Jayne And John's Guidebook
Things to do
The views are interesting stretching far and wide from the top of the Mendips. Walk to Crooks Peak in 1.5 hours, you will need a bit of puff.. !
West Mendip Way
West Mendip WayThe views are interesting stretching far and wide from the top of the Mendips. Walk to Crooks Peak in 1.5 hours, you will need a bit of puff.. !
Park or walk to 'The Rec' recreation ground and walk the strawberry line to Axbridge (turning left) for lunch approximately 1 hour away the way back is steeper.. You will pass through the old railway tunnel which passes under the West Mendip Way. If you still like a walk but want it flat, park at the Rec and walk the route to the right. This part of the strawberry line takes you past the millennium green. Look for the flattened station and the 2000 year markers on the station platform ( John actually laid these coping stones back in 1999 and fitted the timeline ) . Keep going and in just under an hour can stop at Thatcher's famous Cider barn for lunch ( you will need to come off the railway line in Sandford and walk right down the main road for a few minutes towards Sandford village) or keep going all the way to Yatton and stop at the café serving homemade food run by a great team of people who encourage young people to get skills in catering ...
If you are still fancying some cake etc. Once back in Winscombe we have 2 tea shops or the Woodbrough Inn..
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Strawberry Line
Park or walk to 'The Rec' recreation ground and walk the strawberry line to Axbridge (turning left) for lunch approximately 1 hour away the way back is steeper.. You will pass through the old railway tunnel which passes under the West Mendip Way. If you still like a walk but want it flat, park at the Rec and walk the route to the right. This part of the strawberry line takes you past the millennium green. Look for the flattened station and the 2000 year markers on the station platform ( John actually laid these coping stones back in 1999 and fitted the timeline ) . Keep going and in just under an hour can stop at Thatcher's famous Cider barn for lunch ( you will need to come off the railway line in Sandford and walk right down the main road for a few minutes towards Sandford village) or keep going all the way to Yatton and stop at the café serving homemade food run by a great team of people who encourage young people to get skills in catering ...
If you are still fancying some cake etc. Once back in Winscombe we have 2 tea shops or the Woodbrough Inn..
Wells Cathedral
Look out for the wonderful clock inside and amazing structures.
We like the walk from Black Rock which can give you a 2.5 hour loop round taking in Velvet Bottom. Its a bit of a hike but great views
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Φαράγγι του Τσένταρ
We like the walk from Black Rock which can give you a 2.5 hour loop round taking in Velvet Bottom. Its a bit of a hike but great views
Nice place to wander around. Best to have good footwear as it can be steep in places.
En route for Wells and lunch / supper at The Sheepy .. see Food recommendations.
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Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve
DeerleapNice place to wander around. Best to have good footwear as it can be steep in places.
En route for Wells and lunch / supper at The Sheepy .. see Food recommendations.
Cowan House is located at 21 Ellenborough Park Weston Super Mare BS25 1LZ. It has a website of its own. If you fancy a spa or sports type massage / reflexology etc .. I can get you a 10 per cent discount if you mention my name as this is where I work ! Jayne
Cowan House
Cowan House is located at 21 Ellenborough Park Weston Super Mare BS25 1LZ. It has a website of its own. If you fancy a spa or sports type massage / reflexology etc .. I can get you a 10 per cent discount if you mention my name as this is where I work ! Jayne
This can be a nice beach walk to get to the low lighthouse situated that side of Burnham on Sea. As you can see its spacious and not too crowded !
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Berrow Beach
This can be a nice beach walk to get to the low lighthouse situated that side of Burnham on Sea. As you can see its spacious and not too crowded !
It takes about 30 minutes in the car to get to Clevedon. There is the poets walk from here which takes you down the coast ( South) which is quite fun but could be busy at peak times. Also some nice independent shops and restaurants at Hill Road in Clevedon.
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Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust
The BeachIt takes about 30 minutes in the car to get to Clevedon. There is the poets walk from here which takes you down the coast ( South) which is quite fun but could be busy at peak times. Also some nice independent shops and restaurants at Hill Road in Clevedon.
