Berkshire is an interesting county to fly over in a hot air balloon, combining as it does the River Thames, urban and rural landscapes and many historic houses and sites. Berkshire is known as 'Royal Berkshire' due to its association with the Royal family and Windsor Castle. As the Eastern end of Berkshire is covered by Heathrow Airport's airspace, hot air balloon flights can only operate to the west from locations around Reading, Newbury and Hungerford.
Flying from the Newbury, nestled right up alongside the North Wessex Downs, you may see large country houses, areas of outstanding natural beauty and Greenham Common, home of the famous Cold War nuclear bunker. Newbury itself is a pretty and historic medieval town. See if you can spot the Cloth Hall and adjoining half-timbered granary. You can take a balloon flight over Berkshire with Virgin Balloon Flights. Of course Berkshire has a more recent connection to royalty, with Prince William's wife Kate Middleton coming from the village of Bucklebury
Moving westwards you might fly as far as the North Wessex Downs. To the east lies Reading and miles upon miles of pretty English villages and rolling countryside. A hot air balloon ride over this part of Berkshire may take you over Ashdown House at Lambourn or southwards near Highclere Castle which is home to the Earl of Carnarvon where much of the TV series Downton Abbey was filmed.
You also have another operator, Adventure Balloons, flying in Berkshire and other areas of South East England.
Berkshire is a county in the south of England known for its picturesque countryside, historic towns, and stately homes.
Here are some popular things to do in Berkshire:
Visit Windsor Castle – one of the official residences of the British Royal Family and the largest inhabited castle in the world.
Explore the town of Reading – a historic town known for its excellent shopping and cultural attractions, such as the Museum of Reading and the Reading Abbey Ruins.
Take a walk in the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which offers great hiking and cycling opportunities.
Visit the Cliveden House – a stunning National Trust property with a rich history, beautiful gardens, and great views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the town of Newbury – a historic market town known for its charming cobbled streets and lively shopping and dining scene.
Visit the Basildon Park – a beautiful 18th-century mansion set in extensive parkland and gardens, now a National Trust property.
Visit the Donnington Castle – a ruined medieval castle with a history dating back to the 14th century and a great spot for history buffs.
Visit the Sandham Memorial Chapel – a beautiful and unique chapel designed by architect Edwin Lutyens and decorated with art by Stanley Spencer.
Visit the Museum of English Rural Life
Attend to one of the many events and festivals that take place throughout the year in Berkshire such as the Reading Festival, Newbury's Waterfest, and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Berkshire. There are many more activities, events, and attractions to explore, depending on your interests.