Golf Hotel Whiskey

Golf Hotel Whiskey: for pilots and aviation enthusiasts

Airports

Oxford/Kidlington (EGTK)

Airport information

Nearest town: Oxford (7 miles by car), Oxfordshire

Opening Times: Winter: 0630-2230; Summer: 0530-2130 (For Christmas and New Year timings, see latest NOTAM)

Longest Runway: 1319m, Grooved asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01865 290650

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

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Note: Oxford/Kidlington is a PPR airport. (Call 01865 290660/662/603 for PPR).

Airport Map

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Airport Services

Pubs

  • The Boat Inn, Thrupp, Kidlington (01865 374279). Just 5 miles away from the airport, this is a warm and friendly pub that is right by the Oxford Canal and serves up beers from smaller breweries as well.
  • The Dogwood, also called the Squire Bassett, Oxford Road, Kidlington (01865 373340). A pub that’s gone in for some serious refurbishing, the Dogwood now has an attractive beer garden and some “wholesome” food.
  • The Six Bells, Mill St., Kidlington (01865 373107). A traditional pub popular with locals, especially to watch the football!
  • When I was a student at Oxford, I always liked to walk to The Trout by the river. It’s a short cab ride from Kidlington.

Restaurants

  • The Nut Tree Inn, Main Street, Murcott, Kidlington (01865 331253, www.nuttreeinn.co.uk). Strictly speaking, this is a pub, but a gastro-pub with a focus on modern British food and rave food reviews deserves a mention in this section!
  • La Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford (01844 278881, www.manoir.com). A two-michelin starred French restaurant with many ingredients sourced from its own 2-acre gardens. Also offers lavish, if expensive accomodation.
  • Edamame, Holywell Street, Oxford (01865 246916). Fresh and authentic Japanese food, but the popularity of the place means that it tends to be crowded.

Hotels

  • Warsborough House, Mill Street, Kidlington (01865 370316, www.warsboroughhouse.co.uk). A 300 year old house in the older part of Kidlington, the Warsborough House could be described as gracious yet friendly.
  • The Old Bank Hotel, High Street, Oxford (01865 799599, www.oldbank-hotel.co.uk). Located in the heart of Oxford, this boutique hotel in a Georgian stone building, has small but luxurious rooms and a fine collection of modern art, including some especially commissioned for the hotel.

Golf Courses

  • Hinksey Heights Golf Course, South Hinksey, Oxford (01865 327775, www.oxford-golf.co.uk). 3 courses at one location with the 18 hole Championship course providing fine views of Oxford’s dreaming spires.
  • North Oxford Golf Club, Banbury Road, Oxford (01865 554924, www.nogc.co.uk). A 100 year old club on the outskirts of Oxford.
  • Southfield Golf Club, Hilltop Road, Oxford (01865 242158, www.southfieldgolf.com). A challenging course with a well stocked golf shop.
  • Waterstock Golf Club, Thame Road, Waterstock, Oxford (01844 338093, www.waterstockgolf.co.uk). A parkland course with something to offer for golfers of all abilities.

Activities

Useful Information

Cardiff (EGFF)

Airport information

Nearest town: Cardiff (12m by car), Wales

Opening Times: H24

Longest Runway: 2392m, Grooved asphalt

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01446-711111

Website: www.tbicardiffairport.com, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: from £18

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Cardiff Wales Flying Club (01446 710 000), Signature (01446 712637, www.signatureflight.com)
  • Taxis: Checker Cars (01446 711747, www.checkercars.com)
  • Car Hire: Hertz (01446 711722, www.hertz.co.uk), Europcar (01446 711924, www.europcar.co.uk), Avis (08706 086328, www.avis.co.uk), National Alamo (01446 719528)
  • Facilities at airport: Bureau de Change, Chaplaincy, Cafe, Bars, Food Court, Executive lounge, Baby food facility, Children’s play centre, Game Zone, Wi-fi, Fax & Photocopying, Left luggage facility, Meeting rooms, Duty free shopping and Arrangements for passengers with reduced mobility.

Pubs

  • The Blue Anchor, East Aberthaw (0871 917 0007). Just a mile away from the village of Rhoose, where the airport is located, this traditional pub with its rustic oak seats and stone tables is a favourite in the region. Tends to be crowded inspite of slightly high prices.
  • The Gatekeeper, Westgate Street, Cardiff (0871 917 0007). Part of the Wetherspoons chain, this pub offers the locally brewed Bullmastiff beers apart from the large brewery fare. Plus, you can catch a game at the Millenium Stadium bang opposite!
  • Ye Old Butchers Arms, Rhiwbina, Cardiff (0871 917 0007). Friendly and comfortable pub with a good selection of real and guest ales.

