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Churchill enjoys several Pubs/Inns;
The Crown
at The Batch, Skinners Lane, Churchill approx. ten minutes from Bristol Airport.
Unspoilt gem of a stone-built pub on the edge of the Mendip Hills, with stone walls, flagstone floors, open log fires and invigorating local walks. Freshly prepared food includes locally caught trout and salmon when available, in addition to decent sandwiches, filled jacket potatoes, cauliflower cheese, Stilton and pepper quiches and popular casseroles. Bar food available 12-2.30 pm
Principal beers:- Cotleigh Tawny, Palmers IPA, Smiles Golden and Bass.
Cider lovers must try 'Mendip Magic'
Lovely suntrap garden during Summer, cosy fires in winter.
The Stag and Hounds - approx. 70 yds from The Mendip Gate on the A38, offering two meals for the price of one
(except Sunday lunch 12-4 pm). Over sixty dishes on the menu/specials board. Now serving carvery. Booking service available.
The Churchill Inn - approx. 50 yds from The Mendip Gate, near Bristol airport. Varied menu. Attentive Staff.
The Nelson Arms - approx. 450 yds
Nelson Arms, near Bristol Airport, Churchill
Somerset
(Skinners Lane; A368, just off A38 SW of Bristol)
Roomy and homely bar with lots of dining tables, small rustic dining room, cheap food inc. bargain generous daily roasts, Barley Wine, Ushers ales, several ciders; piped music, pool room; tables outside.
Churchill also has a first rate Fish and Chip Shop. Guests are welcome to eat takeaway in the breakfast room but food is not permitted upstairs.
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Bristol's lively City Centre is approximately 12 miles.
Bristol evokes memories of Isambard Kingdom Brunel who created many of his masterpieces here. It is alive with places to absorb the influence that sea trading has had on the city over the years. Explore the historic SS Great Britain or John Cabot's Matthew in Bristol Harbour. With a huge choice of shops, restaurants, art galleries, museums, theatres, and many attractions including Bristol Zoo, @Bristol Exploratory and Wildscreen, you will have to come back!
The journey takes approx. 20 minutes from The Mendip Gate.
Bristol also enjoys The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, just north, next to jct.17 of the M5. The Mall is a stunning shopping centre with 130 top name stores, 15 cafes and restaurants sandwiched between the largest Marks and Spencer in the South West and John Lewis, stocking half a million different lines. It boasts 7000 free parking spaces and a bus stop right outside John Lewis. 0117 9030303
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Nearby Cheddar is unique. Its distinguishing feature is the natural phenomenon of Britain's largest gorge. The Cheddar Yeo in Gough's Cave is Britain's biggest underground river, and the Gorge Cliffs are Britain's highest inland limestone cliffs. The Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the calcareous grassland, Karst limestone butresses and Horseshoe Bats. Peregrin falcons nest on the cliff face and Soay sheep keep the scrub in check. Gough's Cave is an internationally famous archeological site because of its Late Upper Paleolithic finds (12-13,000 years old) and contained Britain's oldest complete skeleton (9,000 years old). It lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a candidate for Special Area for Conservation status.
The Village of Cheddar has a long and ancient history, having been important Roman and Saxon Centres. As early as 1130 AD, the beauty of the Gorge was recognised as one of the "Four wonders of England". Historically, Cheddar's source of wealth was farming and cheese making for which it was famous as early as 1170 AD. In the 17th/18th Centuries, the many watermills ground corn and made paper, and from the Victorian period, largescale production of clothing. Popular tourism began with the opening of Cheddar Valley Railway in 1869/1870, which provided workers from towns with the opportunity to enjoy a days outing for the first-time as a Bank Holiday. The railway also allowed people to live within sight of a high-profile beauty spot, the Gorge, but work further away (the start of the commuting trend). Cheddar, both the Village and Gorge today provides both shopping and leisure opportunites for all ages.
