Golf Hotel Whiskey

Golf Hotel Whiskey: for pilots and aviation enthusiasts

Castles

Land’s End (EGHC)

Airport information

Nearest town: Penzance (6 miles by car), Cornwall

Opening Times:

  • Winter: 0900-1700 or SS (whichever is earlier) and by arrangement.
  • Summer: Mon-Sat 0800-1700; Sun 0800-1600 and by arrangement.

Longest Runway: 792m, Grass

Fuel: AVTUR JET A1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01736788771 (Operator); 01736 788944 (ATC)

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

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing fees: £13 (single), £18 (double), £36 (commercial) and £6 (microlight)

Note: Land’s End is a PPR airfield
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Airport services

Handling: Westward Airways (01736  788771)

Taxis: Village Cars, St.Buryan (07703 112031), Baileys Cars, St.Just (07712 070676), Country Cars, Penzance (01736 333919)

Car Hire: Enterprise Rent A Car (01736 332000, www.enterprise.com), Europcar (01872 266307, www.europcar.co.uk). Note: These are based out of Penzance, not at the airfield itself

Facilities at airport: Cafe (open Monday to Saturday)

Pubs

  • The Alexandra, Alexandra Road, Penzance (01736 365165). A friendly pub quite popular among the local community for its good range of ales from smaller Cornish breweries. The walk along the sea-front is an added bonus.
  • The Turks Head, Chapel Street, Penzance (01736 363093). One of the oldest pubs in town (parts of the building date back to the 13th C.), this one is a fixture on the tourist circuit. Inspite of that, it is a pretty good option – the service continues to be good and the food excellent pub fare.
  • The Star Inn, , Fore Street, St.Just, Penzance (01736 788767, www.thestarinn-stjust.co.uk). Once serving the thriving mining community in this area, this 17th C. family-owned pub is now a good option for its community feel and St.Austell beers.

Restaurants

  • The Cornish Range Restaurant, 6, Chapel Street, Mousehole, near Penzance (01736 731488, www.cornishrange.co.uk). Originally a pilchard-processing factory, this is now a smart restaurant with a focus on seafood. Displays local artwork.
  • The Abbey, Abbey Street, Penzance (01736 366906, www.theabbeyonline.co.uk). Comfortable restaurant with modern British food and a good wine list. The service here has been rated especially well.

Hotels

  • Warwick House, 17, Regent Terrace, Penzance (01736 363881, www.warwickhousepenzance.co.uk). Extremely comfortable Regency period guest house with fine views over the bay.
  • Higher Faugan Parc, Chywoone Hill, Newlyn, Penzance (01736 351648). Situated in the village of Newlyn, this boutique style guest house is not in the town centre, but its slightly remote location in beautiful surroundings will appeal to those looking for something out of the ordinary.
  • The Abbey, Abbey Street, Penzance (01736 366906, www.theabbeyonline.co.uk). Apart from the popular restaurant, the Abbey is also known for its eight well-furnished, comfortable rooms.

Golf Courses

  • Cape Cornwall Golf Club, St.Just, Penzance (01736 788611, www.capecornwall.com). An 18 hole golf course and club with other facilities such as a spa, sauna and swimming pool. Great location with views over the cape. Visitors welcome although reservation is advised.
  • Praa Sands Golf Club, Germoe Crossroads, Praa Sands, Penzance (01736 763445). A challenging course that experienced golfers will enjoy. Visitors welcome.

Activities

  • The Minack Theatre (01736 810181, www.minack.com) at Porthcurno is a much admired open-air theatre, built like a traditional ampitheatre into the side of a hill and with fantastic views over Porthcurno Bay. For those with no time to catch a play, a day visit would still be worthwhile.
  • The West Cornwall coastline is ideal for water-sports enthusiasts or simply for lazing on the beaches!
  • St.Michael’s Mount, the historic island castle is a walk away on an ancient causeway (when tides are low) or accessible through a short boat-ride from the village of Marazion.

Useful Information

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Nottingham (EGBN)

Airport information

Nearest town: Nottingham (6 miles by car from city centre), Nottinghamshire

Opening Times:

  • Winter: Mon-Sat 0900-1700; Sun 1000-1700
  • Summer: Mon-Fri 0800-1700; Sat 0800-1800; Sun 0900-1800

Longest Runway: 1050m, Asphalt/Concrete

Fuel: AVTUR JET A1, AVGAS 100LL

Phone: 01159 811327 (ATC), 01159 815050 (Admin)

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

AIP: plates and airport diagram

Landing Fees: Starts at £10 for a light single aircraft

Note: Nottingham is a PPR airfield; however, the airfield is also available outside published hours on advance notice.

