Up, up and away ... Hot Air Ballooning with Warner Leisure Hotels

19/06/2008

Is there a more serene or uplifting way to fly than in a hot air balloon? You majestically rise through the air and float on the breeze, the perfect vantage point to observe the full beauty of the countryside.

With 360 degrees of visibility, you will feel completely uninhibited as you glide silently over the countryside, seeing the world from a whole new perspective.

And, despite everyone’s natural anxiety, it really is a very safe pursuit: modern technology has made a science out of ballooning which – of course, is the oldest form of manned flight. It’s come a long way since the Montgolfier brothers invented the balloon in 1783. Modern style balloons only arrived in the 1960s and, since then, millions of people have enjoyed the spectacular sensation of flying powered by your own thermal.

Our hot air balloon flights take off from the fabulous settings of Cricket St Thomas, Littlecote House and Holme Lacy House Hotels. Over your break you will be scheduled aboard a flight planned for either dusk or dawn: these are the favoured times because this is when the wind is usually at its lightest.

On your return what better way to celebrate your achievement than with a glass of champagne.

This is the perfect gift for a loved one – a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget. Or why not treat yourself – you deserve it!
 
Alternatively, if you'd like to try a very different experience, discover what goes on behind the scenes at a Hillier Nursery with Hilliers’ designer Andy McIndoe and enjoy a wonderful tour exploring the early autumn colour of the famous and interesting Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire.

Warner Leisure Hotels grounds and gardens are lovingly cared for by our head gardeners and their teams. They are extremely proud, and love to share their tips on success with our guests, so why not join them on one of our “home grown” experience breaks where over the course of your break they’ll give you a glimpse into a “gardener’s world”.

Or simply join us on an escorted day trip whilst on your break to the Tatton Park RHS Flower Show, see Yorkshire in Bloom at RHS Harlow Carr or enjoy a day at the Harrogate Flower Show.

All breaks include a sumptuous three course dinner, a comfortable en suite bedroom, a full and generous English breakfast, live nightly entertainment and numerous daytime activities and leisure facilities.

And if hot air balloons and gardening experience breaks haven’t grown on you, don’t worry as Warner Leisure Hotels have over 600 different experiences to choose from including Learn to….Become A Chocolate Artist, Look and Feel Ten Years Younger with Channel 4’s Nicky Hambleton- Jones’ team, discover your paranormal abilities on the Psychic School With the Psychic Sisters, join the experts at an Antiques Fair or a Ghost Hunt, take a trip on the Orient Express or even try your hand at Campanology (bell ringing)or a day at the races.

Warner Leisure Hotels has 13 properties across the UK each with its own character and personality, offering a wide choice and style of accommodation.
 
From the majestic Thoresby Hall Hotel and Spa in Nottinghamshire, and the historic Littlecote House in Berkshire where Henry VIII courted Jane Seymour, through to Victorian character hotel Alvaston Hall in Cheshire with its own golf course, and Lakeside seaside resort on Hayling Island in Hampshire offering relaxed accommodation in a pretty traditional seaside location, there is a hotel or resort to suit every taste and style.
 
Subscribers to the Mature Times enewsletter can take advantage of savings up to 15%* off breaks taken in July and August by quoting 34MT8 when booking.  We also have some great offers throughout the rest of the year - please call us for further details. You can book by calling free phone 0800 1 388 399, visit the link below or seeing your local travel agent.
 
*Terms & Conditions apply
 
Littlecote House Hotel, Hungerford, Berkshire
21st July, 4th August – Hot Air Balloon Experience

Holme Lacy House, Herefordshire
18th August, 22nd August – Hot Air Balloon Experience

Nidd Hall, North Yorkshire
1st August – Yorkshire in Bloom
12th September – Harrogate Flower Show

Cricket St Thomas, Chard, Somerset
30th June, 14th July, 15th September – Hot Air Balloon Experience
29th September – Autumn Gardens with Hillier Nurseries

For details of these and all of our great experiences click below.