Bembridge (EGHJ)

Matthew Stibbe

15 years ago

Nearest town: Sandown (5m by car), Isle of Wight

Opening Times: Winter: 0830-1800 and by arrangement; Summer: 0730-1700 and by arrangement.

Longest Runway: 799m, Concrete

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1 and AL48, AVGAS 100LL.

Phone: 07770228852 PPR

Landing fees: from £7.50 (for aircraft 750 kg and under) to £55 (for aircraft 4001 kg and over)

Note: PPR during AD hours; AD operates outside of notified licensed hours.

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Taxis: ABB-Cab (01983 403204), Cheap Taxis (01983 404747), Coastal Cars (01983 404444), JJ’s Taxis (01983 401980), Lake Taxi service (01983 402641). Note: All these services operate out of Sandown, not from the airport itself. Taxis can also be arranged for crews by calling Bembridge ATC before arrival (01983 873331)
Car Hire: Practical Car & Van Rental (01983 531700, www.practical.co.uk)
Facilities at airport: Aeroclub with refreshment and dining facilities, Wi-fi, spare mac; pub located close to airfield.

The Propeller Inn, Bembridge Airport (01983 873611). Located in an old Britten-Norman hangar, with aircraft photos and prints around the wall.
The Crab and Lobster, Field Road, Bembridge (01983 872244, www.crabandlobsterinn.co.uk). Fine cliff top views over the sea and excellent pub food just a brisk 15 minute walk from the airport.
The Old Village Inn, High Street, Bembridge (01983 872616). Traditional pub that serves a good range of beers.
The Pointer Inn, Newchurch, near Sandown (01983 865202). Picturesque rural surroundings and real ales.

The Pilot Boat Inn, Station Road, Bembridge (0198 3872077). Scenic location near Bembridge harbor, freshly made food and generous portions.
St Helens Restaurant, Lower Green Road, St Helens (01983 872303, www.sthelensrestaurant.com). Extremely popular restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
La Scala, 26B, High Street, Sandown (01983 403778). Highly rated for its Italian food as well as curiously kitschy setting.

Appuldurcombe House, Wroxall (01983 840188, www.appuldurcombe.co.uk). Stone cottages (self-catering) on the 300-acre Appuldurcombe estate. Houses a magnificent 18th C. mansion and an owl and falconry centre.
Corner House Hotel, 1-5, Fitzroy Street, Sandown (01983 403176, www.cornerhousehotel.co.uk). Family run hotel two minutes away from Sandown beach and chiefly described as “very comfortable”.
Oaklands House, Yarbridge, Sandown (01983 406197). A B&B that boasts of wi-fi and a small swimming pool.

Shanklin & Sandown Golf Club (01983 403217, www.ssgolfclub.co.uk). A 100-year old club known for some excellent views.
Ventnor Golf Club (01983 853326, www.ventnorgolfclub.co.uk). A 12 hole course with great views over the English channel.
Ryde Golf Club (01983 614809).
Newport Golf Club (01983 525076, www.newportgolfclub.co.uk). Proximity to Newport makes it a convenient destination.
Westridge Golf Centre (01983 613131). Boasts of a well-stocked golf shop and a floodlit driving range.

On the airport itself, visit Britten-Norman, the UK’s last surviving whole-aircraft manufacturer. Not only do they build the Islander here, but they also do final assembly on Cirrus aircraft for delivery to Europe.
A visit to Bembridge Windmill, the only surviving windmill on the island that has served as an inspiration to many artists.
Beach hopping from Sandown to Shanklin to Ventnor.
Wetland walks, birdwatching, cycling and other outdoor activities.
The High Down Test Site (http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/High_Down_Report_90-2007, PDF). On the SW corner of the Isle of Wight you can see a long-forgotten fragment of Britain’s aerospace history – the testing site for rocket engines used in the Black Knight and Black Arrow rockets. The UK remains the only country to have launched a satellite into orbit and then abandoned the capability.

www.islandbreaks.co.uk (Isle of Wight Tourism Board)
www.island2000.org.uk (Non-governmental organization in tourism and conservation areas)
www.mattandcat.co.uk (Handy Isle of Wight eating out guide)