WHAT better way could there be to see Oxford’s dreaming spires than from the silent pinnacle of a hot air balloon?

That is the vision of two businessmen who want to create a “tethered balloon experience” in Oxpens meadow behind Oxford Ice Rink.

The pair want to pay tribute to one of the city’s greatest unsung heroes, James Sadler – the first Englishman to make a flight in a hot air balloon.

Sadler made history when he took off from Christchurch Meadow on October 4, 1784. He landed safely 30 minutes later in a field near Woodeaton, six miles away.

Witney housing developer Dave Dunphy and his business partner Dave Davies of Woodstock have now teamed up with Sadler’s biographer, Oxford resident and author Richard O Smith, to “bring him back to life” with their balloon experience.

Mr Dunphy said: “Sadler was an inspirational character, and Oxford is all about education and inspiration.

“In recent years he has been largely forgotten, and we want not only to bring this balloon so people can admire the views of Oxford, but to inform people all about Sadler.”

The balloon would be tethered to the ground in the meadow, and make regular trips upwards which people could pay to join.

Mr Dunphy said he also wanted to have an education centre on the ground with interactive exhibits to teach people the science and history of ballooning.

He added: “We want to bring him back to life.

“He was such a big celebrity in his time. The things he did were incredible.”

Bournemouth has a similar balloon attraction called The Bournemouth Balloon, which takes 28 people at a time up to 150 metres over the town. Oxford’s 72-foot (22m) diameter helium balloon would take up to 30 passengers 400 ft (120m) into the air for an unparalleled view of the Oxford skyline.

The ballooning businessmen have even promised free rides for all Year Five Oxford school pupils, in their drive to educate.

The James Sadler Oxford Balloon Experience will look like a faithful replica of Sadler’s original balloon.

But the pair have said it will contain “reassuringly 21st century technology” – allowing the helium balloon to rise silently in winds of up to 25 knots.

Rides in the stainless steel gondola would last for 15 minutes at a time.

The entrepreneurs say they are now in discussions with Oxford City Council to get planning permission for the scheme, but, if unsuccessful, will talk to local landowners.

Find out more at thejamessadleroxfordballoonexperience.com