WIN! A BALLOON FLIGHT FOR TWO

CHOCKS AWAY! BRITISH BALLOON FLIGHTS HAS A BRILLIANT PRIZE OF A LUXURY HOT- AIR BALLOON TRIP UP FOR GRABS

Aserene sunset balloon flight over the English countryside in summer is the stuff of dreams – or possibly reality, if you’re lucky enough to win this fantastic competition. British Balloon Flights is giving away a luxury hot-air balloon flight for two. If you’ve yet to experience the thrill of this age-old means of flight, here’s an opportunity to inspire you.

BEST OF BRITISH

British Balloon Flights is the brainchild of Brian Smith and James Palmer. The duo, with backgrounds in aviation and events planning respectively, decided to turn a shared passion for balloon flight into a business. What began in the corporate sector has now expanded into British Balloon Flights – the luxury bit of the company, looking to bring elegance and serenity back to the basket.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

The history of hot-air ballooning had a far-from-elegant beginning. The sport first took off in France in the 18th century, when a sheep, a rooster and a duck became unwitting test pilots for a demo flight in front of Louis XVI. We have the Montgolfier brothers to thank for this centuries-old pastime, dubbed by Marie Antoinette, “the sport of gods”.

WHAT YOU COULD WIN

Summer’s long days, warm thermals and gentle winds are the best time to enjoy airborne adventures. The winner and a friend will be taking off from Knepp Castle, flying over the wonderful West Sussex countryside. Knepp is a 3,500-acre estate, now rewilded and home to some surprising wildlife (see page 44). While your balloon is being prepared, take in your surroundings with drinks, nuts and nibbles. After a memorable flight, as the sun melts into the west, you’ll get the chance to toast your landing with English sparkling wine. Photos from your flight and a commemorative certificate will help keep some very special memories fresh.

Enter online at thesimplethings. com/blog/balloonflight. The closing date is 11 July 2018.