Cheddar Caves and Gorge http://www.cheddarcaves.co.uk are approx. 4 miles providing shopping and leisure activities for all ages. Cheddar is Britain's biggest Gorge and the gateway to The Mendip Hills, a natural wilderness in the heart of Somerset. Explore the two beautiful Stalagmite Showcaves and the Crystal Quest dark-wall fantasy adventure. This is also home to Britain's oldest skeleton. A vigorous walk will take you up Jacob's ladder and the Lookout Tower before a splendid round-trip clifftop walk with picnic sites.
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Burrington Coombe is approached along a dramatic gorge, a smaller version of Cheddar.In spring and summer, its cottage gardens are bright with flowers. There are many caves in the gorge, which were occupied in prehistoric times.
Sheltering from a thunderstorm in a rocky cleft in the gorge. Augustus Topladv (1740-78), curate of neighbouring Blagdon, wrote the hymn ' Rock of Ages'.
In Burrington churchyard is a huge hollow yew tree, 24 ft in circumference.
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Golf at The Mendip Spring Golf Club, Honeyhall Lane, Congresbury, Somerset
BS49 5JT Tel: 01934 852322 Fax: 01934 853021
Sec/Manager: Mr. A. Melhuish
Professionals: Robert Moss and John Blackburn
Directions: From the A38 in Churchill, follow to B3133 (Lower Langford) and after 1 mile turn left into Brinsea Batch. After ½ mile turn right into Honeyhall Lane and the entrance is on the right hand side.
Visitors: Welcome: Contact club in advance.
Societies: Welcome: Contact club in advance.
Facilities: Putting Green, Chipping Green, Club Hire, Trolley Hire, Buggy Hire, Bar, Restaurant, Driving Range
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Churchill hosts Somerset's Dry Ski Slope, approx. 2 miles from
The Mendip Gate, 7 miles from Bristol airport. Set in a scenic woodland setting on the edge of the glorious Mendip Hills, the Avon Ski Centre is reminiscent of a genuine alpine resort, where you can escape the bustle of city life. It provides the perfect environment in which to learn to ski.
Experienced skiers and snowboarders will find that the challenging 165 metre main dry slope, complete with bends, moguls and jumps, holds just as much excitement when brushing up old skills or perfecting technique or simply having fun. The Avon Ski Centre also provides one of the country's best floodlit skiing facilities. An experience not to be missed.
Aprés Ski - After the fun of the slopes why not stay on a high and carve a turn into the friendly “Boots Bar” to soak up the warm vibrant atmosphere unique to “aprés ski”.
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Wookey Hole Caves are approx. 10 miles.
Home of the legendary Witch of Wookey
A 40 minute guided tour of the caves is followed by a visit to the last commercial handmade papermill in England. http://www.wookey.co.uk
Enjoy a fantastic meal at The Wookey Hole Inn. Highly recommended.
http://www.wookeyholeinn.com
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The Ancient City of Wells http://www.wells.gov.uk
The city takes it's name from the freshwater springs in the grounds
of the fabulous Bishop's Palace.
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Trout Fishing is available at Blagdon and Chew Valley Lakes
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Balloon Flights are available from First Flight balloons, approx. 400 yds from The Mendip Gate. Sites locally include:
Bristol, Ashton Court - on the South West outskirts of the city
Bath, Recreation Ground - in the heart of the city. Other Bath sites are used when this is not available
Cheddar - on the southern slopes of the Mendips
Churchill - adjacent to the beautiful Chew Valley
Wells - in the centre of the city
Glastonbury - Close to the Tor on the Somerset Levels
For bookings please see - http://www.firstflight.co.uk
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Clarks Village Outlet Centre - approx. 40 mins http://www.clarksvillage.co.uk
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Longleat Safari Park - approx. 40mins. http://www.longleat.co.uk
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Hill Walking over The Mendips - various trails available. Maps with points of interest available on request. A very nice walk ending up at the award winning Crown Inn recommended.
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Useful links:
http://www.themendipgate.co.uk
http://www.themendipgate.com
http://www.petergoordtravel.co.uk
http://www.alpinelearningcurves.co.uk
http://www.westmendipway.co.uk
http://www.jeffersonstudios.co.uk
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