Restaurants

  • Garlands Coffee House, 4, Duke Street Arcade, Cardiff (0292 066 6914). Family run bistro that is low on style but serves up home cooked food, including a great breakfast.
  • Bully’s Restaurant, 44, Cardiff Road, Cardiff (08717041296). This French restaurant is certainly not easy on the wallet, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the more popular fine-dining options in the city.
  • Gios at the Mill, 10-11, Mill Lane, Cardiff (02920 66 550030). Friendly service and great comfort food is what this relatively new eatery offers.

Hotels

  • Aberthaw House Hotel, 28, Porthkerry Road, Barry (01446 737314). The cleanest rooms, the most comfortable beds, the friendliest owners – the Aberthaw House Hotel seems to win rave reviews for all of these.
  • Jolyon’s Boutique Hotel, Bute Crescent, Cardiff (02920 488775, www.jolyons.co.uk). Located close to Cardiff Bay, this is a somewhat off-beat hotel with only six rooms and an accent on luxurious living.

Golf courses

  • Cardiff Golf Club, Sherbourne Avenue, Cardiff (02920 753320, www.cardiffgc.co.uk). A challenging 6000-yard parkland course.
  • Cottrell Park Golf Club, St. Nicholas, Cardiff (01446 781781, www.cottrell-park.co.uk). Two parkland courses and golf lessons for golfers of all abilities.
  • Llanishen Golf Club, Heol Hir, Cardiff (029 2075 5078, www.llanishengc.co.uk). A small but challenging course.
  • Peterstone Lakes Golf Club, Wentloog, Cardiff (01633 680009, www.peterstonelakes.com). Close to the Severn Estuary, this course has a very pleasant flat setting, unusual in Wales.
  • Radyr Golf Club, Drysgol Road, Radyr, Cardiff (02920 842408, www.radyrgolf.co.uk). A 100 year old golf course with fabulous views over the Bristol Channel.
  • St. Mellon’s Golf Club (01633 680408, www.stmellonsgolfclub.co.uk). A clover-leaf shaped course that stretches across 2 counties, Gwent and South Glamorgan.
  • Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club, Pantamawr Road, Cardiff (02920 620985, www.whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.com).  An 18-hole parkland course that admits visitors with handicap certificates only.

Activities

  • Cardiff Bay, (www.cardiffbay.co.uk), the Cardiff Docklands now transformed into the Cardiff Bay Area offers many things to do including sailing and watersports, cycling, bay walks and eating out at fine restaurants.
  • Visit Cardiff Castle, (02920 878100, www.cardiffcastle.com), a 2000 year old castle that has been home to the Romans, the Normans, the English and the Welsh.
  • The National Museum, Cardiff (02920 397951, www.museumwales.ac.uk) boasts of one of the largest collections of Impressionist art outside Paris.

Useful information

Compton Abbas (EGHA)

Airport Information

Nearest Town: Shaftesbury, (3m by car), Dorset

Opening Times:

  • Winter: 0900-17:00
  • Summer: 0900-18:00 on Monday – Thursday & Sundays; 09:00- 20:00 Fridays & Saturdays

Longest Runway: 803m, Grass

Fuel: AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01747-811767.

Website: www.abbasair.com, Wikipedia entry

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: £ 8.50 for all types of aircraft

Note: PPR required (occasionally unlicensed after 1700hrs due shortage of RFF crew)

Airport Map

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Airport Services

  • Taxis: Country Cars (01747 850950), Ed’s (01747 853525), Hilltop Taxis (01747 855555), Hines Taxi (01747 829292), Jim’s Taxis (01747 858584), Shaftesbury Taxis (01747 855009, www.shaftesburytaxis.co.uk). Note: All these services operate out of Shaftesbury, not from the airfield itself.
  • Car Hire: Dorset Vehicle Rentals, Gillingham (01747 835580, www.dorsetvehiclerentals.co.uk)
  • Facilities at airport: Restaurant (with fine view over the runway and apron), bar and gift shop
  • Flying Schools: Aviation training conducted at the airfield

Pubs

  • Talbot Inn, The Cross, Berwick St. John, Shaftesbury (0871 9170007). Friendly pub with a great fireplace and picturesquely located in a quiet village.
  • Ye Old Two Brewers, St. James Street, Shaftesbury (01747 854211). Family run pub with a good selection of real ales as well as wines.
  • The Half Moon Inn, Salisbury Road, Shaftesbury (0871 917 0007). Strictly speaking, half-way between a pub and a restaurant, but serves up some great steaks and lets you drink at your pace.