Airport Map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Truman Aviation (01159 815050)
  • Taxis: DG Cars (01159 607607), Nottingham Cars (01159 700700), EMT Private Hire (08458 392137). Note: Taxis operate out of Nottingham, not from the airfield itself
  • Car Hire: Avis (08706 086354, www.avis.co.uk), Hertz (01159 580575, www.hertz.co.uk), Europcar (01159 581644, www.europcar.co.uk). Note: Car Hire outlets operate out of Nottingham, not from the airfield itself
  • Facilities at airport: Restaurant
  • Flying Schools: Truman Aviation (01159 815050)

Pubs

  • The Trip to Jerusalem. Allegedly the oldest pub in England. A bit like visiting a hobbit hole as the pub is set into a sheer cliff face and several rooms are actually in the living rock.
  • The Hand and Heart, 65, Derby Road, Nottingham (01159 582456). Unusual location for a pub – inside the sandstone caves of Nottingham! A good selection of ales and live music events every other day. If you’re interested, there is an independent art gallery of the same name above the pub.
  • The Keans Head, 46, St. Mary’s Gate, Nottingham (01159 474052). Fairly small but popular and centrally located pub that mainly serves Castle Rock beers. It’s also a good place for food at any time during the day.
  • Bunkers Hill Inn, 36-38, Hockley, Nottingham (01159 100114). Serves some excellent beers from the Nottingham brewery.

Restaurants

  • The Larder on Goosegate, 16-22, Goosegate, Nottingham (01159 500111, www.thelarderongoosegate.co.uk). Modern British food in very comfortable and pleasant surroundings. Here, the focus is on seasonal ingredients; the steaks in particular are rated very highly.
  • MemSaab, 12-14, Maid Marian Way, Nottingham (01159 570009, www.mem-saab.co.uk). Leagues above your usual curry house fare, this elegant Indian restaurant focuses on unusual Indian regional specialties.
  • Antalya’s, Forman Street, Nottingham (01159 537788). Popular Greek restaurant that is good value for money.

Hotels

  • Park Plaza Nottingham, 41, Maid Marian Way, Nottingham (01159 477200, www.parkplaza.com). Elegant and centrally located hotel convenient for accessing all the usual tourist hot-spots if you need!
  • Brown’s Old Orchard Cottage, Holbeck, Near Worksop, Nottingham (01909 720659). Not in the city itself, but this B&B is an ideal option for those who’d like a bit of rural quiet and comfort. Comfortable rooms and friendly service.
  • Cockliffe Country House Hotel, Burntstump Hill, Nottingham (01159 680179, www.cockliffehouse.co.uk). A stylish four star hotel set amidst beautiful gardens.

Golf Courses

  • Beeston Fields Golf Club, Old Drive, Wollaton Road, Beeston, Nottingham (01159 257062, www.beestonfields.co.uk). An 80 year old course that has something for golfers of different abilities. Visitors welcome with reservations.
  • Cotgrave Place Golf and Country Club, Stragglethorpe, Nottingham (01159 333344, www.cotgraveplacegolf.co.uk). A relatively new club that has not one but two 18-hole courses. Visitors welcome with reservations.
  • Nottingham City Golf Club, Bulwell Hall Park, Norwich Gardens, Bulwell, Nottingham (01159 272767, www.nottinghamcitygolfclub.co.uk). 100 year club that hosts many popular events. Visitors welcome.
  • Ruddington Grange Golf Club, Wilford Road, Ruddington, Nottingham (01159 211951, www.ruddingtongrange.com). A par-72 course set in beautiful parkland that includes water hazards. Visitors welcome.

Activities

  • A visit to Nottingham castle is worth it, both for its interesting architecture and museum and for the great views over the countryside from its position on a hill overlooking the city.
  • Visit Cresswell Crags (www.creswell-crags.org.uk), an archaeological site with records of Ice age life in Britain.

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

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

Fife Glenrothes (EGPJ)

Airport information

Nearest town: Glenrothes (8m by car), Fife, Scotland

PPR: Yes

ICAO: EGPJ

Phone: 01592 753 792

Website: http://www.taysideaviation.co.uk/flying/airfield/fife.html, Wikipedia entry

Landing fees: £10

Runway: 700m x 18m, Asphalt

Opening times: Summer – Mon-Sat 0730-1700; Sun 0800-1700; and by special arrangement. Winter – 0900-1700 and by special arrangement.

