Golf Hotel Whiskey

Golf Hotel Whiskey: for pilots and aviation enthusiasts

Airports

Coventry (EGBE)

Airport information

Nearest town: Baginton (3nm from Coventry city centre), Warwickshire.

PPR: Yes

ICAO: EGBE

Phone: 02476 308 600 (Administration), 02476 308 638 (ATC).

Website: www.coventryairport.co.uk, Wikipedia entry.

Landing fees: Up to 5 tonnes, £12.00: Over 5 tonnes up to 60 tonnes, £15.00; Over 60 tonnes, £18.00.

Runway: 2008m x 46m, Asphalt.

Opening times: Summer – Mon-Fri 0700-2359; Sat & Sun 0700-1700. Winter – Mon-Fri 0800-0100; Sat & Sun 0800-1800.

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

AIP plates and airport diagram

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Not mandatory for aircraft under nine tonnes. If handling required: Midwest Executive.
  • Taxis: Allens (02476 555 555), Lewis (02476 666 666), and Central (02476 333 333).
  • Car Hire: Budget (02476 228 100). Coventry car hire branches include Avis (08445 446 051), Europcar (02476 502 111), and National (2476 677 042).
  • Nearest railway stations: Coventry 2.7m
  • Passenger facilities: Hotels in the vicinity (1 mile). A 20 seat executive lounge available on request. First aid available from the Airport Fire Service. ATM Facility and Post box in South Terminal. Customs and immigration available on request.
  • Flying schools: AWA Flying Group (www.flyawa.co.uk) and Coventry Aeroplane Club (02476 301 428, www.covaero.com)

Pubs

  • The White Horse, Kenilworth Road, Coventry (01676 533 207, www.thewhitehorseatbc.co.uk). Spacious, contemporary bar lounge serving generous portions of classics and rotisserie.
  • Bull & Butcher, Common Lane, Corley, Coventry, West Midlands (01676 540 241). A classic countryside pub serving fabulous, truly home cooked meals.
  • Town Wall, Bond Street, Coventry, Warwickshire (02476 220 963). Busy Victorian town local with real ales.
  • Whitefriars, 114-115 Gosford Street, Coventry, Warwickshire (02476 251 655). Housed in a pair of well preserved medieval town houses with lots of ancient beams, timbers and furniture, flagstones, cobbles and coal fire.

Restaurants

  • Simply Simpsons, 101-103 Warwick Rd, Kenilworth (01926 864 567, www.simplysimpsons.co.uk). Hearty and robust classically based dishes and tried-and-tested daily specials.
  • Oscar’s, 39 Chandos St., Royal Leamington Spa (01926 452 807, www.oscarsfrenchbistro.co.uk). Accomplished French bistro cooking and noted for its steak specialities.
  • Bosquet, 97a Warwick Rd., Kenilworth (01926 852 463, www.restaurantbosquet.co.uk). Contemporary French restaurant near centre of town.

Hotels

  • Old Mill Inn, Mill Hill, Baginton, Coventry (02476 302 241). A charming pub and hotel housed in a converted watermill whose origins date back to the Domesday Book.
  • Britannia Royal Court Hotel, Tamworth Road, Coventry (08712 220 096). This 19th century manor house amid 11 acres of gardens and parkland has become the largest hotel in Coventry, complete with its own leisure club.
  • Stoneleigh Park Lodge, Stoneleigh Park, Coventry (02476 690 123, stoneleighparklodge.com) Situated in the National Agricultural Centre, home to The Royal Show and just opposite The Royal Pavillion.

Golf courses

  • Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Coventry, West Midlands (01676 522 335). One of the UK’s top hotel and golf venues, boasting 2 fine courses and a wide range of top class leisure facilities.
  • Brandon Wood Golf Course & Driving Range, Brandon Lane, Wolston, Nr Coventry, West Midlands (02476 543 141, www.brandonwood.co.uk). In the heart of the countryside along the banks of the River Avon.

Activities

  • St. Michael’s Cathedral, 1 Hill Top, Coventry (02476 521 200, www.coventrycathedral.org.uk). Coventry’s most notable landmark, the original 14th century cathedral was largely destroyed by German bombing during World War II.
  • Warwick Castle, Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire (08704 422 000, www.warwick-castle.co.uk). Built by William the Conqueror on a bluff at a bend on the River Avon.
  • Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, Warwickshire (01212 002 700). The retirement home of Henry V after Agincourt.
  • National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, West Midlands (01675 443311, www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk). Easily the finest and largest motorcycle museum in the world.
  • Midland Air Museum, Coventry Airport (02476 301 033, www.midlandairmuseum.co.uk). Adjacent to Coventry Airport, the museum displays a wide range of aircraft with a special emphasis on those made by Armstrong Whitworth (Hawker Siddeley Group).

