Hot Air Balloon Rides over Shropshire
Shropshire, maybe one of England's quiet counties but don't be deceived there's still plenty of excellent hot air ballooning in Shropshire - historic houses and castles with beautiful gardens, the famous Ironbridge, museums and family attractions.
Nestling the Welsh borders, Shropshire has thirty two castles so you are sure to see one on a hot air balloon flight. The Romans built the town of Whitchurch in 70AD and the area has the longest history of occupation in the county. While there’s little remaining from those times, there’s plenty of Medieval, Georgian and Victorian architecture to be seen on balloon flight from Whitchurch. South west of the town is the Brown Moss Nature Reserve created over 10,000 years ago in the last ice age. Now a haven for wildlife and another interesting place to see from a hot air balloon. You can’t miss it, apparently it can be clearly seen from space.
Drift a little further south to the county town of Shrewsbury which is almost surrounded by a loop of the River Severn. The birthplace of Charles Darwin, it is a medieval delight of black and white buildings. Further south still is the Area of outstanding National Beauty as you fly towards Shropshire's unique wooded limestone escarpment of Wenlock Edge. The largest hill for miles the Wrekin is nearly always visible on a balloon flight over Shropshire. Whether your hot air balloon flight takes you over the Shropshire Hills, or crosses the Shropshire Union Canal or close to one of the many castles, from the air this is a county that will not fail to delight.
Virgin Balloon Flights has more flight locations in Shropshire than any other balloon operator.
Choose from one of their beautiful launch sites below:
A Shrewsbury hot air balloon ride from the historic Battlefield on the very edge of town.
A Telford balloon flight from just outside the historic Ironbridge Gorge, considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
Ludlow hot air balloon rides launch from Stokesay Court, where the movie 'Atonement' was filmed.
A North Shropshire hot air balloon ride from Whitchurch, on the border with Cheshire.
An Oswestry balloon flight that offers stunning views not just of Shropshire, but into the dramatic Welsh hills.
Here are some things to do in Shropshire, UK:
Visit Ironbridge Gorge: This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a chance to learn about the history of the Industrial Revolution and to see the remains of the iron bridge and other industrial structures.
Visit Attingham Park: This historic estate offers a chance to learn about the history of the estate and the lives of the people who lived there, as well as the opportunity to explore the estate grounds and exhibitions.
Visit the Ludlow 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 Acton Scott Historic Working Farm: This farm offers a chance to learn about the local farming history and to see a variety of farm animals and equipment.
Visit the Stokesay 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 Shrewsbury Abbey: This abbey offers a chance to learn about the history of the abbey and to see the remains of the abbey.
Visit the Wroxeter Roman City: This Roman city offers a chance to learn about Roman history and to see the remains of the city.
Visit the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: This area offers a chance to enjoy the nature and to see a variety of plants and wildlife.
Visit the Severn Valley Railway: This railway offers a chance to take a ride on a steam train and to learn about the history of the railway.
Visit the RAF Museum Cosford: This museum offers a chance to learn about the history of the RAF and to see a variety of aircraft and artifacts.