Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Bristol Channel Island Adventure
There's nothing quite like
Steep
Holm
(
&
01934/522125;
www.
steepholm.org), a tiny, rugged island
in the middle of the Bristol Channel.
Once a military installation, today this
rocky hump of limestone covering just
20 hectares (50 acres) and around
78-m (255-ft.) high, is a wild, uninhab-
ited nature reserve owned by the Ken-
neth Allsop Memorial Trust. In May, the
island is smothered in dazzling wild
peonies in bloom, and at any time you
can see the ruins of a 12th-century
Augustinian priory, Victorian gun
batteries, World War II remains,
and sensational views of the Bristol
Channel across to Wales. The former
Barracks has been restored as a
visitor center.
Boats to the island depart the
seaside resort of Weston-super-Mare,
5 miles away in Somerset (Knightstone
Harbour). Trips usually run May to
October (call or e-mail for times), and
cost £25 for adults and £15 for children
5 to 16. You can also visit
Flat Holm
(www.flatholm.co.uk)
from the Welsh
side of the channel.
8
INEXPENSIVE
Clifton House
Following a comprehensive renovation in 2010, this elegant
early Victorian house blends contemporary style with many of its original features;
marble fireplaces, vintage mirrors and ornate plasterwork in the rooms are offset with
chic, modern furniture and comfy beds. Rates are very reasonable, it's an excellent
option in the Clifton neighborhood, and the free parking is a real bonus.
4 Tyndall's Park Rd., Clifton, Bristol BS8 1PG. www.cliftonhousebristol.com.
&
0117/973-5407.
Fax
0117/923-7965. 15 units. £65-£85 double. Rates include English breakfast. MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 8 or
9.
In room:
TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (free).
Rookery Guest House
Don't be fooled by the plain exterior; this is one of the
most welcoming B&Bs in the city, with clean, comfortable, and quiet rooms
enhanced by a homey atmosphere and perfect hosts. Guests really are treated like
family; there is a large rack of DVDs available in the lounge, and breakfasts are always
hot, fresh, and cooked to order (with veggie options). Note that this is a convenient
option for drivers, close to the M5, but not for the city center (25-min. drive). No
children or pets.
227 Gloucester Rd. (A38), Patchway, Bristol BS34 6ND. www.therookery-guest-house-bristol.co.uk.
&
01454/850088.
8 units £58-£60 double. Rates include English breakfast. AE, MC, V (with 3% sur-
charge). Free parking.
In room:
TV, DVD, Wi-Fi (free).
WELLS
& THE MENDIP
CAVES
123 miles SW of London; 21 miles SW of Bath
The tiny cathedral city of
Wells
is a little slice of medieval England sitting under the
southern lip of the Mendip Hills, which divide southern Somerset from the more
visited north of the county. Wells was a vital link in the Saxon kingdom of Wessex—
important long before the arrival of William the Conqueror. Once the seat of a bish-
opric, it was eventually toppled from its ecclesiastical hegemony by the rival city of
Bath. But the subsequent loss of prestige has paid off handsomely for 21st-century
