| Devon is, of course, the land of cream-teas, | | | | from which to take to the skies. Complete with a |
| somewhere that for many brings back memories | | | | steamer quay, Norman castle, ancient guildhall and |
| of quintessential English summer holidays. A hot air | | | | the timeless north and south gates, Totnes offers |
| balloon ride over the area provides the perfect | | | | up an architectural feast for those interested in |
| opportunity to view many of the landmarks from | | | | historic buildings. Dependent on the wind direction |
| a completely new perspective - or more | | | | you may also be able to exchange a friendly |
| specifically from anything up to 5,000 feet. | | | | wave from the basket with the welcoming |
| A good place to start is in Exeter - the capital of | | | | monks of the magnificent Buckfast Abbey, a |
| Devon, lying on the River Exe. On the ground the | | | | living Benedictine Monastery set in the beautiful |
| city brims with contemporary character, offering | | | | Dart valley. |
| an abundance of live music, dance, comedy, | | | | One of the UK's most southerly launch sites is |
| drama and street theatre and from the skies the | | | | Kingsbridge found at the head of the Kingsbridge |
| location is equally breathtaking. Founded by the | | | | estuary. Being virtually on the tip of a peninsula, a |
| Romans almost 2,000 years ago, Exeter is | | | | hot air balloon ride here may take you for a |
| recognised as one of England's oldest cities with | | | | magical journey over the sea as well as the land. |
| examples of its ancient pedigree still visible today. | | | | No two balloon flights are ever the same, so |
| Surrounded by both Dartmoor and Exmoor, the | | | | where you'll fly and what you'll see, be it chimney |
| city is the perfect central point from which to fly | | | | pots, beaches or countryside, is really up to the |
| in any direction, take in the breathtaking local | | | | wind (with a little help from your pilot). Just don't |
| scenery and the architecture of the city's | | | | forget to take your camera, binoculars or |
| cathedral, dating back to Norman times. | | | | camcorder to record the magic of a balloon flight |
| Heading south, Totnes offers an excellent location | | | | experience. |