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Walking & hiking

From boosting fitness, to improving mental wellbeing – and even helping us in our social lives, walking and hiking offers all kinds of tangible benefits and there is no better location to enjoy this popular past time than Ireland. The Castle has created several experiences for unforgettable outdoor experiences and our team is happy to help.

 Peony flowers Background
Hot air balloon over the field with blue sky

Sherborne

A picturesque location on the Dorset and Somerset border set amongst lush green valleys and wooded hills. The town was founded by the Saxons, with a wealth of history still apparent today along with independent shops selling antiques and fine art, which the town is well known for. With a flight from Sherborne you can see many medieval buildings still standing in the town, along with the Abbey, the famous historic Sherborne Castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh and views of unspoilt heathland, the river Store and the Blackmore Vale. Balloon rides in Sherborne, Dorset, meet at The Folke Golf Centre.

Little girl enjoying early morning flight on hot balloon

Shaftesbury

This is one of England’s oldest and highest towns with a history dating back to medieval times and a wealth of tradition. The town was much loved by Thomas Hardy and is used in some of his novels. A balloon ride in Shaftesbury can include views of the town's famous steep cobbled Gold Hill used in the Hovis bread advertisements, rolling countryside, the breath-taking views of the Blackmore Vale, the Fovant badges and across to the West Wiltshire Downs. Balloon rides from Shaftesbury meet at The Udder Farm Shop.

Hort air balloon over the Dorset countryside

Flight details

Hot air balloons are flown first thing in the morning and last thing in the early evening during daylight hours from spring to autumn and sometimes, throughout the day in the winter, subject to weather and suitable ground conditions.

Distance: 21 miles
Journey Time: 38 minutes

Tel: +44 (0) 1404 598251

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Plan your adventure

Call +44 (0) 1935 48 2000 or

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Mature Couple On Country Walk

Country pursuits

Explore the Dorset countryside and enjoy all it has to offer.

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We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive collections and memberships that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

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London

  • Hotel 41
  • The Milestone Hotel & Residences
  • The Rubens at the Palace
  • The Egerton House Hotel
  • The Chesterfield Mayfair
  • The Montague on the Gardens

Dorset

  • Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
  • The Acorn inn

Ireland

  • Ashford Castle
  • The Lodge at Ashford Castle
  • Hatch Hall

Edinburgh

  • 100 Princes Street

Guernsey

  • The Old Government House Hotel & Spa
  • The Duke of Richmond Hotel

South Africa

  • Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
  • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
  • The Oyster Box

Botswana

  • Xigera Safari Lodge

Geneva

  • Hotel d'Angleterre

Florida

  • The Chesterfield Palm Beach

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