BEYOND BRISTOL
NORTH SOMERSET For woodland walks, cycle paths and classic seaside towns Cross the Clifton Suspension Bridge for Leigh Woods, the National Trustowned broadleaf woodland that sits on the edge of the Avon Gorge. A few minutes further on, the verdant hills of North Somerset’s Ashton Court Estate provide off-road cycling routes, pathways for walkers and acres of green space. Watch hotair balloons take off from here – and don’t miss the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. PORTISHEAD & CLEVEDON Roughly 10 miles from Bristol, Portishead has a 420-berth marina featuring a public arts trail and Lake Grounds, where there is an open-air pool and a boating lake. Nearby Clevedon boasts an elegant Grade I-listed pier constructed in 1869 and the Curzon cinema dated 1912. The town was also a location for the television drama series Broadchurch. WESTON-SUPER-MARE Further south, this Victorian beach resort offers various seaside attractions (go-karts, dodgems and F1 simulators) on the famous Grand Pier. From July to September, visit SEE MONSTER, the world's first and only repurposed North Sea offshore platform, a large-scale outdoor public art installation located at the town’s seafront Tropicana site. Walkers should take a saunter along the Clevedon coast path to Portishead, part of the West Mendip Way, or head for the National Trust’s Sand Point. The town is also home to a thriving street art scene. CYCLE ROUTES If you prefer getting around on two wheels, try the Strawberry Line from Yatton to
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Cheddar, an easy traffic-free cycle path that takes in Congresbury, Sandford, Winscombe and Axbridge, or the Brean Down Way cycle route from Weston to the National Trust’s spectacular Brean Down. Continued on page 46.
FOOD & DRINK Aldwick Court Estate Tour the vineyards (above) and taste award-winning English wines. The Ethicurean Ethical cuisine at Barley Wood Walled Garden in rural Wrington. Butcombe Brewery Go behind the scenes at this local brewer. Limeburn Hill Vineyard Tours, tastings and organic wines at this small, biodynamic vineyard. Salt & Malt Fish and chips from a Michelinstarred chef overlooking Chew Valley Lake. Thatchers Visit Myrtle Farm shop, pub and orchards, the home of Thatchers Cider. Tiffany’s, Grand Pier Weston’s elegant restaurant and tearoom at the end of the pier.
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