Great West Way® Travel Magazine | Issue 02

2020 Annual Edition 

TRAVEL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 02 

GreatWestWay.co.uk 

£4.75 

where sold 

Follow the paths taken by generations of travellers through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint 

villages and elegant towns on the Great West Way touring route between London and Bristol

DISCOVER BRISTOL 

THE GREAT WEST WAY 

DISCOVER BRISTOL 

BRISTOL 

THE THE GREAT GREAT WEST WEST WAY WAY ® 

® 

® 

® 

Clifton Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bridge, Bristol Bristol 

Advertising based on a £24 Great West Way Discoverer one-day pass for the West zone. Correct as of 1 November 2019. Selected routes only. Visit GWR.com/GreatWestWay for ful 

Clifton Clifton Suspension Suspension Bridge, Bridge, Bristol Bristol 

Advertising based on a £24 Great West Way Discoverer one-day pass for the West zone. Correct as of 1 November 2019. Selected routes only. Visit GWR.com/GreatWestWay Clifton Clifton Suspension for full Bridge, terms and Bristol conditions. Bristol 

Advertising based on a £24 Great West Way Discoverer one-day pass for the West zone. Correct as of 1 November 2019. Selected routes only. Visit GWR.com/GreatWestWay for full terms and conditions. 

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Advertising Advertising based based on a £24 on a Great £24 Great West West Way Discoverer Way Discoverer one-day one-day pass pass for the for West the West zone. zone. Correct Correct as of as 1 November of 1 November 2019. 2019. Selected Selected routes routes only. only. Visit Visit GWR.com/GreatWestWay for full for full terms terms and and conditions. 

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Pictured Below: Changing of the Guard at Windsor 

Castle and outdoor pool at Beechfield House Hotel 

England’s Great West Way is one of the world’s 

premier touring routes, bringing together many of 

England’s most famous destinations and attractions 

along a corridor between London and Bristol. 

WELCOME TO ENGLAND’S 

GREAT WEST WAY ® 

DISCOVER ANCIENT routes through idyllic 

countryside on this 125 mile touring route. The 

Great West Way is one of the world's premier 

touring routes, bringing together many of England's 

most famous destinations and attractions along a 

corridor between London and Bristol. 

There’s no customary direction or time-frame 

for exploring the Great West Way. It’s simply the perfect route for 

seeing England at its finest, and is a beautiful journey that can be 

easily navigated by car, coach and rail, by boat, bicycle or on foot. 

You might choose to fly into Bristol Airport and then travel 

on a 'Great West Way Discoverer’ pass, GWR's single ticket now 

available specifically for travel on the Great West Way. 

Take your time to explore the chocolate-box villages, to walk in 

the countryside, to find new experiences, discover city culture, and 

to enjoy our picturesque riverside locations. 

Visit the world-famous sites and the well-kept secrets - and 

most importantly of all, find your own story on this essential strand 

of England. 

This issue is brimming with inspiring features, edited by our 

dedicated team of talented journalists, to help you plan your journey 

- we look forward to welcoming you to the Great West Way. 

Jessica x 

Jessica Way 

Editor-in-Chief, Great West Way Travel Magazine 

Download your Great West Way map: 

: GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps 

The Chilterns 

North Wessex Downs 

Brunel’s SS Great Britain 

Bradford 

on Avon 

Trowbridge 

Iford Manor 

Gardens 

Westbury 


3

We’re proud to be the 

Official Airport Ambassador 

for the Great West Way ® . 

Bristol Airport is the perfect place for you to 

start your Great West Way journey. We’re just 

8 miles from Bristol city centre and 19 miles 

from the city of Bath. 

We’ve invested £225m in developments that 

have transformed the airport experience and 

now offer more than 120 destinations to our 

8.6 million loyal passengers. 

www.bristolairport.co.uk

CONTENTS 

2020 Annual | Edition 02 

Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

Wilton 

Windmill; 

Bowood 

House statue, 

and the 

Thames Lido 

DISCOVER OUR WAY 

EXPLORE BY RAIL, BOAT, BIKE AND FOOT 

09 27 

THE WAY FORWARD 

Highlights for 2020 and a look at what’s 

new on the Great West Way 

14 33 

CELEBRATE IN SEASON 

From Easter egg hunts, to the fun of the 

summer shows, to being immersed by illuminations at 

Christmas - whatever it is you choose, there’s always a 

perfect season for discovering the Great West Way 

21 

MY GREAT WEST WAY 

Three locals tell us what is special to them, 

and what they love best about the Great West Way 

THE WATERWAYS 

From canoeing, paddleboarding and cycling 

along the towpath to a enjoying a traditional cream tea 

TRAVEL BY TRAIN 

With the GWR Great West Way Discoverer 

pass you can hop off at any station along the way 

36 

EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE 

The Great West Way perfectly lends itself to 

the outdoors lifestyle, with open spaces of stunning 

countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 

National Trails, Landscapes and Wildlife Trusts → 


5

Visit the heart of 

beautiful Georgian 

Bath and step into 

history with a visit to 

the Roman Baths, one 

of the finest spas of 

the ancient world. 

Book online in advance and save 10% 

romanbaths.co.uk 

@RomanBathsBath 

TheRomanBaths 

theromanbaths

PUBLISHED BY 

Contista Media Ltd 

Mitchell House, Brook Avenue, 

Warsash, Southampton, 

Hampshire, SO31 9HP 

contistamedia.co.uk 

In association with the Great West Way. 

COVER IMAGE 

Bradford on Avon 

Curious visitor enjoys Bradford on Avon, home of 

The Bridge Tea Rooms where loose-leaf tea is served 

in china cups, homemade cakes and light bites served 

by staff in Victorian costumes 

With a special thanks to: 

Bristol Airport, Canal & River Trust, 

GWR, and National Trust 

Image copyright credits: Throughout ©GreatWestWay.co.uk / 

p3 ©VisitEngland/Doug Harding / p9 ©National Trust Images/ 

Andrew Butler, © Douglas Harding / p11 ©Royal Collection 

Trust/©Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II / p11/p21/p28/p67 

©nicksmithphotography.com / p12 ©Isabelle Plasschaert /Alamy 

Stock Photo / p33/p34/p35/p39 ©Jon Attenborough Photography 

Ltd / p42 ©Paul Box, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum / p43-44 

© Photographers listed on page 44 / p45 ©Steve Russell Studios Ltd 

/ p47 ©2015 WWT. All rights reserved / P51 ©Colin Hawkins / P65/ 

P69 ©Casper Farrell / p70 ©VisitEngland/Iain Lewis 

Follow us on 

Twitter @theGreatWestWay 

Facebook @GreatWestWay 

Instagram.com/GreatWestWay 

THE GREAT OUTDOORS 

42 

CAPTURING THE MOMENT 

Photographers are never short of inspiration 

for the perfect shot along the Great West Way. Vote 

for your favourite capture for your chance to win! 

46 

HIDDEN GARDENS 

From the world famous to the well-kept secrets, 

here are some gardens along the Great West Way where 

you won’t be able to help but stop and smell the roses 

53 

FIT FOR ROYALTY 

The ancient route that inspired the Great West 

Way was one of King Charles I’s Great Roads, with 

many castles, hotels and places to visit bringing you 

closer to England’s royal family heritage 

57 

EXPERIENCES AFTER DARK 

From stargazing to swimming, spooky city 

tours to light shows, there are plenty of experiences to 

try even when the sun goes down 

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE 

60 

TIME FOR YOU 

From keeping fit to taking it easy at a luxury 

spa, there are some excellent ways to add a wellness 

element to your Great West Way journey 

65 

DYNAMIC CITY CULTURE 

Take a journey to discover the bright lights 

beyond London 

68 

SHOPPING GEMS 

From antique stores and independent 

shops to stylish shopping centres and malls 

Pictured above: 

Visitors on their 

bikes stop off at 

Three Daggers, 

Wiltshire 

PLUS DON’T 

MISS WHEN 

PLANNING 

YOUR 

JOURNEY 

CULINARY 

DELIGHTS 

WHERE TO 

STAY 

72 

78 

86 

JOIN THE FUN! 

WHAT’S ON 

Digital editions 

available at: 

GreatWestWay.co.uk/ 

digitaltravelmagazine 

Contista Media Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited 

submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken 

prices and details are subject to change and Contista Media Ltd take no 

responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and 

edit any letters. All rights reserved. 


7

GET ON BOARD 

TAKE OFF ON A SUPERSONIC 

FAMILY DAY OUT 

aerospacebristol.org 

Bristol Aero Collection Trust: charity no. 1010632 

TripAdvisor 

CERTIFICATE of 

EXCELLENCE

THE WAY FORWARD 

Take a look at some of the highlights and what’s 

new in 2020 on the Great West Way 

125 YEARS FOR THE NATIONAL 

TRUST 

2020 is the 125th anniversary of the 

National Trust and to celebrate this special 

birthday year, you might like to visit some 

of the properties and gardens along the 

Great West Way throughout the Thames 

Valley, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol 

including Tyntesfield, Dyrham Park, Prior Park 

Landscape Garden, and Lacock. 

› GreatWestWay.co.uk/national-trust 

Pictured from 

top-left clockwise 

to far-left: 

National Trust's 

Runnymede and 

Ankerwycke, 

near Old Windsor; 

Lacock, Wiltshire 

Dyrham Park, 

near the village of 

Dyrham in South 

Gloucestershire 

and Basildon Park, 

Berkshire. 


9

Moments to to 

remember 

made with the 

National Trust 

Visit Visit the the National Trust Trust places along the the the 

Great West West Way® for for for spaces to to to relax, relax, gardens 

and and countryside to to to explore and and and stories stories to to discover. discover. 

These are the places that make us. 

These These are are the the places places that that make make us. us. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/south-west 

nationaltrust.org.uk/south-west 

© National 

© National 

Trust 

Trust 

2019 

2019 

. Registered 

. Registered 

charity, 

charity, 

No. 

No. 

205846. 

205846. © 

National 

National 

Trust 

Trust 

Images 

Images 

\Alana 

\Alana 

Wright. 

Wright. 

© National Trust 2019 . Registered charity, No. 205846. © National Trust Images \Alana Wright.

PIONEERING 

SIMPLY SUSTAINABLE AT 

WHATLEY MANOR 

Whatley Manor, Malmesbury a five 

star hotel with three AA red rosettes 

restaurant is pioneering new ideas 

in sustainability within the industry. 

In partnership with 'It Must Be 

Now' (itmustbenow.com) a portal 

for sustainable travel and tourism, 

Whatley is the first UK 5* property 

to be accredited with a 4-globe 

rating by Earthcheck. To discover 

more about their Simply Sustainable 

package please visit their website. 

› whatleymanor.com 

Did you know? The new £20 note launched in February features J.M.W. Turner - one of Britain’s 

most important artists. Turner designed his house in Twickenham, today a museum, and you can 

visit Wednesday-Sunday to enjoy the events planned in support of the new note! turnershouse.org 

BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPERIENCE THESE ATTRACTIONS 

THE INNER HALL, 

WINDSOR CASTLE 

Created in the 1820s by King 

George IV, Windsor Castle's 

Inner Hall, which has been 

closed for more than 150 

years, is now open again for 

visitors to use as an entrance 

hall, just as official visitors to 

the Castle once did. See the 

State Apartments, the world's 

most famous dolls' house, or 

pause and enjoy refreshments 

in the new café. 

› rct.uk 

THE WAVE BRISTOL 

The Wave is now open! An 

impressive £25 million project 

which took nine years in the 

making is welcoming visitors 

to explore its 75 acre site and 

180m surfing lake. As well as the 

surfing lake, there’s a Clubhouse 

serving food and drinks and a 

surf shop, As the site develops it 

will also offer beautiful gardens, 

meadowland, woodland and 

family-friendly camping, 

opening in spring 2020. 

› thewave.com 

TROWBRIDGE 

MUSEUM 

Having being closed since July 

2019, this brilliant heritage 

attraction re-opens in 2020 

following a multi-million-pound 

‘Onwards and Upwards’ project. 

Visit as part of your Great West 

Way journey and discover 1000 

years of Trowbridge’s history 

including the history of its West 

of England woollen cloth and 

how it became the county town 

of Wiltshire. 

› trowbridgemuseum 

Travel the eco-way 

Bradford on Avon is 

helping visitors and the 

environment. Three new 

water fountains have been 

installed throughout the 

town (Sladesbrook Play 

Area, St Margaret’s Car Park 

and Culver Close Recreation 

Ground) for people to re-fill 

and re-use bottles for free, 

rather than use unnecessary 

resources on single-use 

drinks bottles. 

› bradfordonavon.co.uk 

GreatWestWay.co.uk 11

HOT HOTELS 

MONKEY ISLAND 

IS NOW OPEN FOR 

VISITORS 

Monkey Island Estate lies on a 

picturesque island in the River 

Thames in the historic village of 

Bray, Berkshire. The island has a 

rich history, centuries old, and 

has been the haunt of monarchs, 

aristocrats and artists, along with 

writers, famous performers and 

Berkshire locals and now is home 

to one of the finest hotels in Bray 

- and the Great West Way. 

› monkeyislandestate.co.uk 

You might also enjoy: Hotel Indigo Bath: a luxury 166-bedroom boutique hotel located in the centre of Bath opening in August 2020. 

The designs of the stylish guest rooms and lounges has been inspired by the area’s rich architectural beauty, ready to delight guests with 

a true feeling of this historic neighbourhood. For more information on Bath news and events see visitbath.co.uk 

ANNIVERSARIES AND EVENTS TO CELEBRATE ON THE GREAT WEST WAY 

HOBBS OF HENLEY 

CELEBRATES 150 YEARS! 

Enjoy an adventure on the 

Thames in 2020 with this family 

boating business and celebrate 

their 150th anniversary. To mark 

the occassion Hobbs of Henley 

have also launched their very 

own Gin 'Mr Hobbs'- a nod to 

their founding father Harry 

Hobbs who established their 

family business in 1870. So 

don't miss a sip or two of their 

cherished family tipple too! 

› hobbsofhenley.com 

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL 

CELEBRATES 800 YEARS! 

Within easy reach of the 

Great West Way celebrations 

mark the 800th Anniversary 

of the founding of Salisbury 

Cathedral, starting with Sarum 

Lights (18-22 February). 

Granted by the Pope in 1219, 

the Cathedral moved from 

Old Sarum to its current site, 

with the first stone of this 

remarkable building being laid 

on 28 April 1220. 

› salisburycathedral.org.uk 

CALNE BIKE MEET 

2020 will see the 20th year of 

the Calne Bike Meet, bringing 

together motorcyclists and the 

local community from far and 

wide. The small, Wiltshire town 

of Calne (where it is free to 

park) is taken over for the day by 

every variation of two wheeled 

machinery imaginable. A free 

event, held on the last Saturday 

in July, this year falling on the 

25th July with a live band taking 

to the stage at around 11am. 

› calnebikemeet.com 

Don't miss! We hope you 

will notice our new welcome 

town signs on your Great 

West Way journey installed 

in the historic market town 

of Hungerford, famous for 

its antique shops. Make 

time to visit and take a boat 

trip onboard MV Rose of 

Hungerford from the Wharf, 

stop for coffee and cake at 

the Tutti Pole, or join one of 

the expert-led walks. 

› hungerford.co.uk 

12 GreatWestWay.co.uk

O N L I N E | M O B I L E | I N - S T O R E 

Celebrating a special occasion 

on your jourey? Mark the moment with a 

Wylde Flower Diamond 

# W Y L D E M O M E N T S 

Q E D A 

n i c h o l a s w y l d e . c o m

CELEBRATE IN SEASON 

From Easter egg hunts, to the fun of the summer shows, to being 

immersed by illuminations at Christmas - whatever it is you choose, 

there’s always a perfect season for discovering the Great West Way 

Words: Samantha Rutherford 

YOU CAN CELEBRATE throughout the year while 

touring the Great West Way - with special events 

for every season. National Trust properties are a 

great way to enjoy Easter with the family, while in 

the summertime you won’t struggle to find entertainment 

with a beautiful view. Autumn is a wonderful time 

to enjoy the countryside with golden tree walks and 

Halloween train rides, while the festive season is full of 

Christmassy days, and evenings, full of magic, fireworks 

and joyful laughter. 


Pictured 

left-right: 

Visitor explores 

Shaw House; 

Lacock Abbey, 

Fox Talbot 

Museum; Fawn 

on the Great 

West Way; a 

family enjoying 

a day out at 

Westonbirt, 

The National 

Arboretum 

HAVE AN EGG-CELLENT EASTER 

You can’t beat a spring nature walk on Good Friday or 

Easter Monday and they don’t get much better at this time 

of year than following the Bath Skyline Family Discovery 

Trail. A fun-packed two-mile stretch of the Bath Skyline 

loaded with activities. Discover magical doors in the Long 

Wood elf and fairy foray, hunt for geocaches, complete a 

series of '50 things' challenges or just let off some steam 

playing in the woodland play area. 

Celebrate the arrival of spring as the Lindt Gold Bunny 

Hunt returns to Hampton Court Palace in April. Explore 

the palace and its stunning gardens through an adventurefilled 

treasure hunt. Lindt Gold Bunny is hidden all around 

the palace - where monarchs through the ages have 

indulged their sweet tooth! 

Bounce into spring by decorating a ceramic bunny in 

cheerful spring-like colours, or join in the fun of an Easter 

wreath workshop and create your own arrangement 

using seasonal flowers at Shaw House, on the outskirts 

Newbury - one of the best-preserved Elizabethan mansions 

in England. Or for a Quirky Easter Quiz Trail and a great day 

out, or even an overnight stay (landmarktrust.org.uk) don’t 

miss Beckford's Tower and Museum, Bath. Built between 

1826 and 1827, Beckford’s Tower is an extraordinary 

building that was once home to one of the greatest 

collections of books, furniture and art in Georgian England 

and now stands as the only surviving example of William 

Beckford’s great architectural achievements. 

Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without going on an 

Easter egg hunt, and the Great West Way’s National Trust 

properties are a great place to find them. Explore Prior 

Park Landscape Garden in Bath and enjoy your chocolate 

in the intimate 18th-century landscape, where one of only 

four Palladian bridges of this design in the world can be 

crossed. In Berkshire, visit Basildon Park, an 18th-century 

house which survived the threat of being demolished after 

the Second World War, and today sits proudly in 400 acres 

of historic gardens and parkland - or discover the story of 

West Berkshire in the museum of the same name. 

While in Wiltshire, Harry Potter fans will love the Easter 

trail at Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum and Village, 

once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the 

photographic negative. Just make sure you have spotted the 

cloisters which doubled as part of Hogwarts in Harry Potter 

and the Philosopher’s Stone before you leave! Nearby, pop 

into the award-winning Wiltshire Museum or Roves Farm is 

bound to be a great family day out come rain or shine! 

SUMMER SOCIAL 

Whether you’re a royal fan or just want to experience a 

traditional English day out, Royal Ascot horse races in 

June and Henley Royal Regatta in July should be on your 

summer agenda. Going to a music festival in a muddy field 

is a rite of passage in the UK - a pair of jazzy (preferably 

glittery) wellies are essential! There's Reading Festival in 

August, one of the biggest, WOMAD at Charlton Park, 

Wiltshire in July, Love Saves the Day at Eastville Park, 

Bristol in May, and NASS in Bath - a music festival with 

skating, BMX and street art. 

If opera and classical music is more to your taste, visit 

Iford Arts at Belcombe Court and enjoy listening in 45 

acres of Cotswold parkland and gardens. Bookworms will 

love the Swindon Festival of Literature in May, and for film, 

dance, theatre and more the Devizes Arts Festival in June is 

a must. A country show is a great way to learn more about 

country life in England. Given the rural nature of much of 

the touring route, there’ll be plenty to choose from, but one 

of the biggest is the Royal Bath & West Show in May/June. → 


Pictured 

top left then 

clockwise: 

Longleat Safari 

Park; Bowood 

House; Beckford's 

Tower and 

Museum 

Due to the abundance of fresh homegrown produce along 

the route, you’ll also find lots of food and drink festivals 

to attend too. The Great British Food Festival at Bowood 

House in August, Bristol Food Connections in June, and The 

Big Feastival in the Cotswolds in August are some of the 

biggest but you’ll find lots of smaller ones in villages and 

towns too. 

Want something really different? Dare to bare all for the 

Bristol World Naked Bike Ride in June! Not everyone’s cup 

of tea perhaps, but it’s for a good cause: raising awareness 

about road safety for cyclists. 

If you’re visiting in May, try to get tickets for Pint of 

Science. These informal yet informative science events take 

place in pubs around London, Reading, Bath, Bristol and 

beyond. While you enjoy a pint, scientists will fill you in on 

their latest research findings on topics ranging from human 

biology to robotics. 

Meanwhile the fields are ablaze with colour, wildlife is 

abundant and blooms fill the air with wildflower perfume at 

Stoke Common Meadows, in Cricklade. Nearby, at Lower 

Moor Farm, Oaksey Moor Farm Meadow ruddy darter and 

four-spotted chaser dragonflies can be seen hovering above 

the pond. And if in Devizes, take a walk in Peppercombe 

Wood's picturesque ancient woodland and listen out for 

birdsong from chiffchaffs, wrens, black caps, and tits. 

AUTUMN HARVEST 

From classic pumpkin carving and ghost stories to afterhours 

ghost tours, National Trust properties make a fantastic 

day out for some Halloween magic. Try the Halloween Trail at 

Tyntesfield, near Wraxall, and make the most of the autumn 

colour with walks across the estate. 

In Wiltshire, Stourhead’s vistas are sure to be highlighted 

with burnished leaves, or try Bowood House & Gardens, 

halfway between Calne and Chippenham, 100 acres of 

beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and enjoy 

pumpkin hunts to freaky face painting. 

Visit Dyrham Park, near Bristol and Bath, where you might 

also witness one of nature's most majestic happenings as 

the bucks battle it out for the top spot of master buck in 

their annual deer rut. Or you could creep down into the 

cellars and meet a coven of witches, and a few wizards, at 

Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire's Spooktacular Halloween. 

If you’re visiting in October, celebrate Halloween 

at Legoland, Windsor and enjoy their annual fireworks 

spectacular, or book a ghost train and visit the bat caves 

at Longleat Safari Park. You could scare yourself silly 

during Fright Night at Bristol Zoo or visit a Halloween 

Twilight Tour of Lansdown Cemetery, Beckford’s Tower 

and Museum, Bath. Or join in the fun of Windsor’s annual 

Halloween Pumpkin Party at Windsor Royal Station 

including the Mr Marvel Magic Show - frightful free fun for 

all the family! 

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS 

At the most magical time of the year, nothing feels more 

festive than a market, and there are arguably none more 

well-known in the UK than Bath Christmas Market, with 

its magical Regency backdrop providing the perfect setting 

for a mulled wine and a mince pie. This year will be the 

20th Bath Christmas Market, and in addition to the usual 

festivities, there will be lots of celebratory activities taking 

place to mark the occasion. Try also Bristol Christmas 

Market, Windsor and Berkshire Christmas Fairs, and the 

beautiful Christmas Market in the grounds at Blenheim 

Palace, just a short detour off the route. Sip a mulled wine, 

pick up unique hand-made gifts, or sample local produce. 

Beautifully decorated for the season you might like to 

celebrate Christmas in style through the ages at Stonor 

Park, Henley-on-Thames, which will be sparkling → 


Make memories 

with your loved 

ones as you discover 

England’s only koalas 

Book online and save 

up to 15% plus group 

discounts are also 

available 

A day out with all the family exploring seven 

attractions above and below ground 

Book online and save 15% on Day Tickets 

plus group discounts are also available 

Follow the paths taken by generations of travellers… 

Discover Longleat and Cheddar Gorge & Caves, 

both within easy reach of the Great West Way. 

GreatWestWay.co.uk

Scale the rigging, clamber 

through the cabins and 

dive under the glass sea 

to marvel at the ship 

from below. 

For the best ticket 

prices, book online: 

ssgreatbritain.org

PLUS DON'T MISS! 

Travelling the Great West Way is all about 

discovering the real England, and alongside 

the picturesque sights and seasonal events 

there are all sorts of quirky customs and 

traditional events that you can discover in 

this vibrant swathe of England too! 

Pictured: 

Enchanted 

Christmas at 

Westonbirt, 

The National 

Arboretum 

with gorgeous candlelit displays, roaring open fires and a 

magnificent 20ft Victorian-decorated Christmas Tree in the 

Gothic Hall. Discover an Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt, 

The National Arboretum, or at Longleat's Festival of Light, 

the UK’s original, biggest lantern festival. Watch hundreds 

of breathtaking, illuminated lanterns, set in over 30 acres of 

splendid ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds transform the 

Estate as darkness falls. 

Step back in time into a classic Christmas from England's 

past as you explore Victorian Christmas Weekend at SS Great 

Britain in Bristol. The iconic ship SS Great Britain is transformed 

into a Dickensian winter scene where you can meet Victorian 

characters, shop for seasonal gifts and indulge in festive food 

and drink. 

And Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a festive 

trip to the theatre - Bristol Hippodrome or Theatre Royal Bath 

perhaps? A Christmas show or pantomime is an essential part 

of any traditional English Christmas, so be sure to pick up a 

Christmas programme from the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, 

the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, Pound Arts Centre in Corsham or 

head to the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. 

For a heartwarming traditional Christmas, why not sing in a 

carol service in front of Windsor Castle, or enjoy the seasonal 

atmosphere at the Hampton Court Palace ice rink, a wonderful 

way to get into the festive spirit, with spectacular views of the 

Thames-side Tudor palace. 

