Enjoy a 'staycation' in Portishead!

Are you one of the many individuals or families that are choosing to go on ‘staycation’ this year?

With looming Government cuts and finances in many homes already tight, more and more Brits are choosing to make the best of the good summer weather this year and holiday at home.

And why not? Portishead, North Somerset and the south west has some fantastic places to visit, whether it’s on your doorstep or a bit further afield, perhaps to the coast or to one of our vibrant cities.

In North Somerset we are blessed with many wonderful places to go and visit, from our beautiful seaside towns to our lush green countryside.

In Portishead we have the Lake Grounds, often described as the jewel in the town’s crown.

The Lake Grounds is a popular spot with many thousands of visitors each year and is the home of many events including the annual Portishead Raft Race and the starting point for the annual Portishead Carnival.

The Lake Grounds boasts a number of facilities including boating on the lake, a range of play equipment and a great cafe as well as plenty of space to run around and play sports.

For those who fancy a dip, but not in the estuary, there is the open air pool.

The pool opens every day until 7pm during the school holidays. As well as the main 33 metre pool, there is a childrens’ pool and large sun terraces for people to soak up some rays.

Go to www.portisheadopenairpool.org.uk for more info.

The pool has a tuck shop and there is the Lockhouse Lounge restaurant and bar for those who want something more substantial to eat or drink.

Portishead also boats some beautiful woodland walks - try the area around Battery Point or perhaps Denny Woods -  and a coastal path where people can walk to Clevedon enjoying some of the best views of the Severn Estuary.

The town also has a number of attractions on during the summer holidays, including Portishead Flower Show this weekend – July 30 and 31 at the flower show field at Clapton Lane.

For those who like wildlife, there are also the beautiful Portbury Woods – known as the bluebell woods in the Springtime.

For ramblers there is also the Portbury Nature Reserve next to the Ashlands housing development.

The reserve opened three years ago and is managed my Avon Wildlife Trust and is home to many different species including lapwings and crested newts.

The council is also running free family fun days at parks around North Somerset during the summer.

There will be fun activities at the Lake Grounds for the family each Thursday from 12noon to pm.

Gordano Sports Centre in Portishead is also organising sports activities for young people throughout the summer including archery,dancing, Thai boxing and karate. For more information contact 01275 843942.

For those wanting to soak up the countryside, why not head down to Watchouse Hill in Pill?

This community park, which is managed by North Somerset Council and volunteers from the Friends of Watchouse Hill,  is well worth a look, having just one a coveted green flag award.

Where can you stay in Portishead?

Premier Inn Portishead

Wyndham Way,

Portishead ,

BS20 7GA

Booking Centre Hotline:

0870 240 7060

Please mention Tourist Net UK when booking

 

Days Inn

Welcome Break Service Area

Portbury

BS20 7XG

Tel: 01275 373709

Fax: 01275 374104

Reservations: 0800 0280 400

gordano.hotel@welcomebreak.co.uk

www.daysinn.co.uk

 

Bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation.

Avon View Guest House

9 West Hill, Portishead BS20 6LG, England

 

The Arches

14 Bank Place

Pill

North Somerset

Tel: 01275 373194

 

Glendale

 36 Ham Green

Pill

North Somerset

Tel: 01275 373130

 

The Tynings- Martcombe Road

Easton-in-Gordano

BS20 0QE

Tel: 01275 372608

· Have you got any hidden gems when it comes to accommodation? Let us know here!

 

For foodies, Portishead has many great places to eat.

My favourites?

 

· The Windmill Inn, Nore Road – does the best lasagne I have ever eaten. Roomy and friendly pub with a new conservatory extension overlooking the Severn Estuary and a great outdoor dining area. Plenty of parking.

· The Lockhouse – Portishead Marina. Overlooks the marina and an award winning restaurant. Highly rated by locals for its great food and service. You could always try the Lockhouse Lounge which is attached to the open air pool at The Esplanade.

· Spicy Aroma Indian Restaurant. This  curry house is next to Clarence House on the High Street and offers the best curry I have ever had – yummy. Service is excellent and prices reasonable and they do a take away service too! Try the chicken korma and the sag paneer. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

 

· What is your favourite restaurant and why? Tell us what makes it sooooo tasty by writing a review and sharing your experiences with others.