Did you know that Devon was one of the first areas to ever be inhabited in England? As the Ice Age drew to a close, the glaciers began to disappear and gave way to the climate we live in today. There is no question that this place will forever have a legendary history, as it was also a land of the Vikings and of constant Visigothic conquests.

But if there's one thing that makes this magnificent place stand out for us, it would be its exceptionally beautiful green landscapes and all the nature it offers. As you know, we are crazy about adrenaline-filling activities, and we cannot think of a better way to take in the grandeur of Devon’s landscapes than from a hot air balloon.

I am sure you too are curious and wondering about what it would be like to live such an amazing experience, so keep reading, because your dream experience awaits.

Where are the best places to go ballooning in Devon?

• Ivybridge: just to the south of the county you'll find a flying centre that will give you an unforgettable experience, as well as some of the most picturesque and charming villages that you could possibly imagine. And if visiting them on foot is already a marvellous experience, imagine what it would be like to soar in the sky and look down on them from above. We can tell you, it's a real dream.

Not to mention its nature reserves and bays! Because there's nothing quite like getting up in one of these hot air balloons in Ivybridge and seeing the white sandy beaches of the Torbay coastline in the distance.

To give you an idea of what it will be like to take a flight in this area, we only need to tell you that you will be flying over such special places as Plymbridge Forest in Plymouth, the stunning Slapton Ley Lake in Kingsbridge and not to mention Dartmoor National Park. We think it's a perfect location to experience the grandeur of South Devon - we're sure you'll enjoy it immensely.

• Exeter: if you are in the east of the county, you can enjoy an incredible experience no less. That's because the flight centre in the city of Exeter has balloons that will leave their mark on you! From above in these balloons, you will be able to discover even the most hidden corners of the area. Among them you will witness some of the greenest landscapes you have ever seen, such as the Blackdown Hills or Dartmoor National Park. Not to mention, you'll be able to enjoy some of the most unique views of the towns in the east of the county, such as Crediton, Tiverton and Honiton.

We would love to tell you absolutely everything you’ll see on your balloon ride, but some things are best left to your own eyes, because there is no other way to put it into words. So, whichever option you choose, believe us, there is nothing that compares to the feeling of flying more than 1000 metres above the ground, particularly in a place as special as this, where you'll be enveloped in the calm of the sky and the magic of its nature.

Requirements to do this activity

Absolutely anyone itching to get on a balloon ride and experience the feeling of freedom can do so! However, children under the age of 7 will have to wait before they can experience a balloon ride, as there is a 7+ age requirement. We know it's a shame, but being in a basket and being so young: they won't reach the minimum height of 1'10 metres, so they won't be able to enjoy the ride as they should.

And as for other physical conditions, let us tell you that anyone who can stand up for an extended period of time will have no problem at all doing this activity. So, get ready because this is going to be awesome!

How long does a flight last?

The estimated time for a hot air balloon ride is 1 hour, but we must warn you that this time will go by in a flash. In addition to the duration of the flight, you have to keep in mind that all of the preparation and explanations beforehand take time. The best thing about this activity is that you'll be able to watch the balloon being inflated and see how everything is prepared. Although you'll have an instructor accompanying you throughout the whole trip, you won't have to do anything more than enjoy the views - you'll be surprised by all the interesting facts they tell you. For example, you have to climb into the basket lying down, as the hot air that fills the balloon will make the basket rise until it hovers above the ground. Once you land, a ceremony will be held, in which you will toast with champagne and be given a certificate so that the memory of this experience will be with you forever.

How many people can go up?

In Devon you can organise balloon trips for any kind of special occasion and you will find balloons of all different sizes, so you can share this experience with your family and friends. If you want to surprise your partner with the most romantic ride, you can do it with a ride for two people; or even if you want to celebrate a birthday in a unique way, you have a total of 16 people on board.

What is the best time of year to go?

As with any other activity in the air, you will need the weather conditions to be on your side for the flight to go ahead safely. Therefore, the best time to go is spring or summer, when the weather is a bit more pleasant and you can avoid rain or strong winds. We all know that England is not known for having sunny days in handfuls, and we are drenched in rain more times than we would like. So, if you are already thinking about this experience, you should bear these kinds of things in mind.

Now that you've got a small taste of what this activity is like, just come along to one of our balloon flight centres and enjoy this special experience with us - it will be something you'll never forget!