Discover an enchanted wonderland of light and magic during 

Christmas At Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury or discover the 

glittering spiral trees, and dynamic laser projections which 

illuminate the iconic Temperate House at Christmas at Kew, 

Richmond. 

Or why not put the sparkle in your family Christmas by 

enjoying the annual Christmas Extravaganza and Carol Concert 

in Hungerford, or the season of lights and lanterns in Devizes 

with their annual Lantern Parade & Christmas Festival. 

Wassailing 

An ancient pagan celebration performed in 

January to encourage fruit trees to give a healthy 

harvest. This ancient tradition still takes place 

in certain village orchards, particularly in cider 

producing country - and there is plenty of cider 

country along the Great West Way! 

Morris Men 

Morris Men are one of the most well known of 

England's ancient traditions. Troupes of Morris 

Men dress in white with bells and ribbons and 

dance traditional dances together, with much 

slapping of knees and hitting of sticks! You'll likely 

see Morris Men at local fairs and festivals taking 

place along the Great West Way - a reminder that 

you're undoubtedly in England. 

Hocktide 

The charming Berkshire market town of 

Hungerford is reputed to be the only place in 

England where locals still dress up to celebrate 

the medieval festival of Hocktide. The residents 

of Hungerford throw themselves into the many 

customs surrounding Hocktide, which takes 

place annually after Easter, including dressing up, 

decorating their houses, welcoming the 'Tutti Men' 

and exchanging oranges and kisses. 

Swan Upping 

In Windsor, the ancient custom of 'Swan Upping' 

takes place in July each year, with uniformed 

'Royal Swan Uppers' travelling in traditional rowing 

skiffs on the Thames to assess the health of the 

local mute swans, which are by tradition the 

property of the British monarch. 

Oxford Traditions 

Within easy reach of the Great West Way is the 

university city of Oxford, which has a whole 

host of quirky customs and traditions of its own, 

including penny throwing, May day singing, and 

boat burning. 

Don't forget to tag #GreatWestWay so we 

can see your pictures along the route! 


19

MADE OF 

ENGLAND 

AT THE HEART OF 

THE GREAT WEST WAY 

Wiltshire is rolling green downs, ancient 

woodlands and bustling market towns. 

It’s parish churches, grand historic 

houses and country inns. 

Timeless monuments and contemporary luxury. 

Local ales and picnics in the park. 

The England you love in one County 

Visit Wiltshire, at the heart of the Great West Way. 

It’s Time for Wiltshire 

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

MY GREAT WEST WAY 

Whether you want to indulge in a splash of Edwardian 

opulence, down a chilled glass of Britain’s finest fizz or take a 

ride in a Rolls Royce phantom, these three locals hold the keys 

Words: Belinda Richardson 

TOM NEWEY IS STILL reeling at the success he 

has had with his Alder Ridge vineyard, eleven 

years on from its launch. “Times are changing,” 

he says. “Who would have ever thought they’d 

find an internationally recognised vineyard along the 

Great West Way?” Critics said it was too hairbrained and 

wouldn’t work so Tom set out to prove them wrong and 

was rewarded with the cat’s whiskers when he went and 

won silver for his Blanc de Noirs at the International Wine 

Challenge in 2016 - not bad for his very first vintage. “Of 

course we have had our ups and downs and will no doubt 

continue to. I certainly watch the weather a lot more than 

I used to but for the time being – and I hate to say this – 

global warming is working in our favour. The chalky ridge 

and the flinty topsoil have many of the key characteristics 

of the Champagne region, which not only means strong 

grapes but a beautiful place to live. 

Tom's best thing about the Great West Way: 

It promotes slow travel, which means we get our heads 

out of our sat navs and take time to appreciate our 

surroundings on our journey”. 

Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

Tom Newey, 

Chief 

Executive of 

Alder Ridge 

Vineyard 

and Cobbs 

Farm Shops; 

the vineyard; 

Marlborough 

and The 

Three Tuns, 

Tom's 

favourite 

place for 

lunch 

Tom's favourite day out: “A gentle browse – and a spend 

- in my favourite town Marlborough while I am waiting for 

my electric car to charge, followed by a wander in Great 

Bedwyn and lunch at The Three Tuns.” → 


Richard Aldhous has been a car enthusiast all his life. Now 

a director of Calne’s Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, he 

started working here as a car parking attendant. “Back 

then, we were three staff, now we are a grand nine,” he 

says. “We will never be as big as Beaulieu or Haynes but 

we don’t want to be, we are quite happy being small but 

spectacular. We have everything here from the expected 

to the unexpected, including all those makes you can 

remember from being a kid, like the Trojan, Morris Minor, 

Model T Ford, Austin 7s, gleaming Daimlers, a prototype 

Mini – you name it.” Refreshingly free from the glitz and 

the trailer queens, Atwell-Wilson is packed to the rafters 

with a whacky collection of about 100 everyday classic cars 

(some available to hire), lorries, motorcycles, mopeds and 

push bikes from days gone by, set against the backdrop of 

a 1930s garage. Pretty much all the vehicles are in useable 

condition rather than being pampered showpieces and 

poking round them is like taking a casual, rather fun stroll 

through motoring history. “I feel as happy as a sandboy 

living and working here in Calne,” says Richard. “There is 

so much here to discover. Calne has always been a place 

of discovery – first you had Priestley discovering oxygen 

in Bowood, which in turn led to discovering the process of 

photosynthesis. Not forgetting the good old pigs and the 

Wiltshire cure, invented here by the Harris family in the 

eighteenth century. When we lost the pigs, it is fair to say 

that Calne had a good 15 years of depression but now we 

have fallen back in love with ourselves and our community 

is as strong as any. → 

Richard's best thing about the Great West Way: 

“I love that it focuses travellers on a route but then guides 

them north and south of it too, which means they do 

actually find little gems like us”. 

Richard's favourite day out: “Cycling the track from 

Avebury to Calne and out to Chippenham with a stop off 

at The Lansdowne Arms on the way and dinner back in 

Calne at the Italian restaurant (Antica Roma) that’s always 

booked up”. 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

Richard 

Aldhous, 

Director 

of Calne’s 

Atwell- 

Wilson Motor 

Museum; the 

museum; 

The Red Lion 

Avebury; 

Cycling on the 

Great West 

Way; Calne 

High Street 


Against the backdrop 

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contemporary art, lectures, 

concerts, workshops and 

events or indulge in our 

Garden Café. 

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HLIGHTS 2019 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 

2020 2019 HIGHLIGHTS 

Grayson Perry 

George The Pre-Therapy Shaw Years 

A Corner of a Foreign Field 

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Islamic Metalwork 

A Life in Print 

from The Courtauld 

Henri Matisse 

Thomas Lawrence 

Master of Line 

Coming of Age 

Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB 

www.holburne.org 

- SHOP - EAT - DRINK - 

A warm welcome awaits you in Calne! Look no further and 

discover Calne’s Heritage Quarter with two hours free parking 

in the Church Street Car Park, and explore what Calne has to 

offer with a host of options to eat, drink and stay. 

- WALK - DISCOVER - UNWIND - 

Calne Town Crier 

Mark Wylie 

Discover Calne’s 

Heritage Quarter 

Calne 

Town 

Council 

Discover more at 

VisitCalne.co.uk

Mark Thwaites, Director at Thames Lido, has come up 

trumps with his restoration of both Bristol and Reading 

lidos, leading the charge in the renaissance of some of our 

finest Edwardian outdoor pools. “Thankfully our lee-dos 

are not what most people remember as lie-dos from 

childhood – all floating plasters, empty crisp packets and 

wagon wheel wrappers, “he says. “These are much more 

grown up – escapist places to be pampered and well-fed.” 

With his background in the fitness industry and his half 

Finnish heritage, Mark and Swedish developer Arne Ringner, 

have created glamorous outdoor oases, delightfully free of 

lane ropes, flags and pace clocks, secluded in glass-walled 

courtyards, with steam gently rising from the ambient 25 

degrees C water. Scandi-style saunas and massage rooms 

and a chi-chi restaurant complete the picture. 

Pictured 

top then 

clockwise: 

Thames 

Lido; Mark 

Thwaites, 

Director at 

Thames Lido; 

Bristol Balloon 

Fiesta 

Mark's best thing about the Great West Way: 

“All the beauty and variety and tranquility you find along the 

way. Thames Lido has a natural place in this market since 

unwinding and being calm is at the heart of what we do.” 

Mark's favourite day out: “Much as I like Reading, it would 

have to be in Bristol. For a long time Bristol battled against 

Bath for tourism but at last Bristol has broken through as 

a mecca for great music, culture, arts and restaurants – 

namely our very own at the Bristol lido” 


25

Take your 

time on the 

Kennet & 

Avon Canal 

The beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal (or K&A as it’s known) 

flows along 87 miles of the Great West Way®. From Bath to 

Reading, it winds through quintessential rolling Wiltshire hills, 

bustling towns and even a World Heritage Site. 

Since 1810, narrowboats have drifted along at four miles an hour, plying their trade from Bristol to London. 

Today, you’ll find a mixture of holiday and live-aboard boaters, all seeking the calm and tranquillity that 

comes from life on or by the water. 

In fact, research by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that looks after the K&A, suggests spending time 

next to water is good for your wellbeing. So take a wander along the towpath, paddle away on a canoe, 

jump aboard a boat trip, or simply stop, stare and take it all in. The K&A is free and open for everyone to 

use and enjoy every day. 

Great West Way® Waterways Ambassador 

Registered Charity Number 1146792 

canalrivertrust.org.uk/GreatWestWay

THE WATERWAYS 

Relax with a gentle stroll and traditional cream tea, or for the 

more active there’s an amazing variety of activities, from canoeing 

and kayaking to paddleboarding or cycling along the towpaths 

Words: Charlotte White 

Pictured: Kennet and Avon 

Canal, Bradford on Avon 

THE RIVER THAMES, the River Kennet and Kennet 

& Avon Canal meander their way through the 

heart of the Great West Way route starting from 

London all the way to Bath and Bristol, meeting 

with each other at Reading. Though they are very different 

waterways. Passing through towns and cities, the 

waterways offer tranquil spaces in urban areas, as well 

as stopping-off points to discover England’s heritage. 

The more rural sections offer a wealth of wildlife and 

natural beauty and along their lengths is living history. 

The waterways have also inspired festivals and regattas 

through the ages. → 


27

Pictured 

left-right: 

Kennet and 

Avon Canal, 

Bradford 

on Avon; 

The River 

Thames 

KENNET & AVON CANAL 

The 87 mile long Kennet & Avon Canal is in fact two 

rivers, linked by a central canal section built in the 

Georgian period. Created originally as a trading link 

between London and the west coast, it is a masterpiece 

of engineering with 104 wide beam locks, including the 

second longest continuous series of locks in the country 

at Caen Hill, Devizes. Despite this, the canal fell into 

obscurity and disrepair, and was almost lost to the nation 

with competition from the newly built railways. It took 

a passionate band of dedicated volunteers to restore the 

waterway which is now open for everyone to enjoy. 

The Kennet & Avon Canal is a great way to travel the 

route, with time to take in some magnificent sites (and 

sights) from the Crofton Pumping Station to a World 

Heritage Site and historic battlefield - not to mention 21 

conservation sites, 14 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 

and many spectacular landscapes including Wiltshire and 

(just a short detour off the route) the Northern Cotswolds. 

The canal has awesome examples of canal engineering 

too. The 16 locks of the steepest part of the flight at 

Caen Hill are not only a scheduled ancient monument, 

they are an Olympic-sized challenge for every boater 

– so remember to take a snack with you, as it will take 

5-6 hours to pass through the locks. One of the most 

impressive structures on Britain's waterways, the Avoncliff 

Aqueduct at over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide, 

carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon. 

Cycle just over 2.5 miles (4k) up the towpath and visit 

the equally magnificent Dundas Aqueduct, opened in 1805 

- both were built by the architect and engineer, John Rennie. 

Or you could walk the other way along the towpath, 

passing the Barton Farm Country Park and you easily reach 

the bigger market town of Bradford on Avon. 

THE RIVER THAMES 

The Thames is the longest river in England with 45 locks. 

It boasts three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 

is the only river in Europe with a national trail, The Thames 

Path, along its entire length. Starting as a small trickle in the 

Cotswolds, the River Thames travels over 210 miles through 

the heart of some of England’s loveliest towns. The Thames 

offers an excellent array of riverside locations to stay and 

play. It curves past some of the most significant sites in 

history including Runnymede where Magna Carta was 

sealed, the Royal Palaces at Windsor and Hampton Court, 

and the Parliament buildings at Westminster. It carried the 

bodies of Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I to their 

final resting places. While a flotilla, led by the Havengore 

vessel, carried Winston Churchill’s coffin up the Thames to 

Temple Pier, on the first stage of his journey to Bladon near 

Blenheim Palace, his final resting place. → 


Explore Bristol by Boat! 

Hop aboard our daily waterbus service or hire 

out any of our boats for educational tours, 

boat parties and much more! 

bristolferry.com • 0117 927 3416 • @BristolFerry 

Majestic Marlborough 

visitmarlborough 

The ancient market town that 

packs a postcard-perfect punch 

www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

Hungerford 

The Heart of the North Wessex Downs 

History, culture, scenic walks, antiques, 

shopping, pubs and restaurants. 

For a wonderful day out, Hungerford has 

something for everyone. 

www.visithungerford.com

MEET THE LOCALS 

Pictured: 

Richmond 

TOWNS ALONG THE ROUTE 

îBradford on Avon 

A rare combination of river, canal and architecture from 

the Romans, Saxons, Normans, Georgians and Victorians, 

who have all left their mark. Don’t miss The Bridge Tea 

Rooms, a double winner of the UK Tea Guild's 'Top Tea 

Place', stop in to the newly refurbished canal-side pub, 

the Canal Tavern, or board the MV Barbara McLellan for a 

sightseeing boat trip. 

îHenley on Thames 

Discover the history of Henley, rowing and the Thames at 

the River & Rowing Museum, then join a sightseeing cruise 

along the Thames with Hobbs of Henley. 

Head out of Henley (5.4miles/8.7kms) to Stonor Park, 

dating back to the 12th century and take a tour inside and 

walk through the gardens. 

îVale of Pewsey 

On the banks of the Kennet & Avon canal, this is a tranquil, 

mystical sort of place with two Wiltshire White Horses, 

Pewsey and Alton Barnes. Stop for a cup of tea and you’re 

bound to have some illuminating conversations. 

The Little Lunchbox Café is a warm, welcoming place on 

the High Street, while The Charlton Cat has a seriously 

tasty selection of cakes (try the rhubarb and custard) and 

an outdoor courtyard with fabulous countryside views. 

Make your way to Honeystreet Mill Café for gateaux style 

cakes, with unique flavours that change every week, or pop 

into Marshalls Bakery for a slice of their Wiltshire Lardy 

Cake, delicious! 

îReading 

From boat trips along the Thames to its historic Reading 

Abbey Quarter which covers the former precinct of one of 

Europe's largest royal monasteries. Visit one of the town's 

free museums, the Reading Museum or The Museum of 

English Rural Life, also known as the MERL, before enjoying 

its great shopping area and evening entertainment. 

îCAROLINE ROBSON, THE CANAL & RIVER TRUST 

The charity that cares for the waterway 

Caroline's best thing about the Great West Way: 

As a Great West Way traveller, the Kennet & Avon Canal 

offers you an abundance of natural beauty, outstanding 

canal structures, fabulous vistas and heritage galore. 

With so many places to stop off on route, you don’t have 

to travel far from the tranquil water to discover little 

known corners of quintessential England as well as urban 

centres including the architectural masterpiece of Bath. 

Caen Hill in Devizes is the second longest flight of locks 

in the country and an absolute must to visit! 

PlayHungerford 

CycleHungerford 

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY 

îBristol Packet Boats 

Hear about the origins of the Floating Harbour and Brunel's 

famous Bridge as you cruise underneath on an Avon Gorge 

Cruise in Bristol, along the River Avon. 

îFrench Brothers 

Celebrate a special occasion with a luxury cream tea cruise 

on board a beautiful genuine steamboat. 

îHenley Rowing Association 

For a unique experience on the Thames in Henley book a 

Champagne Rowing Taster Session designed for ladies who 

lunch! 

îBoat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal 

Take a trip on the Kenavon Venture, a wide beam boat, 

from The Wharf in Devizes, or The Jubilee, a traditional 

narrowboat, from the Wharf in Newbury. 

îSalter's Steamers 

For an unforgettable experience while in Oxford try an 

afternoon of punting on the River Thames. 

îThames Rivercruise 

Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a cruise along 

England’s greatest river. 


31

Roseate Hotels & Resorts, the uber luxury hospitality brand offers a new spectrum 

of hospitality with well-appointed luxury rooms & suites, world-class Aheli Spa 

and unique dining experiences at the European-cuisine inspired fine dining restaurant 

‘The Hyde’ (Roseate House London), the award-winning restaurant ‘Cerise’ & in house 

patisserie and boulangerie ‘Roasted by Roseate’(The Roseate Reading), opulent dining 

space ‘Henrietta Bar’ (The Roseate Villa Bath). 

Image: The Roseate Villa, Bath, 

R O S E A T E H O T E L S . C O M | +44 20 7479 6600 | #ROSEAT E H O T E L S | info.rhl@roseatehotels.com

TRAVEL BY TRAIN 

With the GWR Great West Way Discoverer Pass you can hop on and 

off at any station around the route - Reading, Swindon, Chippenham 

and Bath Spa, or London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central 

Words: Jane Freeman 

AH, THE ROMANCE OF THE RAILWAY. The 

sound of the whistle that announces the train’s 

departure, the clack-clack rhythm of the rails 

as they pass beneath the wheels, and the everchanging 

view that passes by the window. Settling in to a 

railway carriage is a treat – one that heralds adventure and 

can be accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or a cooling 

bottle of beer, no driving required. 

Seeing the Great West Way by train means becoming a 

part of its history. Trains have chugged and steamed along 

this route for over 175 years, bringing produce to market 

and business to towns, holidaymakers to the countryside 

and rural folk to the capital. Join the story of England’s 

railways on a journey along the Great West Way with the 

GWR Great West Way Discoverer Pass. 

The Discoverer pass makes travelling the route easy and hassle 

free. It includes unlimited off-peak train travel from London 

Paddington/Waterloo along the route to Bristol Temple 

Meads via Reading and/or Basingstoke circular routes with 

options to branch off towards Oxford and Kemble. It also 

includes unlimited travel on the bus services along the route. → 


33

Did you know? 

There are 200 bus 

routes along the Great 

West Way to help you 

complete your journey 

- Visit your nearest bus 

station and/or tourist 

information 

THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY 

One of England’s great long-distance railway lines, the 

Great Western Railway runs along the full distance of the 

Great West Way – from London’s Paddington station to 

Bristol Temple Meads. It’s chief engineer was Isambard 

Kingdom Brunel and you’ll travel the course he plotted 

back in the 1830s, including his Box Tunnel, infamously 

said to be impossible to build. Before he built it. 

In one go, the journey takes just 1 hour 40 minutes, 

but stopping en route to explore the Great West Way is 

far more fun. First stop is Reading, for a cruise on the River 

Thames, a stroll through Caversham Court Gardens and the 

chance to watch a professional football match at Reading 

FC’s Majedski Stadium. Next stop is Swindon, home 

to STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway. 

Here you’ll see famous locomotives from throughout 

the railway’s history, drive a train simulator and work the 

signals in the interactive GWR signal box. Right next door 

is the McArthurGlen outlet shopping village, where more 

than 100 brands are on sale at up to 60% off. 

Armed with your new skills – and perhaps a souvenir or 

three to take home – head next to Chippenham, a historic 

market town in the rural county of Wiltshire. On the banks 

of the River Avon, Chippenham is a flourishing small town, 

with an enticing market to explore on Fridays and Saturdays 

on the High Street and plenty of proper English pubs. 

It’s just 15 minutes by bus from here to Lacock, seen on 

screen more often than Judi Dench. This picturesque village 

has been the backdrop to film and TV titles such as Harry 

Potter, Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey – see if 

you recognise Lacock Abbey and the High Street from your 

favourite scenes. 

Your final calling point en route to Bristol is the 

beautiful city of Bath. You’ll want plenty of time here, for a 

stroll past honey-hued Georgian buildings and a dip in the 

natural hot springs that bubble up from the ground. 

Don’t miss the original Roman Baths, too, not to 

mention the Jane Austen Centre, where afternoon tea is 

served Regency style. 

The Great Western Railway ends in Bristol, a vibrant 

city where you can climb aboard the last Concorde ever 

made (built right here in Bristol) at Aerospace Bristol, and 

clamber up the rigging of one of Brunel’s other famous 

creations, the SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean 

liner. SS Great Britain celebrates two big anniversaries in 

2020; 50 years since her epic salvage and homecoming; 

and 175 years since arriving in New York City. 

Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge is here too, beckoning 

you on along the River Avon and out to Avon Gorge. 

Set foot atop this world-famous bridge and quietly thank 

Brunel for the journey he made possible – along the Great 

West Way by rail. 


Tickets for the Great Western Railway can be bought 

from ticket offices at stations along the route but 

for cheaper tickets and no queues we recommend 

buying in advance. There are three Great West Way 

Discoverer routes available, (East, West or all) giving 

you the opportunity to explore your chosen area in 

one-day instalments or over the duration of a week. 

Book online at gwr.com, prices from just £24. 

Visiting from overseas? Three-day or seven-day 

international passes can be purchased (costing £98 

/£129 respectively for adults) online at ACPRail.com 

EXPLORE TOWNS AND VILLAGES AT YOUR LEISURE 

The Great Western Railway is far from just one main 

line. Take an alternative rail journey and you can get off 

the beaten track and out into more rural areas. Consider 

returning to London via a different route, taking the train 

from Bath to Bradford on Avon for example. 

This glorious small town sits on the edge of The 

Cotswolds and straddles the River Avon. Cross the waters 

in ancient footsteps, on the 13th-century town bridge, and 

stand dwarfed in the 14th-century Tithe Barn, its lattice of 

timbers soaring for over 50 metres far above your head. 

Change at Westbury and head east for Bedwyn, where 

you can disembark for a stroll along the water’s edge on 

the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal, which runs from 

Bristol all the way to Reading. After just over two miles you’ll 

encounter a surprise – the world’s oldest working steam 

engines. The Crofton Beam Engines are fed by a hand-stoked 

coal-fired boiler and are still plugging away at the same 

job they were designed to do more than 200 years ago – 

pumping water up to the highest point of the canal. 

Back on the railway there are two other stops worth 

making en route to Reading – at Hungerford and Newbury. 

You’re travelling through the North Wessex Downs Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty here so press that nose up 

against the window and pick out the perfect place for a 

stroll. There are several short loop walks from Hungerford 

(an ancient town also known for its antique shops) or you 

could walk the nine miles to Newbury along the canal. 

Once you’re in Newbury you could stop for a flutter 

– there’s a world-class racecourse here. While closer to 

London, trains between Reading and London Paddington 

call at Twyford, where you can change onto the line to 

Henley-on-Thames, home to the famous regatta and 

plenty of messing about in boats. 

Trains also call at Slough, where you can catch a train 

to Windsor to poke your head into the State Rooms of the 

Queen’s favourite castle. 

RIDE THE RAILS OF THE HERITAGE STEAM RAILWAYS 

Savour the unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of steam 

at the Didcot Railway Centre, as you relive the golden age 

of the famous Great Western Railway. Find the entrance 

through the ticket hall and original steam age subway of 

Didcot Parkway railway station. Just outside Bristol is the 

Avon Valley Railway, where you can ride three miles of 

preserved track from the Victorian Bitton station through 

the valley, listening to the puff and whistle of the steam 

train. Reach Bitton by taking the Great Western Railway 

from Bristol to Keynsham and following the brown signs on 

foot for 1.5 miles. Near Swindon you’ll see the steam of the 

Swindon & Cricklade Railway rising above the Taw Valley. 

Ride the rails for more than two miles from Taw Valley Halt 

to Blunsdon on a heritage steam train. You’ll need to take a 

bus to get here, the number 15 from the centre of Swindon 

stops at the Tawny Owl pub, close to Taw Valley Halt. 

JOURNEY TIMES BY RAIL 

Based on average journey times: 

London Paddington to Bristol î1hr 40 mins 

London Paddington to Bath Spa î1 hour 11 minutes 

London Paddington to Heathrow î35 mins 

Reading to London Paddington (via Slough) î30 mins 

Bristol to Bath î11mins 

Bath to Salisbury î55mins 

Salisbury to Stonehenge î33mins (bus) 

Salisbury to Swindon (via Melksham) î90mins 

Swindon to Reading î30mins 

Reading to Windsor (via Slough) î35mins 


35


EXPLORE THE 

COUNTRYSIDE 

The Great West Way 

perfectly lends itself to 

the outdoors lifestyle, 

with open spaces of 

stunning countryside, 

Areas of Outstanding 

Natural Beauty and 

links to National Trails 

Pictured leftright: 

Couple 

walking 

their dogs in 

Avebury; 

Cycling in the 

North Wessex 

Downs 

Words: Samantha Colbourne 

If walking or cycling in nature, 

exploring the roads and paths 

less travelled, finding hidden 

gems and a host of native 

wildlife is your idea of the 

perfect short break, then why 

not plan a walking road trip 

down the Great West Way over 

the course of several days? 

There are a host of fantastic 

accommodation options 

along the route, from bed and 

breakfasts in quintessential 

villages and rental options 

in quaint cottages, to luxury 

hotels in grand houses. Find 

inspiration from our Where to 

Stay article p78, or you can 

find everything you need at 

GreatWestWay.co.uk/stay 

THE GREAT WEST WAY OFFERS a curated touring 

route comprised of road, rail and water links 

between London and Bristol. Direct it runs 125 

miles - but if you include all the off-the-beaten 

track walking and bike trails and other tempting detours 

then there’s over 500 miles to explore. So where to begin? 

