Hot Air Balloon Flights from the City of Oxford over Oxfordshire
Incorporating parts of the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs, all Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Oxfordshire boasts a great diversity of landscape.
Traditionally Oxford has been a favoured location for balloon flights. James Sadler flew from Christchurch Meadows on the 4th October 1784, becoming the first Englishman to fly. There had been an earlier and "first" balloon flight over London . by an Italian, Vincenzo Lunardi just over two weeks before. Because Oxfordshire is in the centre of the south of the country, it often has winds better suited to flights in hot air balloons during the summer months but can equally suffer from misty conditions on autumn mornings.
Standing at the confluence of the Thames and the Cherwell the city of Oxford has a long history as a centre of learning. A hot air balloon flight from Oxford with Virgin Balloon Flights takes off from close to Oxford city centre, so that passengers can view the dreaming spires and the countryside around during their flight. See the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the many Musuems and Oxford Colleges built in the distinctive stone. Further a field Didcot Power Station, Farmoor Reservoir and Port Meadow are distinctive landmarks you may see.
Further south of Oxford you may find yourself looking down upon Wallingford, lying serenely against the banks of the Thames as it flows onwards to London.
To the North West by about 10 miles lies Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and one of the areas biggest visitor attractions.
At the opposite end of Oxfordshire on it's borders with Berkshire, a hot air balloon ride from Henley-On-Thames offers beautiful views of far reaching countryside and the famous River Thames itself.
Here are some things to do in Oxfordshire, UK:
Visit Oxford University: This historic university offers a chance to see the famous colleges, such as Christ Church, Balliol and Magdalen, and to learn about the history of the university.
Visit Blenheim Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a chance to learn about the history of the palace and the Churchill family, and to see the palace and the gardens.
Visit the Bodleian Library: This historic library offers a chance to learn about the history of the library and to see the library's collection.
Visit the Oxford Castle: This castle offers a glimpse into the history of the area and the lives of the people who lived there, as well as the opportunity to explore the castle grounds and exhibitions.
Visit the Oxford University Museum of Natural History: This museum offers a chance to learn about the natural history and to see a variety of specimens.
Visit the Oxford University Museum of the History of Science: This museum offers a chance to learn about the history of science and to see a variety of scientific instruments and artifacts.
Visit the Oxford Covered Market: This market offers a chance to see a variety of local products and crafts and to learn more about the local culture.
Visit the Oxford Canal: This canal offers a chance to enjoy the nature and to see a variety of boats and wildlife.
Visit the Château D'Oz: This chateau offers a chance to learn about the history of the chateau and to see the chateau and the gardens.
Visit the Oxford University Parks: This park offers a chance to enjoy the nature and to see a variety of plants and wildlife.