A hot air balloon flight from Shaftesbury, one of England’s oldest and highest towns, is the perfect way to enjoy views of idyllic rural Dorset. Balloon rides from here open up the landscape which was so vividly described in the books of Thomas Hardy, who called the fictional version of the town ‘Shaston’. As well as many fine historical buildings, Shaftesbury has one particularly famous cobbled street. Gold Hill was featured in the famous Hovis bread advert with the music of Dvorak's 'New World' Symphony. During your hot air balloon ride from Shaftesbury, you may also spy ancient Wardour Castle, quaint villages like Motcombe, Cherry Orchard and Sturminster Newton and, on a clear day, maybe even Glastonbury Tor. Towns like Gillingham to the west and Blandford Forum to the south could also come into view.