Pick a starting point - any starting point - and that in 

itself may uncover new realms of possibility. This route is all 

about finding your own way. Embracing the unknown and 

being open to whatever crosses your path. 

Enjoy some of England's best national trails, three areas 

of outstanding natural beauty, winding waterways, and 

beautiful views. Feel inspired to enjoy some of England's 

finest landscapes, breathe fresh air, relax and enjoy the 

sights along the way. 

And exploring the Great West Way by foot or bike, you 

will never be far from a pub or café along the route for 

lunch, afternoon tea or a refreshing drink at the end of your 

day. Find time to explore and unwind without the need of 

your car or public transport. 

NATIONAL TRAILS 

Your adventure might take you through one of the three 

National Trails that cross the Great West Way, perfect for 

day trips or for longer holidays. You might enjoy a river walk 

along some of the 184 miles of Thames Path National Trail 

passing Windsor Castle. This trail is mostly flat and 

relatively gentle with water meadows, sleepy riverside 

villages and nature reserves interspersed with historic 

market towns. The Ridgeway National Trail is an 87-mile 

National Trail follows Britain’s oldest road, a route that’s 

been walked by travellers since prehistoric times. It passes 

through the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns. Along 

the way you’ll glimpse remnants of the Iron, Bronze and 

Stone Ages, passing stone circles, white horses and ancient 

woodlands. If it's picturesque villages you are searching 

for then you can't beat The Cotswold Way National 

Trail offering just over 100 miles of magical walking, with 

long distance views from the Cotswold escarpment, and 

journeys past famous ancient sites. → 


37

photo - Ash Mills 

connect to The Stonehenge Tour from 

Salisbury railway station regularly from London 

thestonehengetour.info 

Avebury and Stonehenge Private Guided Tours 

Wiltshire’s wonderful countryside, full of internationally important monuments, is a very special place to visit 

Find out more online or call Laurence 

oldburytours.co.uk | +44 (0)7947 488665

NATIONAL TRUST LANDSCAPES 

From ancient trees to butterflies and otters, National Trust look 

after some wonderful landscapes, that are full of life. Try Bath 

Skyline for example - only a short stroll from the city centre. 

Explore the skyline hills above Bath and beyond, through six 

miles of meadows and ancient woodlands to secluded valleys. 

The limestone grassland slopes support a great variety of 

plants and attract a number of butterflies, great for some 

spring and summer wildlife spotting. This is a circular walk and 

will take around three to four hours of moderate walking. For 

a more exhilarating walking trail you might prefer Cheddar 

Gorge & Caves dramatic 3-mile walk – 450ft above sea level 

– with views over the Mendips. And it’s not just the landscape 

out to impress. The gorge is a dedicated conservation area, 

home to an abundance of rare plants and wildlife – see if 

you can spot the Cheddar Pink (dianthus), which isn’t found 

anywhere else in the world. 

There are a variety of fascinating sites across Wiltshire 

too, including parts of the Stonehenge and Avebury World 

Heritage Site. At Avebury you’ll find the largest stone circle 

in the world, a prehistoric artificial chalk mound, Silbury Hill, 

as well as many other Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, 

including Windmill Hill, The Sanctuary and West Kennet 

Long Barrow. A bit further afield, discover the Stonehenge 

Landscape where there are remarkable prehistoric 

monuments such as The Avenue, several Bronze Age barrow 

cemeteries and the huge henge monument of Durrington 

Walls, which contains the remains of a Neolithic village. 

Just outside Marlborough, Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene’s 

PEDAL POWER 

Discover the Great West Way on two 

wheels, whether you choose to take 

your own, or hire your bike. 

Join a cycle tour with Wild Swim Bike 

Run, or find adventure in beautiful 

countryside on trails with Active 

England and Compass Holidays. 

Or why not try cycling on a tandem 

around Bristol, the UK’s first Cycling 

City, with Bristol Tandem Hire? 

Adventure seeker? Then head to the 

Swinley Forest stopping in at the 

Swinley Bike Hub. 

unusual sarsen boulder stream, creates a striking 

landscape, from which the standing stones of 

Avebury were probably sourced. At Cherhill 

there’s the white horse on Calstone and Cherhill 

Downs. North of Chippenham discover Sutton 

Lane Meadows, an unspoilt natural wildflower 

meadow which blooms in May and June. → 


39

40 GreatWestWay.co.uk 

Pictured 

above: 

North 

Wessex 

Downs, the 

third largest 

Area of 

Outstanding 

Natural 

Beauty in 

Britain 

WALKING TOURS 

Alison Howell's Foot 

Trails 

Explore well over 900 miles 

of spectacular countryside, 

villages and historic sites on 

custom-made and crafted 

Foot Trails walking holidays 

from three days to three 

weeks. 

Bristol Nordic Walking 

The biggest Nordic Walking 

club in the UK - offering 35 

regular walks each week 

ranging in distances in 

various locations on the 

Great West Way. 

A Taste of England 

Carefully prepared, 

personalised tours for 

travellers seeking a local and 

authentic experience of the 

region’s heritage and culture. 

Compass Holidays 

Self-led walking and cycling 

holidays. You are even 

provided with a detailed tour 

pack and mobile app full of 

local knowledge that helps 

you stay on the right path! 

Oldbury Tours 

Discover ancient castles, 

magnificent cathedrals, 

pretty villages, hidden 

corners and prehistoric sites. 

Personalised tours of 

Stonehenge and Avebury 

include inner circle access. 

Tour & Explore with 

Anne Bartlett 

Anne is an experienced 

Cotswold based Blue Badge 

Tour Guide who provides a 

friendly, professional guiding 

service for exploring the 


Sulis Guides 

Informative and 

entertaining walking tours 

of historic towns and cities 

to help you discover hidden 

corners which you won’t 

find in guidebooks! 

Tours2order 

Blue Badge Tourist Guide, 

Graham Horn, listens 

to your ideas and then 

prepares a tour or visit that 

is unique to your needs. 

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY 

The Chilterns, the North Wessex Downs and the Cotswolds offer 

exceptional landscapes, and thanks to their legal protection they 

are perfect countryside playgrounds for cyclists and ramblers. 

If you are starting your journey from London, you will be 

close to the southern section of The Chilterns - a section of 

the 324 square miles which fall within the Great West Way 

corridor. It’s a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for red 

kites - the bird of prey now thrives in the region, having been 

reintroduced in 1989. 

It is likely you may have heard of the North Wessex Downs 

- it is the third largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 

Britain (there are 46 AONBs in total). The area lies at the heart 

of the chalk band that stretches across southern England and 

was once under a warm sea. Its landscape is very diverse; as 

well as the chalk habitats, there is a rich mosaic of woodland, 

pasture, heath and common land. 

It is an ancient landscape etched by the impact of humans 

for over 5,000 years, including fascinating features such as 

the World Heritage Site at Avebury, eight Chalk White Horses, 

Savernake Forest, Highclere Castle, historic market towns and 

the Kennet & Avon Canal. 

Or you might find yourself walking some of the Cotswold 

Way which really is England at its prettiest. Here you could 

cover more ground with a leisurely Sunday road cycle through 

the sleepy Cotswolds villages before stopping for a well-earned 

roast dinner in one of the many pretty pubs or award-winning 

restaurants. 

Whichever direction you take, be it by bike, foot, water, or a 

mix of all three remember to slow down to enjoy the journey as 

much as you do the destination! 

50. Step inside a fourteenth cen 

with a staggering timber roof of 

stretch for more than 50 metres 

Bradford on Avon’s tithe barn is so 

that it’s protected by English Herit 

51. Travel through the historic c 

stand-up paddleboarding safari w 

take a lesson in Bristol (A4) with S 

52. Play disc golf in the park, at A 

Bristol – you’ l be trying to get a f 

into each hole. GRID REF: A3 

53. See paintings by English maste 

Gainsborough and John Constable, 

at Bath’s Holburne Museum. GRID R 

54. Climb to the top of Roundway H 

into the “bloody ditch” – scene of the 

victory of the English Civil War, in 164 

55. Tune into alien energies on the hu 

Wiltshire’s infamous crop circles with 

Crop Circle Exhibition & Information C 

people think these large and often orn 

that appear overnight in the county’s w 

are the work of extra-terrestrials… GRID 

56. Walk along the River Thames on the Th 

stro ling from Kew Gardens to the upscale 

of Richmond, home to some great pubs. GR 

57. Take a stro l through 45 acres of seren 

at Bristol’s Arnos Vale Cemetery, a Victoria 

cemetery surrounded by unspoiled woodla 

home to numerous fascinating monument 

58. Try a hot chocolate seventeenth-centur 

Dyrham Park – you might be surprised to le 

it has cayenne pepper in it! GRID REF: B3 

59. Scan the skies fo red kites in the Chilte 

the bes time to see these glorious birds of 

is between October and April and the best c 

of seeing them is in the far south of the Area 

Outstanding Natural Beauty. GRID REF: K1 

60. Get a new insight into Shakespeare, at a 

contemporary performance of the Bard’s best w 

at Bristol Shakespeare Festival (July). GRID REF: A3 

61. Find dazzling carpets of bluebe ls in the woo 

West Woods just outside Marlborough. April and 

are bluebe l season here. GRID REF: E4 

1. Sit in the Devil’s Chair – a natural seat sculpted 

in stone at Europe’s largest stone circle, Avebury. 

GRID REF: E4 

2. Soak in the UK’s only natural hot springs at Thermae 

Bath Spa – home to a rooftop al fresco pool with views 

over the city’s ancient rooftops. GRID REF: B4 

3. Fly down mountain biking trails that weave through 

ancient woodland in Swinley Forest. The 13km Red 

route is not for the faint-hearted – expect jumps, 

drops and twists a l the way. GRID REF: J4 

4. Count the deer in Richmond Park 

(hint: there are hundreds!). GRID REF: L3 

5. Wave to the Queen as she rides in the daily 

Royal Procession at world-famous horseracing 

event Royal Ascot (four days every June). GRID REF: J4 

6. Feast in one of the world’s best restaurants, the 

three Michelin star Fat Duck in Bray, where chef 

Heston Blumenthal takes guests on a sensory 

journey – a l the way to the seaside. GRID REF: J3 

7. See where the earliest surviving photographic 

negative was taken, by Henry Fox Talbot in 1835 

at Lacock Abbey. GRID REF: C4 

8. Climb the rigging of a Victorian ship, the SS Great 

Britain and reach heights of more than 25 metres above 

Bristol Harbour! If you’re feeling really brave you can 

even walk out along the main yard. GRID REF: A4 

9. Check out the world’s oldest pot plant, a prickly 

cycad that lives at Kew Gardens and was planted 

in 1775. GRID REF: L3 

10. Run a bath with natura ly hot thermal waters at 

The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel, where selected 

rooms are plumbed directly into Bath’s thermal waters. 

GRID REF: B4 

11. Poke your nose into the world’s oldest and largest 

inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the home of the 

Queen – and said to be her favourite castle. 

GRID REF: K3 

12. Learn the ropes on a rock-climbing lesson at 

the high limestone cli fs of Avon Gorge. There are 

750 climbing routes here, some of them so physica ly 

and menta ly cha lenging tha they’ve only been 

climbed once. GRID REF: A4 

13. Test your muscle power on a narrow boating 

journey up one of the longest continuous flights of 

locks in England. You’ l rise 72 metres (237ft) in just 

two miles at Caen Hi lock flight en route to the 

marke town of Devizes. GRID REF: D4 

14. Soar like a bird above the Wiltshire Downs on a 

paragliding lesson. GRID REF: E4 

15. Stand on the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, 

on the banks of the Thames at Runnymede. GRID REF: K4 

16. Waterski on a private lake at Cotswold Water Park. 

GRID REF: D2 

17. Escape to an English country garden at The Bath Priory 

hotel, where dinner is taken overlooking the kitchen garden 

and your bedroom is named after a flower. GRID REF: B4 

18. Swim in the pool that plunged the UK into chaos 

at Cliveden – backdrop to the infamous Profumo A fair. 

GRID REF: J3 

19. Mount your steed and thwack a polo ball across the 

lawn on a half-day polo masterclass at Coworth Park. 

GRID REF: K4 

20. Have a “meet and greet” with a red panda, one of 

several behind the scenes experiences at Bristol Zoo. 

GRID REF: A4 

21. Dress like Jane Austen, bonnet and a l, and dance 

the night away a the Regency Costumed Masked 

Ba l in Bath, part of the annual Jane Austen Festival 

(September). GRID REF: B4 

22. Ride the rails of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s 

(arguably) greatest achievement, the Great Western 

Railway from London to Bristol. GRID REF: A4 

23. Settle in for a traditional afternoon tea, served on a 

tiered stand in the restaurant of one of England’s finest 

country hotels. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (B4), 

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa (C3) and Cricklade House 

Hotel (E2) are a l much-loved for their afternoon teas – 

which can be served with Champagne. 

24. Sail up into the sky in a hot air ba loon at 

Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, 

the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August. 

You needn’t wait for the fiesta though, Bailey 

Ba loons offer flights a l year round above both 

Bristol and Bath. GRID REF: A4 

Discover an essential strand of England on the 

Great West Way. Based on one of the first Great 

Roads commissioned by the Kings of England, 

the Great West Way winds for 125 miles through 

the very soul of England, from the capital city of 

London to the vibrant western gateway of Bristol. 

The Great West Way brings you to world-famous sites such as Stonehenge, 

Roman Bath and Windsor Castle, but the real joy is in discovering somewhere 

different, a real slice of England that you can take back home with you – as 

memories, as photographs, or even as a bottle of craft ale or piece of local art. 

You can explore by road, by rail or by water. Slow right down to the pace of 

two feet or two bike wheels, base yourself in one place for a while and find 

your own story on the Great West Way. 

25. Gawp a the super-elite school that educated 

Princes William and Harry – as well as 19 British 

Prime Ministers. The tour of Eton Co lege includes 

the School Yard and College Chapel. GRID REF: K3 

26. Take the wheel of a Formula Ford 1600 or Lotus Elise 

on a lap of Castle Combe Motor Racing Circuit. GRID REF: C3 

27. Find out just what you can build with 42 million 

LEGO bricks at LEGOLAND. GRID REF: K3 

28. Get confetti in your hair at the utterly unique Devizes 

Confetti Battle (August). GRID REF: D4 

29. Visi the Wiltshire white horses, carved by local 

people into chalky hi lsides around the county. There 

are eigh that can be seen today including two in the 

unspoiled countryside of beautiful Pewsey Vale, and 

some are as old as 300 years! GRID REF: E4 

30. Go organic with food from the farm at Helen 

Browning’s Royal Oak (E3), where portions are 

generous and as much as possible is home-grown. 

You can visi the farm too, and buy delicious bacon 

and sausages to take away. Also in Wiltshire you’ l 

find Buttle Farm (D4), where you can buy pork 

and charcuterie, and Roves Farm (E3), home to an 

extensive farm shop. 

31. Ride a steam train kept alive and running by 

volunteers, at Avon Valley Railway. GRID REF: B4 

32. Lose yourself in the UK’s oldest surviving hedge 

maze at Hampton Court Palace. GRID REF: L4 

33. Taste local brew Good Old Boy in the Taproom 

of the brewery that crafted it, West Berkshire Brewery. 

GRID REF: G3 

34. Sniff ou the best cheeses at Winston Churchi l’s 

favourite cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield in Bath. 

GRID REF: B4 

35. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. 

GRID REF: K3 

36. Join the party at one of England’s biggest and 

best-loved music festivals, Reading Festival (August). 

GRID REF: H3 

37. Shop while walking on water at Pulteney Bridge 

in Bath. This gorgeous Georgian bridge is one of only 

four worldwide to have shops lining both sides and 

is a classical masterpiece. GRID REF: B4 

38. Step aboard the last Concorde ever built at 

Aerospace Bristol, on the site that built every 

British Concorde ever made. GRID REF: B3 

39. Climb a 120-foot Neoclassical tower built for 

Europe’s wealthiest man at Beckford’s Tower just 

outside Bath. GRID REF: B4 

40. Shop for a bargain at McArthurGlen Designer 

Outlet Swindon, where more than 100 designer 

stores offer discounts of up to 60%. GRID REF: E3 

41. Discover Nordic walking on an introductory 

session with Bristol Nordic Walking. GRID REF: A3 

42. Mess about in boats on the Thames surrounded 

by hundreds of others doing the same, at Henley 

Royal Regatta (July). GRID REF: J3 

43. Watch stately Shire horses deliver local beer to 

the pubs of Devizes, fresh from Wadworth Brewery, 

based in the town. GRID REF: D4 

44. Stand in Harry Potter’s footsteps in the very room 

he first saw his parents, reflected in the Mirror of 

Erised (the Chapter House in Lacock Abbey). 

GRID REF: C4 

45. Come face to face – safely – with 33 different 

native shark species a the Bristol Aquarium. 

GRID REF: A4 

46. Peer down from steep cliffs into England’s 

largest gorge before descending beneath this 

dramatic landscape on a caving adventure at 

Cheddar Gorge & Caves. GRID REF: A5 

47. Discover Bath’s food scene on a tasty tour 

with Savouring Bath – the “naughty but nice” 

tour is especia ly indulgent, focusing on treats 

and temptations. GRID REF: B4 

48. Fo low in Poldark’s footsteps on a stroll along 

Corsham’s gorgeous honey-stoned High Street 

– it appeared on screen as eighteenth century 

Truro in the BBC drama. GRID REF: C4 

49. Discover the gardens of legendary landscape 

gardener ‘Capability’ Brown at Elizabethan mansion 

house Corsham Court. There’s a glorious one-mile 

Great Walk planted with cedars and planes, 

a Gothic bath house and a ha ha to keep 

the deer out without spoiling the view. 

GRID REF: C4 

START HERE. 

Great things to do along the 


125 

31 

13 

29 

66 

2. Sme l the rhododendrons at Bowood’s Woodland 

ardens, open every spring during flowering season. 

Two miles of paths wind their way between the vibrantly 

coloured plants, many of which have been putting on 

this display every year since 1854. GRID REF: D4 

73. Spot a Banksy – an artwork by the anonymous 

street artist – in the city he hails from, Bristol. You can 

also watch other street artists at work, painting the wa ls 

as part of Europe’s largest street art and gra fiti festival, 

every July. GRID REF: A3 

74. Get eyeba l to eyeba l with some very cheeky 

monkeys at Longleat Safari Park – as you drive through 

their habitat expect them to clamber onto your car, and 

possibly to take some of it with them! GRID REF: C5 

75. Attend the weekly mass at Stonor Chapel, built in the 

late thirteenth century on the site of a prehistoric stone 

circle and resolutely Catholic ever since. GRID REF: H3 

76. Seek out ghosts on a creepy walk around the market 

town of Devizes with local historian John Girvan. The 

Devizes Ghost Walk has been terrifying children and adults 

alike for more than 20 years and includes a trip to the site 

of the town’s old ga lows. GRID REF: D4 

77. Step into the 1930s a the Atwe l-Wilson Motor 

Museum in Calne, where a 1930s garage has been 

reconstructed and fi led with classic cars. GRID REF: D4 

78. Drink English wine direct from the vineyard at the 

award winning Alder Ridge Vineyard (F4) or Aldwick Estate 

in Bristol (A4). English sparkling wine is getting especia ly 

popular so be sure to give it a try. 

79. Stro l through a “living work of art” at Stourhead, one 

of England’s greatest landscape gardens. The best time 

to visit is the autumn, when the trees turn golden, but 

at any time of the year you can seek out the classical 

temple above the lake – a great shot for your Instagram. 

GRID REF: B6 

80. Discover the history of the shoe at the Fashion 

Museum in Bath, where you’ l find a co lection that 

runs from Georgian silk shoes to Nike trainers. 

GRID REF: B4 

81. Eat international street food in the heart of Bristol. 

The street food market runs year-round on Tuesdays 

and Fridays on Wine Street and has everything from 

Indonesian street food and vegan Thai snacks to freshly 

cooked doughnuts and Tibetan dumplings. GRID REF: A4 

82. Bet on the horses at Newbury Racecourse, which has 

race days year-round. GRID REF: G4 

83. Check ou the largest co lection of Americana 

outside the US, including some fascinating ancient maps 

and more than 200 quilts, a the American Museum and 

Gardens in Bath. GRID REF: C4 

84. Get geeky about local ales with the helpful bar sta f at 

the Beer Emporium, in the heart of Old Bristol and se ling 

beers from local craft breweries. The bottle shop upstairs 

has loads to take away too. GRID REF: A4 

85. Shop for local goodies at the twice-weekly market 

in Marlborough, set along the second widest high street 

in the UK. GRID REF: E4 

86. Wait for Corsham’s free-roaming peacocks to fan out 

their bright coloured tails – then take the perfect picture. 

You might even spot them admiring themselves in the 

shop windows of the High Street. GRID REF: C4 

87. Join the debate over Silbury Hi l, part of the prehistoric 

complex at Avebury. Just why did ancient man build a 

mound as large as a contemporary Egyptian pyramid? 

GRID REF: E4 

88. Take your seats for a performance of local 

talent a the Barn Theatre in Cirencester (D2), one 

of England’s best regional theatres and home to 

state-of-the-art facilities. Or settle in for a jazz 

concert a the Wiltshire Music Centre (C4) in 

Bradford on Avon. 

89. Haggle for a bargain at Hungerford Arcade Antiques, 

home to more than 100 antique dealers – and plenty of 

weird and wonderful finds. GRID REF: F4 

90. Settle in for some pub grub with a difference at The 

Hand and Flowers in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the first 

UK pub to be awarded two Michelin stars. GRID REF: J3 

91. Saddle up for a trek along the Ridgeway, riding through 

the North Wessex Downs to reach the River Thames in the 

Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. GRID REF: H2 

92. Spot bri liant blue poison dart frogs, one of the 

world’s most brightly coloured animals, in the Lowlands 

glasshouse at the Living Rainforest in Berkshire. 

GRID REF: G3 

93. Work the signals in the interactive GWR signal box 

and drive a train simulator at STEAM, the Museum of 

the Great Western Railway, in Swindon. GRID REF: E3 

94. Take a guided tour of the picture-postcard 

fifteenth-century Great Chalfield Manor and check 

out its beautiful Arts and Craft style garden, complete 

with some very we l-manicured topiary. GRID REF: C4 

95. Settle in for an authentic English pub experience. There are 

hundreds of traditional pubs along the Great West Way, where 

you can play pub games in the beer garden in summer, or cosy 

up by the open fire in winter. We love the Three Tuns Freehouse 

in Great Bedwyn (F4), The Old Be l in Malmesbury (C3), the 

Royal Oak in Yattendon (C3), The Red Lion Freehouse in East 

Chisenbury (E4) and The Newbury Pub in Newbury (G4). 

96. Pootle along the Kennet & Avon Canal on your 

very own narrowboat, mooring up at pub gardens 

and in marke towns along the route and feeling the 

pace of life slow. Boats can be hired just for the day 

from Devizes Marina (D4) or for a longer holiday from 

Honeystreet Boats (E4). Don’t fancy driving yourself? 

Take a narrowboa tour instead, on the Jubilee from 

Newbury Wharf (G4), The Rose of Hungerford from 

Hungerford (F4), the Kenavon Venture from Devizes 

Wharf (D4) or the Barbara McLe lan from Bradford on 

Avon (C4). 

97. Check in to England’s oldest hotel, The Old Be l 

Hotel in Malmesbury. It’s Grade I listed and stands 

right nex to the twelfth century Abbey. Fu ly restored, 

it offers elegant modern accommodation and relaxed 

dinners.GRID REF: C3 

98. Take a horse-riding lesson with Rein and Shine in 

Swindon. There are horse riding experience packages 

of two and three hours, including the chance to learn 

about stable management. GRID REF: E3 

99. Marvel a the world’s oldest working steam 

engines, the Crofton Beam Engines. Fed by a 

hand-stoked coal-fired boiler, they’re sti l plugging 

away a the job they were designed to do more than 

200 years ago – pumping water up to the highest 

point of the Kennet & Avon Canal. GRID REF: E4 

100. Bring the binoculars for some winter 

birdwatching at Cotswold Water Park. Look out 

for great crested grebes, tufted ducks, coots and 

pochards. GRID REF: D2 

101. Check ou the work of English twentieth century 

painter Sir Stanley Spencer in the eponymous ga lery on 

the high street in Cookham, the Thameside vi lage he 

lived and worked in for many years. GRID REF: J3 

102. Go orchid spotting in Hartslock Nature Reserve, 

home to the rare monkey orchid which flowers here in 

May or early June. There is also a hybrid of the monkey 

and lady orchids here, the only place in Britain tha this 

has been recorded. GRID REF: H3 

103. Pose for the perfect postcard-worthy shot on 

the arched stone bridge in the heart of Castle Combe. 

This protected vi lage is like a time capsule, with not a 

modern building in sight. No surprise then that it has 

appeared on screen numerous times – in Spielberg’s 

War Horse and the original Dr Doolittle film to name 

jus two. GRID REF: C3 

104. Canoe the Kennet & Avon Canal, pushing off in 

a Canadian canoe at Bradford on Avon and paddling 

eastwards to Seend Cleeve and the canalside Barge 

Inn, where you can moor up for a pub lunch before 

the return journey. GRID REF: D4 

105. Bring a blanket and settle in for an al fresco 

performance of a Shakespearean play at Dyrham 

Park (August). GRID REF: B3 

106. Take a turn around the organic gardens at 

Highgrove, home to the Prince of Wales. Book a 

champagne tea tour and you’ l finish with afternoon 

tea and a glass of Highgrove Champagne. GRID REF: C3 

107. Lace up your skates for a spin around the rink at 

one of the Great West Way’s winter ice rinks. There are 

rinks at Millennium Square in Bristol (A4), Royal Victoria 

Park in Bath (B4), Alexandra Gardens in Windsor (K3) and 

Hampton Court Palace (L4) (November-January). 

