Fun & Interesting Facts
Inventor and aviation pioneer Percy Pilcher designed and built what is believed to be the first powered aircraft, a triplane, four years before the Wright brothers unveiled the Flyer I. Sadly, Percy died in a glider accident in 1899 - the very day he was due to demonstrate his powered plane for the first time at Stanford Hall.
His plans were lost for many years and his name all but forgotten until 2003, when researchers at Cranfield University built a replica of Percy’s triplane and successfully managed sustained flight for almost 90 seconds.
About
Enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the heart of England on an unforgettable Leicester hot air balloon ride.
Go up, up and away from the beautiful Stanford Hall, near Lutterworth and a few miles south of Leicester itself.
Leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind as you drift majestically and almost silently up towards the skies, as glorious rolling countryside stretches out below you in every direction.
Travel wherever the wind takes you and keep an eye out for such sights as the River Avon, Swinford Reservoir and beautiful country manors such as Kelmarsh Hall and Kilworth House.
Experience an airborne adventure you will never forget as you take to the skies on a truly wonderful Leicester hot air balloon ride.