Bristol (EGGD)

Matthew Stibbe

15 years ago

Nearest town: Bristol (9 miles by car), North Somerset

Opening Times: 24 hours

Longest Runway: 2011m, Asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01275 473712/3

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Taxis: Checker Cars (01275 475005, www.checkercars.com)
Car Hire: Avis (08706 086324, www.avis.co.uk), Europcar (08706 075000, www.europcar.co.uk), Hertz (08708 507193, www.europcar.co.uk), National Car Hire (08704 004560)
Facilities at airport: cafe, restaurants, fast food, bar, shopping, bureau de change, ATM
Flying Schools: Bristol & Wessex Aeroplane Club (01275 472514, www.bristolandwessex.co.uk)

Duke of York, 2, Jubilee Road, Baptist Mills, Bristol (01179 413677). Very popular and friendly ‘community’ pub that’s been described as ‘easygoing’, ‘warm and inviting’ and ‘efficient’. The graffiti seems to be much talked about.
Albion, Boyces Avenue, Bristol (01179 973522). This one is a pretty old (18th C.) pub with a lot of knick-knacks and quirky furniture inside. Serves a good range of ales as well as malt whiskies.
The Cotham Porter Stores, 15, Cotham Road South, Cotham, Bristol. A very comfortable, no-frills cider house that also serves some pretty good pub food.

Bordeaux Quay, 1st Floor, V-Shed, Canons Way, Bristol (01179 431200, www.bordeaux-quay.co.uk). A former wine warehouse converted to a stylish and modern restaurant with a focus on organic and local ingredients. Fine quay-side views.
Piccolino’s, Broad Weir, Cabot Circus, Bristol (01179 293255, www.piccolinorestaurants.co.uk). Excellent freshly made Italian food and a good wine list as well.
Greens’ Dining Room, 25, Zetland Road, Bristol (01179 246437, www.greensdiningroom.com). Small and popular family-run restaurant that does ‘modern British’ food. The menu changes daily, depending on what is available locally.

Plush Hotels, Redhill, Bristol (01934 862410, www.bristol-airport-hotels-plush-hotel.com). At less than 2m away from the airport, this boutique hotel is possibly one of the closest options for pilots and crew. Well designed rooms and a swimming pool and jacuzzi complex are other attractions.
Rosebery House, 14, Camden Terrace, Clifton, Bristol (01179 149508, www.roseberyhouse.net). A Georgian house with three bedrooms for guests and some really attentive and friendly service from the hosts.
Mercure Holland House Hotel & Spa, Redcliffe Hill, Bristol (01179 689866 , www.mercure.com). A 4-star hotel located close to the city centre and suitable for those looking for a peaceful atmosphere and some spa pampering.

Bristol and the surrounding area has many golf courses, with options for golfers of all abilities. More details can be found at http://www.uk-golfguide.com/england/bristol~25246_area_courses.html

Visit Brunel’s ss Great Britain (www.ssgreatbritain.org), one of the earliest advanced Atlantic liners, now a museum ship with some interesting naval history exhibits at the Bristol dry dock.
The 105 foot high Cabot Tower in the city centre is worth a visit for the fine views from the top.
Visit the Stanton Drew Stone circles, in the village of Stanton Drew, a little away from Bristol. This is the second largest stone circle in Britain and the positioning and history of the stones still hasn’t been explained satisfactorily.