108. Get the stones (almost) to yourself by booking 

the Inner Circle tour at Stonehenge and rising early to 

be inside the stone circle before it opens to the public. 

You sti l can’ touch the stones, but you wi l get some 

great pictures of them. GRID REF: E6 

109. Stoop to enter West Kennet Long Barrow, a 

Neolithic tomb built around 5,650 years ago. You can 

walk along inside for about 13 metres before reaching 

the final chamber. Bring a torch! GRID REF: E4 

110. Set out on foot through the Cotswolds on the 

102-mile Cotswold Way, one of England’s national trails. 

You’ l start at Bath Abbey (B4) and head north along the 

Cotswold escarpment, stro ling through idy lic vi lages 

and passing ancient churches, abbeys and mansions set 

in some of the country’s most celebrated – and best 

protected – countryside. 

111. Eat a traditional ploughman’s lunch – a platter of 

local cheese, pickle and onions accompanied by bread and 

(usua ly) a salad. Try it at the twelfth century Castle Inn 

in Castle Combe (C3) or at Beese’s in Bristol (A4). 

112. Have a proper English cup of tea – served strong 

with milk of course – in a traditional tearoom. There 

are hundreds of tearooms along the Great West Way 

but some of our favourites are St Peter’s Co fee Shop in 

Marlborough (E4), The To lgate in Dyrham (B3), the Teapot 

in Cookham (J3) and The Tutti Pole in Hungerford (F4). 

113. See a 2,000-year-old lime tree, sti l going strong 

in Silk Wood at Westonbirt Arboretum. GRID REF: C3 

114. Test your navigational ski ls on the orienteering 

trails at Ashton Court in Bristol. There are three to try 

– pick up a map from the golf kiosk. GRID REF: A4 

115. Cycle along an old railway track, fo lowing the 

13-mile Bristol & Bath Railway Path between the 

two cities. This was once the route of the Midland 

Railway and some evidence of its life as a railway 

i sti l visible. The route is tarmac, traffic-free and 

almost entirely level – making it a breeze for 

a l levels of ability. You could even try it on a 

tandem, hiring a two-seater bike from Bristol 

Tandem Hire. GRID REF: B4 

116. See the cave where two giants, Goram and 

Ghyston, are said to have once made their home. 

You can walk to this sma l cave overlooking Avon 

Gorge in Bristol from the Observatory above it, 

through a tunnel carved in the nineteenth century 

by artist Wi liam West. GRID REF: A4 

117. Go butterfly spotting in the rare chalk grasslands 

of the Chilterns, the perfect habitat for a wide variety 

of wildflowers – and the butterflies that love them. 

GRID REF: H3 

118. Play a round of golf on one of England’s best 

parkland courses. Try Richmond Park Golf Course in 

West London, North Wilts Golf Club in Wiltshire or 

Bristol & Clifton Golf Club. 

GRID REF: L3 

119. See what’s biting in the Kennet & Avon Canal 

– home to some of England’s most bankable angling 

spots. Fishing is permitted along much of the towpath 

here, bu two of the best places for a bumper catch 

are Bathampton near Bath (C4) and Hungerford in 

Berkshire (F4). Contac the local angling association 

for a permit. 

120. Discover the area’s military might with a visit 

to REME, the museum of the Royal Electrical and 

Mechanical Engineers, at MoD Lyneham. See large 

armoured vehicles, listen to soldiers’ stories and get 

hands-on with the recovery task simulator. GRID REF: D3 

121. Indulge yourself by booking a mind-melting 

in-water massage – or watsu. Bath’s Thermae Spa 

offers these dreamy treatments in the natural thermal 

waters of the Hot Bath. Just don’t plan anything too 

strenuous for afterwards! GRID REF: B4 

122. Wild swim in the Thames at Cock Marsh near 

Cookham, where you’ l find sandy beaches to paddle 

out from and clear, clean waters. GRID REF: J3 

123. Go behind the scenes at Downton Abbey with a 

visi to Highclere Castle, the building Julian Fe lowes 

i said to have had in mind when he wrote the TV 

drama. The Victorian castle remains the family home 

of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, and visitors 

can see the Great Ha l, backdrop to much of Mary and 

Matthew’s romance, and the Dining Room, scene of 

many a family drama and plenty of acerbic comments 

from the Dowager Countess. GRID REF: G5 

124. Have a crack at clay pigeon shooting in the 

grounds of Donnington Grove in Berkshire. GRID REF: G4 

125. Learn how stop animation works in Bristol, home 

to Aardman Animations, the Academy Award winning 

studio who brough the world Wa lace and Gromit. 

We the Curiou science centre hosts model making 

workshops with experts from the studio – you’ l even 

ge to take home a plasticine Gromit. GRID REF: A4 


START HERE. 

England 

for the Curious 

2 

In partnership with: 

Great West Way and England’s Great West Way are registered 

trade marks. A l rights reserved. 

Recommended accommodation 

Abbey Hotel, Bath 

abbeyhotelbath.co.uk GRID REF: B4 

Apex City of Bath Hotel, Bath 

apexhotels.co.uk GRID REF: B4 

Avalon Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Devizes 

bed-breakfast-devizes.co.uk GRID REF: D4 

Bath Apartment Breaks 

bathapartmentbreaks.co.uk GRID REF: B4 

Bath Self Catering 

bathselfcatering.com GRID REF: B4 

Beanhi l Farm B&B, Chippenham 

beanhi lfarm.net GRID REF: D3 

Best Western Plus Angel Hotel, Wiltshire 

bestwestern.co.uk GRID REF: C4 

Brooks Guest House, Bath 

brooksguesthouse.com GRID REF: B4 

Buttle Farm, Wiltshire 

buttlefarm.co.uk GRID REF: D4 

Church Farm Country Cottages, Wiltshire 

churchfarmcottages.com GRID REF: C4 

Cricklade Hotel, Wiltshire 

crickladehotel.co.uk GRID REF: E2 

Cumberwe l Country Cottages, Wiltshire 

cumberwe lcountrycottages.com GRID REF: E2 

Devizes Marina Vi lage, Wiltshire 

devizesmarina.com GRID REF: D4 

Donnington Grove, Newbury 

donnington-grove.com GRID REF: G4 

DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon, Wiltshire 

doubletree3.hilton.com GRID REF: E3 

The Farm Camp, Wiltshire 

thefarmcamp.co.uk GRID REF: C4 

Great Northern Hotel, London 

gnhlondon.com GRID REF: M3 

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Bristol 

hamptoninn3.hilton.com GRID REF: A4 

Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, Wiltshire 

helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk GRID REF: E3 

Heritage Bed & Breakfast, Wiltshire 

heritagebandb.co.uk GRID REF: D4 

Holiday Inn Salisbury–Stonehenge, Wiltshire 

hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk GRID REF: E6 

The Langley, Buckinghamshire 

marriott.com GRID REF: K3 

MacDonald Bath Spa Hotel 

macdonaldhotels.co.uk GRID REF: B4 

Manor Farm B&B, Wiltshire 

manorfm.co.uk GRID REF: E5 

Meadowbank House Bed & Breakfast, Wiltshire 

meadowbankhouse.com GRID REF: E3 

The Old Be l Hotel, Malmesbury, Wiltshire 

oldbe lhotel.co.uk GRID REF: C3 

The Old Chapel, Wiltshire 

airbnb.co.uk/rooms/29073443 GRID REF: E4 

Queens Arms, East Garston, Berkshire 

queensarmseastgarston.co.uk GRID REF: F4 

The Red Lion and Troutbeck, East Chisenbury 

redlionfreehouse.com GRID REF: E5 

The Roseate Vi la, Bath 

roseatehotels.com/bath/theroseatevi la GRID REF: B4 

Roseate House, London 

roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse GRID REF: L3 

The Roseate, Reading 

roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate GRID REF: H4 

The Royal Oak, Yattendon, Berkshire 

royaloakyattendon.co.uk GRID REF: C3 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath 

royalcrescent.co.uk GRID REF: B4 

The Swan, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire 

theswanbradford.co.uk GRID REF: C4 

Totteridge Farm, Pewsey, Wiltshire 

totteridge-farm.website GRID REF: E4 

Tucking Mi l, Bath Apartments & Cottages 

bathselfcatering.net GRID REF: B4 

Whatley Manor, Wiltshire 

whatleymanor.com GRID REF: C3 

Woo ley Grange Hotel, Wiltshire 

woo leygrangehotel.co.uk GRID REF: C4 


There's 125 miles of twists and turns and new 

discoveries along the Great West Way route. 

To help you plan your journey be sure to pick up a map - 

which will not only help you to navigate your jouney, 

it also includes 125 great things to do! 

GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps 

For a range of walking and cycling holidays these 

experts are on hand to offer you a helping hand!

CAPTURING 

THE MOMENT 

Photographers are never short of inspiration for the perfect shot along 

the Great West Way. Vote for your favourite capture from our ten 

finalists for your chance to win a luxury short break for two to Bristol! 

THANK YOU to all the wonderful For the opportunity to 

photographers out there who have make the finalists of our 

been helping build our Great West Capturing the Moment 2021 

Way Instagram page. With so Competition follow our 

many wonderful shots it has been difficult 

Instagram page 

to narrow down the photos to a top 10 

instagram.com/GreatWestWay 

of finalists. Readers - I hope these images 

and tag @GreatWestWay 

inspire you and thank you for helping us to 

choose our Capturing the Moment 

or use the hashtag 

Photography Competition 2020 winner! 

#GreatWestWay 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

43

7 

8 

9 

10 

WINNERS PRIZE 

Our Capturing the 

Moment Photography 

Competition 2020 winner 

will not only be featured 

in our next issue, on our 

website, and across our 

social media platforms but 

will win a hamper of tickets 

to visit five of the best Great 

West Way attractions! 

PICTURE CREDITS 

îKew Gardens 

1 @angelacoomey 6 

îClifton Suspension Bridge 

2 @tobypickardphotography 7 

îBradford on Avon 

3 @wordyelaine 8 

îWilton Windmill 

4 @declan.spreadbury 9 

îPulteney Bridge, Bath 

5 @ellisreed 10 

îRoyal Crescent 

@balazsromsics 

îRichmond, Surrey 

@veevs 

îAlton Barnes White Horse 

@declan.spreadbury 

îWindsor Castle 

@alfs_ig 

îCaen Hill Locks 

@esined636 


WIN! 

The talented winner of our 

Capturing the Moment 

Photography Competition 

2020 will be spoilt for choice of 

places to visit on the Great West Way - 

hopefully still with their camera in hand! 

We will be providing them with free 

family tickets to visit Westonbirt, The 

National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, 

English stately home Longleat in 

Wiltshire, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, 

Britain’s highest, inland limestone 

cliffs rising up 450ft, in Somerset, and 

Berkeley Castle, with origins dating back 

to the 11th century, in Gloucestershire. 

Plus, they will also be treated to a 

Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Masterclass 

experience, for themselves and up to 

three guests! 

And that's not all. As a thank you for 

voting we are offering you the chance to 

win an overnight stay for two, staying 

in the stylishly boutique, Brooks Guest 

House, situated in the heart of Bristol's 

old town (next to St Nicholas Market) 

within easy walking distance of Bristol's 

city centre. 

The lucky winners will also receive 

tickets to visit Brunel's SS Great Britain, 

the world’s first great ocean liner, as 

well as enjoying a private guided tour, 

discovering Bristol's famous street art, 

with Graft! To find out more about 

Bristol please visit visitbristol.co.uk 

HOW TO ENTER 

îVote for your favourite finalist 

for your chance to win 

Help us to choose our Capturing the 

Moment Photography Competition 2020 

winner and you will be automatically 

entered into our competition! Simply 

visit our website to submit your entry: 

îGreatWestWay.co.uk/competition 

Closing date for all entries is 31 December 

2020. The winner will be announced in 

January 2021. Terms and conditions apply, 

please see website page for details. 


45

HIDDEN GARDENS 

From the world famous to the well-kept secrets, here 

are some gardens along the Great West Way where you 

won’t be able to help but stop and smell the roses 



Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

Stourhead; 

Strawberry 

Hill House; 

Cliveden 

House; 

London 

Wetland 

Centre. 

ENGLAND IS RENOWNED for its stately homes 

and gardens and many of the finest lie along the 

Great West Way. Here's our pick of some of the 

best from East to West! 

CLIVEDEN HOUSE 

The gardens of 300-year-old Cliveden House hold 

just as much interest as the house - itself known for 

exuberant high society parties, political scandals 

and, most recently, its connection to a certain royal 

wedding. Meander through the six acre Parterre, 

with its distinctive triangular beds, be uplifted by the 

fragrant intermingling of fresh spring flowers and 

classical statues in the Long Garden and come over 

all romantic amid 900 roses in the heavenly-scented 

Rose Garden. 

LONDON WETLAND CENTRE 

London Wetland Centre, an award winning nature reserve, 

brings the countryside to London. Although close to the 

heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both 

wildlife and people. 

The lakes, pools and gardens are home to kingfishers 

nesting in a bank, sand martins zipping over the ponds, 

wading birds searching for food at the lake edges and 

ducklings waddling after their mother in the spring. For 

keen bird watchers there are bitterns in the winter and 

yellow wagtails on the grazing marsh in summer. It’s a 

wonderful place for a relaxing walk through the scenic 

paths that meander among the lakes and gardens. 

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW 

For an unforgettable horticultural experience, make a 

beeline for Kew Gardens - a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site. Hop aboard the Kew Explorer Land Train, which 

will wizz you round the main sites in around 40 

minutes. Current highlights of any tour include the 

Palm House, built with a rainforest climate to nurture 

the plant life brought back by Victorian botanists; 

The Hive, an immersive experience that echoes the 

life going on inside a real beehive; and The Princess of 

Wales Conservatory, which is packed with all sorts of 

prickly curiosities from cacti to carnivorous plants. 

HAMPTON COURT PALACE 

As host of the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Palace 

Flower Show, with 500 years of royal gardening 

experience, Hampton Court Palace is certainly no 

amateur. The gardens you see now are all a product 

of its rich history - the Baroque-style Great Fountain 

Garden for instance was executed by King William III and 

Queen Mary II’s gardener, in the shape of a goose foot 

as was fashionable then. Elsewhere you can navigate The 

Maze, which featured in Jerome K. Jerome’s novel, Three 

Men in a Boat, and tour the immaculate Royal Kitchen 

Garden with its heritage vegetables. 

STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE 

Strawberry Hill House, the former summer residence 

of Horace Walpole, author of ‘The Castle of Ontranto’, 

is famous for being Britain’s finest example of Georgian 

Gothic Revival architecture.. → 


Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

The Savill 

Garden; 

Bowood 

House & 

Gardens; 

Stonor 

Park 

You can visit the house and gardens in Twickenham - it 

has been open to visitors for over 250 years! Inspired by 

William Kent and the ideas behind the English Landscape 

Movement, Horace Walpole created a romantic garden to 

complement his Gothic castle. Formal borders mixed with 

groves of trees and shrubs crossed by winding paths, and 

flowers and fragrance, a fine lawn, an open terrace and 

meadows that led straight to the River Thames. 

The five-acre garden has been, as far as possible, restored 

to its original appearance using Eighteenth-Century 

maps and paintings as well as Walpole’s own writing. It is 

Grade II listed and of national importance as a reminder 

of a fascinating period in garden history. It is a charming, 

compact garden full of a variety of beds, borders, walks, 

groves, lawns and woodland. 

Learn more about its history by joining one of the 

experienced guides on a garden tour at 1pm every 

Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from March 

until October. 

THE SAVILL GARDEN 

Starting life in the 1930s, these 35-acres of gardens are 

home to a whole spectrum of flora and fauna, from glades, 

woodlands and winter beds to spring bulb meadows and a 

Mediterranean garden. See flaming stars shine bright orange 

along the herbaceous border, spot purple globes of alliums in 

the dry garden and watch as the Summer Gardens become 

a circus of life and colour in season. But that’s not all - other 

gardens, also part of Windsor Great Park, include The Valley 

Gardens, Virginia Water and The Long Walk and Deer Park. 


STONOR PARK 

Set in a valley in the Chiltern Hills, Stonor Park offers a lush 

mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens. Stroll amid the 

neat box hedges, and see if you can find the hidden Japanese 

retreat. Or head to the Old Kitchen Garden, laden with 

bounty in summer, and be inspired to grow-your-own back 

home. The estate even has its own arboretum, which is a 

treat to visit during spring when the cherry blossoms fall - the 

ideal scene for budding photographers. 

BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS 

Fashionable 18th-century gardener ‘Capability’ Brown has 

become synonymous with manicured English landscapes. 

He worked his magic on 100 acres of parkland at Bowood 

House, and it is now widely held to be the best preserved of 

his masterpieces. Sit for a while by the mile-long lake, behold 

the sweeping lawns from the terrace and learn more about 

the highly skilled designer, and his work, on a themed tour. 

Other highlights include an arboretum, woodland gardens 

and Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s secret walled garden - best 

in early summer when it blossoms with fragrant swathes of 

lavender, honeysuckle and peonies. 

WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM 

Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the 

globe and five national tree collections and the STIHL Tree 

Top Walkway. Enrich your visit to Westonbirt, The National 

Arboretum by pre-booking a seasonal guided walk with 

an experienced guide for only £50 (plus admission fees). 

A guided walk of the Arboretum (up to an hour and a half) 

unpicks all the myths and stories behind the trees and 

the Arboretum’s history, as well as capturing the garden's 

magical seasonal highlights along the way. →

Westonbirt The 

National Arboretum 

Explore the world’s finest 

woodland garden, and 

discover trees and plants 

from all over the globe at 

the National Arboretum. 

forestryengland.uk/westonbirt 

Make memories in Marlow 

Situated along the new 125 mile 

touring route Great West Way, the 

charming and characterful town 

of Marlow awaits you. Welcomed 

by the iconic suspension bridge 

spanning the River Thames, 

soak up the idyllic riverside by 

boat or on foot, mooch about 

the boutique high street shops, 

enjoy impressive, award-winning 

food and drink or explore the 

quintessential English villages that 

lie on the doorstep… 

www.GreatWestWay.co.uk 

www.VisitThames.co.uk 

Explore the Marlow 

Midsomer Murders Locations Trail 

Follow the local discovery trail based on 

locations used in the popular TV detective 

series Midsomer Murders in and around Marlow 

and the picturesque Hambleden Valley. 

The 17-mile trail starts in the historic market town 

of Marlow and you will very quickly find yourself 

immersed in scenes from Midsomer Murders. 

Following the trail you can sample local beer and 

wine, taste fine food, spend the night in a filming 

location and walk the Chiltern Hills of Midsomer. 

Download a copy from: 

www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/midsomer 

Group enquiries: info@visitbuckinghamshire.org


is perfectly set in the 

dramatic Avon valley 

in Wiltshire and only 

a few miles from the 

World Heritage City of Bath; it is 

a combination of river, canal and 

architecture of true character. 

From small weavers’ cottage to 

grand clothiers’ houses; handsome 

public buildings, medieval barns, 

ancient places of worship and 

meandering alleyways making it 

the perfect place to explore! 

Explore BoA visitor centre: 01225 865797 

www.bradfordonavon.co.uk 

eboa ad 091219.indd 1 09/12/2019 12:45 

www.corsham.gov.uk/visit 

Come 

and 

discover 

Wiltshire’s 

hidden treasure 

History, heritage, arts and crafts, great places to 

eat and drink and lots of independent shops – 

plus Poldark was filmed here too. 

Just 8 miles from Bath on the A4, 4 miles from the 

M4 (J17), or 3 miles from Chippenham Station. 

IMAGE CREDIT: MAMMOTH MEDIA

PLUS DON'T MISS! 

Pictured 

above then 

clockwise: 

Visitor to 

The Courts 

Garden; 

Hidden 

Gardens of 

Bath 

The National Garden Scheme 

There are hundreds of private gardens 

to explore on the Great West Way not 

usually open to the public, hosting 

special open days, thanks to The National 

Garden Scheme. Visit unique gardens 

during special open days and as a paying 

visitor, along with the generosity of 

garden owners and volunteers, you 

will also be contributing to charity - an 

impressive £3 million contribution was 

donated by the scheme last year! Simply 

go to their website (ngs.org.uk) and 

search for your perfect garden to visit in 

the town or village of your choice. 

The Hidden Gardens of Bath 

Behind the honey-coloured stone facades 

of Bath’s houses and hotels lie beautiful 

private gardens, rarely seen. With The 

Hidden Gardens of Bath guided tours, 

you can explore these hidden gems 

meeting their creative, passionate and 

hard-working owners before then sitting 

down to enjoy a quintessentially English 

afternoon tea! 

THE COURTS GARDEN 

This garden, near Bradford on Avon, offers an 

enchanting glimpse of the quintessential English 

country garden. Less well known than some of the 

others on this list, it’s a lovely place to spend a summer 

afternoon. The formal garden, with its topiary and jolly, 

tulip-lined borders juxtaposes beautifully with the 

wilder arboretum and quiet lily pond. Keep your eyes 

peeled for benches, placed in perfectly peaceful spots 

around the garden. Alternatively, treat yourself to a 

sugary something in The Rose Garden Tea Room. 

AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS 

This is the only museum of American decorative and folk 

art outside the US. Take a journey through the history of 

America, from its early settlers to the twentieth century, 

and delve into the museum’s remarkable collections. 

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the 

hilltop site of the Museum’s home, Claverton Manor, 

takes full advantage of the spectacular views over the 

Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon. Remnants of the old 

Italianate style manorial pleasure gardens and parkland, 

dating from the 1820s, can be seen within the grounds, 

including period features such as the balustrade and 

curtain walling, as well as ornamental stone work. 

THE PETO GARDEN 

At Iford Manor Estate’s remarkable gardens you will find 

Cypress trees, sweet-smelling lilies and draping branches 

of wisteria. Set on a steep hillside, the garden offers 

inspiring views of the Wiltshire countryside. For a unique 

way to enjoy this special place, join one of their guided 

tours, or attend a health and well-being workshop. 

PRIOR PARK 

At this elegant 18th-century garden in Regency Bath, 

it’s easy to imagine parasolled ladies walking over the 

Palladian bridge in their flowing gowns. But there’s much 

more to see in real life, silky white snowdrops and bright 

yellow daffodils, swans floating around together in the 

lakes, and tiny wild raspberries emerging in the woods. 

STOURHEAD 

A little way off the Great West Way in south Wiltshire, but 

a must-visit if you’re in the area, Stourhead is one of the 

most famous gardens on the list. Its classical architecture 

includes a grotto, used to escape the summer heat, a 

gothic cottage and its own Temple of Apollo - built in 1765 

to rival the Temple of the Sun at Kew Gardens, which was 

then destroyed by a storm in 1916. It’s also known for its 

colourful rhododendrons. 


LOOK WHO’s 

PLaying 

tHe fieLd 

again 

Add drama to your itineraries in a year of Tudor entertainment and 

diplomacy. Visitors will be transported back to 1520 as they explore 

a spectacular meeting of two monarchs. Henry VIII vs. François I. 

10 April-31 August 2020: The Exhibition 

23-31 May 2020: The Festival 

August 2020: Tudor Sports and Entertainment 

To discover more contact 

+44 (0)20 3166 6311 

groupsandtraveltrade@hrp.org.uk 

www.hrp.org.uk/travel-trade

FIT FOR ROYALTY 

The ancient route that inspired the Great West Way was one of 

King Charles I’s Great Roads, with many castles, hotels and places 

to visit bringing you closer to England’s royal family heritage 

Words: Dominic Parkes 

Pictured: Her Majesty the 

Queen at Windsor Castle 

ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY you can trace the 

history of the nation, from neolithic times to the 

present day, riding The Great Western Railway, 

a marvel of Victorian ingenuity, to walking the 

ancient Ridgeway National Trail - or why not head out on 

an ancient road trip of your own along the A4 Great West 

Road, with a plethora of royal attractions to visit along 

the way? We hope you enjoy our pick of the best... 

CASTLES, COUNTRY HOUSES AND GARDENS 

îSet in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was 

built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later 

becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of 

Napoleon. Visit this spectacular landmark and feast on the 

glorious panoramas over London from its balconies. 

Next, visit Hampton Court Palace, a short journey 

upstream from central London. It’s a towering testament 

to King Henry VIII’s power complete with a complex of 

Tudor kitchens, a Great Hall and jousting tournaments in 

the gardens. Or head to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and 

Kew Palace - King George III’s summerhouse. 

In Bath, a city famed for its Georgian-era architecture and 

Royal Crescent, you can visit the Victoria Art Gallery → 


53

Pictured 

left-right: 

The Great 

Park by 

horse 

drawn 

carriages 

with 

Windsor 

Carriages; 

The Royal 

Crescent, 

Bath 

opened in 1900 for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. While 

in Bristol you can head back further in time to the reign of 

Queen Elizabeth I, who found St Mary Redcliffe ‘the fairest, 

goodliest, and most famous parish church in England.’ Inside 

the church there is a colourfully-painted wooden sculpture 

of her, believed to be painted by a contemporary. 

