Cheltenham was just a small Cotswold village until its ?miracle springs? were discovered in 1715, after which the seemingly cure-all waters became a magnet for colonial military officers returning from tropical regions with liver disorders. Soon an entire classical city was laid out and built as a suitable place in which they could retire in the manner to which they had become accustomed!
Elegant garden squares ringed by charming architecture make Cheltenham a delightful period piece high on any tourist?s agenda.
Naturally the same elegance and refined qualities are equally attractive to our passengers as they look down from on high at the regency terraces and surrounding forests and vales.
Based at the famous Cheltenham Racecourse, host of the Gold Cup, our launch site is perfectly placed for those eager to indulge in a real flight of fantasy on their hot air balloon ride.
Nearby is the cathedral city of Gloucester, overlooked by the Cotswold Hills in the lush Severn Valley, while the medieval gem of Tewkesbury with its famous timer-framed buildings lies to the north.
Travel further west of Gloucester and you could enjoy the Royal Forest of Dean, mysterious and beautiful at anytime, but particularly stunning in spring and autumn. Southerly flights will take in the majestic Severn Vale, while to the east you have the outstanding Cotswold Hills.
There is so much to see from the air from this fantastic launch site.
directions
Please follow the signs to Cheltenham Racecourse. Drive through the main entrance, keep left and follow the road all the way past the main buildings towards the Heritage Railway Centre. The balloon launches on the grass alongside the old railway station building.