The Stella Artois Airship, built by Zeppelin, prepares for take-off in EssexPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/GettyThe airship will carry passengers on a one-hour sightseeing trip over LondonPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/GettyIt travels 1,000 feet above the ground at a sedate 30mph Photograph: Graeme RobertsonThe flight will take in landmarks including Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, and the Houses of ParliamentPhotograph: Graeme RobertsonBut the ride doesn't come cheap at £360 for the hour-long flightPhotograph: Graeme RobertsonGliding serenely past the London EyePhotograph: Johnny Green/PAThe gondola is so peaceful it feels like you are gently floating above the cityPhotograph: Graeme RobertsonCasting a shadow over the Queen's House in GreenwichPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/GettyA bird's eye view of south London's terraced houses and gardens Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/GettySimilar craft operate passenger trips over Germany and Tokyo and the balloon is filled with helium, not the inflammable gasses which were used before the war Photograph: Graeme RobertsonThe flights run for the next six weeks this summer, until August 21, and have to be pre-booked. Flights cost ₤185 for 30 minutes, ₤295 for 45 minutes and ₤360 for the one-hour flight. Individual bookings call: +44 (0)20 7183 3911/ 3912/ 3913Photograph: Graeme Robertson