Restaurants

  • Wayfarers Restaurant, Sherborne Causeway, Shaftesbury (01747 852821). A 200 year old cottage that still maintains a log fire and serves up some British staples.
  • Byzant Restaurant, Best Western Royal Chase Hotel, Royal Chase Roundabout, Shaftesbury (01747 853355). Housed in a former monastery building, this restaurant is among the best fine dining options in the area.
  • Le Chanterelle, Sherborne Causeway, Shaftesbury (01747 852821). French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients, freshly cooked on the premises.

Hotels

  • La Fleur de Lys, Bleke Street, Shaftesbury, Dorset (01747 853717, www.lafleurdelys.co.uk). Variously described as “six star”, “faultless” and “impeccable”, this 7-bedroom hotel is much acclaimed both for the quality of its rooms and its restaurant’s food and wine list.
  • Stock Hill Country House Hotel, Gillingham, Dorset (01747 823626, www.stockhillhouse.co.uk). Victorian country house hotel set in 11 acres of splendid Dorset countryside. Boasts of a Michelin starred restaurant.
  • Glebe Farm B&B, Ashmore, Shaftesbury, Dorset (01747 811974, www.glebefarmbandb.co.uk). Friendly owners, personalized service, home-cooked meals and views from the highest village in Dorset.

Golf Courses

  • Ashley Wood Golf Course, Wimborne Road, Blandford Forum, Dorset (01258 452253, www.ashleywoodgolfclub.com). 100-year old all-weather course with four holes situated inside ancient woodland.
  • Canford Magna Golf Club, Knighton Lane, Wimborne, Dorset (01202 592552, www.canfordmagnagc.co.uk). Dorset’s largest golf course, built to championship specifications.
  • Folke Golf Centre, Alweston, Sherborne, Dorset (01963 23330, www.folkegolfcentre.co.uk). Caters to golfers of all abilities.

Activities

  • Airfield has an interesting museum with a “Flying Aces” Movie aircraft collection of historic and classic aircraft used in film and television productions.
  • Visit Old Wardour Castle, a late 14th Century residence, where part of the film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves was filmed.
  • Visit Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden, set on the site of one of the oldest Benedictine monasteries in England (01747 852157, www.shaftesburyheritage.org.uk)

Useful Information

Rochester (EGTO)

Airport Information

Nearest Town: Rochester (2m by car), Kent

Opening Times: Winter: 0800-1800; Summer: 0700-1700

Longest Runway: 963m, Grass

Fuel: AVTUR JET A-1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01634 869969

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

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: £ 10 single, £ 15 twins

Airport Map

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Airport Services

  • Taxis: 1st Airport Services (01634 253100), A2 Travel (01634 730976), Computer Cabs (01634 840841), Frindsbury Taxis/. (01634 720200), Hoo Cabs (01634 251234). Note: Taxi services operate out of Rochester, not from the airport itself.
  • Car Hire: Arriva PLC (01634 849161, www.arriva.co.uk), Budget Rent A Car ( 01634 722848), Kent Rentals (01634 815345), National Car Rentals (01634 813056)
  • Facilities at airport: Cafe
  • Charters: AV8 Helicopters (01634 672288, www.av8helicopters.co.uk)
  • Flying Schools: Skytrek Flying School (01634 200787, www.skytrekair.com), Cabair (01634 861713, www.cabair.com)

Pubs

  • Coopers Arms, St. Margaret’s Street, Rochester (0871 9170007). Friendly and comfortable pub with a beer garden ideal for summer.
  • The Man of Kent Ale House, John Street, Rochester (0871 917 0007). A quirky pub that really is part of the landlord’s house. Known for supporting smaller local breweries.
  • The Good Intent, John Street, Rochester (0871 9170007). Also known as the ‘Ugly Pub’, The Good Intent is low on appearances, but is popular locally for its wide range of Kentish ales and folks singarounds hosted on 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.

Restaurants

  • Elizabeth’s of Eastgate, 154, High Street, Rochester (01634 843472, www.elizabethsofeastgate.co.uk). Old-fashioned and relaxed French and European style restaurant housed in 400 year old Tudor buildings.
  • Grandma Thai, 317-9, High Street, Rochester (01634 849495). Friendly place considered the home of the best Thai food in the Kent area.
  • Squires, Bridgewood Manor, Bridgewood Roundabout, Walderslade Woods, Chatham, Kent (01634 201333). British and European food with a focus on locally grown produce.

Hotels

  • The Ship and Trades, Maritime Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent (01634 895200, www.shipandtradeschatham.co.uk). Hotel with an impressive dockside location convenient for exploring Rochester and Chatham.
  • The Inn on the Lake, Shorne, Gravesend, Kent (01474 823333, www.innonlake.co.uk). Tucked away in 12 acres of woodland, The Inn on the Lake is a hotel both close to and far away from civilization.
  • Bridgewood Manor, Bridgewood Roundabout, Walderslade Woods, Chatham, Kent (01634 201333, www.qhotels.co.uk).  Large and spacious hotel with spa, tennis court and indoor swimming pool.

