William The Conqueror chose Colchester as the site for the first, and incidentally, largest royal castle to be built entirely of stone. His reasons are unclear, but perhaps the fact that Colchester is Britain's oldest recorded town had some influence.
When the Roman emperor received the surrender of the British kings here in AD43 it was in-fact known as Camelodunum, hence its association with King Arthur's legendary Camelot.
Running from the East side of London, up to the North Sea, and lying to the North of the River Thames, Essex is a county full of surprises and steeped in fascinating hidden history. How many would know that Queen Boadicea made her last stand against the Romans in Epping Forest for example?
From Colchester your flight path might take you over Coggeshall, renowned as a centre for antiques, proudly displaying its many fine timber framed buildings. Perhaps you will gaze down on the bustling market town of Braintree sitting astride one of many Roman roads crossing the county.
One thing is sure as you drift over this overly modest and yet highly relevant county. With the aid of a good history guidebook you will learn much as you cast your mind back a few centuries and picture an altogether different Essex.
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!directionsColchester launch site:- Ardleigh Showground
Old Ipswich Road
Ardleigh
Colchester
Essex
CO7 7QR
Ardleigh Showground is close to Junction 29 of the A12 and
A120.
From London
From the A12 exit J29, A12/A120 north Colchester.
Immediately on the slip road keep left in the direction of
Ardleigh on the A1232. Take the 2nd exit at the roundabout
straight over and immediately left onto Old Ipswich Road
(Gnome Magic) 300 meters at T junction turn right, The Crown
Pub is to the right. 500 meters further ahead on the right is
the Showground, Car Boot Fair field and Virgin Balloon Flights
launch field.
Park in the field on the right and wait with your vehicle to be
met by the Balloon Crew. If gates are locked await Balloon
Crew who will arrive shortly before meet time.
From Ipswich
Take A12, J29. At roundabout take 1st exit left and follow
directions as above.
From central Colchester
Follow the Ipswich Road A1232 to the A120 roundabout and
follow directions as above. flight information linePlease call 0844 576 7522 to confirm the status of your flight. |
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