Worth a visit for cheese, plants etc...Sunday and Wednesday mornings. We tend to park in the car park by Waitrose and walk in...
Wells Market
Worth a visit for cheese, plants etc...Sunday and Wednesday mornings. We tend to park in the car park by Waitrose and walk in...
Thatcher's do very good tours, the only problem is they get booked up several weeks in advance. However its worth checking their website. Currently the cost ( Summer 23) is £15.00 per head.
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Thatchers Cider
Station RoadThatcher's do very good tours, the only problem is they get booked up several weeks in advance. However its worth checking their website. Currently the cost ( Summer 23) is £15.00 per head.
A fun day out. We used to come here as students and later brought the family. They hire punts or low rowing boats that glide along the smooth water, up to a weir just outside Bath. Take a picnic or a snack, there is a pub to visit or a restaurant by the boating station, that one is best booked ( may be reserve for lunch then take the boat out).
Bath can be just under an hour, but allow more time as it's a lovely drive through the villages and by Chew Valley Lake, plus you may get behind a tractor! Bath has traffic calming so the centre is best avoided by car.
Not open Monday or Tuesday or in the winter. A change of pace with a holiday feel. Allow 2 to 3 hours the punt back is quicker than upstream.
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Bath Boating Station
Forester RoadA fun day out. We used to come here as students and later brought the family. They hire punts or low rowing boats that glide along the smooth water, up to a weir just outside Bath. Take a picnic or a snack, there is a pub to visit or a restaurant by the boating station, that one is best booked ( may be reserve for lunch then take the boat out).
Bath can be just under an hour, but allow more time as it's a lovely drive through the villages and by Chew Valley Lake, plus you may get behind a tractor! Bath has traffic calming so the centre is best avoided by car.
Not open Monday or Tuesday or in the winter. A change of pace with a holiday feel. Allow 2 to 3 hours the punt back is quicker than upstream.
If you fancy seeing the Mendip Hills from a different view and want some safe pony trekking this could be the place for you..
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Tynings Farm
If you fancy seeing the Mendip Hills from a different view and want some safe pony trekking this could be the place for you..
Food Scene
Central Winscombe so a 15 walk down and 20 minute walk back up..!
Like most local pubs and restaurants the food can vary with the quality of the chef, currently in Spring 2023 there is a new chef in charge and we can recommend. The building has been gradually renovated and improved over the last couple of years adding to its appeal. We hear people are also popping in for a cooked breakfast at the weekends as well as lunch and supper. The restaurant is available for booking or the lower seating area works on a first come first served basis - so just let the bar staff know you would like a table and you can have a drink in the main bar whilst you wait. Worth trying...
Woodborough Inn
2 Sandford RdCentral Winscombe so a 15 walk down and 20 minute walk back up..!
Like most local pubs and restaurants the food can vary with the quality of the chef, currently in Spring 2023 there is a new chef in charge and we can recommend. The building has been gradually renovated and improved over the last couple of years adding to its appeal. We hear people are also popping in for a cooked breakfast at the weekends as well as lunch and supper. The restaurant is available for booking or the lower seating area works on a first come first served basis - so just let the bar staff know you would like a table and you can have a drink in the main bar whilst you wait. Worth trying...
Food is worth a try. Nice busy pub. You can sit outside in the summer. Its possible to walk here over the fields via Sidcot School, Winterhead Farm, Shipham and then on the quiet roads to the pub... Takes about an hour or less. It never hurts to book if you want a table in the main bar the quieter bar usually has space. Quite a good veggie selection last time we went.
The Swan Inn, Rowberrow
Food is worth a try. Nice busy pub. You can sit outside in the summer. Its possible to walk here over the fields via Sidcot School, Winterhead Farm, Shipham and then on the quiet roads to the pub... Takes about an hour or less. It never hurts to book if you want a table in the main bar the quieter bar usually has space. Quite a good veggie selection last time we went.