Useful information

Farnborough (EGLF)

Airport information

Nearest town: Farnborough (7m by car), Hampshire

PPR: Yes

ICAO: EGLF

Phone: 01252 526 701

Website: Tag Aviation. Wikipedia entry

Landing fees:

Runway: 2,440m x 46m, Asphalt/Concrete.

Opening times: Summer – Mon-Fri 0700-2200; Sat, Sun, & Bank Holidays 0800-2000. Winter – Mon-Fri 0600-2100; Sat, Sun, & Bank Holidays 0700-1900.

Fuel: AVGAS 110LL, AVTUR JET A-1

AIP plates and airport diagram

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Tag Aviation (01252 379 000).
  • Taxis: Aviacars (08708 508 073, located at the airfield), A-Line Taxi Service (01252 377 500), Airport and West End Transfer (01252 548 015).
  • Car Hire: Hertz (01252 516 137, www.hertz.co.uk), Enterprise (01252 336 633, www.enterprise.com), G Force Economy Car Hire (01252 341 551).
  • Nearest railway stations: Farnborough Main (1 nm); North Camp (1 nm).
  • Passenger facilities: Hotel on site plus several hotels and restaurants within 2nm of the airport. Lounges with conference rooms and catering, crew lounge with wi-fi and satellite television and a full service café. Limited first aid treatment. Customs and immigration by arrangement.
  • UK home of Flight Safety.

Pubs

  • The Prince of Wales, 184 Rectory Rd, Farnborough (01252 545 578). Traditional pub with a good selection of ales.
  • The Old Courthouse, 80 Cove Road, Cove (01252 543 031).
  • The Garden Gate, Church Lane East, Aldershot (01252 321 051). Very welcoming local pub with a weekly bluegrass night.

Restaurants

  • Galicia, 35 Queen’s Road, Farnborough (01252 518 784). Decent Spanish cuisine.
  • Zaffron, 1-2 Firgrove Parade Victoria Road, Farnborough (01252 517 070). Good Indian cuisine with a fashionable over-25s bar.
  • Popadoms, 33 Medway Drive, Farnborough (01252 376 869). Anglo-Indian cuisine with some Nepalese specialties and all locally sourced ingredients.

Hotels

  • Falcon Hotel (01252 545378, www.falconfarnborough.com). Some rooms have a view of the airport. Most people wouldn’t like this. Pilots would.

Golf courses

Activities

Useful information

Fairoaks (EGTF)

Airport information

Nearest town: Woking (11m by car), Surrey

PPR: Yes

ICAO: EGTF

Phone: 01276 857 700 (Administration); 01276 857 300 (AFIS Station)

Website: www.alanmann.co.uk/services, Wikipedia entry

Landing fees: £10 – £76 (0-9,999kg)

Runway: 813m x 27m, Asphalt

Opening times: Mon-Sat 0800-1800; Sun 0900-1800

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

AIP plates and airport diagram (PDF format)

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Mann Aviation Group Engineering (01276 857 888).
  • Taxis: Wey Cars (01932 344 334), All Airport Cars (01483 771 166), Express Taxis (01483 751 166).
  • Car Hire: Europcar (01483 757 007, www.europcar.co.uk), Woking Car Hire (01483 720 991), Avis (01483 728 122, www.avis.com).
  • Nearest railway stations: Woking.
  • Passenger facilities: Hangar Café (Open for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon pastries). Customs and immigration by arrangement.

Pubs

  • Inn the West End, 42 Guildford Road, West End (01276 858 652). Proper gastropub with very impressive menu and a wine cellar.
  • The Castle Grove, Castle Grove Rd, Chobham (0127 685 819). Indian menu at the back of the bar.
  • Cricketer’s Inn, The Green, Airfreight (01483 473 198). Well located for walkers.

Restaurants

  • Zinfadel, Bagshot Road, Chobham (01276 858 491). Cuisine inspired by California’s Napa Valley plus excellent desserts.
  • Runwong, 18-20 London Rd, Guildford (01483 536 092). Opened in 1976 as one of the UK’s first Thai restaurants, Runwong is still going strong. Also features a good Thai market.
  • L’Auberge at the Onslow Arms, The Street, West Clandon (01483 222 447). French classics served with style in a modern interior.

Hotels

  • Asperion, 73 Farnham Road, Guildford (01483 579 299, www.asperion-hotel.co.uk). Luxurious boutique hotel.
  • Hillside Hotel, Perry Hill, Worplesdon (01483 232 051, www.thehillsidehotel.com). 15 rooms, set in award-winning gardens.
  • Great Fosters, Egham (01784 433 822, www.greatfosters.co.uk). Grade One listed building on a 50-acre estate, a favorite with celebrities.

