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One of our back-up launch sites, your flight may be moved here on the day.
Our Sedgefield launch site just north of this interesting and historic place provides you with a fantastic starting point for a hot air balloon ride over County Durham, combining inspiring town and country views.
You’ll take off from Fishburn Airfield, which is home to Fishburn Aeroclub and opened in June 1995 for all kinds of light aircraft and helicopters, so you may be lucky enough to spot a Tiger Moth or two during your visit.
Sedgefield itself dates back to Norman times and as you drift by, you could see the tower of St Edmunds Church, which was built in the 13th century, and nearby Ceddesfeld Hall.
Formerly the rectory, legend has it that this imposing building was also once home to a ghost called the Pickled Parson, who died and was preserved in brine by his wife in a desperate bid to convince people he was still alive so that she could still collect tithe taxes from the local landowners.
By the church lies the Shrove Tuesday Ball Game Statue, which commemorates the traditional 700-year-old mob football match still played between farms and tradesmen in Sedgefield on Shrove Tuesday every year.
Sedgefield has had a market charter since 1310 and a market still takes place on the village green on the second Sunday of each month.
As well as Sedgefield itself, depending on the wind, you may also see Notty Hill Golf Centre, Bishop Middleham, Trimdon, Ferryhill plus, on a really clear day, the east coast and the glistening North Sea beyond.
You may also catch a glimpse of Hardwick Hall Country Park, a 40 acre landscaped estate from the 18th century.