An interesting, proper rustic Somerset pub, they do not make them like this anymore ! Food is available only at lunchtime.. It's limited but very well cooked. A homemade range of things like Cauliflower Cheese, Chilli con carnie, etc. are well worth having. Price is reasonable if you are trying to stick to a budget and don't want to beeak the bank. You can walk there in about 40 minutes depending on the route, but we have a few routes that might take a bit longer off the beaten track. Just ask for info..
This place is a one-off. Open fires in the winter, sitting out in the summer. It's where a cross section of locals go... Also very popular for an early evening drink. Lots of real ales and local ciders.
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Crown Inn Churchill
The BatchAn interesting, proper rustic Somerset pub, they do not make them like this anymore ! Food is available only at lunchtime.. It's limited but very well cooked. A homemade range of things like Cauliflower Cheese, Chilli con carnie, etc. are well worth having. Price is reasonable if you are trying to stick to a budget and don't want to beeak the bank. You can walk there in about 40 minutes depending on the route, but we have a few routes that might take a bit longer off the beaten track. Just ask for info..
This place is a one-off. Open fires in the winter, sitting out in the summer. It's where a cross section of locals go... Also very popular for an early evening drink. Lots of real ales and local ciders.
Nice pub for food - bit far to walk possibly unless you had visited the Dolebury Warren hill fort and were feeling keen.
The Langford Inn
Nice pub for food - bit far to walk possibly unless you had visited the Dolebury Warren hill fort and were feeling keen.
Just walked to Axbridge from Oakridge Barn over the top of the Mendips. We had booked for 2, arrived a bit late, and they were very welcoming. 4 choices of Sunday lunch plus usual menu, very pleased with the quality and variety. Butcombe and Thatchers on draft. Allow 1.25 to 1.5 hours to get there. Great views on route and a flatter walk back via the Railway tunnel on the strawberry line.
Lamb Inn Axbridge
The SquareJust walked to Axbridge from Oakridge Barn over the top of the Mendips. We had booked for 2, arrived a bit late, and they were very welcoming. 4 choices of Sunday lunch plus usual menu, very pleased with the quality and variety. Butcombe and Thatchers on draft. Allow 1.25 to 1.5 hours to get there. Great views on route and a flatter walk back via the Railway tunnel on the strawberry line.
Nice slightly chic pub food here. Bit more of a treat one when it comes to the price but they have a nice garden / inside décor. We think Wedmore is a bit like a mini Bath when it comes to independent shops. Well know for Wedding shopping for mother of the bride..
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The Swan
Cheddar RoadNice slightly chic pub food here. Bit more of a treat one when it comes to the price but they have a nice garden / inside décor. We think Wedmore is a bit like a mini Bath when it comes to independent shops. Well know for Wedding shopping for mother of the bride..
Busy but good Italian Restaurant set in the Cheddar Gorge.
There's quite a cute cocktail bar across the road if you fancy going there first. Taxi home ? message me for a recommendation.
La Rocca Italian Restaurant
Busy but good Italian Restaurant set in the Cheddar Gorge.
There's quite a cute cocktail bar across the road if you fancy going there first. Taxi home ? message me for a recommendation.
John and I often take our visitors here. It is completely unique because of the decor. I don't want to say too much as it's best to explore yourself, we are children of the 60's and it brings back a few memories!
The food is good. I always think it's best to book even if you only give an hour notice as it's in a remote spot. We tend to take in Wells or Ebbor George if in this direction. It's about 25 minutes in the car and a car would be pretty well essential to get there ...
This place is often visited by the celebrities of Glastonbury as it's not that far away...
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The Sheppey
John and I often take our visitors here. It is completely unique because of the decor. I don't want to say too much as it's best to explore yourself, we are children of the 60's and it brings back a few memories!
The food is good. I always think it's best to book even if you only give an hour notice as it's in a remote spot. We tend to take in Wells or Ebbor George if in this direction. It's about 25 minutes in the car and a car would be pretty well essential to get there ...
