Sailing into the air from Ripley Castle, which stands proudly in the north Yorkshire countryside, it’s impossible not to be swept up in its magnificence.
Admire the beautiful lakes, waterfall and the walled garden, which bursts with the colour of hyacinths from April to May, below your Virgin balloon.
Hopefully you’ll also spot some fallow deer gallivanting around the estate’s deer park, just one of the many wildlife species which call the estate their home.
Making your flight even more fascinating is the fact that the building’s seemingly perfect and splendid exterior conceals a history of political, military, religious and social turmoil as well as tales of courage and romance.
The Ingilby family have owned the castle for the last 700 years. Henry Ingilby collected taxes for Edward III and his brother was knighted after saving the king’s life.
James I stayed there in 1603 only for several close relations and associates of the family to attempt to kill him in the Gunpowder Plot shortly afterwards. Oliver Cromwell was once held prisoner overnight in the castle’s library.
The village of Ripley itself, which was entirely rebuilt with the addition of a huge Hotel de Ville by eccentric Sir William Amcotts Ingilby in around 1825, is as picturesque as any place you’ll see.
With the wind as your guide, you may also get to study other wonderful sights from the basket such as Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Knaresborough Castle, Ripon Cathedral, Spofforth Castle and the winding River Nidd.
Luck may have you drifting over the large spa town of Harrogate, taking in landmarks like the Pump Rooms, The Royal Baths, Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and the modern looking International Conference Centre.If you do head south the vast and beautiful expanse of the Yorkshire Dales will open up before you – the perfect end to a once in a life time experience.directionsRipley Castle
Ripley
Harrogate
North Yorkshire
HG3 3EA Ripley Castle is located by the A61 just North of
Harrogate and is well sign posted in the area.
The gates to the car park will be open 15 min before the meeting time - please await your balloon crew here.
Do not go to the Main Castle Entrance as there is no access to the launch field.
If you arrive early please park in the village where you can find a tea room, pub, shop and an ice cream parlour.
Do not park by the road side outside the gates since this will cause obstruction and danger.
No dogs are allowed in the park due to deer and sheep on the launch field. flight information linePlease call 0844 576 7524 to confirm the status of your flight. |
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