In a special two-part addition to the Flying High series, Richard Lyddon takes us on an aerial trip through the history of buildings and architecture in the West of England. Starting with the prehistoric landscape of Exmoor and the Black Mountains, we visit Neolithic hill forts, ancient stone circles and burial chambers.

We explore the beautiful Roman cities of Cirencester and Bath, before moving on to Norman castles. With a look at the grand abbeys at Tintern, Muchelney and Llanthony Priory, we then see the development of non-fortified manor houses, from the imposing fourteenth-century Tretower Court to the grand house at Montacute, before ending up at palatial Longleat in Wiltshire. Architectural styles developed from the period of late-Tudor Mapperton House into the Dutch style of buildings like Ashdown House and the Wren-influenced Hanbury Hall, whilst classical Berrington Hall and Stourhead House were intended to convey the same kind of imperial grandeur that even extended to roman temples in the landscaped gardens. In the Victorian era showy houses inspired by Indian culture and gothic castles, included Dunster Castle on the site of a Norman tower. Responding to this Victorian indulgence, William Morris created a style inspired by the simplicity of medieval buildings, embodied by the thirteenth-century Great Coxwell Barn, a building that still inspires modern architects.

Featuring a host of beautiful and fascinating West Country sites, this aerial exploration of the HTV West region gives a new perspective on some of our best-loved ­ and sometimes surprisingly hidden ­ buildings, from hill forts to stately homes.

Region 0 (multi-region) DVD, approximately 46 minutes running time.