Head 30 minutes north of Bristol and visit Berkeley 

Castle. Considered by many as a hidden gem, it was built in 

1153 by the Berkeley family, who still live there today! Over 

the centuries it has changed from a forebidding fortress to 

a welcoming family home. Henry II gave the Castle to the 

family in 1153 and it has received royal guests ever since: 

Edward II, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, the Countess of Wessex 

and the late Queen Mother have all visited Berkeley Castle. 

Travel throughout time and history, from the Keep with its 

dungeon, the room where Edward II is said to have been 

murdered, to the Drawing Rooms with their fine upholstery, 

chandeliers and silver lamps. Finally, if you have time to 

explore more of the Cotswolds, the Prince of Wales and 

The Duchess of Cornwall live at Highgrove, near Tetbury, 

Gloucestershire. You can visit their impressive gardens on 

selected dates, and also pop into the Highgrove Shop in 

Tetbury which sells luxurious souvenirs and organic treats 

inspired by the gardens. 

EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS 

îWhile kings and queens of England were traditionally 

educated by a personal tutor at home, times have changed. 

Both Prince Harry and Prince William went to Eton College, 

which you can visit on a guided tour between May and 

September. While the Duchess of Cambridge went to 

Marlborough College - stop for afternoon tea at the café 

she used to visit with friends, The Polly Tea Rooms. A 

little off the Great West Way, there’s the esteemed Oxford 

Colleges. King Edward VII and King Edward VIII are both 

alumni. As one of the best universities in the world, it also 

attracts royals from other countries. Both HM King Abdullah 

II of Jordan and Harald V, King of Norway studied there. 

SOVEREIGN PLACES 

îMalmesbury is England’s oldest borough with its stunning 

12th Century Abbey still very much in use today. There’s so 

much to discover in this charming market town. Visit the 

original Market Cross, the Norman Abbey with its tomb of 

King Athelstan and the free Athelstan Museum. 

And have you noticed that some place names in England 

have ‘royal’ in the title? Although the prime minister and 

organisations can request the addition, for either their royal 

heritage or current royal connections, it is ultimately a gift 

bestowed by the queen. Along the Great West Way you 

can visit the Royal Borough of Windsor and the Royal 

County of Berkshire - thanks to the location of Windsor 

Castle, one of the Queen’s three official residencies. Take 

some time out here to experience Great Park by horse 

drawn carriages with Windsor Carriages - The only 

carriages licensed to operate tours throughout the Great Park 

There’s also the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon 

Thames, as well as Royal Wootton Bassett, near RAF 

Lyneham - the most recent place to receive the Queen’s 

blessing. Be sure to visit Jubilee Lake when you’re there. 

A BED FIT FOR A KING OR QUEEN 

îSometimes nothing but a 4-poster bed and some 

medieval tapestries on the wall will do. See what it’s like to 

live like a royal by staying at a hotel with royal connections. 

There’s the effortlessly elegant Cliveden House Hotel, 

where Meghan Markle - now the Duchess of Sussex - 

got ready for her wedding to Prince Harry. There’s The 

Georgian House, which although built as humble kitchens 

for George, Prince of Wales in 1719, occupies a privileged 

position in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace. 

In Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has often 

found its opulent interiors and prime setting in the World 

Heritage City attractive to visiting royals. And a short 

journey from Bristol you’ll find Gloucestershire’s Thornbury 

Castle - where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed when 

they visited in 1535 (ask for the Duke’s Bed Chamber). 


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EXPERIENCES AFTER DARK 

From stargazing to swimming, spooky city tours to light shows, 

there's plenty of experiences to try even when the sun goes down 


PLANETARIUM NIGHTS 

WE THE CURIOUS 

1 

Wander into the giant silver ball at We The Curious, Bristol 

for your very own evening tour of the known universe. Enjoy 

stories of ancient stargazers as you fly to far away galaxies and 

admire the views from distant and newly discovered planets. 

Whether you are an amateur astronomer or completely new 

to stargazing, you'll be able to escape the everyday and leave 

inspired to discover the night sky for yourself. Please check the 

website for shows and times. → 


57

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT 

TORCHLIGHT VISIT 

THE ROMAN BATHS 

Visit Bath's iconic Roman bathing place in the evening and walk on the 

22000 year-old pavements. Take in the magical atmosphere of the 

graceful columns and intricate stonework lit by torchlight. 10-13 April 9am- 

8pm (last entry 7pm) or 20 June – 31 August 9am-10pm (last entry 9pm). 

LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK 

As part of this festive event, you can 

4 enjoy all of the astonishing animal and 

adventure attractions, including the Safari 

Park, Koala Creek, Jungle Kingdom, Jungle 

Cruise and the iconic Longleat Hedge Maze 

- and the light trail. On New Year’s Eve and 

New Year’s Day a spectacular fireworks 

display lights up the evening sky too. 

STARGAZING 

WILTSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE 

On a clear evening, there’s nothing better than a spot of stargazing. 

3 Wiltshire being a predominantly rural county lends itself to stargazing 

with the advantage of less light pollution than more urban areas. 

Try Stonehenge, described by the National Trust one of their top 

stargazing spots in the south west of England, or with minimal street 

lighting and being surrounded by countryside, the village of Lacock. 

Cranborne Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with plans 

to achieve ‘Dark Sky Status’, and there are plenty of other places that are 

perfect for enjoying the night skies including Tollard Royal (and the area 

near to the Larmer Tree Gardens), Broad Chalke and Dinton. 

ARTISAN FOOD TOUR 

SAVOURING BATH 

Take an artisanal food and drink tour of 

5 the UNESCO City of Bath with Savouring 

Bath. Uncover local flavours, foods that have 

been of historical significance for centuries 

past, guilty pleasures for all things naughty 

but nice and food heroes, for those who have 

made their mark on the city for the culinary 

delights they have produced. It’s a great way 

to explore the city whilst getting a chance to 

see the sites. 


MUSIC VENUES 

NIGHT SWIMMING 

THAMES LIDO 

Book a Late Swim & Dine package at the Thames Lido and use the pool 

6 and spa facilities (outdoor hot tub and saunas) followed by a 2 course a la 

carte dinner in the poolside restaurant. Swim from 7.30pm, and dine at 9pm. 

READING 

Visit one (or both!) of Reading’s two 

9 legendary late night music venues. The 

After Dark Club is Reading's longest running 

night club, with parts of the building dating 

back to 1850 when it was a Tinning Factory, 

and The Purple Turtle Bar, one of the craziest 

bars in folklore, are both open late-late, 

playing host to famous DJs and bands. 

TWILIGHT SPA 

THERMAE BATH SPA 

As late afternoon turns 

8 into evening, Thermae Bath 

Spa's Twilight Package provides 

the opportunity to make use of 

the spa facilities and experience 

the gradual change in the light 

and atmosphere. The package 

includes a relaxing spa session 

and delicious meal and drink in 

their Springs Restaurant. 

FEEL SPOOKED 

TAKE A GHOST TOUR 

As featured in TV's 'Most 

7 Haunted' Bristol's Haunted and 

Hidden Friday night walk combines 

haunted buildings, TV and film 

locations, celebrity tales, and 

Bristol trivia. Or you could discover 

the many grim haunts of Bristol's 

nearby neighbour Bath with Bath 

Ghost Tours bringing chills and 

thrills to horror hungry visitors of 

old Bath town. 

EVENING TOUR 

WINDSOR CASTLE 

Exclusive Evening Tours at this 

10 special royal residence in Windsor 

offers a 'behind-the-ropes' experience in 

the State Apartments. Discover the history 

of the Castle, including how William the 

Conqueror’s wooden Castle was rebuilt 

by Edward III as a stone fortress with 

magnificent apartments, how Charles II 

set out to rival the Versailles of his cousin 

Louis XIV, while George IV filled the rooms 

with outstanding works of art and gave the 

Castle its famous skyline. The tour includes 

a glass of champagne, a copy of the official 

guidebook and 20% discount in the shop. 


59

TIME FOR YOU 

Whether you’re keen on keeping fit or prefer taking it easy in 

a luxury spa, there are some excellent ways to add a wellness 

element to your Great West Way journey. So remember to 

take some time out for yourself along the route. 

Words: Sarah Caswell 

THE ULTIMATE BATH SPA DAY 

At the atmospheric Roman Baths you’ll get to see the 

steamy Great Bath, the cold plunge pool and even have 

a nosy in the crumbling old changing rooms! You might 

also bump into a few Romans. The costumed characters 

who roam the complex, including a soldier and a travelling 

merchant, are based on real characters who frequented the 

Roman Baths around 2,000 years ago. Enjoy an elegant 

lunch (or afternoon tea) at The Pump Room, followed by a 

shot of mineral-rich water from the spa fountain. It may well 

be good for you, but as you’ll soon discover - it definitely 

has a distinct taste! There are lots more lovely cafés and 


Did you know? Although we’ve discovered a lot about 

what is in Bath’s famous spring water 42 different 

minerals including sodium and magnesium to this day 

no one is quite sure where exactly it originates from. 

restaurants around the city too, with some excellent vegan 

and vegetarian-friendly places such as The Green Rocket 

and Acorn. Take a daytime or twilight dip at Thermae Bath 

Spa, followed by one of their indulgent treatments. Watsu, 

perhaps, where a therapist stretches and guides your body 

through flowing movements in the warm water. Or the 

Roman Trilogy, which includes a salty body scrub, a soothing 

body massage and an invigorating facial. 

Continue your pampering with an overnight stay at a 

luxury spa hotel. You might enjoy The Gainsborough Bath 

Spa, just a short stroll from Thermae Bath Spa, where 

you can experience the original thermal springs in natural 

thermal pools at their award-winning Spa Village, or try 

No.15 Great Pulteney Street and relax in their luxurious 

cedar wood hot tub and sauna. 

FINDING WELLNESS IN BRISTOL 

Bristol is a city that normally makes waves for its edgy art 

scene, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a wellnessthemed 

break in the city. You might even find yourself 

embracing a totally new approach to exercise. 

Try for example a stand-up paddleboard lesson with SUP 

Bristol on Bristol’s Floating Harbour or a swim at Clifton’s 

Victorian Lido. Later on, once you’ve refuelled at one of the 

many health-conscious, flexitarian-focused restaurants - No 

1 Harbourside, Watershed Café & Bar, Thali Café to name a 

few - try something totally different. 

There’s a class for just about everything, from circus skills 

workshops to Beyoncé-inspired jazz dance. Not to mention 

all the yoga and holistic therapies that are hugely popular in 

Bristol. Wild Wolf’s Yoga, Bristol City Yoga and Bristol Yoga 

Space are all fairly central. 

A SPIRITUAL TRAIL 

If the wellness you seek is spiritual, you’ll find plenty of 

absorbing sacred spaces along the Great West Way. Early 

travellers between London and Bristol would surely have 

found comfort in these places, as every journey was a leap 

of faith that came with the threat of highwaymen and 

unforeseen hazards. 

Some suggest Stonehenge was constructed as a place of 

healing, and that the smaller bluestones used were dragged 

all the way from south Wales because they were imbued 

with healing powers from nearby hot springs. 

Or visit one of the almighty cathedrals on or near the Great 

West Way. There’s the inimitable Bath Abbey, perfect for → 

Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

Aheli Spa 

at The 

Roseate 

Reading; 

Spa Village 

at The 

Gainsborough 

Bath 

Spa; spa at 

No.15 Great 

Pulteney 

Hotel & 

Spa 


Pictured leftright: 

Stonehenge; 

Koala at 

Longleat 

Safari Park 

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY 

pondering higher spiritual planes, as well as Bristol, Wells, 

Salisbury and Gloucester Cathedrals. Amid those, you’ll also 

find churches, temples and mosques. 

Or why not feel the power of England’s pagan past with a 

lesser-known wellbeing experience at Stanton Drew? Pagan 

rituals are held on the four Fire Festivals usually on Saturday 

11am for an hour. Park at the Druid's Arms, upper level, (by kind 

permission). You don't need to be a pagan to attend, and ritual 

dress is optional. 

HEALTH RETREATS 

Find balance in body and mind at a Casterley Barn Wellness 

Retreat, Pewsey with their series of retreats focusing on selfcare 

and mindful living. 

Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Marlow-On-Thames offers 

three, five or seven-day retreats based around healthy eating, 

conscious movement, bodyweight exercises, personal training, 

relaxation and yoga. 

In Hungerford you could buy a day pass to the Herongate 

Club and take part in an aerobics class before enjoying a fresh 

juice from their first-floor lounge café. 

LUXURY SPA STAYS 

If lounging about in a robe at a nice hotel, with a glass of 

bubbles in one hand and a magazine in the other sounds like 

just what you need then try an overnight stay (or three!) at one 

of the spa hotels along the Great West Way (see p78 for more). 

You might enjoy breaking up your journey with a stay at The 

Roseate Reading where they have recently unveilled a new spa. 

If you really want to splash out, make like a princess (or 

prince) for a spa retreat at Cliveden House Hotel. As well as 

various enticing pools, flotation experiences and treatments, 

they offer a Garden Oasis Purifying Experience - a combination 

of body brushing, massage and reflexology that promises to 

tease you back to tip top condition. 

Moored on the banks of Monkey Island in the historic village 

of Bray this first-of-its-kind floating luxury spa is the ultimate 

escape, while on the edge of the Cotswolds, a short detour 

from the route, both Cricklade House and Woolley Grange 

Hotel offer spa hotels in scenic locations too. 


The Great West Way boasts an exciting 

abundance of new experiences assured to leave 

you feeling inspirited and rejuvenated... 

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge 

Each year in December visitors from around the world 

gather at Stonehenge early in the morning to mark the 

Winter solstice and to see the sunrise above the stones. 

We hope to see you there for sunrise! 

A Hot Air Balloon Ride 

Fancy an adventure? Why not watch the world go by 

from a different perspective for a while and take flight 

with Bristol Balloons and fly high above Bristol and 

Bath, Gloucester, Wells and Westonbirt 

Wild Swimming in The Thames 

Take a dip in fresh waters at Cock Marsh near 

Cookham, where you'll find sandy beaches to paddle 

out from and clear, clean waters 

Exclusive use of The Cross Baths 

You might want to upgrade your Thermae Bath 

Spa experience for a more intimate open-air thermal 

bath, located just across the street 

A Tandem 1300ft Skydive 

From the thrill of your first jump, right through to 

the exhiliration for those who take it to the extreme 

with Wingsuit flying, this sport has it all! 

Climbing an 120-foot Neoclassical Tower 

Built for Europe's wealthiest manclimbing 

Beckford Tower, just outside Bath is an 

experience you won't forget! 

Yoga on a Stand Up Paddleboard 

Take to the water for a yoga session! Experts SUP 

Bristol and Original Wild will show you the ropes 

Meeting some animals 

Visit the big cats, giraffes, zebras, curious monkeys, 

rhinos and more at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bristol Zoo 

Gardens, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm or Longleat Safari Park 

Taking a road and river adventure 

Take a trip through scenic Windsor and enjoy 

fantastic views of Windsor Castle from the 

water with Amazing Duck Tours

From quintessential cottages and country houses 

to quirky windmills and lighthouses… 

Find your special place 

along the Great West Way 

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BY DAY OR NIGHT 

COME RAIN OR SHINE... 

Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Bath’s 

natural thermal Spa. Bathe in the open-air rooftop 

pool and indoor Minerva Bath, refresh your senses 

in the multi-sensory Wellness Suite and choose from 

over 40 spa treatments and packages. 

Open daily from 09.00 – 21.30 

(pools & Wellness Suite close at 21.00) 

01225 33 1234 

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COME AND SEE

DYNAMIC CITY CULTURE 

If you’re an urban adventurer, exploring the cities of the South West, 

out of England’s buzzing capital, couldn’t be easier via the Great West 

Way... take a journey to discover the bright lights beyond London 

Words: Katherine Holt 

Pictured: 

Stall 

Street, 

centre of 

Bath 

V 

ISITORS HAVE BEEN travelling the Great West 

Way, visiting cities and embracing the varied 

culture at each place, for hundreds of years. Take 

your time to enjoy the diversity of each city, 

with its own artisan produce, independent shops, artists, 

museums, bars and restaurants. 

A twin-city break Bristol to Bath (or Bath to Bristol) 

is just 12 minutes by train. Your Great West Way City 

Culture journey could begin simply by hopping on a train 

at London Paddington to Bath, (1 hour 11 minutes), or you 

might prefer to fly directly to Bristol airport, with direct 

services from over 100 destinations across Europe. 

From here you could take the Airport Flyer Express Link 

to Bristol City Centre, Bristol Harbourside, Bristol Temple 

Meads Station, Bristol Bus Station, or Clifton. 

Unlike many a metropolis, in Bath the pace of life is 

gentle. Or should that be genteel. For Bath is a dignified, 

fashionable sort of place. It has been since its most 

famous former resident, Jane Austen’s day. Given that so 

much of the handsome golden architecture from the → 


65

Regency period remains, you might wonder if anything 

has changed. But spend a day here and you’ll realise it’s as 

contemporary as it is classic. 

Given the compact layout of the city, and its UNESCO 

World Heritage status, a self-guided walking tour is highly 

recommended. So grab a flat white and a croissant at one 

of the hip cafés in the centre - Colonna & Small’s perhaps 

- and take a leisurely stroll to get your bearings. Without 

too much ado you should pass sights including The Circus, 

Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, Bath Assembly Rooms and 

the arc of golden homes synonymous with the city: the 

Royal Crescent. The latter was specifically designed to 

give city residents the feeling of living in the countryside. 

Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at one of Bath’s cafés 

or a tour of Bath’s culinary delights with Savouring Bath. 

There’s a buoyant foodie scene in the city so you won’t 

be short on options. Amid the selection of vegan Indian 

wraps, Filipino chicken boxes and modern British salads, 

you’re bound to find a favourite. 

Fully energised, it’s time for some culture. Bath is 

blessed with some amazing museums. Highlights include 

the Fashion Museum (where you can dress up), the Jane 

Austen Centre (where you can meet Mr Darcy) and some 

very respectable art, design and history museums in the 

form of The Holburne Museum, Victoria Gallery and No 1 

Royal Crescent - a time capsule back to the 1770s. 

Some more niche options include Bath Museum of 

Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the 

American Museum in Britain - the only American folk art 

museum outside the US is in an elevated position on the 

outskirts of the city. 

If you’re here in the summer, have a torchlit dinner at 

the Roman Baths. Then, tired and happy, relax back at 

your hotel. 

There are some really interesting places to stay in Bath, 

ranging from the University of Bath campus in summer, 

just a short bus ride from the centre, to the literarythemed 

Tasburgh House where Jane Austen once slept. 

As the ‘capital of the Southwest’, Bristol has a very 

different feel to Bath. In some ways it more closely 

resembles London, with its distinct, characterful 

neighbourhoods to explore - from the leafy avenues of 

Clifton Village to the graffiti-splashed streets of Stokes 

Croft. Since one of Bristol’s most famous sons is Banksy, 

start your day with a Bristol Street Art Tour. 

Or, better yet, arrive early enough for brunch at one of 

the Harbourside cafes, and then go on one of the weekend 

walking tours. Choose between a heritage tour, where 

you explore the history of the city, or a street art tour, 

where you are taken to see a mix of brand new and wellpreserved 

artworks - including some Banksy originals. 

If your legs are in need of a bit of a rest Bristol Insight 

will show you around their wonderful city from a seat on 

one of their lovely bright red buses! 

You could then take a leisurely stroll around the 

Regency streets of Clifton Village and visit its stylish 

boutiques. Or head to Bristol Shopping Quarter and 

flit between High Street staples and one-off wonders. 

If retro and vintage tickle your fancy then leave some 

time for exploring the alternative shops of Stokes Croft 

and Gloucester Road – the latter boasts Europe’s longest 

street of independent shops! 

Bristol does street food lunches very well. So, 

depending on what day you’re visiting, some options to 

try include St Nick’s Market, The Harbourside Market 

and the Tobacco Factory Market. Vendors inevitably 

change, but there’ll always be a great mix of global 

cuisine to try, from Jamaican curried goat to Nepalese 

momos. You could also check out Cargo, a cool new 

container development at Wapping Wharf where you 

can get delicious bites to grab and go, like chip-stuffed 

Greek wraps, fresh Indian curry boxes and melty cider 

and cheese toasties. When you’re suitably stuffed, 

discover Bristol’s other famous son: Isambard Kingdom 

Brunel. Although the Victorian engineer may not seem 

to have much in common with Banksy, he too was a 


ave pioneer. You can visit one of his most remarkable 

achievements, the SS Great Britain - the world’s first great 

ocean liner - and get a feel for how the passengers from 

steerage to first class experienced long voyages across the 

Atlantic. Included with your ticket price is the new Being 

Brunel exhibition, an immersive experience which takes 

you inside the brain of the man himself. 

If you have time, venture up to Clifton Suspension Bridge 

- another of his projects that, sadly, he didn’t live to see 

finished. The arts are alive in all their guises in this creative, 

cutting-edge city. After dinner at one of Bristol’s many 

independent restaurants, seek some of it out. Depending 

on your tastes, you could catch some theatre at the Bristol 

Old Vic - the oldest continuously open theatre in the 

English-speaking world, even throughout its exciting recent 

renovations. You could also enjoy live music, see stand-up 

comedy or do something thoroughly subversive like go an 

immersive dining experience in a mystery location. Local 

go-tos for experimental entertainment include Old Market 

Assembly and Tobacco Factory Theatres. 

If you have time, venture a little off the Great West 

Way to find Salisbury, a city that embraces everything 

arts and culture. Visit Mompesson House, the 18thcentury 

property featured in the all-star film version of 

Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1995). There’s also 

Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Museum and Salisbury 

Cathedral - or pop into the Old Sarum Airfield Museum 

where you can sit in more aircraft cockpits than anywhere 

else in the UK! And of course those sacred stones aren’t 

too far away… If you’re heading north, don’t miss the 

learned university city of Oxford. Of course, it’s not all 

lounging around in the the Bodleian Library, pretending 

to study. Discover some of the city’s more unexpected 

attractions, like the Pitt Rivers Museum, full of alarming 

anthropomorphic artefacts, or The Eagle and Child pub, 

where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien used to meet and swap 

stories. There’s also bikes, board game cafés and strange 

sculptures to find - including a curious headless shark. 

Did you know? Bristol has its own currency, the 

Bristol Pound, which helps boost local businesses. 

You can buy the colourful notes at the Tourist 

Information Centre on the Harbourside... 

Pictured top left 

then clockwise: 

UNESCO World 

Heritage status, 

Bath; The Mild 

Mild West Mural 

by graffiti artist 

Banksy; Clifton 

Suspension 

Bridge; Bristol 

Harbourside; 

Brunel’s SS Great 

Britain Mast; The 

Oracle, Reading 

Or that Reading is the UK’s largest town much thought of 

as a defacto city? Soak up the energetic atmosphere at 

The Oracle Shopping Centre, or visit the independent 

and craft stores in the nearby streets or Harris Arcade 


67

SHOPPING 

GEMS 

From antique stores and 

independent shops to stylish 

shopping centres and malls 

SOUVENIR HUNTING 

Shop like the Victorians and go in search of the ultimate 

memento of your travels. Books by local authors, 

artworks, traditional crafts and handmade memorabilia. 

You’ll find independent bookshops, such as the 

award-winning Hungerford Bookshop at the heart of the 

historic town, stores and pop-up boutiques such as We 

Make Bristol in Westbury-on-Trym, which only stocks 

products by local artists and designers, hidden in all 

corners of the Great West Way. 

Bath is a fantastic shopping destination for 

independents - whether you’re into antique jewellery, 

antiquarian books, bohemian interiors or fine cheeses, 

you can take home some really unique finds. Head to 

Milsom Place to discover a fantastic mix of both famous 

names and breakthrough brands. 

Don’t dismiss the gift shops at top tourist attractions 

or tourist information offices either. Stonehenge gift 

shop, for instance, sells striking lino prints of the stones 

by local artist Caroline Day. Or pop into The Mill Shop 

following your visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill for exclusive 

silk gifts that have been woven right there at the Mill. 

Look for shops in unexpected locations, too. St Peter’s 

Church in Marlborough is now home to a craft shop 

selling all sorts of cute, colourful gifts. Or visit for their 

twice-weekly market, located on the High Street - one 

of the widest in the UK and lined on both sides with 

characterful old buildings housing an array of chic cafés 

and independent shops. 

In Bristol, the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is a 

hidden-away haven for one-offs including musical 

instruments, herbal remedies and fine spirits. There’s also 

some marvellous markets selling everything from local 

crafts to artisan delicacies. Check out the Charter Market 

in Salisbury on Tuesdays and Saturdays or St Nick’s Market 

in Bristol, every day except Sunday. 

Did you know? Bath has its own Gift Card that is 

accepted across the city in shops and restaurants, 

hotels and bars, museums and manicurists. The 

best of Bath in one little card! To find out more visit 

bathgiftcard.com 

DESIGNER FASHION 

The Great West Way is proud to be home to one 

of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe - 

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, or a short 

detour from the route, Clarks Village, Somerset are 

great places to pick up discounted top name brands like 

Hobbs, Jack Wills, Molton Brown, North Face and Osprey. 

Then there’s Kilver Court Designer Village, a short 

distance south of Bath, where as well as fashion there are 

luxurious lifestyle brands like Liberty London, known for 

its iconic floral prints, plus a gorgeous garden to explore. 

For a truly personalised service, and exclusive couture 

clothing, visit one of the posh boutiques along the 

touring route. Fluidity in Henley-on-Thames attracts 

high flyers near and far and is rumoured to be former 

Prime Minister Theresa May’s favourite. 

