With its rolling countryside broken up by medieval market towns and charming villages, Hertfordshire is a county worth exploring. A hot air balloon ride over Hertfordshire provides a completely unique view of this scenic county, sometimes from 5,000 feet in the sky.

Being one of the home counties, Hertfordshire is conveniently close to London and the area is steeped with many fine examples of historical landmarks and natural beauty to enjoy from the air. Knebworth House is a magnificent Tudor-Gothic manor home that is open to the general public throughout the year. Combined with its beautiful gardens and iconic parkland, Knebworth is a fantastic location to start your hot air balloon adventure.

Alternatively, you could begin your flight from St Albans, a city offering a skyline dominated by medieval structures including St Albans Cathedral. Building on the present church began in 1077 and it has become one of the most spectacular buildings of its type in the country with influences from Medieval, Tudor and Victorian architecture. The 15th Century clock tower overlooks the city centre and square, with the local market giving St Albans a thriving atmosphere twice each week. On the city outskirts you can find remains of the Roman city of Verulamium, one of the largest towns in Roman Britain. Some parts of the site have been excavated to be viewed above the ground, even more remarkable when seen from the air. Remnants of the city walls, London Gate and the Roman Theatre of Verulamium are not to be missed on a clear day. St Albans is also where you can find the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, claimant to being the oldest public house in England.

If your flight takes you east you will soon find Hatfield House, a beautiful 16th Century Jacobean home set in 42 acres of gardens that were originally inspired by European plants and trees never previously grown in England. You can spot part of the original Royal Palace of Hatfield, the childhood home and preferred residence of Queen Elizabeth I. The grounds were used during World War I where the first British tanks were tested. If you venture further east towards the county border with Essex you will encounter the historic market town of Bishop’s Stortford. With London hosting the Olympic Games in 2012, Lee Valley White Water Centre in Waltham Cross is where the canoe slalom events will be taking place.

As you continue your flight, you may drift south to discover Borehamwood, a town widely associated with the film industry and affectionately referred to as the "British Hollywood". Elstree Studios was home to classics including the first three Star Wars movies and The Shining. Popular television shows have also been shot in the area, including the groundbreaking Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Big Brother. You might be able to see the latest goings-on in Albert Square, with the BBC Elstree studios being the permanent filming location for Eastenders.

No two balloon flights are ever the same, so where you’ll fly and what you’ll see, be it chimney pots or countryside, is really up to the wind (with a little help from your pilot). Just don’t forget to take your camera, binoculars or camcorder to record the magic of a balloon flight experience.