Golf Courses

  • Allhallows Golf Course, Rochester (01634 271414).
  • Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club, Rochester (01474 823411, www.rochesterandcobhamgc.co.uk). Challenging course with tough one-shot holes and par fours.

Activities

  • Rochester Castle and Cathedral, both about 1,000 years old.
  • Dickens’ Swiss Chalet, a complete Swiss Chalet sent in parts to Charles Dickens as a gift, and used by him as a study
  • Historic Chatham Docks museum

Useful Information

Newquay Cornwall Airport (EGDG)

Newquay Terminal

Huge RAF base with a small-ish but modern passenger terminal.  RAF controllers are excellent (as ever) but handling is expensive, compulsory and not that helpful.

Flying to Cornwall on a clear day is gorgeous.  One can see the whole peninsula in a glance.  It’s easy to spot the Eden Project and the gashes and slag heaps that are the byproduct of mining for china clay.  You might be able to get a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Newquay for 99p but the view’s better in our Cirrus.

Most small airports charge a modest fee for light aircraft but Newquay insists that you use a handling agent; adding £30 to the pricy £40 landing fee.  Taxis to Padstow cost £18 each way and the handling agent can book them up so that they are waiting for you on arrival.

Aerial View

RAF St. Mawgan served as a base for the Nimrod long-range maritime patrol aircraft during the cold war but the addition of a civilian terminal has turned it into Newquay Airport but air traffic control is still staffed by excellent RAF controllers – the best in the business.
However, the controllers at St. Mawgan don’t usually work weekends if there are no incoming flights.  If you want to visit on a Saturday or Sunday, call in advance so that they can put someone in the control tower for you.  And don’t tell our enemies in case they decide not to attack on a weekday.

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Airport information

Landing fees: £19.00 per tonne or part over 2.5 tonnes

Compulsory handling: Weston Aviation, Phone 01637 860551, Email: Email: newquay@westonaviation.com
Airport website: www.newquay-airport.co.uk

Services

Car hire: Europcar, 0870 6075000

Aircraft charter: Focus Air Charter, 01637 860551

Bournemouth Airport (EGHH)

Bournemouth Airport

Regional airport on the south coast of England.  Good IFR facilities and reasonable GA handling.

VFR approaches and departures at the airfield are an exercise in map-reading. You will be given a series of VRPs to fly to.  Some are listed but on our approach we were vectored by towns and other landmarks on the 1:500,000 map from about 10 miles out.  Because of the proximity of Southampton Airport and the Solent CTA, as well as airways routing south and danger areas to the Northwest, it is more important than usual to be spot on with heights and positions.

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There are regular scheduled services and a lot of maintenance facilities on the airport so be prepared to mix it with large aircraft and make allowances for the odd Ryanair flight arrival or departure.

GA Handling

Aircraft under 3 tonnes park in a special GA apron near the threshold for runway 26 and are subject to PPR and handling by Bournemouth Handling.  This is a new approach to GA and seems friendlier than the previous ‘park on the apron and go through the main terminal’ system.  Heavier aircraft require handling by Servisair or Execair.

Because it is a Customs and Exercise / Terrorism Act designated airport, it is a handy stopping point for trips to and from the continent.

Airport History

Bournemouth saw its first flight in 1910 and an airfield in the town served as a training centre for WWI pilots. The current airfield was built during WWII.  When Eisenhower arrived to take over the Allied Armies, he flew into the airport. His pilot was none other than Paul Tibbets who went on drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima!  After the war, it was used as a base for BOAC and Vickers built Viscounts and BAC1-11s there.

Airport information

Bournemouth Airport, United Kingdom, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 6SE

+44 (0)1202 364000

Rwy: 08/26 2271 metres, Asphalt/Concrete

Fuel: Available 0700-2130. 100LL, Jet A1

Landing fee: £14.50 per tonne MTWA plus parking

Hours: 0630 – 2130

Customs: Available

Instrument approaches: Available

Alternates: Southampton

Compulsory handling. Light aircraft: Bournemouth Handling, Hangar 600, Bournemouth Airport.  Tel. 01202 590888, Fax 01202 594471.  Paul Smith, Operations Manager.

Large aircraft (>3 tonnes) handling by Signature. The Terminal Building, Bournemouth International Airport, Bournemouth, BH23 6SE, Tel: +44.1202.364373, Fax: +44.1202.364374, R/T: 122.35

Services