Golf courses

  • Foxhills Club and Resort, Ottershaw (01932 872 050, www.foxhills.co.uk). Nine-hole Manor course and two 18-hole Championship courses set in lovely forest.
  • West Byfleet Golf Club, West Byfleet (01932 343 433, www.wbgc.com). Includes the famous ‘pond hole’ on the 13th.
  • Chobham Golf Club, Chobham (01276 855 584, www.chobhamgolfclub.co.uk).

Activities

Useful information

Wellesbourne Mountford (EGBW)

Airport information

Nearest town: Stratford-Upon-Avon (5m by car), Warwickshire. Also close to Warwick and Coventry.

Opening Times:

  • Winter: Daily 09:00 – S/S + 30 mins, or 17:30 (whichever earlier); winter night flying Wednesday, Friday and Saturday by arrangement.
  • Summer: Daily 09:00 – 17:30 BST and by arrangement

Longest Runway: 917m, Asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01789 842007 (Admin), 01789 842000 (ATC)

Website: www.wellesbourneairfield.com, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: from £10 singles, £15 twins

Note: Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield is unlicensed after 17:30; within published hours, no PPR is required.

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Taxis: Barford Cabs (01926 620096), Main Taxis, in Stratford (01789 415333), Teddy Bear Kabs (07771 622970), Wellesbourne Taxis, (07900 616783).
  • Car Hire: Hertz (01789 298 827, www.hertz.co.uk). Note: by train station in Stratford-Upon-Avon, not on airfield.
  • Facilities at airport: Touchdown Cafe with fine view of the runway.
  • Flying schools: OnTrack Aviation (01789 842777, www.ontrackaviation.com), South Warwickshire Flying School (01789 840094, www.southwarwickshireflyingschool.com),.

Pubs

  • The Black Swan aka The Dirty Duck, Waterside, Stratford upon Avon, 01789 297312. The actors’ pub with great food.
  • The Old Thatch Tavern, 23, Greenhill St, Stratford Upon Avon, 0871 917 0007. Atmospheric, old pub with dark and cozy interiors, and a real fire.
  • The Windmill Inn, Church St, Stratford upon Avon, 0871 917 0007. A 350 year old pub known for its hearty lunches.

Restaurants

  • Coconut Lagoon, 21 Sheep Street, Stratford-upon-Avon (01789 293546, www.coconutlagoon.com). Handy for the theatre.
  • Vintners, 4 & 5 Sheep Street, Stratford upon Avon, (01789 297259, www.the-vintner.co.uk) . Good for a Sunday brunch.
  • Drucker’s at Nash’s House, NULL Halls Croft, Stratford upon Avon (01789 297848). A little secret place for tea and a light lunch.

Hotels

  • The Charlecote Pheasant, Charlecote, Stratford upon Avon (0844 855 9126). Attractively located beside Charlecote Manor and Park and close to the river Avon
  • Glebe Hotel, Church Street, Barford (01926 624218). 5 miles from the airfield, this is a church rectory converted to a small hotel.
  • The Kings Head Inn, 39 Saltisford, Warwick (01789 840206, www.thekingsheadwarwick.com/). A 400 year old inn very close to Warwick castle.
  • Alveston Manor Hotel, Clopton Bridge, Stratford-upon-Avon (0871 508 8768, www.alvestonmanor.co.uk). A 4-star hotel believed to be the site of the first performance of A Midsummer Night’s dream.

Golf courses

  • Stratford-on-Avon Golf Club (1789 297 296, www.stratfordgolf.co.uk). Has a number of challenging holes for golfers of all aptitudes.
  • Stratford Oaks Golf Club (01789 731980, www.stratfordoaks.co.uk).
  • Ingon Manor Golf and Country Club (01789 731857, www.ingonmanor.co.uk). Set in 130 acres of countryside that includes a 14th century country house hotel.

Activities

  • Wellesbourne Wartime Museum (01789 778816) on the airfield, open 10-4 on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Also on the airfield, a Vulcan Bomber (www.xm655.com).
  • Charlecote Park (www.nationaltrust.org.uk), a lovely Tudor mansion house run by the National Trust, a fifteen-minute brisk walk to the North of the airfield.
  • The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (01789 204016, www.shakespeare.org.uk) owns five Elizabethan houses in Stratford and the local area, including the bard’s birthplace.
  • Stratford-upon-Avon racecourse. (01789 267949, www.stratfordracecourse.net).
  • Royal Shakespeare Company. (01789 403444, www.rsc.org.uk). Walking tours and small exhibitions as well as plays.
  • British Motor Heritage Museum (01926 641188, www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk ) at Gaydon is about half an hour’s drive from Wellesbourne.
  • Warwick Castle (www.warwick-castle.co.uk, 0870 442 2000) Well-run castle with all mod cons, including dungeons and peacocks.

