Braintree, a bustling market town standing on the old Roman road, was afforded its market character by King John, no less, in 1199.
For over four centuries the town has prospered from the textile industry as firstly wool and then silk was weaved.
Your flight might carry you over the town of Witham, standing on the banks of the River Brain and once the home of crime writer, Dorothy L Sayers, who lived in the town for 27 years from 1929.
On the other hand you might find yourself suspended over Wivenhoe for a moment or two as you cast a glance down at the town set on the wooded slopes of the River Colne. Blessed with many attractive old inns and a very pretty quayside, you might be enticed into a visit post-flight for a bite to eat or a glass of the local ale.
Dotted about the county beneath you will be countless Essex windmills, perhaps the most famous of which is John Webb's 19th century masterpiece at Thaxted.
The town was once home to the composer, Gustav Holst and the notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin. Thankfully living in Thaxted at different times the prospect of being held up at gunpoint to the accompaniment of The Planet Suite was never realised.
Why not travel with style in Essex, as a Virgin Balloon Flights passenger you are entitled to a 10% discount with Essex Limos PLUS TWO FREE bottles of bubbly with this printable voucher!directionsBlake House Craft Centre
Essex
CM77 6RA The craft centre is situated approximately 3 miles Stanstead side of Braintree, it is well sign-posted from the A120 by brown tourist signs.
Travelling from Braintree from the A120, take the Felsted B1417 and Stebbing (B1256) exit approximately 2.5 miles from the A131 interchange. Follow the brown tourist signs over the A120 to the Craft Centre.
From Gt. Dunmow direction on the old A120, turn left at Palm Trees restaurant (previously known as The Saling Oak) direction Gt Saling. The Craft Centre is half a mile on the right. As well as the craft outlets there's also the original great maze and a licensed restaurant/ tea room (reservations tel.: 01376 552553).
If gates are closed please wait in small un-gated car park, otherwise proceed straight through the gates and straight through the farmyard. The launch field is to the left,
parking is near the fence. flight information linePlease call 0844 576 7522 to confirm the status of your flight. |
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