British Travel Journal | Summer 2019

GREAT WEST WAY
Pictured below left-right: The
Cross Baths; Pulteney Bridge and
river weir; Clifton suspension
bridge; and Royal Ascot
teeming with history, landscapes, artisans,
food and beverage producers, gardens,
grand houses, steam railways and more.
In fact, Bath and the region offer so many
interesting choices for those looking to
do something unique and different, from
private dining whilst enjoying the historic
‘Cross Bath’, to enjoying private tours of its
galleries or museums, to caving, boating,
ballooning or a private steam train ride with
dinner served in a historic dining car, Bath
and the region offer almost anything you
can imagine.
Bath’s larger neighbour, Bristol, is the
end point for the Great West Way, and is
just as worthy of a stay as Bath.
The two cities are connected by a 15
minute train ride, and are often seen as
twin cities. If that is so, they are more
Danny Devito and Arnold Scwartzenegger
than identical siblings. Bristol, just inland
from the mouth of the River Avon, was
historically England’s second port (after
London) until the industrial revolution
made larger ships and deeper ports
Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast more
relevant. Whereas Bath is small, genteal
and homogenous (both in its architecture
and residents), Bristol is diffuse, edgy,
industrial and creative. Bristol is a city of
neighbourhoods and diverse experiences.
It’s an incubator for art and creativity
(Banksy, Wallace and Gromit, Portishead
and the Chemical Brothers all originate
in Bristol) but the city is also known for
its industrial innovation; The world’s first
suspension bridge, the world’s first fully
steam powered screw-propelled steam
ship as well as one of the few remaining
Concordes all reside there.
Whatever it is about ‘England’ that
engages and excites you most, the Great
West Way most likely has it and probably
offers the best experience of it you’re
likely to find. It is a true treasure trove of
discoveries, possibilities and experiences.
For those wishing to go beyond the generic
and formulaic - and to do it in style…
Welcome to the Great West Way. u
Jules Mittra is the founder of Around and
About Bath (aroundandaboutbath.com), an
innovative tour company transforming the
local travel experience: From sightseeing to
discovery, meaning and connection.
RESOURCES
Download a Great West Way map
free from their website:
GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps
Order a copy of the Great West Way
Travel Magazine:
isubscribe.co.uk
S U M M E R E V E N T S
ROYAL ASCOT
18-22 JUNE
Arguably England’s most famous – and grandest
– horse racing event, with five days of races each
kicked off by a royal carriage parade. This is your
chance to wave at The Queen and to wear a
fabulous hat!
ascot.co.uk
HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA
3-7 JULY
Established in 1839, this annual regatta attracts
rowing crews from around the world to its five
days of head to head knockout competitions
and is regarded as an integral part of the English
social season.
hrr.co.uk
BATH CARNIVAL
13 JULY
Bath’s biggest party features a procession of
more than 1,000 dancers and musicians through
the city plus plenty of world music on the sound
systems and at Party in the Park in Sydney
Gardens.
bathcarnival.co.uk
BRISTOL INTERNATIONAL
BALLOON FIESTA
8-11 AUGUST
Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air
balloons brings colour to the sky above Bristol
with twice-daily mass balloon launches and the
chance to take a ride yourself.
bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
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