Hot Air Balloon Rides in Wiltshire
Flying over the Wiltshire countryside on a hot air balloon ride is a fantastic experience with rolling countryside, ancient monuments and perhaps even a crop circle if you are lucky.
The ancient town of Salisbury and the 13th century Salisbury Cathedral is the finest medieval example in the country. It's spire, the tallest in the country, can be seen from miles away during balloon rides over the Wiltshire countryside. To the north of Salisbury is the much earlier religious site at Stonehenge!
To the east of Salisbury lies the New Forest National Park, with the River Hamble and Southampton on the horizon. Westwards towards Dorset lie the towns of Shaftesbury and Sherborne with quaint alms houses, a superb abbey and numerous medieval buildings.
Virgin Balloon Flights offers balloon rides from Swindon, launching from the attractive Lydiard Park on the edges of town.
Or drift south towards Marlborough and you may see the North Wessex Downs and views of one of the famous White Horses carved in the chalk.
Here are some things to do in Wiltshire, UK:
Visit Stonehenge: This prehistoric stone circle is one of the most famous and mysterious ancient sites in the world. You can take guided tours and learn about the history and theories surrounding the monument.
Visit Avebury: This prehistoric stone circle is located near the village of Avebury and is thought to be one of the largest and most complex in the world.
Visit Salisbury Cathedral: This medieval cathedral is known for its impressive spire and the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta.
Visit the Longleat House: This stately home in Warminster is one of the country's best examples of Elizabethan architecture and is open to the public for tours.
Visit the Wiltshire Museum: This museum in Devizes offers a variety of exhibitions and events, including archaeology, history, art, and natural history.
Visit the Old Sarum: This ancient hill fort and settlement is located near Salisbury and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Visit the Stourhead: This estate in Warminster features a beautiful landscape garden, a lake, and a variety of buildings and structures.
Visit the Lacock Abbey: This medieval abbey in the village of Lacock is now a country house open to the public and is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.
Visit the National Trust's Gardens at Stourhead: This property offers a beautiful garden, lake and classical temple, which is a great place for a picnic or a walk.
Visit the Museum of Army Flying: This museum in Middle Wallop tells the story of the British Army's flying history and has a variety of aircraft and exhibits on display.