For jewellery, consider getting a bespoke piece 

made by a local jeweller. Goldsmith Paul Newton in 

Malmesbury crafts exquisite pendants, earrings and 

rings set with dazzling jewels (good to know if you’re 

thinking of making a proposal while you’re away!). Or 

for sensational silver jewellery, go to Tundra Jewellers in 

Devizes, or visit Deacons Jewellers in Swindon. 


Pictured top 

left then 

clockwise: 

The Oracle, 

Reading; 

visitors 

to Bath; 

Marlborough 

High Street; 

Henley on 

Thames 

VINTAGE, ART & ANTIQUES 

There’s no better way to buy a piece of art than direct 

from the artist - and at Reading’s art events, including 

Whiteknights Studio Trail, Caversham Arts Trail, and 

Artline art market, you can do just that. 

Or why not head to Previous, a wildly eclectic vintage 

shop (and café) located on Corsham High Street, for 

one-off homewares and quirky retro items. Then wander 

across the road to explore Paul Martin from BBC’s Flog 

It! antiques shop - The Table Gallery. 

If you’re mainly in the market for antiques, you’re 

sure to stumble upon more rare finds in Marlborough, 

Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Marlow and Tetbury. 

Head to Pewsey and call in at Crystal Clear – a 

gemstone of a shop, located on the High Street, and be 

charmed by unique natural crystal jewellery, crop circle 

artwork, crystals and minerals, and hand made gifts. 

There’s also the delightful Woodborough Yard, full of 

independent shops, workshops and cafés. 

For original artworks you can’t beat Turville Studios 

located in the picturesque village of Turville, the filming 

locations for Midsomer Murders, Vicar of Dibley, Chitty 

Chitty Bang Bang and most recently Killing Eve. 

If you’re happy to travel a short distance north of the 

Great West Way, you should definitely have a rummage 

at Antiques on High, an Oxford institution where you’ll 

find original oil paintings to adorable writing desks. → 


69

Back in the beautiful city of Bath, their Vintage & Antiques 

Market, held on the last Sunday of every month at Green 

Park Station, has a good mix of everything - mid-century 

furnishings, jazzy retro frocks and one-of-a-kind antiques. 

While Vintage to Vogue can style you in top quality 

fashion, from the 1900s onwards, then have it tailored 

specifically to your shape. Very dapper! And there are 

exceptional restaurants to stop and refuel wherever the need 

takes you - keep an eye out for The Circus, Acorn and The 

Olive Tree at The Queensberry Hotel. 

Nearby Bristol is known for its alternative outlook, 

making it a go-to place for vintage and offbeat fashion finds. 

Established in 1743 St Nicholas Market is the oldest and best 

loved market in Bristol, famous for some of the best food in 

the city, or head to Stokes Croft and adjoining Gloucester 

Road - the longest street of independent shops in the UK. 

There you’ll discover artfully-curated charity shops 

alongside intriguing second-hand stores (with lots of hip 

cafes in between for when you need a coffee break). 

Love tea? Learn all about the art of tea blending and tea 

tasting at a Bird & Blend Tea Masterclass. 

Good to know: If you’re a guy or gal who likes Americana, 

Uncle Sam’s on Park Street is the best place to find a pair of 

cowboy boots or classic Levis you can cherish forever. 

SUSTAINABLE FASHION 

Try and catch one of the Duck Pond markets, which take 

place regularly in various scenic locations not far from 

London such as Henley-on-Thames and Chalfont St Giles. 

Their ethos is local, ethical and sustainable, so you can 

feel good about supporting the planet as well as local 

businesses when you buy. 

Pictured top 

left then 

clockwise: 

Parkway 

Shopping 

Centre, 

Newbury; 

McArthurGlen 

Designer 

Outlet 

Swindon; 

St Nicholas 

Market, 

Bristol; 

Shopping at 

The Oracle, 

Reading 

70

A SEASON OF 

SURPRISES 

Somerset Outlet Shopping; discover 

up to 60% off gifts, fashion and more.

CULINARY 

DELIGHTS 

The Great West Way is home to some 

of England’s best foodie experiences 

THERE’S A TANTALISING buffet of food and drink 

experiences along the Great West Way. Discover 

award-winning high-end restaurants and cosy, 

traditional pubs, with a galaxy of Michelin stars 

and plenty of local food heroes serving up everything 

from vegetables hand grown in the kitchen garden to 

just-baked homemade cakes. 

7 OF THE FINEST RESTAURANTS 

HAND AND FLOWERS, MARLOW 

The first pub to achieve two Michelin stars, a relaxed 

place to settle in for some proper English dishes, 

including a fabulous Sunday roast. Chef Tom Kerridge 

serves up sophisticated yet familiar dishes – think half 

roast chicken with oak gravy and pork belly with roasted 

pineapple and chorizo mayonnaise. 

thehandandflowers.co.uk 

SINDHU RESTAURANT BY ATUL KOCHHAR, 

MARLOW 

Overlooking the banks of the River Thames in beautiful 

Marlow, Sindhu restaurant by twice Michelin-starred 

chef Atul Kochhar offers contemporary Indian cuisine 

featuring vibrant flavours, subtle blends of spices and 

incredible aromas. Located in The Compleat Angler 

Hotel, a stone’s throw from Marlow station. 

› sindhurestaurant.co.uk 

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN, BATH 

Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies 

and discerning travellers. Robert Clayton, the restaurant’s 

Chef Patron, creates uncomplicated dishes that explore 

and showcase the freshest and very best ingredients. He 

is inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine. 

Robert ensures that every dish is prepared, cooked and 

presented to perfection. 

› claytonskitchen.com 


Crown I n, To ldown, Dyrham, Somerset 

Try beers brewed with pa sion 

Bird in Hand, Knowl Hi l, Reading, Berkshire 

EAT, DRINK & STAY WITH 

ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY ® 

To discover more, visit GreatWestWay.co.uk 

Wadworth Brewery, Devizes, Wiltshire 

Bear Hotel, Devizes, Wiltshire 

Black Swan, Devizes, Wiltshire 

GGW advert.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2019 15:26 Page 1 

A proper English afternoon tea is far more than just 

a hot beverage. In fact, it can be a whole meal in 

itself, no to mention a thoroughly pleasant way to 

jam and cream, and cakes. Most people ea them 

in that order, but since many of the most upmarket 

places will keep replenishing each level, you could 

switch back and forth for hours. 

Afternoon tea was invented in England, in the 19th 

century when the fashion for having dinner later 

(around 8pm) took hold among the upper classes 

lon 

M et our working shire horses 

George I n, Norton St Philip, Bath, Somerset 

Enjoy great food from pub cla sics to a special treat 

W W W.WA D W O R T H.C O.U K 

WHATLEY MANOR 

days and includes plenty of child-friendly activities. 

HUNGERFORD FOOD FESTIVAL (F4) 

EAT READING (H4) 

Broad St and Market Place, Reading, June 

livingreading.co.uk 

Two-day festival showcasing Reading’s best foodie 

businesses, featuring live cookery demonstrations, 

street food tastings, cocktail mixology and a popup 

street café. 

Hungerford Town Ha l and High St, October 

hungerfordfoodfestival.com 

Fu l-day event featuring street food sta ls, talks 

and live cooking demos. Sustainability is a key 

GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL 

Englefield, Reading (H4), June and 

Westonbirt House (C3), August 

greatbritishfoodfestival.com 

This touring festival brings artisan producers and 

street food vendors together over two or three 

that includes tastings, chef demonstrations, film 

screenings and the finale Riverside Fiesta with 

street food and a floating gin bar. 

A fortnight o feasting, with a line-up of events 

ABBEY HOTEL (B4) 

abbeyhotelbath.co.uk 

APEX HOTEL (B4) 

apexhotels.co.uk 

BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL (B4) 

handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse 

THE PUMP ROOM RESTAURANT (B4) 

Roman Baths, Bath BA1 1LZ 01225 444477 

ROSEATE HOUSE (L3) 

roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse 

THE ROSEATE VILLA BATH (B4) 

roseatehotels.com/bath/theroseatevi la 

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA (B4) 

16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS 

THE FAT DUCK (J3) 

High St, Bray SL6 2AQ 

THE HAND AND FLOWERS (J3) 

126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP 

Great West Way and England’s Great West Way are registered trade marks. A l rights reserved. 

If you can, time your visit for one of the food and 

drink-focused events along the Great West Way. 

Some of the bigger ones include the Great Bath 

Feast, Bristol Food Connections, Longleat Food and 

Music Festival and the Great British Food Festival. 

There are also hundreds of sma ler events, alongside 

weekly produce and street food markets in market 

towns throughou the touring route. You might even 

stumble upon Chippenham’s Pancake Races! 

Enjoy dining while trave ling the route by train 

with our Great West Way Discoverer pass. 

Great Western Railway serve delicious produce 

from their at-sea tro ley service, from classic 

CULINARY DELIGHTS 

IN MICHELIN STARRED 

RESTAURANTS 

BRADFORD ON AVON FOOD FESTIVAL (C4) 

Victory Field, Bradford on Avon, 30 May 

scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk 

snacks and swee treats, to tasty sandwiches 

and wraps. Plus, a great range of soft drinks, 

beers, and wines to accompany your journey. 

LONGLEAT FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL (C5) 

Longleat, Warminster 4 and 5 July 

longleat.co.uk 

Join Longleat on the 4th and 5th July 2020 for a 

harmonious festival sure to tantalise your taste 

buds. You’ l enjoy diverse food and drink stalls, 

demonstrations by celebrity chefs, plus live music 

from an a ray of artists taking to the stage with 

Longleat House as the backdrop; each day’s line-up 

wi l be announced closer to the event. 

FOOD ON THE MOVE 

FABULOUS FOOD & 

DRINK FESTIVALS 

ale along the Great West Way. 

TEA ROOMS & CAFÉS 

NATIONAL TRUST SEASONAL EATING, 

DRINKING AND SHOPPING 

Did you know that 187 of National Trust’s cafés, 

DYRHAM PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE (B3) 

The Tea-room and Tea Garden 

PRIOR PARK, BATH (C4) 

Kennet and Avon Canal Trust work in partnership 

with cafés along the canal at Bradford on Avon, 

Devizes, Crofton Beam Engines and Newbury, 

so you can be sure of some tasty refreshments 

whenever you visit. For more information on their 

cafés see katrust.org.uk/attractions 

ALDERMASTON TEA ROOMS (H4) 

katrust.org.uk/attractions 

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: 

p 

glorious views of the estate from its windows and 

hearty dishes such as guinea fowl and lamb loin on 

its menu. There’s also a fu l vegetarian and vegan 

menu and exce len traditional Sunday roasts. 

Malmesbury, SN16 0BW, 

01666 822344 • oldbe lhotel.co.uk 

The Old Be l Hotel & Restaurant is reputed to 

be the oldest purpose-built hotel in England and 

Grade 1 listed. The Refectory and Bar uses fresh, 

local and seasonal produce accompanied by a 

wide selection of drinks. 

THE NEWBURY 

SHELBURNE RESTAURANT, BOWOOD 

HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT (D4) 

Derry Hi l, Calne SN11 9PQ, 01249 822228 

bowood.org/bowood-hotel-resort 

The classy restaurant a this luxury hotel has 

THE WHITE HORSE INN (D4) 

whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk 

AEROSPACE BRISTOL CAFÉ (B3) 

Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ 

aerospacebristol.org/cafe 

Whilst enjoying a relaxing Spa, be sure to add extra 

time to your spa session so you can enjoy afternoon 

tea or a tasty meal at your leisure. 

THE SWAN BRADFORD ON AVON (C4) 

ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD 

PLUM + SPILT MILK, GREAT NORTHERN 

HOTEL (M3) 

gnhlondon.com 

prepared hot and cold refreshments. Food is 

prepared and cooked onsite, whils the fresh bread 

is from Hobbs House Bakery and made using local 

Shipton Mi l flour from nearby Long Newnton. 

WINDSOR CASTLE UNDERCROFT CAFÉ – 

OPENING 2020 (K3) 

rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle 

RICK STEIN, MARLBOROUGH (E4) 

rickstein.com/eat-with-us/marlborough 

COBBS FARM SHOP 

theswanbradford.co.uk 

WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL (C4) 

woo leygrangehotel.co.uk 

ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD (A4) 

01934 864404 • aldwickestate.co.uk 

COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN, 

ENGLEFIELD (H4) 

cobbsfarmshops.co.uk 

ALDER RIDGE VINEYARD (F4) 

01488 686770 • alderridge.co.uk 

A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD (D5) 

01380 816669 • abecketts.co.uk 

THE OLD BELL HOTEL (C3) 

ROVES FARM SHOP (E3) 

Rovesfarm.co.uk/farmshop 

The chalk soils and temperate climate of the south 

are pretty perfect for crisp, white, bubbly varieties, 

and English wines are winning international awards. 

Take a vineyard tour with one of the wine producers 

on the Great West Way. 

DINING RESTAURANTS 

while autumn means squash and pumpkin. 

The café uses the same produce where possible 

and serves breakfasts and lunches including 

Wiltshire cured ham and homemade quiche. 

Down the road in Englefield, Reading you wi l 

find another Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen with 

a whole host of local produce. 


HUNGERFORD (F4) 

Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerford RG17 0SP, 

CHOLDERTON CHARLIE’S FARM SHOP 

(E5) 

Choldertoncharliesfarm.com/farm-shop 

One of the greatest pleasures of a drive 

through the English countryside is stopping 

at a farm shop café for a cup of tea and some 

tasty local produce. You’ l happen upon them 

Corsham Farmers’ Market 3rd Sat of month 

Harbourside Street Food Market Broad Quay, 

Bristol, every Wed & Thur 

Newbury Farmers’ Market 1st Sun of month 

01488 686770 • cobbsfarmshops.co.uk 

This exce lent farm shop se ls produce from 

the su rounding farm. Expect asparagus and 

rhubarb in spring and soft fruits in summer, 

as you travel along the Great West Way. 

ENGLISH WINE 

FARM SHOPS 

BUTTLE FARM (D4) 

buttlefarm.co.uk 

Salisbury 1st & 3rd Wed of month 

BATH ARTISANS MARKET 

BRISTOL BEER FACTORY 

MOOR BEER 

WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY 

BATH ARTISANS MARKET 

FOOD & DRINK TOURS & TASTINGS 

MARVELLOUS FOOD MARKETS 

(E5) 

BEAU’S BAR AND RESTAURANT AT 

DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL & 

COUNTRY CLUB (G4) 

donnington-grove.com 

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN (B4) 

claytonskitchen.com 

CLOISTERS RESTAURANT, 

BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL (C4) 

handpickedhotels.co.uk 

DAN MOON AT THE GAINSBOROUGH 

RESTAURANT (B4) 

GEORGE INN, NORTON ST PHILIP (C5) 

georgeinnnsp.co.uk 

city and su rounding countryside. Quench 

your thirst in tap rooms, fantastic beer 

shops and traditional pubs, or fo low the 

lead of the local tour guides at Bristol 

Brewery Tours or Bristol Hoppers. 

visitbristol.co.uk/beer 

Bristol is one of the UK’s leading craft beer 

destinations and is brimming with bri liant 

breweries – there are more than 20 in the 

BEAR, DEVIZES (D4) 

thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk 

BIRD IN HAND, KNOWL HILL (J3) 

birdinhand.co.uk 

WADWORTH EAT, 

DRINK AND STAY 

ON THE GREAT 

WEST WAY 

BLACK SWAN, DEVIZES (D4) 

blackswandevizes.co.uk 

CROWN, TOLLDOWN (B3) 

thecrownto ldown.co.uk 

BRISTOL 

KOFFMANN & MR WHITE 

FRENCH BRASSERIE (B4) 

castlehotelwindsor.com 

monkeyislandestate.co.uk 

THE MOONRAKER HOTEL (C 

moonrakerhotel.com 

THE OLD BELL HOTEL (C3) 

Malmesbury, SN16 0BW, 

THE FAT DUCK, BRAY 

A simply superlative restaurant from highly regarded English 

chef Heston Blumenthal. Awarded three Michelin stars for its 

creative menu, which takes guests on a sensory journey to 

the seaside and begins before you even arrive, with a phone 

consultation. Expect to be dazzled – and to be talking about it 

for years. Bookings essential, and well in advance. 

› thefatduck.co.uk 

Pictured 

left then 

clockwise: 

Koffmann & 

Mr. White’s 

English 

and French 

Brasserie, 

Bath; Whatley 

Manor Hotel & 

Spa, Wiltshire; 

Dessert at 

The Fat Duck, 

Bray; Hand 

and Flowers, 

Wycombe; 

Dessert at 

Hand and 

Flowers, 

Wycombe 

THE DINING ROOM, WHATLEY MANOR 

HOTEL & SPA, MALMESBURY 

The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa has recently 

been awarded their second Michelin star, just two years after 

earning their first. Executive Chef, Niall Keating, who previously 

worked around the world at some of the finest Michelin starred 

restaurants was awarded a coveted Michelin star in less than 

a year of joining Whatley Manor. Niall draws inspiration from 

many different cuisines, including Korean, Japanese and classic 

French. Niall’s cuisine is very much ‘of the moment’. 

› whatleymanor.com 

CASAMIA, BRISTOL 

An impressive Grade II listed former Victorian hospital on 

the harbour-side, overlooking Bathurst Basin, at Casamia 

the menu of seasonal dishes, from Wiltshire rainbow trout 

to Spanish winter truffle, are regularly changing, and are 

presented to you at your table by the chefs themselves. 

Vaulted arches give this innovative restaurant a light, airy feel 

and the state-of-the-art open kitchen acts as the focal point. 

› casamiarestaurant.co.uk 

KOFFMANN & MR. WHITE’S ENGLISH AND 

FRENCH BRASSERIE, BATH 

A delightful English and French all day dining city centre 

brasserie created by culinary legends Pierre Koffmann and 

Marco Pierre White. The menu is homage to their 36 yearold 

friendship; a culinary combination of the chefs’ personal 

favourites, careers and homelands. Set within Bath's historic 

Abbey Hotel, the restaurant boasts an idyllic and classic setting. 

› mpwrestaurants.co.uk → 

Bristol Airport’s cafes, bars and restaurants 

stay open until the final flight of the day, 

so you can fuel up before you take off, with 

anything from a tasty snack to a sit down meal. 

Our pick is Cabin Bar - premium bar with rooftop 

te race. The Cabin, o fers fine wine, craft beers 

and loca ly sourced food in a relaxing environment 

– and includes a stylish outdoor te race with 

retractable roof. 

If its award-winning you’re looking for then you’re 

in for a treat. There are numerous celebrity chefs 

along the route and top-notch country pubs such as 

The Red Lion Freehouse. Listed are some of the best 

restaurants. 

RED LION FREEHOUSE (E5) 

East Chisenbury, Pewsey SN9 6AQ, 

01980 671124 • redlionfreehouse.com 

Thatched country pub with food so good it holds a 

Michelin star. There’s pub grub such as ham, egg and 

chips as we l as the more refined main menu which 

changes daily and focuses on what’s in season. 

THE DINING ROOM, WHATLEY MANOR 

HOTEL & SPA (C3) 

Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB, 

01666 822888 • whatleymanor.com 

A Michelin-sta red tasting menu from the kitchen of 

executive chef Nia l Keating is served in this friendly 

but formal dining room. There’s often charcuterie 

from the manor to start, fo lowed by a creative lineup 

of modern British dishes. 

KOFFMANN & MR WHITE’S ENGLISH AND 

FRENCH BRASSERIE (B4) 

mpwrestaurants.co.uk 

THE MARCO PIERRE WHITE RESTAURANT 

AT THE CASTLE HOTEL (K3) 

castlehotelwindsor.com 

THE MONKEY ISLAND BRASSERIE AT THE 

MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE (J3) 

monkeyislandestate.co.uk 

THE MOONRAKER HOTEL (C4) 

moonrakerhotel.com 

THE DOWER HOUSE RESTAURANT, THE 

ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA (B4) 

16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS, 

01225 823333, royalcrescent.co.uk 

This formal but friendly restaurant serves both 

tasting menus (one is vegetarian) and á la carte 

dishes, with a focus on seasonal British cuisine. 

The dining room overlooks the hotel’s gardens, 

where you can dine al fresco in summer. 

You’ l find many of the restaurants along the 

Great West Way are dining rooms within our 

Ambassador hotels, many of which source their 

ingredients from sma local producers. You’ll also 

find several celebrity chefs including Rick Stein, 

Pierre Ko fmann and Marco Pie re White. There’s 

also plenty of di ferent cuisines to tempt you. 

BEAU’S BAR AND RESTAURANT AT 

DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL & 

COUNTRY CLUB (G4) 

donnington-grove.com 

THE BRASSERIE AT SIR CHRISTOPHER 

WREN HOTEL (K3) 

sirchristopherwren.co.uk 

CEDAR AT THE LANGLEY (K3) 

thelangley.com 

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN (B4) 

claytonskitchen.com 

CLOISTERS RESTAURANT, 

BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL (C4) 

handpickedhotels.co.uk 

DAN MOON AT THE GAINSBOROUGH 

RESTAURANT (B4) 

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk 

THE DISPENSARY, NO 15 GREAT 

PULTENEY (B4) 

no15greatpulteney.co.uk 

GUYERS HOUSE HOTEL 

& RESTAURANT (C4) 

guyershouse.com 

THE HARROW AT LITTLE BEDWYN (F4) 

theharrowatlittlebedwyn.com 

HEYWORTH RESTAURANT, HENLEY 

GREENLAND’S HOTEL (H3) 

hospitalityuor.co.uk 

Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Sat & Sun 

Swindon Farmers’ Market Swindon Designer 

Outlet, every Sun 

Thames Va ley Farmers’ Market Ascot, 3rd Sun 

of month; Newbury, 1st Sun of month; Reading 1st 

& 3rd Sat of month; Windsor, 1st Sat of month 

Trowbridge Weaver’s Market 2nd Saturday of 

the month (not winter) 

Wiltshire Farmers’ Market Devizes, 1st Sat of 

month; Royal Wootton Bassett 4th Sat of month; 

Salisbury 1st & 3rd Wed of month 

SAVOURING BATH (B4) 

savouringbath.com 

THAMES LIDO (H4) 

thameslido.com 

THAMES RIVERCRUISE (H4) 

thamesrivercruise.co.uk 

VAUGHAN’S KITCHEN (D4) 

vaughanskitchen.co.uk 

WILTON WINDMILL (F4) 

wiltonwindmi l.co.uk 

Join one of the Great West Way’s best food 

experiences to rea ly ge to grips with the local 

cuisine. There are plenty of places to try homegrown 

tipples. Beer, wine and gin are a l made along the 

Great West Way. You can take a brewery, vineyard or 

disti lery tour, try a hands-on foodie experience like a 

cookery school, or take a city food tour. 

AROUND AND ABOUT BATH (B4) 

aroundandaboutbath.com 

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY (G5) 

disti lery.bombaysapphire.com 

BRISTOL PACKET BOAT TRIPS (A4) 

bristolpacket.co.uk 

FRENCH BROTHERS (K3) 

frenchbrothers.co.uk 

HOBBS OF HENLEY (H3) 

hobbsofhenley.com 

LIDO BRISTOL (A4) 

lidobristol.com 

The Great West Way runs through some of 

England’s most fertile agricultura land, so it’s no 

surprise that you’ l find regular farmers’ markets 

along the route. Check ou these markets for fresh 

local food and drink, direct from the producers. 

Bath Farmers’ Market Green Park Station, 

every Sat 

Bristol Farmers’ Market St Nicholas Market, 

every Wed 

Bristol Street Food Market St Nicholas Market, 

every Tue & Fri 

Corsham Farmers’ Market 3rd Sat of month 

Harbourside Street Food Market Broad Quay, 

Bristol, every Wed & Thur 

Henley Farmers’ Market 2nd Sat, 4th Thur & 

5th Sun of month 

Maidenhead Farmers’ Market 2nd Sun of month 

Malmesbury Artisan and Farmers’ Market 

every Fri 

Newbury Farmers’ Market 1st Sun of month 

One-day event featuring food sta ls from local artisan 

producers, cookery demonstrations by professional 

chefs and a children’s activity area. 

BRISTOL FOOD CONNECTIONS (A4) 

Bristol, June • bristolfoodconnections.com 

A citywide line-up of events over almos two weeks, 

including talks on food and health, lunchtime boat 

trips and cooking demonstrations. 

THE COFFEE HOUSE PROJECT (A4) 

The Passenger Shed, Bristol, September 

thecoffeehouseproject.co.uk 

Bristol’s first co fee festival celebrates local, artisan 

roasters and independent food and drink retailers over 

two days. 

DEVIZES BEER FESTIVAL (D4) 

The Wharf, Devizes, July • camra.org.uk 

Long-running one-day beer festival with more than 

100 real ales and ciders served up canalside. Live 

music too. 

theme. 

PUB IN THE PARK (BATH B4 / MARLOW J3) 

Marlow, May and Royal Victoria Park, Bath, 

June • pubintheparkuk.com 

Celebrity chef Tom Ke ridge combines tastings, 

chef demonstrations, masterclasses and music 

from top live acts in his ‘ultimate pub garden’ over 

three lively days. 

THE SURREY FOOD FESTIVAL (L3) 

Old Deer Park, Richmond, April 

surreyfoodfestival.com 

A weekend o foodie fun, with talks, tastings and 

demos in the marquee and an extensive line-up 

o food and drink sta ls, plus live music and a kids’ 

zone. 

TASTE OF CORSHAM (C4) 

Corsham, June • corsham.gov.uk 

Fu l-day celebration of Corsham’s local food 

producers, with food and drink sta ls lining the 

High Street, live music and a silent disco. 

TASTE HERE. 

