Yes, back again. Hope you enjoyed part one of my blog of our stay in Bristol, at the popular Caravan Club site at Baltic Wharf. It was a busy old week, so much so that I’m now back at home chasing letters around the keyboard in an attempt to commit to hard drive, more of our trip.
After the sunny yet hazy day Monday, the light grey cloud was back on Tuesday, as we once again availed ourselves of the services of the Bristol Ferry from almost right outside the back gate of the site.
The destination this morning – ok, it was nearly lunchtime, we were on holiday after all – was Brandon Hill, just a little to the west of the City nestled below Clifton. There were some lovely views to be had, thanks partially to the tree’s being free of leaves, although again it was a bit hazy. Anyone that watched Skins on Channel 4 here in the UK may already know that a number of scenes were filmed at Brandon Hill. It really is a lovely spot and I would imagine popular in the warmer months with those wishing to escape the office during lunch hour.
At the summit of the hill is the Cabot Tower. Those who read Part 1 may recall that name. It was named after John Cabot and built in the 1890’s to celebrate the 400th anniversary of his sailing from Bristol to Canada.
A narrow spiral staircase takes you up eighty-something steps to the first look out points on three sides of the tower. Another twenty or so take you right to the top and you are rewarded with all round stunning views for your efforts, even on a hazy day such as we had. Trev made the climb too, an effort his heart surgeon would have been proud of – and it’s a credit to said surgeon that he could do it at all. Well done both.
In addition to the photo’s, there is a little video we’ve put together, which can be found on our You Tube Channel, or HERE. It’s worth mentioning that the tower is free – but some may find the stairway a little daunting. It’s worth the effort for the views though.
Our wanderings – after a quick caffeine infusion - took us up and around the leafy and quiet suburb of Clifton. We covered some of this on our visit back in 2013 but it was good to have another look at the beautiful architecture and wonder at the house prices. I don’t think the Blogger in Black and Portly Partner will be relocating anytime soon!
Dinner was taken in a different pub – but still only a few minutes walk from the site. The Nova Scotia was still a ‘proper’ pub if you know what I mean. Not an interior designers idea of what a pub should look like. Good honest and tasty pub grub and a selection of real ales made it well worth a visit and it was clearly popular with and well supported by locals too.
Wednesday – as you will have read it part one – was a bit of a wash out weather wise, but it at least meant I could bash one out. I am talking a blog, obviously. By the evening though, having spent all day in the van were were both getting itchy feet, and with the skies now clear, we decided to join our friends in a bit of er, research.
Needless to say, capturing the evening’s activities to memory card wasn’t high on my list of priorities, given the arduous nature of said ‘research’ but we did put together a little video that you can see HERE. All the pubs visited are listed in the description below the video and will be on the Pubs page of the blog soon too.
Whilst we caught, once again, the lovely little Bristol Ferry across to the first research ‘venue’ all can be reached on foot from site with the furthest being around 30 minutes away. It was a great evening.
Ok, a little shorter than planned, but that seems an appropriate point to call a halt to Part 2. There’s plenty more to come though, so come back soon. As always now though, some links:
Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower video
An Evening’s ‘Research video
Bristol Harbour video
Patsy’s Places - Baltic Wharf Caravan site slideshow
‘Approach & Arrive’ to Baltic Wharf video
Cheers for now
Rich & Trev.
