GLASTONBURY BALLOON RIDES

GLASTONBURY BALLOON FLIGHTS

Let a hot air balloon ride over Glastonbury open up unique views of both the town and surrounding collage of green fields, expansive wetlands, iconic tor and historic monuments. Glastonbury is set in glorious Somerset and you’ll discover that the views are epic and far reaching. As you begin to rise, one of the first thing you’ll scout for is the unmistakeable rise of Glastonbury Tor, atop which sits its evocative 15^th century tower. The tower is the only thing remaining from St Michael’s Church, which itself contrasts with the pagan beliefs that are inherently linked to the area which are still celebrated today. Also on the tor is the Egg Stone, which is believed by some researchers to be an ancient pagan shrine, and which is still used as a place of fertility rites by Neo-Pagans. Whilst in the heart of town you can spot the fabled remains of Glastonbury Abbey and the site of King Arthur’s Tomb. Next to them is the handsome Abbey House, a Tudor Gothic style building dating from the early 19th century.

Depending on the whim of the wind, your balloon may drift effortlessly in any number of directions. Heading north will see Wells, England’s smallest city, float into view. Dominated by its imposing 12^th century cathedral, which is adorned with 300 sculptures and on the West Front, a clock that was added in 1390. To the west of Glastonbury you’ll notice the captivating wetlands of RSPB Ham Well and adjoining Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve. Created out of old peat bogs, which were fashioned out of the existing marshes. People have been living in the area for 6,000 years and you can still walk along the line of the Sweet Line, which originally dates to these Neolithic times! Beyond them on the horizon, the allure of the shimmering waters of the Bristol Channel, summons the eye. No matter which way you fly, the views are spectacular and the sense of freedom immeasurable. With so much history and intrigue still entwined with daily life, let the legends of Glastonbury unfold before you on an equally legendary hot air balloon ride overhead.