The Feering Virgin Balloon Flights hot air balloon launch site, one of four in Essex, is situated at the magnificent 16th century Prested Hall. A grade two listed building, Prested Hall is set in its own 80-acre park and woodland estate, nine miles South of Colchester.
Standing on the outskirts of the village our launch site is in an ideal location from which to explore the area around nearby Kelvedon and beyond.
Nestling in a wide bend in the River Blackwater, Kelvedon is the latest in a long history of settlements to occupy the site, dating back to pre-Roman times.
Evidence in the form of recovered British Celtic coins minted by the Trinovantes tribe, who were known to have peopled this region in the time of Julius Caesar bare testimony to this fact.
With local landmark towns such as Tiptree, Braintree, Witham and Coggeshall huddled about the launch site at all compass points there is endless opportunity to look down on some remarkable history and beauty, whatever direction the wind takes you.
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, passengers are often enticed into a visit post-flight for a bite to eat or a glass of the local ale.
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!directionsPrested Hall
Feering
Colchester
CO5 9EE Prested Hall is situated ten miles north east of Chelmsford, just off the southbound carriageway of the A12, north east of Kelvedon.
From London and Witham direction on the A12
Take the Kelvedon exit B1024 and drive through the village, as if rejoining the A12 but prior to doing so follow signs to Prested Hall going over the A12. Follow the long drive and just before you get to the houses at the bottom of the drive turn right into the launch field car park and wait with your vehicle to be greeted by the balloon crew at the time stated on the recorded message on the flight information line.
From Ipswich and Colchester direction
Leave the A12 at the Kelvedon exit B1024. Prested Hall is immediately left then follow directions as above.
Please minimise disturbance to local residents when meeting in the early morning.
Please note there are no facilities available in the early morning. flight information linePlease call 0844 576 7522 to confirm the status of your flight. |
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