The Rainbow and Dove, Hastingwood, Harlow, Essex CM17 9JX
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This is a new balloon launch site for our Essex flights that we will be using. It is easy to find being just minutes off the M11 at junction 7 and probably the closest balloon launch site to north east London plus the pub does great food. Mentioned as a farm in the Domesday book and referred to as a pub by the time Cromwells soldiers stopped there in 1645 it was also a popular coaching inn on the Cambridge to London route. This site is close to the post war “New Town” of Harlow and not far from North Weald Aerodrome so there is plenty to see when your balloon ride takes off from here. Its also close enough to Stansted Airport to get a good view to the north while Epping Forest, once the haunt of highway man Dick Turpin is just south of the M25. |
The Rainbow and Dove at Hastingwood near Harlow |
North Weald Airfield, which unusually for small airfield is run by the local council, Epping Forest District Council is an active general aviation airfield nearby. So expect to be buzzed by small aircraft as they always seem to be attracted like moths to a lamp to hot air balloons. Sometimes they even waggle their wings!
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