This place is often visited by the celebrities of Glastonbury as it's not that far away...
Jonathan and team have moved outside in the summer and now operate on limited hours towards the weekend. Definitely a place to go for wonderful food but you need to book and it's only in the summer months outside or large pre-booked for 8 people inside.
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Wheatsheaf Inn
Jonathan and team have moved outside in the summer and now operate on limited hours towards the weekend. Definitely a place to go for wonderful food but you need to book and it's only in the summer months outside or large pre-booked for 8 people inside.
This is definitely in a class of its own. It really is quite expensive so you will either feel delighted as its quite unique and definitely a one off or it will not be your thing. Whatever the gardens are amazing ... best to do some research and see if its for you it could be a hidden gem as they say..
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The Ethicurean
This is definitely in a class of its own. It really is quite expensive so you will either feel delighted as its quite unique and definitely a one off or it will not be your thing. Whatever the gardens are amazing ... best to do some research and see if its for you it could be a hidden gem as they say..
We visited in April 23 on a Wednesday night and you felt glad you booked...The food was really good and prices sensible for what we had. A friend who has eaten in Japan said it's authentic and we found lots of choices . The soft shell crab in a very light batter was a delicious starter..
In the evening there's free street parking on the Boulevard just before you get to the Restaurant
Sakura Japanese Restaurant Ltd
36 Regent StWe visited in April 23 on a Wednesday night and you felt glad you booked...The food was really good and prices sensible for what we had. A friend who has eaten in Japan said it's authentic and we found lots of choices . The soft shell crab in a very light batter was a delicious starter..
In the evening there's free street parking on the Boulevard just before you get to the Restaurant
Good quality Sri Lanka food in Bristol's trendy edgy Gloucester Road area. If you are looking up the Banksy Street Art, a good place for lunch. The Gloucester Road is Europe's longest run of independent shops.
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The Coconut Tree, Bristol Glos Rd
239 Cheltenham RdGood quality Sri Lanka food in Bristol's trendy edgy Gloucester Road area. If you are looking up the Banksy Street Art, a good place for lunch. The Gloucester Road is Europe's longest run of independent shops.
A nice place for a special lunch. Amazing gardens to walk round and study. It's an attractive route from Oakridge Barn by car or bike with places to look at en route.
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The Pig - near Bath
A nice place for a special lunch. Amazing gardens to walk round and study. It's an attractive route from Oakridge Barn by car or bike with places to look at en route.
If you are in Weston and want to take some fish and chips to the beach ..We park as close to Papa's as we can on the meters then pop in ( sorry there will be a queue!) Keep everything wrapped up and drive to the end of the beach where you can take your car on and it's a bit quieter. Nice in the evening to watch a sunset.
Directions for Beach parking ... Go towards the seafront from Papa's and head down past the Pier on your right heading towards Weston Golf Club it's just before that, at the end of the beach.
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Papa's
20 Waterloo StIf you are in Weston and want to take some fish and chips to the beach ..We park as close to Papa's as we can on the meters then pop in ( sorry there will be a queue!) Keep everything wrapped up and drive to the end of the beach where you can take your car on and it's a bit quieter. Nice in the evening to watch a sunset.
Directions for Beach parking ... Go towards the seafront from Papa's and head down past the Pier on your right heading towards Weston Golf Club it's just before that, at the end of the beach.
I know ...a kebab shop! We like this place as the staff are friendly , the shish kebabs (grilled meats) are good as they come with masses of salad ( ask for no onions if you do not like raw onion. I like the garlic sauce John the Chili they also do mint sauce and you can have a side of onion rings. They will deliver to the Barn in Oakridge so that's helpful. Just explain it's the holiday let so they come to the right place.
Winscombe Kebab & Pizza House
I know ...a kebab shop! We like this place as the staff are friendly , the shish kebabs (grilled meats) are good as they come with masses of salad ( ask for no onions if you do not like raw onion. I like the garlic sauce John the Chili they also do mint sauce and you can have a side of onion rings. They will deliver to the Barn in Oakridge so that's helpful. Just explain it's the holiday let so they come to the right place.