GreatWestWay.co.uk/food-and-drink 

FOOD & 

DRINK 

Great places to savour along the 


The Great West Way roams between London and 

Bristol, passing through some of England’s most 

idyllic countryside and weaving a pathway from 

ancient market town to quaint village, thatched pub 

to beamed tearoom. 

This slice of quintessential England is home to some of the country’s best 

agricultura land, and with that comes exce lent local produce, from fresh 

fruits and vegetables to fine wines. Farms rear animals and nurture crops, 

breweries experiment with craft beers, and kitchen gardens cultivate seasonal 

veggies. While pubs and restaurants selec the best of it all for their menus, 

and family-run tea rooms whip up fresh cakes daily. 

A l of this adds up to one very tasty journey along the Great West Way. From 

farm shops, international cuisine, Michelin starred restaurants, tours, tastings, 

cookery schools and more take a look at our pick of the best places to visit. 

START HERE. 

DEVIZES FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL (D4) 

Devizes, September-October 

devizesfoodanddrinkfestival.info 

Week-long celebration of local food and drink 

products, including a food market in the Market 

Place and visits to producers including a goat farm 

and vineyard. 

EAT! FOOD FESTIVAL HENLEY (H3) 

Henley on Thames, June • eatfoodfest.co.uk 

With so many great places to 

savour along the Great West 

Way, from thatched pubs to 

beamed tearooms in ancient 

market towns to quaint villages, 

you might find you first need 

one of our food maps 

GreatWestWay.co.uk/ 

explore/maps 

THE NEWBURY 

137 BARTHOLOMEW ST, NEWBURY RG14 

5HB, 01635 49000 • thenewburypub.co.uk 

The Newbury offers an exciting British à la carte 

menu and fantastic atmosphere. It is also the 

home of 137 Gin, where multi-award winning 

Lumber’s Bartholomew Gin is disti led. 

Landlord Pete’s vision is at the heart of The 

Newbury and 137, from the distinctive branding 

to the stunning décor. 

BEER & BREWERIES 

Beer has been brewed in England for thousands 

of years – a fermented mixture of water, hops, 

malt and yeast. Although beer itself wasn’t 

invented here, the English have developed their 

own unique style which is quite unlike what 

you’ l find in other countries. 

This is called ‘real ale’, a name first coined in the 

1970s by CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) 

to describe traditional draught cask beers that 

contain live yeast. Real ale is a living product, 

the yeast continuing to ferment until the beer is 

served – generally from a traditional hand-pu l 

pump mounted on the bar. This gives real ale 

bags o flavour and a natural light carbonation 

that is very di ferent from the more ubiquitous 

lagers and highly carbonated beers produced by 

the large international brewers. 

You’ll find real ale in almost a l pubs along 

the Great West Way. It comes in numerous 

varieties including IPA (India Pale Ale), bi ter, 

mild, stout, porter and golden. Flavours can 

vary significantly within varieties, so don’t be 

afraid to request a taste first – and always ask 

for what’s local. 

These are some of the best places to drink real 

BREWERIES 

THE BATH BREW HOUSE (B4) 

thebathbrewhouse.com 

WADWORTH BREWERY (D4) 

Northgate Brewery, Devizes SN10 1JW, 

01380 723361 • wadworth.co.uk 

Stately red-brick brewery in Devizes town centre, 

producing a range of real ales including the widely 

distributed 6X. Ca l in to the Harness Room Bar 

for a taste and don’t leave without checking out 

the Brewseum. 

WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY (G3) 

The Old Dairy, Frilsham Farm, Yattendon RG18 

0XT, 01635 767090 • wbbrew.com 

A menu of homemade pizzas, burgers and salads 

soak up the beers in the Taproom of this modern 

brewhouse. You’ll have views into the brewery on 

one side and out over the Berkshire countryside 

on the other. 

BARS AND PUBS SERVING 

REAL ALES 

HELEN BROWNING’S ROYAL OAK (E3) 

helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk/royal-oak/ 

THE NEWBURY (G4) 

thenewburypub.co.uk 

THE PRINCE STREET SOCIAL (B4) 

princestreetsocial.com 

QUEENS ARMS, EAST GARSTON (F4) 

queensarmseastgarston.co.uk 

THE ROYAL OAK YATTENDON (G3) 

royaloakyattendon.co.uk 

THE ROYAL WINDSOR PUB (K3) 

theroyalwindsor.co.uk 

THE SWAN BRADFORD ON AVON (C4) 

theswanbradford.co.uk 

THREE TUNS FREEHOUSE (F4) 

tunsfreehouse.com 

WADWORTH EAT, 

DRINK AND STAY 

ON THE GREAT 

WEST WAY 

BEAR, DEVIZES (D4) 

thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk 

BIRD IN HAND, KNOWL HILL (J3) 

birdinhand.co.uk 

BLACK SWAN, DEVIZES (D4) 

blackswandevizes.co.uk 

CROWN, TOLLDOWN (B3) 

thecrowntolldown.co.uk 

GEORGE INN, NORTON ST PHILIP (C5) 

georgeinnnsp.co.uk 

BRISTOL 

visitbristol.co.uk/beer 

Bristol is one of the UK’s leading craft beer 

destinations and is brimming with brilliant 

breweries – there are more than 20 in the 

city and surrounding countryside. Quench 

your thirst in tap rooms, fantastic beer 

shops and traditional pubs, or fo low the 

lead of the local tour guides at Bristol 

Brewery Tours or Bristol Hoppers. 

MOOR BEER 

BRISTOL BEER FACTORY 

ENGLISH WINE 

The chalk soils and temperate climate of the south 

are pre ty perfect for crisp, white, bubbly varieties, 

and English wines are winning international awards. 

Take a vineyard tour with one of the wine producers 

on the Great West Way. 

FARM SHOPS 

One of the greatest pleasures of a drive 

through the English countryside is stopping 

at a farm shop café for a cup of tea and some 

tasty local produce. You’ l happen upon them 

as you travel along the Great West Way. 


HUNGERFORD (F4) 

Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerford RG17 0SP, 

01488 686770 • cobbsfarmshops.co.uk 

This exce lent farm shop se ls produce from 

the su rounding farm. Expect asparagus and 

rhubarb in spring and soft fruits in summer, 

while autumn means squash and pumpkin. 

The café uses the same produce where possible 

and serves breakfasts and lunches including 

Wiltshire cured ham and homemade quiche. 

Down the road in Englefield, Reading you will 

find another Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen with 

a whole host of local produce. 

BUTTLE FARM (D4) 

buttlefarm.co.uk 

CHOLDERTON CHARLIE’S FARM SHOP 

Choldertoncharliesfarm.com/farm-shop 

COBBS FAR 

ENGLEFIELD 

cobbsfarmsho 

ROVES FARM 

Rovesfarm.co. 

A’BECKETT’S V 

01380 816669 • 

ALDER RIDGE V 

01488 686770 • 

ALDWICK ESTAT 

01934 864404 • 

THE LANGLEY (K3) 


Experience an authentic Afternoon Tea in the 

classic decor of the Drawing Room. Appointed 

with historic features, original artwork and 

contemporary furnishings, this is the perfect 

spo to view our landscaped gardens and lake 

while enjoying our contemporary afternoon tea. 

AFTERNOON TEA 

BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT (D4) 

Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9PQ 01249 822228 

bowood.org/bowood-hotel-resort 

Finger sandwiches, scones and colourful cakes 

served in the Shelburne Restaurant, Bar and 

Library. Fire in winter. 

CRICKLADE HOUSE HOTEL (E2) 

crickladehotel.co.uk 

THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS (C4) 

thebridgetearooms.co.uk 

NO 15 GREAT PULTENEY (B4) 


restaurants and tea-rooms have received the 

Food for Life Served Here Award? The award 

recognises tha they serve fresh, local food that 

is ethica ly and sustainable produced. There 

are seven National Trust places you can find on 

the Great West Way and eight more which are 

within easy reach of it, so if you’re looking for an 

afternoon tea, a picnic or a food hamper to take 

back there should be something to tempt your 

tastebuds. 

AVEBURY, MARLBOROUGH (E4) 

The New Circles Restaurant 

Avebury Manor Tearoom 

Coach House Café 

Refuel in the café whilst on a visi to Aerospace 

Bristol. This light and airy café serves a delicious 

range of light meals, snacks and drinks. Produce is 

loca ly sourced where possible. 

THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS (C4) 

thebridgetearooms.co.uk 

GARDEN CAFÉ AT THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM (C4) 

holburne.org 

HONEYSTREET BOATS AND CAFÉ (E4) 

honeystreetmi lcafe.co.uk 

SPRING’S CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT (B4) 

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, BA1 1SJ 

01225 331234 • thermaebathspa.com 

MARVELLOUS FOOD MARKETS 

The Great West Way runs through some of 

England’s most fertile agricultura land, so it’s no 

surprise that you’ll find regular farmers’ markets 

along the route. Check ou these markets for fresh 

local food and drink, direct from the producers. 

Bath Farmers’ Market Green Park Station, 

every Sat 

Bristol Farmers’ Market St Nicholas Market, 

every Wed 

Bristol Street Food Market St Nicholas Market, 

every Tue & Fri 

Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Sat & Sun 

Swindon Farmers’ Market Swindon Designer 

Outlet, every Sun 

Thames Va ley Farmers’ Market Ascot, 3rd Sun 

of month; Newbury, 1st Sun of month; Reading 1st 

& 3rd Sat of month; Windsor, 1st Sat of month 

Trowbridge Weaver’s Market 2nd Saturday of 

the month (not winter) 

Wiltshire Farmers’ Market Devizes, 1st Sat of 

month; Royal Woo ton Basse t 4th Sat of month; 

73 

DINING RESTAURANTS 

You’ll find many of the restaurants along the 

Great West Way are dining rooms within our 

Ambassador hotels, many of which source their 

ingredients from sma local producers. You’ l also 

find several celebrity chefs including Rick Stein, 

Pie re Ko fmann and Marco Pie re White. There’s 

also plenty of di ferent cuisines to tempt you. 

while away an afternoon. 

romanbaths.co.uk/pump-room-restaurant 

An elegant space at the Roman Baths where a 

range of teas is served, from the smaller cream tea 

The Tea Shed 

THE TUTTI POLE (F4) 

thetuttipole.co.uk 

Henley Farmers’ Market 2nd Sat, 4th Thur & 

5th Sun of month 

THE BRASSERIE AT SIR CHRISTOPHER 

WREN HOTEL (K3) 

mpwrestaurants.co.uk 

There is always tea, of course. Usua ly this is served 

to the fu l tiered stand of treats. 

TYNTESFIELD, BRISTOL (A4) 

Cow Barn Restaurant 

WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM (C3) 

sirchristopherwren.co.uk 

THE MARCO PIERRE WHIT 

AT THE CASTLE HOTEL (K3 

by the pot and made from tea leaves, poured 

through a strainer into a bone china cup. A tiered 

cake stand is the mos traditional way to serve the 

accompanying food: sandwiches, scones served with 

THE ROSEATE (H4) 

roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate 

Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS 

0300 067 4890 • Forestryengland.uk/Westonbirt 

The Westonbirt Restaurant o fers tasty, freshly 

Maidenhead Farmers’ Market 2nd Sun of month 

Malmesbury Artisan and Farmers’ Market 

every Fri 

CEDAR AT THE LANGLEY (K3) 


THE MONKEY ISLAND BRA 

MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE (J 

and made the gap between 

01225 823333 • royalcrescent. 

Take a se 

CAN 

Royal Co lection Trust is in 

FOOD & DRINK TOURS & 

Join one of t 

thegainsboroug 

01666 822344 • oldb

FEELING THIRSTY? OKTOBERFEST 

SWINDON IN OCTOBER AND BRISTOL 

CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER 

ARE BOTH GREAT FUN. 

PUBS, BREWERIES AND DISTILLERY TOURS 

Village pubs along the route are a great place to head for 

tasting British food traditions passed down generations, such 

as Sunday roasts and Friday fish and chips, or simply bread, 

cheese and pickles, known as the ‘ploughman’s lunch’. 

Gastropubs offer newer cuisines and often their 

restaurants are recognised with a Michelin star or two. And 

there are also plenty of homegrown tipples to try too. Beer, 

wine and gin are all made along the Great West Way. Take a 

brewery, vineyard or distillery tour or just pull up a stool at 

the village pub and see what’s on tap. 

The Three Tuns Freehouse, Great Bedwyn is Sawdays 

“Most Authentic Pub” 2018/19. The Michelin starred 

Red Lion Freehouse, Pewsey offers private dining with a 

window into the kitchen to watch the team prep. Pigs, 

pies, pints and pillows is supplied by Helen Browning's 

Royal Oak, Bishopstone, set in the middle of an organic 

farm. Take lunch on a Friday and sample the fish menu at 

award-winning The Queen’s Arms, East Garston. The Swan, 

Bradford on Avon offers both Pub Classics or its Thai Chilli 

Restaurant. The Crown & Anchor, set at the foot of the 

North Wessex Downs has recently reopened following a 

three year refurbishment. Serving Royals and residents alike, 

be sure to pop into the Royal Windsor pub with spectacular 

views of Windsor Castle, specialising in handmade liquor 

and premium craft beers, including a house-brewed Royal 

Windsor Pint. You could plan your visit with a stay at The 

Royal Oak, Yattendon, a country inn with traditional British 

food, to coincide with a drinks festival, and taste their very 

own gin distilled on the premises in ‘Harry’ their still. 

There's also a'Beckett's Vineyard making english sparkling 

and still wines along with cider and apple juice from 

their vineyard near Devizes in Wiltshire. Or try The West 

Berkshire Brewery at Yattendon and Wadworth Brewery at 

Devizes, offering tours and tasting of their award-winning 

ales. You might also enjoy Wadworth's 'Eat, Drink, Stay' trail 

from their Brewery in Devizes, to their four pubs along the 

route - The Bear and The Black Swan in Devizes, The Crown 

in Tolldown, and The George Inn in Bath. 

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Whitchurch is at the 

forefront of the English gin resurgence while the Newbury 

pub is host to Newbury’s first ever gin distillery thanks to 

a working micro distillery and private dining room open all 

year for tastings. → 

74 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

Red Lion 

Freehouse; 

The West 

Berkshire 

Brewery at 

Yattendon; 

Crown & 

Anchor, Ham, 

Wiltshire; The 

Royal Oak, 

Yattendon

GIN MAKING 

Explore the magic of gin-making. We are reinstalling 

an appreciation for gin-making through a fun, 

hands-on experience. Enjoy tasting, distilling, and 

creating your very own bespoke gin blend. 

The Newbury is an imposing grade II listed gastro 

pub in the centre of Newbury. It is a multi-award 

winning venue which prides itself on its exciting 

British a la carte menu, a great selection of ales, 

extensive wine list & fabulous service.

UNEXPECTED READING

CAFÉS, LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEAS 

While travelling the Great West Way you are never too far away from 

a café or farm shop for lunches, afternoon tea or a drink at the end of 

the day. Drive through the North Wessex Downs AONB to Cobbs Farm 

Shop for lunch and enjoy a glass of wine from their vineyard, Alder Ridge, 

Hungerford. 

For those heading to Bath, stop off at the Bridge Tea Rooms in 

Bradford on Avon. Double winner of the UK Tea Guild's 'Top Tea Place', 

and one of the UK's finest spots for afternoon tea with a list of regal 

afternoon teas including the Queen Victoria. A Hansel and Gretel-style 

exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms, filled with homely 

trinkets, hefty wooden beams and the soft chink of fine bone china. 

Clayton’s Kitchen in Bath serves seasonal British fine dining in a 

traditionally appointed 4-storey Georgian townhouse. 

In Bristol visit Prince Street Social, a welcoming modern-style 

British Brasserie located in the centre, or stop for lunch alongside the 

picturesque harbourside at Spoke & Stringer for a delicious home-made 

Shakshuka, or at Stokes Croft Restaurant for a quirky Pieminister Pie; 

everyone from Kate Moss to the Queen has tried one. The Tutti Pole, 

Hungerford is a tea shop and family restaurant and was originally the 

place where ‘Tutti Poles’ were made for an historic local ceremony, still 

continued today. 

At Whatley Manor, Nr Malmesbury traditional afternoon tea is served 

with a glass of Champagne Deutz. Other places for indulgent afternoon 

teas include The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and The Abbey Hotel, 

Bath, The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury, Monkey Island Estate, Bray or 

The Langley, Near Windsor. Or why not take tea by the Kennet & Avon 

Canal, there’s plenty of choice including the Aldermaston Tea Room, Canal 

Trust Café, Honeystreet Mill Café, The Engineman’s Rest Café, The Tea 

Shop by the Canal and the Wharf Tea Rooms. 

Or for a unique culinary experience in Devizes, book yourself a place on 

one of Vaughan's Kitchen Cookery School Masterclasses. 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

Afternoon Tea 

at Whatley 

Manor Hotel 

& Spa; Bridge 

Tea Rooms in 

Bradford on 

Avon; Cobbs 

Farm shop 

& Kitchen, 

Hungerford; 

hot chocolates 

being served 

at Wharf 

Tea Rooms, 

Devizes 


77

WHERE 

TO STAY 

The Great West Way offers plenty of 

choice when it comes to places to stay 

WHETHER YOU PREFER the excitement of 

a buzzing city or a more rural countryside 

retreat, from a stylish boutique hotel, to 

a cool gastro pub – there’s always a great 

place to stay along the Great West Way. From 5-star 

city hotels, country house hotels, to boutique bed and 

breakfasts, to camping and glamping retreats, we hope 

you will find what is right for you. 

IN THE CITY 

Starting your Great West Way journey from London? 

You might enjoy a stay at Roseate House London just a 

short walk from Hyde Park. 

Roseate Hotels has two further luxury boutique 

hotels along the Great West Way; The Roseate Reading, 

described by the Evening Standard as ‘UK’s Sexiest 

Townhouse Hotel’; and located in the centre of Bath 

The Roseate Villa Bath. Stopping at Reading? The Bird 

In Hand Hotel, at Knowl Hill, recently acquired by 

Wiltshire brewer Wadworth, is a delightful 14th Century 

Inn with a history that spans 600 years. 

In Bath you are spoiled for choice of luxury hotels, but 

it could be claimed, none quite as grand and spectacular 

as The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Built between 1767 

and 1775 this is a fine example of Georgian architecture, 

located in the most famous crescent in the world. 

Effortlessly combining AA Five Red Star service, an 

award-winning Spa and beautiful gardens. 

In the heart of Bath, Abbey Hotel Bath is an 

experiential art-driven hotel, for people seeking true 

Bathonian encounters - inspired by the city’s most 

celebrated icons - it blends the new with the old, 

the refined with the comfortable and the local with 

the worldly. Guests are immersed in rich history, 

architectural beauty, regional artistry and craftsmanship. 

Built in 1739, the building composed part of John Wood’s 

vision for Bath - essentially the playground for the 

pleasure-loving visitors of the Georgian haute monde. 

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed 

buildings, centred around the natural thermal, mineralrich 

waters. Dukes Hotel, occupies two magnificent 

Georgian Townhouses on Great Pulteney Street, or try the 

Apex Hotel, Bath’s largest hotel, close to Thermae Bath 

Spa. Bailbrook House Hotel is a Grade II listed hotel, 

also in the city, set in 20 acres - here you can enjoy the 

historic Cloisters restaurant or contemporary dining in 

The Conservatory. 

Desire your own holiday home? The Apartment 

Bath is an award-winning two-bedroom luxury property 

in a fantastic central location, or try Bath Apartment 

Breaks. For a selection of independently owned holiday 

properties search online with the help of Stay in Bath, 

Tucking Mill Holidays in Bath and Bath Area Self 

Catering. For an elegant and vivacious new boutique 

townhouse hotel located on the grandest street in Bath 

head to No. 15 Great Pulteney. 


Accommodation in Bristol is as colourful and varied as the 

city itself. From a city centre hostel attached to a vintage 

bowling alley to a luxurious lodge in the grounds of a 

zoo, you’ll find somewhere special to suit you. The city’s 

distinct neighbourhoods each offer different experiences, 

so it depends what type of trip you’re hoping for… 

For something unconventional, check into one of 

Brooks Guesthouse’s rooftop airstreams for a spot of 

urban glamping in the Old City. Right next to St Nicholas’ 

Market, you’ll be in prime position for perusing local 

craft stalls and tucking into the delicious street food it’s 

renowned for, from sausage baps to falafel wraps. 

If it’s dining, drinking and nightlife you’re after, check 

out Rock & Bowl Motel right in the city centre, The 

Bristol Wing, a boutique hostel in the Grade II listed old 

Police Headquarters, or The Full Moon - a backpacker 

hostel adjoining the lively Attic Bar in arty, alternative 

Stokes Croft. 

If you would prefer somewhere more serene, 

close to University of Bristol Botanic Garden, opt for 

somewhere in Clifton. Although it has a village feel, 

independent shops, cosmopolitan restaurants and the 

iconic Suspension Bridge are all within walking distance. 

Number Thirty Eight, a boutique hotel in a refurbished 

Georgian merchant’s house, is in prime position. Relax 

in a room with a roll top bath or soak up panoramic park 

views. Alternatively, go for a really wild stay at Bristol 

Zoo Gardens. The Lodge is a super stylish apartment 

with safari-themed rooms and a private terrace looking 

onto the zoo’s glorious gardens. 

And if you’re just in Bristol for a flying visit - where 

could be more convenient than Hampton By Hilton 

Bristol Airport? 

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE 

Sitting proudly next to the 12th Century Abbey in the 

centre of the historic, vibrant and charming Wiltshire 

market town of Malmesbury, England’s oldest hotel The 

Old Bell Hotel has recently been restored to the height of 

elegance, glamour and English charm. Beechfield House 

also in Wiltshire, is a stunning 4 AA red star, 2 AA rosette, 

relaxed country house hotel offering a truly opulent 

place to stay. Or try The Manor House, a 14th Century 

luxury hotel and golf club in Castle Combe, part of the 

Exclusive Collection along with Pennyhill Park, surrey and 

Royal Berkshire, on the outskirts of Ascot. Or for a lovely, 

secluded and unique cottage on a working farm head to 

Cliffe Farm Dairy with beautiful views of the steep chalk 

escarpment leading up to Salisbury Plain. 

Another gorgeous countryside retreat is the five-star 

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, in the Southern Cotswolds 

set in 12 acres of gardens. If you are travelling with 

children Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon → 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

The Roseate 

Reading; Brooks 

Guesthouse, 

Bristol, rooftop 

airstreams; 

Whatley Manor 

Hotel & Spa, 

Cotswolds; 

Beechfield 

House; The 

Abbey Hotel 

79

is a beautiful Jacobean manor house on the edge of the 

Cotswolds offering a very warm welcome to families. 

Or try The Langley, Buckinghamshire - the former country 

estate of the third Duke of Marlborough has a wonderful spa, 

exceptional dining and Capability Brown designed gardens. 

Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant, Corsham is a traditional 

country house with an award-winning restaurant. 

If you’re looking to stay somewhere quieter, away from the 

hustle and bustle, with farm-fresh produce on the table, and a 

‘home from home’ feel, then a cosy countryside B&B or selfcatering 

cottage make a great option. 

The Coachmans Self-Catering Holiday Cottage is an 

idyllic retreat in the heart of Steeple Ashton - a delightful 

quintessential village, with award-winning village shop, 

magnificent church, and beautiful historic architecture 

spanning 700 years, set amidst beautiful Wiltshire 

countryside. For an opulent and elegant stay close to the 

North Wessex Downs, Heritage Luxury B&B is perfectly 

placed on the Great West Way in Calne. 

Kingsbury @ No 8 is a boutique-hotel style B&B close 

to the centre of Marlborough’s historic high street. Stay 

here and dine at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Lloran House 

and enjoy a menu that features some of Rick’s most iconic 

seafood dishes like Indonesian seafood curry, Dover sole a la 

meunière and turbot hollandaise. 

Or you could try The White Horse Inn, Calne, a 

traditional country pub in the Wiltshire countryside with 

two AA Rosette restaurant and Gold award Bed & Breakfast 

accommodation. 

Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Club, Newbury 

is set in 500 acres of countryside and offers countryside 

pursuits such as fishing and clay pigeon shooting, while just 

a short drive away, in the picturesque farming village of 

Hampstead Norreys, are Manor Farm Courtyard Holiday 

Cottages luxuriously-appointed self-catering cottages. 

Church Farm Country Cottages offer self-catering 

cottages on a working sheep farm between Bath and 

Bradford on Avon with an indoor heated pool. 

Cumberwell Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon, have 

converted an old Tythe Barn into luxurious self-catering 

cottages. Or try Beanhill Farm B&B, Chippenham - located 

on a farm with prize-winning cattle and sheep. Lorne 

House, near Corsham, the childhood home of Thomas the 

Tank Engine author, Reverend W.V. Awdry, is today a large 

Victorian villa with elegant charm. Stay as a B&B guest, or 

hire the entire house. 

You might enjoy having your own private Manor House 

wing? Try Sheephouse Manor Cottages, situated between 

Maidenhead and Cookham. → 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

The Langley; 

Guyers House 

Hotel & 

Restaurant; 

Lorne House 

B&B 

80

Experience Wiltshire at its Best! 

Adult-only Glamping in a glorious part of rural England 

Totteridge Farm Camping Pods 

Pewsey +44 (0)7917 573407 Wiltshire 

www.totteridge-farm.website 

- BOUTIQUE BED & BREAKFAST - 

- WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY - 

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Rooms were excellent. Breakfast excellent. Hosts 

were spot on. Showers awesome. The homemade 

gold marmalade 5 star. What else can I say!” 

