Flying through the air like a bird and feeling the calm of the sky is simply magical. This is especially true if you do it from a place like Somerset - full of green fields and dreamy landscapes. And, did you know that this county is home to the famous Cadbury Castle? Yes, the one linked to the mythical stories of King Arthur and Camelot…

Only a short few minutes' drive to the west from there, you'll find the town of Taunton. You might be wondering what's so special about this place... Well, as well as having over ten centuries of history, it's the perfect place to take a hot air balloon ride and tour the area from above.

So, as we are sure you are looking forward to this experience and we want to make things as easy as possible for you, here is a guide with everything you need to know before embarking on this new adventure.

Where to go on a hot air balloon ride in Taunton?

It's true that the town is not one of the largest in the county, but your experience here will be one of a kind. There's nothing quite like taking to the air and touching the clouds as you fly over a place as special as this, and getting up in one of the balloons at the balloon centre is an experience you'll never forget. You will be accompanied by the best instructors that you could imagine and they will be the ones to take you around all of the special places hidden in this town. And, best of all, these are places that you would never have thought you would get to see, as many of them can only be enjoyed from the sky. This is what will make your ride so exciting, as the views will take your breath away.

To give you an idea, from the air you'll be lucky enough to see the grandeur of the spectacular Quantock and Blackdown Hills, both of which are recognised as areas of outstanding beauty. Also, if you gaze out over the horizon and look closely, you can see the waters of the Bristol Channel to the north and to the south you can see the English Channel.

In short, flying over this area is an experience surrounded by nature and greenery, thanks to the valleys and hills you will find along the way. Not to mention the magnificent streams and waterfalls such as Trull. And of course, you can't miss the views of the entire path of the river Tone, which this peculiar locality of Taunton owes its name to.

When is the best time of year for a trip?

As you may be aware, England is a country where it is cold and rainy for most of the year. This is not something that goes well with a hot air balloon ride, as you need good weather conditions and the skies to be as clear as possible. Therefore, if you are already thinking about organising your experience, we recommend that you do it in spring or summer. In these warmer seasons, you will avoid two things: getting too cold once you are high in the sky; and encountering any kind of obstacle that might prevent the flight from going ahead, such as strong winds, rain or heavy clouds. Remember that Taunton is only a few miles from the coast and the weather can work against you, so it's important to choose the right time of year.

Requirements to do this activity

If you've made it this far, we're guessing that you're a thrill-seeker and, of course, not afraid of heights. Although this air rides are the most peaceful way to experience the calmness of the sky, that doesn't mean that you won't feel the adrenaline pumping through your body. You'll reach a height of more than 1000 metres above the ground, a real thrill! But, as we said, it may not be ideal for those who suffer from vertigo.

And if you're wondering if you have to meet any special requirements, we have to mention that anyone who is dying to go up in a hot air balloon can go ahead, as long as they are over 6 years old.

How long does this experience take?

Generally speaking it last approximately 1 hour. Imagine all that time enjoying the tranquillity that you experience from the sky... Although, you should be aware that before your flight takes place, there are preparations to be made, such as inflating the balloon and explanations by the instructors. You will be surprised by the unusual way in which you will get into the basket, as at the beginning you will have to lie down until it finishes inflating and starts to rise. At the end of each flight there is a fun ceremony where you can make a toast with champagne and receive a certificate.

How many people can go up in?

The best thing about taking a hot air balloon ride is sharing the experience with your friends and family and having a beautiful memory to last a lifetime. So, we must share with you that all is possible here and that you can choose the size of the balloon depending on the group you come with. In Taunton, you will find the one that best suits your tastes and preferences, whether you are looking for a romantic ride with your partner and enjoy the grandeur of these landscapes alone, or if you come with your whole family, in which case you can choose balloons with a capacity of up to 16 people. Awesome!

We're sure you're dying to try this experience and can't wait any longer. We hope this guide has helped you and that you come and enjoy this adventure soon - you won't regret it!