal as you fly over?
The splendid River Avon bisects the city and over it are some impressive bridges, of which Pulteney Bridge is one of the most unusual. Completed in 1774, it is also of the Palladian style (meaning symmetrical and usually with columns and porticos). Pulteney Bridge is home to a number of shops, which is part of what makes it unique.
Further afield, Bath is in some remarkable countryside. On a clear day, see if you can spot the standing stones at Avebury, or the nearby West Kennet Avenue, which is a whole avenue of prehistoric stones. With the North Wessex Downs to the east, the Mendip Hills to the west, and the Cotswolds to the north, you are sure to be able to enjoy some remarkable wintery landscapes. To the south, you might spot the Tor at Glastonbury, or even Stonehenge.
Your hot air balloon flight experience will take between three and four hours. We land somewhere picturesque and you can enjoy a glass of champagne with your loved ones while the balloon is packed away. Then you are driven back to the heart of Bath to continue your day.
If you cannot get up, up, and away in winter, then why not give a hot air balloon experience as present for the warmer months? We offer balloon vouchers valid for a full 12 months and can cater for groups of up to 16 people. You can get as involved with the balloon flight as you like, or just relax and let our knowledgeable crew take control of your Christmas ballooning adventure.
