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Sedgefield (Back-Up Site)

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Launch Site Address

Fishburn Aero Club, West House Farm, Bishop Middleham
Ferryhill
County Durham
DL17 9DY

Sedgefield (Back-Up Site)

About

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.

Directions

From the south:
Leave the A1(M) at Junction 60 and turn right onto the A689 towards Hartlepool. At the next roundabout turn left onto the A177. After three miles you will reach a farm track on the right going up a hill, signposted West Hill Farm.

From the north:
Leave the A1(M) at Junction 61 and turn left onto the A688 towards Peterlee. At the next roundabout take the second exit onto B6291 to Coxhoe and continue all the way down this road. At the end, turn left onto the A177 and after approximately two miles you will reach the farm track on your left, signposted West Hill Farm.

Drive up this track, bear right towards the Aero club and park by the club house.

Please don't enter airfield until advised to do so and obey all airfield rules.

Passenger Flight Information Line

Please call 01388 217808 to confirm the status of your flight.

Hints & Tips:

Learn More

Your Pilot Will Be:

Alex Harvey

Look forward to... floating on air exceptional views breath-taking heights going with the wind the world at your feet

Last Minute Availability

Flexible On When You Can Fly?