Fuel: AVGAS 100LL

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Handling: Tayside Aviation (01592 753 792).
  • Taxis: Murray Taxis (01592 754 004), Associated Taxis (01592 610 620), Allied radio cabs (01592 610 333).
  • Car Hire: Car Hire (01592 751 914), Braids Private Hire (01592 263 030), Enterprise (01592 200 609, www.enterprise.com).
  • Passenger facilities: The Tipsy Nipper restaurant at the airfield is accredited by Scotland’s Tourism Board and also caters for large or corporate events. Customs and immigration (by arrangement).
  • Charter: Tayside Aviation (01592 753 792) offers a range of aircraft for hire (Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Piper Arrow, Piper Warrior, Grob 115D and Seneca II).

Pubs

  • The New Bridge Tavern, South Park Rd, Generates (01592 753 701). New management has brought in entertainment and games to this sizeable pub.
  • The Oast House, Caskieberran Road, Generates (01592 755 941). Friendly local pub.
  • The Prinlaws, Leslie, Generates (01592 621 140).

Restaurants

  • Rodizio Rio, 282-284 High Street, Kirkcaldy (01592 562 875). Excellent Brazilian cuisine with a focus on fine meats and traditional dishes.
  • Restaurant at Balbirnie House, Balbirnie Park, Markinch Village (01592 610 066). Eat in the Orangerie of this exquisite house for a truly unique experience.
  • Restaurant at the Dunnikier House Hotel, Dunnikier Park, Kirkcaldy (01592 268 393).

Hotels

  • The Priory Star, East End, Glenrothes (01592 754 566). Luxurious B&B featuring a gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and solarium.
  • Balgeddie House Hotel, Glenrothes (01592 742 511). Plenty of olde world charm.

Golf courses

  • Glenrothes Golf Club (01592 758 686, www.glenrothesgolf.org.uk). 18 hole parkland course.
  • Leslie Golf Club (01592 620 040).
  • Balbirnie Golf Club (01592 612 095, www.balbirniegolf.com). Par of 71, has hosted PGA events including the Scottish Assistants Championship.

Activities

  • Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkaldy (01316 688 600). Built by James II in 1460.
  • John McDouall Stuart Museum, Kirkaldy (01592 412 860). Dedicated to the first explorer to travel through the centre of Australia.
  • Letham Glen, Levan (01592 416 823). Animal centre, nature centre and woodland walks.

Useful information

Headcorn Lashenden (EGKH)

Airport information

Nearest town: Tenterden (14m by car), Kent

PPR: Yes

ICAO: EGKH

Phone: 01622 890 226; 01622 890 236 (Outside normal Aerodrome hours)

Wevsite: www.headcornaerodrome.co.uk, Wikipedia entry

Landing fees: £10 – £15, waived if 40 or more litres of fuel are uplifted.

Runway: 840m x 30m, Grass

Opening times: 0900-sunset and by arrangement.

Fuel: AVGAS 100LL, Jet A1 for business users only or emergencies.

AIP plates and airport diagram

Airport map

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Airport services

  • Taxis: MTC Cars (01622 890 003), Wealden Cars (01580 291 199) and Maidstone Taxi Co (01622 890 003)
  • Car Hire: Hertz (01622 734677, www.hertz.com), Ashford Self Hire (01233 626407, www.ashfordselfhire.co.uk) and Practical Car and Van Rental (01622 750191, www.practical.co.uk)
  • Passenger facilities: Free parking, Holding Point café, fully licensed bar, kids’ play area and local Kentish lamb for sale. Customs and immigration by arrangement.
  • Charter: 01622 891 539
  • Flying schools: Weald Air Services Ltd.

Pubs

  • Smarden Bell, Smarden (01233 770 283). Warm and welcoming country pub with an excellent menu.
  • The George and Dragon, Headcorn (01622 890 239). Good beers, bar snacks and separate restaurant.
  • The Chequers Inn, Smarden (01233 770 217). A 14th century coaching inn, Greene King Southern Regional Caterer of the Year 2005.

Restaurants

  • The Rose and Crown at Mundy Bois, Smarden (01233 840 393). Fully traceable local produce, a la carte and bar menus. Off the beaten track in lush Kentish countryside.
  • West House, Bidden den (01580 291 341). Modern British in this good value, smoothly-run local destination.
  • Thai Orchid, Tenterden (01580766 088).

Hotels

Golf courses

Attractions

  • Leeds Castle (www.leeds-castle.com). Stunning attraction set on two islands in the river Len.
  • Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch (01233 861 493, www.rarebreeds.org.uk). Charity trust set in 120 acres of parkland.
  • Biddenden Vineyards (01580 291 726, www.biddendenvineyards.com). Home of famous Kentish bottled cider as well as grape varieties.

Useful information