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Famously known as the 'City of Dreaming Spires', the great university city of Oxford plays host to the second of our Oxfordshire Virgin Hot Air Balloon launch sites.
Standing at the confluence of two rivers, the Thames, confusingly known as the Isis within the county and the Cherwell, the city's history is shrouded in the mists of time.
Whilst some historians date the origins of Oxford back to around 1500BC, others claim that a king named Arviragus first founded the city around 70AD. Whatever the case may be, there is clearly a rich vein of history to absorb, when one gazes down from the basket.
Whichever direction the wind chooses to take you on your trip you are guaranteed a fascinating flight over some picturesque landscapes and features, through which is threaded the infant River Thames.
You may find yourself looking down upon thriving market towns, such as Wallingford, lying serenely against the banks of the Thames flowing on towards London.
With its narrow streets, brimming with a vast array of small shops, pubs, restaurants and some extraordinary antique shops in the Lamb Arcade, the town demands a visit in its own right either before or after your flight.
Wallingford's delightful parks, commons and gardens, more readily appreciated when viewed from the air, are perfect for an impromptu summer picnic, as the Thames slides silently by.
One of dozens of historically and aesthetically inspiring towns in this beautiful area, Wallingford was once home to William the Conqueror, the remains of his castle can still be seen from the castle gardens.
Satellites: Henley-on-Thames, Chiltern Park Airfield
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Reproduced from Land Ranger® 1:50,000 by permission of Ordnance Survey® on
behalf of The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office© Crown
Copyright.
All rights reserved. Licence number 100040229.
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