This cafe is in Yatton. Its possible to walk it but it will be 7 miles from Winscombe on the strawberry line. The food is always good which is homemade. Friendly calm service. It's nice to sit outside as it's located in a sunny spot. Easy if you have brought your bike down the railway line.
Strawberry Line Cafe
Station RoadThis cafe is in Yatton. Its possible to walk it but it will be 7 miles from Winscombe on the strawberry line. The food is always good which is homemade. Friendly calm service. It's nice to sit outside as it's located in a sunny spot. Easy if you have brought your bike down the railway line.
The best smoked Salmon and Fish. The food is not cheap but the quality is amazing! Jonathan is an expert chef and supplies some very well known resturants.
Well worth a visit.
The Valley Smokehouse
The best smoked Salmon and Fish. The food is not cheap but the quality is amazing! Jonathan is an expert chef and supplies some very well known resturants.
Well worth a visit.
They make a regular looking but very good Cheddar cheese, we like the Lyecross farm mature one. There is a good selection of deli foods, fresh veg, good pork, bbq chicken, and homemade sausages. I am less keen on their beef, too. be honest, it's much better to go to the butchers in Winscombe.
Breads (go for the overnight white, real old fashioned bread) or the sourdough that they sell from Pullins bakery. It's an easy place to shop, it does not take forever and you can buy most things.
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Lye Cross Farm Shop
Lye Cross RoadThey make a regular looking but very good Cheddar cheese, we like the Lyecross farm mature one. There is a good selection of deli foods, fresh veg, good pork, bbq chicken, and homemade sausages. I am less keen on their beef, too. be honest, it's much better to go to the butchers in Winscombe.
Breads (go for the overnight white, real old fashioned bread) or the sourdough that they sell from Pullins bakery. It's an easy place to shop, it does not take forever and you can buy most things.
Touts ( formerly Budgens) is open 24 hours. It has the cheapest petrol around usually. It stocks all essentials and more. It takes about 7 minutes to get there from us in the direction of Bristol on the A38. They make a bit of an effort to stock some local produce, free range eggs, Pullins bakery etc
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Budgens Langford
BypassTouts ( formerly Budgens) is open 24 hours. It has the cheapest petrol around usually. It stocks all essentials and more. It takes about 7 minutes to get there from us in the direction of Bristol on the A38. They make a bit of an effort to stock some local produce, free range eggs, Pullins bakery etc
Quite a wacky cocktail bar and we did not feel too out of place at our age which made it quite inclusive...!
Good cocktails. La Rocca is close by if you want an Italian after but best to book that...
Taxi home? message me for ideas.
On the Rocks
Quite a wacky cocktail bar and we did not feel too out of place at our age which made it quite inclusive...!
Good cocktails. La Rocca is close by if you want an Italian after but best to book that...
Taxi home? message me for ideas.
This is in Winscombe so an easy 17 minute walk down hill ( bit harder coming back to Oakridge Barn ! ) . The service is very friendly and the cakes are amazing all home made. We were stuck for a Saturday lunch having just set out on a cycle we had the amazing chilli, natacho dish. Just hit the spot... it came served with a nice homemade salad with coldslaw etc which we were not expecting.
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The Pantry
32 Woodborough RdThis is in Winscombe so an easy 17 minute walk down hill ( bit harder coming back to Oakridge Barn ! ) . The service is very friendly and the cakes are amazing all home made. We were stuck for a Saturday lunch having just set out on a cycle we had the amazing chilli, natacho dish. Just hit the spot... it came served with a nice homemade salad with coldslaw etc which we were not expecting.
