With a strong transport heritage, it seems appropriate that Brentwood should be home to the Virgin Balloon Flights hot air balloon launch site, one of four that we currently operate in the county.
Growing up around a forest clearing in the late 12th century, the town was once a stopping off point for pilgrims travelling en-route from East Anglia and the Midlands to Canterbury.
Later, Brentwood developed into an 18th century coaching centre acquiring a number of fine coaching inns as a consequence. More recently, with our arrival it has become involved in the world of leisure aviation.
Your flight path might take in the small local town of Billericay, its numerous Georgian and period houses standing out from the surrounding wooded countryside.
Imagine for a moment, if suspended over the nearby Norsey Wood Nature Reserve, the massacre of 500 men by King Richard's soldiers in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
A pass over Chelmsford, the county town for more than 700 years would also make for an intriguing flight, crowning a memorable day in this historic home county.
Perhaps you will skirt a windmill or two, arguably 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 in different eras, 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!directionsThe Brentwood Centre
Doddinghurst Road
Brentwood
Essex
CM15 9NN From the M25 leave at junction 28 and take the A1023 into Brentwood.
When entering the centre of Brentwood, follow the brown tourist signs for ‘The Brentwood Centre Leisure Complex’.
Park in the main car park and proceed on foot to the left of the main buildings past the barrier onto the sports field, this is the meeting point.
Please note that there is no direct access off the A12. flight information linePlease call 0844 576 7522 to confirm the status of your flight. |
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