Useful information

Enstone (EGTN)

Airport information

Nearest town: Chipping Norton (3m by car)

Opening Times: 08:00 to 19:30 (last takeoff) and sunset (last landing)

Longest Runway: 1100m, Asphalt

Fuel: AVGAS 100LL, JET A1

Phone: 01608 677208

Website: www.enstoneaerodrome.co.uk, Wikipedia entry

Landing fees: Single £ 8.50, twin £17.00, microlight £ 5.00, multiple landings £20.00

PPR required

Airport map

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Airport services

Pubs

  • The Crown Inn, Church Enstone, 01608 677262. 17th century inn listed in the Good Pub Guide. Food and real ales.
  • The Carpenter’s Arms, 122 North Street, Middle Barton, Chipping Norton, 01869 340378. Quiz nights on Tuesdays.
  • The Falkland Arms, The Green, Great Tew, Chipping Norton, 01608 683653. Excellent food, a huge draw in the local area, good range of beers.

Restaurants

  • The Chequers, Goddards Lane, Chipping Norton, 01608 644717. Well-sourced British cuisine with an attractive covered courtyard.
  • Tollgate Inn and Restaurant, Church Street, Kingham, 01608 658389. Organic offerings in Georgian former farmhouse.
  • Chav Brasseries, 7 Horsefair, Chipping Norton, 01608 645968. Good quality French – look out for the wonderful bread.

Hotels

  • Swan Lodge, Enstone, 01608 678736. 17th century former inn with easy access to local attractions.
  • The Crown and Cushion, 23 High Street, Chipping Norton, 01608 642533. Former home of The Who’s Keith Moon. Includes leisure and conference facilities.
  • Heythrop Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club, Enstone, (01608 673333, www.heythroppark.co.uk). Magnificent Roman-influenced country house.

Golf courses

Activities

  • Oxfordshire Sportflying Limited provides training for the NPPL-SLMG licences, including for Bronze & Silver C glider and for microlight pilots at the airfield.
  • Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com). Baroque masterpiece set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland.
  • Batsford Arboretum (www.batsarb.co.uk). One of the largest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country.
  • The Rollright Stones (www.rollrightstones.co.uk). Ancient stone circle site.

Useful information

Exeter (EGTE)

Airport information

Nearest town: Exeter (11m by car), Devon

Opening Times:

  • Winter – Mon 0001-0100, 0700-2359; Tue-Fri 0001-0200, 0700-2359. (PPR before 0800 and after 2000) Sat 0001-0200, 0800-1700; Sun 0830-2359. (PPR before 0900 and after 1700)
  • Summer – Mon 0600-2359; Tue-Fri 0001-0100, 0600-2359; Sat 0001-0100, 0530-2000. (PPR before 0700 and after 1900) Sun 0700-2359. (PPR before 0800 and after 1900)

Longest Runway: 2083m, Asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01392 367 433

Website: www.exeter-airport.co.uk, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: £7.50 per 500kg up to 3000 kg

Airport map

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Airport services

Pubs

  • Double Locks by the canal outside the city (01392 256947)
  • The Bridge Inn in Topsham (01392 873862, www.cheffers.co.uk/bridge.html)
  • The Lighter Inn in Topsham by the Quay (01392 875439)

Restaurants

  • Michael Caine’s, www.michaelcaines.com. Michelin-starred restaurant on Cathedral Green. 01392 310031
  • Gidleigh Park, www.gidleigh.com. Two stars. Impeccable service. Beautiful location on Dartmoor. 01647 432367
  • The New Angel in Dartmouth, www.thenewangel.co.uk. John Burton Race’s TV-star restaurant on the quay. About an hour’s drive but worth it. 01803 839425

Hotels

Golf courses

Activities

Useful information

Pireps

  • Exeter Bill Bryson said “Exeter is not an easy town to love” in his Notes from a Small Island. Having lived there myself for six years when I was at school, I have to differ. Exeter is a lovely town. Once known as the redbrick Bath, because of its elegant Georgian circuses and parades, it is a good mix of city sophistication and provincial charm. Much of the old city was destroyed by bombing in 1942, although small pockets remain and, fortunately, the Norman Cathedral and the old buildings around it, including Francis Drake’s favourite pub, were unharmed.
  • The New Angel The New Angel is buzzy and has a relatively unadorned dining room without any tablecloths, or carpet. Half one wall is replaced by a bar top, which leads across into the kitchen so that all the delicious looking dishes appearing one after another are on full view to the hungry multitude. John Burton Race sent me away delighted I had taken the trouble to fly from Denham. He had passed his unwitting exam with flying colours. As far as we were concerned he richly deserved his Michelin star.