Around Town

Flying at approximately 300 metres and at around 30mph, the zeppelin NT helium-filled airship offers a new perspective on the city – weather permitting. Embarking involves a comically quaint system of 'one on, one off' to ensure the zep remains heavy enough to stay on the ground. Sand bags, a mini ladder and a tatty old wind sock complete the 'chocks away' scenario. But once up in the calm blue skies you can do nothing but swoon at the sheer majestic joy of it all. There are three round trips on offer: L'Étranger is a 30-minute flight over Docklands and Greenwich; L'Origine takes in Tower Bridge and St Paul's during its 45-minute duration; Le Courage, at an hour, flies along the Thames to the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. The airship can carry a maximum of 12 passengers; flights must be booked in advance and you must take along a passport or driving licence. For full details visit the website: www.staroverlondon.co.uk.