Sightseeing in Bristol
Take this amazing boat in whilst visiting the waterfront in Bristol - loads of things to do around here or just take in the atmosphere of all the boats and restaurants in the containers. Alternatively there is always a 'bacon butty' over looking the water at the Brunel Buttery. You can walk a loop around the waterfront if feeling keen which might take a couple of hours.. Boats ferry people across the water in the summer
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Brunel's SS Great Britain
Gas Ferry RoadTake this amazing boat in whilst visiting the waterfront in Bristol - loads of things to do around here or just take in the atmosphere of all the boats and restaurants in the containers. Alternatively there is always a 'bacon butty' over looking the water at the Brunel Buttery. You can walk a loop around the waterfront if feeling keen which might take a couple of hours.. Boats ferry people across the water in the summer
The famous Brunel bridge is a short distance from Clifton Village. Clifton Village is an area to wander for not on the high street shops, nice restaurants and lots of history to include Royal York Crescent The observatory and a general Victorian and Edwardian feel.
It's possible to walk across the bridge and carry on walking to Ashton Court, nice for a picnic in the summer or visit the cafe there. There are some excellent walking routes within the park also famous for the balloon fiesta.
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Γέφυρα Κλίφτον
Bridge RoadThe famous Brunel bridge is a short distance from Clifton Village. Clifton Village is an area to wander for not on the high street shops, nice restaurants and lots of history to include Royal York Crescent The observatory and a general Victorian and Edwardian feel.
It's possible to walk across the bridge and carry on walking to Ashton Court, nice for a picnic in the summer or visit the cafe there. There are some excellent walking routes within the park also famous for the balloon fiesta.
A beautifully restored Art gallery re opened in 2022. It also has a good cafe for lunch which you can visit without going in the full art gallery.
This is not far from Park Street, The Bristol Museum and Cabot Tower if you are in this area. There's a useful car park on Howells road, you can stay longer than on the street meters..
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Royal West of England Academy of Art
Queens RoadA beautifully restored Art gallery re opened in 2022. It also has a good cafe for lunch which you can visit without going in the full art gallery.
This is not far from Park Street, The Bristol Museum and Cabot Tower if you are in this area. There's a useful car park on Howells road, you can stay longer than on the street meters..
Bristol is the home of Banksy the now famous street artist. You could make it a mission to look up and find many of his artworks, which are all over central Bristol..
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Banksy's The Girl With Pearl Earring
Hanover PlaceBristol is the home of Banksy the now famous street artist. You could make it a mission to look up and find many of his artworks, which are all over central Bristol..
Bath
A good view from a warm roof top view, plus another pool and steam rooms etc. Best to book. Allow 2 hours.
A nice drive from Oakridge Barn, then use the Park and ride just outside Bath as the traffic is busy and they don't want cars. Alternatively train from Worle or Yatton.
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Θερμαικό Λουτρό Bath Spa
Hot Bath StreetA good view from a warm roof top view, plus another pool and steam rooms etc. Best to book. Allow 2 hours.
A nice drive from Oakridge Barn, then use the Park and ride just outside Bath as the traffic is busy and they don't want cars. Alternatively train from Worle or Yatton.
Wet weather plan ..go to Bristol
Wet weather plan
This place is a bit weird, but then it's meant to be. A couple of hours of entertainment with a nice cafe in an area of Bristol close to Temple Meads. We have a congestion charge zone, which this place is not in, but you would need to study the map to skirt around.
Wake The Tiger
Wet weather plan
This place is a bit weird, but then it's meant to be. A couple of hours of entertainment with a nice cafe in an area of Bristol close to Temple Meads. We have a congestion charge zone, which this place is not in, but you would need to study the map to skirt around.
Good quality museum. Very central Bristol with the Park Streetshops close by. Browns is a good restaurant very close by and the RWA art gallery is also a short walk from here.
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Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Queens RoadGood quality museum. Very central Bristol with the Park Streetshops close by. Browns is a good restaurant very close by and the RWA art gallery is also a short walk from here.
Neighbourhoods
John is happy to show our guests some cycle routes in person or on the map - all you have to do is ask...could be mountain biking or something a little calmer.
Rowberrow Warren
John is happy to show our guests some cycle routes in person or on the map - all you have to do is ask...could be mountain biking or something a little calmer.