Judith, New Zealand 

“Lovely location, lovely guest house, lovely people” 

Sean, UK 

“Everything relating to Lorne House I can mark 

11/10! Staff, facilities, cleanliness, food, local 

information given on request...quite honestly, 

everything! I do, can and will recommend Lorne 

House to everybody that wants to know.” 

Holly, UK 

“Loved everything! Clean, comfy and quiet. Room 

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villa in the lovely Wiltshire 07779 650729

Avalon Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Devizes has countryside 

views and south facing balconies, free ranging hens and 

ducks and two rescue donkeys. 

There are also many pubs offering B&B in great locations, 

such as Troutbeck Guesthouse, East Chisenbury for boutique 

accommodation by the River Avon and the nearby Red Lion 

for food. The Royal Oak, Yattendon is a traditional English 

country pub with Michelin rated food, luxurious bedrooms, 

award-winning real ales, log fires and a walled garden. 

The Queens Arms, East Garston, is an award-winning pub, 

restaurant and hotel with large bar and log fire, dining room 

and covered terrace and garden. 

Or try Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, Bishopstone, a dining 

pub with rooms in the middle of an organic farm on the edge 

of the Wiltshire Downs. 

CAMPING & GLAMPING 

For those who really want to get in touch with their 

surroundings The Camping and Caravanning Club with sites 

in Salisbury, Walton on Thames, Cheddar Mendip Heights, 

Devizes and Chertsey is a great option - as is The Chilterns 

View, Wallingford's Luxury lodge accommodation in the 

village of Ewelme, South Oxfordshire, overlooking the 

beautiful Chilterns Hills. Mill Farm takes luxury camping to a 

whole new level with their high end luxury accommodation, 

set on their organic farm in the heart of the glorious 

Wiltshire countryside. 

Or head to The Farm Camp, an off grid, eco-friendly, 

luxury campsite near Bath offering plenty of activities. 

Totteridge Farm in the heart of the Vale of Pewsey, is an 

adult-only campsite with five glamping pods and spectacular 

views from the hills on either side of the Vale. Buttle Farm, 

Compton Bassett, has stunning barn conversions on a rare 

breed pig farm and runs charcuterie experiences. While 

Shillingridge offer Luxury Glamping Safari Lodges, nestled in 

the Chiltern Hills by the stunning riverside town of Marlow 

on Thames in Buckinghamshire. → 

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

Avalon 

Lodge Bed & 

Breakfast; Mill 

Farm; Helen 

Browning’s 

Royal Oak 

83

Pictured 

top-left then 

clockwise: 

Canal boats 

on the river; 

Henley 

Greenlands 

Hotel; 

Honeystreet 

Boats 

ON OR BY THE WATER 

On the River Thames, Henley Greenlands Hotel, once home 

to the WH Smith family, is set within the 30 acre Henley 

Business School estate in the Oxfordshire countryside, while 

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is a 4-star comprising 

several characterful buildings clustered around a historic 

cobbled street by Eton Bridge and Windsor Castle, with a 

gym, spa treatments, outdoor whirlpool and sauna. 

The stunning hotel is located right on the River Thames, 

within easy walking distance of Windsor’s restaurants, shops 

and attractions including Windsor Castle. The world-famous 

Eton College is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, just over 

Eton Bridge and down the High Street. Also in Windsor, both 

Castle Hotel MGallery and Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa 

offer spectacular views of the Thames and Windsor Castle. 

Thought boats were just for day trips? Well, along the 

Great West Way you can sleep on them too. You’ll never 

forget waking up on the water, peering through portholes at 

passing ducks as you prepare to rise and shine. 

Canal boat hire in England is easy to organise and 

incredibly rewarding, enabling you to fully experience the 

pleasures of the wildlife-rich waterways, including such 

delights as Caen Hill Locks and Bathampton. The Canal and 

River Trust can give you all the information you need about 

how to take to the waters. Along the River Thames and the 

Kennet & Avon Canal you can hire your own boldly painted 

boat and take the journey at your own pace. 

Consider a boating holiday on a self-drive barge or 

motor cruiser, or for a more relaxing break a river cruise on a 

hotel boat. Honeystreet Boats provides friendly canal boat 

holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Sally Narrowboats, in 

the Bradford on Avon Marina, is great to cruise to Bath in a 

westerly direction and Reading in the east. Hobbs of Henley 

has 2 luxury Linnsen motor cruisers to cruise from Henley 

to Oxford or Henley to Reading. While Bruce Boats at Great 

Bedwyn Wharf, Kennet & Avon Canal, offers canal holidays 

for older people and Devizes Marina Village offer selfcatering 

lodges with hot tubs and fantastic views. 

Or for somewhere where there’s quite literally water, 

water everywhere, visit the Cotswold Water Park, just a short 

detour off the route, and enjoy 40 square miles, with more 

than 150 lakes set in beautiful countryside. 

Fun fact: 

People who 

like observing 

England’s canal 

life from the 

sidelines are 

affectionately 

called 

‘gongoozlers’. 

84

Visit 

Chippenham 

Visit and stay in Chippenham as part of your Great West Way® journey of discovery. 

Find out more at GreatWestWay.co.uk 

www.chippenham.gov.uk 

Open all day for 

breakfast, afternoon tea, 

freeze shakes and dinner. 

Bite Me Burger, No 7 Kingsbury Street, Marlborough. 

Tel: 01672 514776 

www.bitemeburger.com

JOIN THE FUN! 

From confetti battles to music festivals, canoe races 

to country shows and big-ticket exhibitions 


Pictured 

left-right: Pub 

in the Park, 

Marlow and 

The Bradford 

on Avon annual 

Duck Race 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

JANUARY / FEBRUARY / MARCH 

Celebration of light, Bristol 

FEBRUARY-MARCH 

This illuminating new annual event will 

celebrate the creative talents of local, 

national and international designers 

and collaborators in a playful outdoor 

gallery of light installations that will 

bring vivid colour to Bristol city centre's 

public spaces at a traditionally quiet and 

dark time of the year. îvisitbristol.co.uk 

Parties, Portraits and Politics 

UNTIL EARLY APRIL 

A new temporary exhibition will give 

visitors a glimpse of what it was like 

to be entertained in Blenheim Palace 

during the 1920s, from the menus and 

wine to the fashion, music, politics 

and art. The 9th Duke of Marlborough 

and his second wife ‘Gladys Deacon’, 

entertained lavishly throughout 

the roaring twenties during their 

glamourous house parties. 

îblenheimpalace.com 

Wonder FEBRUARY 

A new year-round programme 

and festival of children’s book events 

in Bath and beyond that will capture 

imaginations and inspire future 

storytellers. îvisitbath.co.uk 

Bath Comedy Festival 

31 MARCH–19 APRIL 

Bath Comedy Festival presents 

household names in the world of 

comedy and promotes the big names 

of tomorrow. îvisitbath.co.uk 


APRIL / MAY / JUNE 

Devizes to Westminster 

International Canoe Race 

10-13 APRIL 

This is the world’s longest non-stop canoe 

race, which starts in Devizes, following 

the Kennet & Avon Canal and joining 

The Thames, finishing just downstream 

of Westminster Bridge, opposite the 

Houses of Parliament, a total distance of 

125 miles, 77 portages. îdwrace.co.uk 

Howard’s Day at Castle Combe 

Circuit 13 APRIL 

Easter Monday is the traditional start 

to the motor racing season at Castle 

Combe Circuit and is marked by this 

popular race day. 

îcastlecombecircuit.co.uk 

The Bradford on Avon Duck 

Race, 13 APRIL 

At this the famous annual 

Duck Race over a 1000 ducks are 

launched into the river from the Town 

Bridge, where Rowing Club kayakers 

wait at the finish line to retrieve the 

lucky winners of many amazing prizes 

to be won! 

îbradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk 

The Bath Festival 

15-24 MAY 

Having recently celebrated its 70th 

birthday, this 10-day festival celebrates 

music and literature, bringing 

prominent writers, musicians and 

cultural figures to the city. 

îbathfestivals.org.uk 

Pub in the Park Marlow 

15-17 MAY 

Set in the beautiful town of Marlow 

this is a glorious three day feast of 

the best food the country has to offer 

created by some of the world’s best 

chefs, pop-up pubs and great live music. 

îpubintheparkuk.com 

Highclere Country Show 

24-25 MAY 

The estate better known as Downton 

Abbey, Highclere hosts one of 

England’s best country shows, with 

falconry, gundog displays and the 

chance to have a go at clay shooting. 

îhighclerecountryshow.co.uk 

Calne Summer Carnival 

27 JUNE 

The Calne Summer Carnival draws in 

over 5000 visitors to its historic town 

centre, with activities from live music to 

street entertainers, food stalls to local 

crafters, and the marvellous carnival 

procession. îcalne.gov.uk 

The Little Welly Obstacle 

Course & Festival, 

Henley on Thames 6-7 JUNE 

Let your kids Go Wild, Get Muddy and 

enjoy tackling the 3km landscaped 

course with over 30 big obstacles – 

involving water, foam and of course 

plenty of MUD! îthelittlewelly.co.uk 

Royal Ascot 16-20 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! 

îascot.co.uk → 


87

JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 

Henley Royal Regatta 

1-5 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. îhrr.co.uk 

Kew the Music 

8-12 JULY 

Kew Gardens hosts five nights of laidback picnic concerts, 

from big names in every genre of music from pop and 

rock to classical and jazz. Headliners include Craig David, 

Beverley Knight and Jools Holland. îkewthemusic.org 

Bristol Harbour Festival 

17-19 JULY 

Bristol’s largest annual event fills the harbour from the 

SS Great Britain to the city centre with tall ships, music 

stages, dance areas and food markets. Expect water 

displays and circus acts too. îbristolharbourfestival.co.uk 

Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford 

17-19 JULY 

Few events can rival the intensity, drama, and spectacle 

on offer at one of the world's greatest airshows. Over 

300 aircraft typically take part in the flypasts and aerial 

acrobatics. îairtattoo.com 

WOMAD, Malmesbury 

23-26 JULY 

Global fiesta of music, dance, art and food that started in 

Charlton Park, Malmesbury and has since taken the party 

to more than 27 countries worldwide including Australia, 

Chile and Spain. îwomad.co.uk 

Marlborough College Summer School 

12 JULY-18 AUGUST 

Established in 1974, this annual event is one of Europe’s 

largest multi-generational learning experiences; its 

popularity underpinned by the phrase “something for 

everyone”. The College’s historic grounds are conveniently 

located to enjoy Marlborough’s famous High Street and 

host over 500 courses encompassing the creative arts, 

history, science, body and mind, life skills, sport and 

country pursuits..! îsummerschool.co.uk 

Bath Carnival 

11 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. îbathcarnival.co.uk 

Bristol Pride 

11 JULY 

Bristol Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBT+ 

community. A series of events that take place across Bristol 

ranging from theatre, comedy, dance and their award 

winning film festival, Queer Vision. An incredible 40,000 

took part in their 10th-anniversary celebrations last year! 

îbristolpride.co.uk 

Malmesbury Carnival & Festival 

20 JULY-1 SEPTEMBER 

Malmesbury Carnival been going for over 100 years! The 

Carnival is now a whole month of events. It changes every 

year, with events ranging from open gardens to open mic, 

bands to beer festivals, high jinks to history talks, wine 

tasting to wine bluffing and of course the Carnival Parade! 

îmalmesburycarnival.co.uk 


Pictured 

left-right: 

Marlborough 

High Street; 

fun at Devizes 

Festival; and 

celebrations at 

Bristol Pride 

Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park 

7-9 AUGUST 

Held at the spectacular home of the Princess Royal 

and her family, incorporating the British Open, 

Intermediate and Novice Championships, as well 

as the Amateur Championship, The Corinthian Cup. 

îfestivalofbritisheventing.com 

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta 

6-9 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. 

îbristolballoonfiesta.co.uk 

Reading Festival 

28-30 AUGUST 

One of England’s biggest and best-loved music festivals, 

featuring big-name acts from around the world – think 

Kings of Leon and Foo Fighters. îreadingfestival.com 

The Colour Rush and Confetti Battle, Devizes 

5 SEPTEMBER 

Nobody knows why it started but Devizes’ Confetti Battle 

is surely the most fun you can have with torn up bits of 

coloured paper. Get stuck into the battle in the marketplace 

and stay for the fireworks! îdocadevizes.org.uk 

Jane Austen Festival, Bath 

11-20 SEPTEMBER 

2020 marks the 20th anniversary of The Jane Austen 

Festival. Get your top hats, bonnets and lace out for 

this 10-day celebration of all things Austen to include a 

costumed Promenade through the city, and the Regency 

Costumed Masked Ball, with dancing in the Pump Room of 

the Roman Baths. îjaneaustenfestivalbath.co.uk 

Heritage Open Days 


This national event sees normally hidden and closed 

places throw their doors open to the public. Highlights 

along the Great West Way include Reading Synagogue, 

Sevington Victorian School in Wiltshire and the Rolls- 

Royce Heritage Trust in Bristol - with many more besides! 

îheritageopendays.org.uk 

Mini Action Day, Castle Combe Circuit 

12 SEPTEMBER 

Things go pocket-sized for Mini Action Day – the UK’s 

oldest, best and only track-based Mini event. 

Prepare to marvel at the hundreds of both old and new 

examples of this iconic car that make the venue their 

home for the day. 

îminiactionday.co.uk 

Henley Literary Festival 

26 SEPTEMBER – 4 OCTOBER 

Bringing together punters and pundits from far and wide, 

last year’s line-up included Theresa May, Sir Alastair 

Cook, Kate Atkinson and Mary Berry, so expect an equally 

diverse and stellar line up for 2020. 

îhenleyliteraryfestival.co.uk 

Cliveden Literary Festival 


Cliveden House has been at the centre of British political, 

royal and literary life since it was first built, and in the 

1960s became notorious as the setting for the Profumo 

Affair that brought down a government and changed 

Britain forever. Today Cliveden’s annual literary festival 

attracts writers from the world. 

îclivedenliteraryfestival.org → 


89

Only 6 Miles From Bristol 

REME MUSEUM 

PRINCE PHILIP BARRACKS, LYNEHAM, 

CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX 

ENJOY A FASCINATING DAY EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH ARMY’S 

ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (REME) 

▶ the award winning museum has 8 modern, interactive galleries 

▶ displays include huge armoured vehicles, medals, uniforms and weapons 

▶ discover incredible stories; how reme saved volkswagen, why the museum has the brass boots 

from mussolini’s statue and so many more. 

▶ there is a large free car park and the excellent crowns café for refreshments. 

WITH EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS 

WWW.REMEMUSEUM.ORG.UK | ENQUIRIES@REMEMUSEUM.ORG.UK | 01249894869

Pictured: Windsor high street 

at Christmas 

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 

LEGOLAND Fireworks Spectacular 

1-2 NOVEMBER 

Make your visit to Legoland even more magical by timing it 

to coincide with the annual fireworks spectacular, part of the 

theme park’s spooky Halloween season. 

îlegoland.co.uk 

Cary Grant Comes Home Festival 

20-22 NOVEMBER 

Bristol puts on a weekend of events celebrating the life and 

work of one of the city’s most famous sons: the Hollywood 

actor and style icon Cary Grant. 

Cary Comes Home for the Weekend Festival is a 

celebration of Cary Grant’s Bristol roots, with the aim to 

develop new audiences for his films and recreate the much 

loved golden age of cinema-going. 

îcarycomeshome.co.uk 

Hobbs of Henley Christmas Party Nights 

10-19 DECEMBER 

Celebrate the start of the festive season in style by setting 

sail with Hobbs of Henley on a Thames Christmas Party 

Cruise. Guests are handed a welcome drink on arrival, enjoy 

a 3 course meal and spend the rest of the night dancing 

away to their resident DJ. 

îhobbsofhenley.com/christmas-party-nights 

Christmas at Kew 

LATE NOVEMBER-EARLY JANUARY 

A show-stopping trail of festive light installations. More 

than a million teeny glittering lights are installed along the 

route with a fantastic light show grand finale at the iconic 

Temperate House, plus enjoy festive treats such as spiced 

cider and toasted marshmallows. îkew.org 

Windsor On Ice 

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED 

Alexandra Gardens plays host to two ice rinks – one indoor 

and one outdoor. You’ll also find the UK’s biggest dodgem, 

Bungees, Twister, Race-o-Rama, the Waltzer, the Toy ride, 

Mini planes, Helicopters and Santa's Sleigh roller coaster! 

îwindsoronice.com 

Bath Christmas Market 

DECEMBER 

One of the country’s biggest Christmas markets, consisting 

of 180 stalls, set amongst Bath’s Georgian streets, the 

market sells hand-made ceramics, glassware, jewellery and 

local produce and is a must visit for winter. 

îbathchristmasmarket.co.uk 

To discover more events on the 

Great West Way visit GreatWestWay.co.uk 

/see-and-do/festivals-and-events 


91

Luxury for 

the curious 

bathgiftcard.com 

Enjoy your gift card across Bath 

Food & Drink • Health & Beauty 

Museums & Galleries • Hotels & Shops 

The best of Bath in one little card 

An elegant and 

vivacious boutique 

townhouse hotel 

and spa on the very 

grandest street in 

Bath, No.15 Great 

Pulteney is well 

known for its 

curious collections, 

warm hosting and 

unique personality. 

15 Great Pulteney Street, 

Bath BA2 4BR 

01225 807015 


SCHEDULED WEEKLY TOURS INCLUDE: 

‘GUILTY PLEASURES’ 

A naughty but nice 

tour of the city! 

Explore the UNESCO 

World Heritage City of 

Bath using your taste buds 

on artisanal food & drink 

sampling experiences 

4_Doc_Fix_120x96mm_v1.1.indd 1 11/02/2019 16:36 

‘FOOD HEROES’ 

The people & foods who have put 

Bath on the culinary map of the UK 

What our customers say... 

“If you’re a foodie there isn’t a better way 

to spend an afternoon…” 

BOOK ONLINE AT SAVOURINGBATH.COM 

Stay in a Jacobean 

manor on your Great 

West Way journey! 

HOTEL | SPA | RESTAURANT 

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk 

Woolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1TX

Family Days 

at Stonor 

House • Play Park • Park & Gardens 

Stonor Park 

Henley-on-Thames 

RG9 6HF 

www.stonor.com 

THE ONLY MOTOR MUSEUM IN WILTSHIRE! 

EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST WAY ® WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE 

Chauffeur driven tours with a Blue Badge Guide 

■ A small, friendly museum just off the A4 in Calne 

■ 100+ exhibits - many are vehicles from the 1920s onwards 

■ Apr-Oct (Tues-Sun11-5) Nov, Feb-March (Thurs-Sun 11-4) Dec-Jan (Sat-Sun 11-4) 

www.atwellwilson.org.uk 

www.southwestdriverguide.co.uk 

southwestguide@gmail.com

AWARD WINNING SMALL GROUP DAY TOURS FROM BATH 

STONEHENGE * COTSWOLDS * GLASTONBURY 

Tel +44(0)7990 505970 | www.madmaxtours.co.uk 

THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS 

ONE OF THE FINEST SPOTS 

FOR AFTERNOON TEA 

Step back in time to the glorious Victorian era, 

double winner UK’s ‘Top Tea Place’, and one of the 

finest spots for afternoon tea. Based in a former 

blacksmith’s cottage the Hansel & Gretel-style 

exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms. 

A wonderful and atmospheric venue for groups. 

From morning tea or coffee, mini Cream Tea to an 

extended visit for Empire Full Afternoon Teas. 

24a Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1BY 

+44 (0)1225 865537 

www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk 

Honeystreet Mill Café 

THE FRIENDLY CANALSIDE CAFÉ 

Homemade · Freshly Made · Locally Sourced 

Breakfast · Light lunch · Afternoon Tea 

Snacks · Drinks · Wine, Beer and Cider 

OPEN Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm 

Sunday 10am-5pm 

www.honeystreetmillcafe.co.uk 

01672 851155 

Honeystreet Mill, Honeystreet Village, Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire, SN9 5PS 

Self Drive Classic Car Hire 

Based in Wiltshire 

with 

Vintage 

Classics 

Where? Windsor, Henley, Reading, Kennet and Avon Canal, 

River Thames, Chiltern Hills, North Wessex Downs 

How? Waterways trips, town and countryside walking tours, 

coach tours, themed tours 

Who? Graham Horn, GREAT WEST WAY® Ambassador, 

experienced Blue Badge Guide, local knowledge 

Contact me to enhance your GREAT WEST WAY® tour 

• www.tours2order.com 

• graham@tours2order.com 

■ Classic Car Rental 

■ Classic Car Tours 

SEE WILTSHIRE, THE COTSWOLDS & WEST COUNTRY 

WHILST DRIVING AN ICONIC CLASSIC CAR! 

BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF HIRE 

BOOKING LINE: 01225 703377 

View our fine range of classics online: www.vintage-classics.co.uk 

Q 

ueens 

HOTEL • PUB • RESTAURANT • PRIVATE ROOMS • GARDEN 

Perfect place for 

long, lazy weekends! 

Daily Telegraph 

East Garston • Berkshire • RG17 7ET 

Tel: 01488 648 757 

info@queensarmseastgarston.co.uk 

www.queensarmseastgarston.co.uk 

3 miles off J14 of M4 (Hungerford & Lambourn) 

TOUR & EXPLORE 

with Anne Bartlett 

Anne is an experienced 

Cotswold based Blue Badge 

Tourist Guide and Tour 

Director who provides a 

friendly, professional guiding 

service for groups exploring 

the Great West Way. 

Email: anne@tourandexplore.com 

tourandexplore.com 

Ambassador for The Great West Way

0617006 A5 1pp.indd 1 27/06/2017 14:13 

STAY MEET DINE CELEBRATE 

HENLEY GREENLANDS HOTEL 

100 bed hotel afternoon tea 

riverside restaurant fine dining 

weddings meeting & conference rooms 

private jetty 

www.hospitalityuor.co.uk/henley-greenlands-hotel 

Greenlands 

Greenlands 



Oxfordshire 

Oxfordshire 

RG9 

RG9 

3AU 

3AU 

Over 147 years of River and Boating Service 

Over Over Over 147 150 147 years of of River and Boating Service 

Over 147 years of River and Boating Service 

A great family 

day out come 

rain or shine! 

Luxury Passenger Boat Charter 

Luxury Passenger Boat Charter 

Self Self Drive Adventure 

Luxury Passenger Boating Boat Holidays 

Charter 

Luxury Passenger 

Self Drive Adventure 

Boat Charter 

River Trips 

Self Luxury Drive Boating Adventure 

Holidays 

Moorings and Storage 

River Trips 

Edwardian Luxury Chauffeured Boating Holidays Launches 

Edwardian 

Moorings 

Chauffeured 

and StorageLaunches 

Edwardian River Chauffeured TripsLaunches 

For bookings and enquiries please contact Hobbs of Henley 

For bookings For on bookings 01491 and Moorings 572035 and enquiries or boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk 

please 

and 

contact 

Storage 

Hobbs Hobbs of Henley of Henley 

on Edwardian 01491 

on 

572035 

01491 572035 

Chauffeured or 

or boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk 

Launches 

For bookings and enquiries please contact Hobbs of Henley 

on 01491 572035 or boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk 

0617006 A5 0617006 1pp.indd A5 1pp.indd 1 1 27/06/2017 27/06/2017 14:13 14:13 

www.rovesfarm.co.uk 

Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wilts, SN6 7QG 01793 763939

The Tutti Pole Tea Shop 

Hungerford 

DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE 

Explore the Living Museum of the Great Western Railway 

Breakfasts, Morning Coffee, 

Sunday Roasts, Luncheons, Snacks 

Cream Teas & Afternoon teas. 

RG170DN Tel: 01488 682515 

Traditional Family Run Tea Shop 

A Delicious Stop Along the Great West Way 

GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK 

VISIT THE VALE OF PEWSEY IN WILTSHIRE 

TRANQUIL SPIRITUAL ANCIENT 

WWW.VISITPEWSEYVALE.CO.UK 

• 20 former GWR steam locomotives, 

including 2 replica broad gauge (7 ft) 

locomotives, 40+ GWR coaches, 50+ 

GWR wagons, a working turntable, 

with demonstrations on steam days, a 

railway-themed playpark and a small 

relics museum. 

• Original (working) GWR locomotive 

shed, & many other original GWR 

buildings and infrastructure. 

• Special events include Day Out With 

Thomas (and to meet Father Christmas), 

special gala events and also non-railway 

related themed events. 

PHONE OR SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF STEAMDAYS AND OTHER EVENTS 

OPEN EVERY WEEKEND 

DIDCOT, Oxfordshire, England, OX11 7NJ TEL: 01235 817200 

E-MAIL: info@didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

Entrance at Didcot Parkway rail station signed from M4 (junction 13) & A34 

LEARN TO SKYDIVE 

TANDEM SKYDIVE, 

ACCELERATED FREE FALL & FIRST JUMP 

COURSES 

FLY FROM BATH, BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND SOMERSET! 

WWW.BRISTOLBALLOONS.CO.UK 

Skydiving vouchers — from Tandem to Solo 

Simply the best gift for every occasion! 

Near Hungerford Real Ale & and Craft Marlborough 

Beers 

Real Ale & Craft Beers 

Restaurant Real Ale & Craft Private Beers Dining 

Restaurant & Private Dining 

Delicious Food Locally Sourced 

Restaurant Delicious & & Private Freshly Food Locally Prepared Dining Sourced 

& Freshly Prepared 

8 Luxurious en-suite Bedrooms 

Delicious Food 8 Luxurious Locally en-suite Sourced 

Bedrooms 

Walker, Cyclist and Dog Friendly 

& Freshly Walker, Prepared 

Cyclist and Dog Friendly 

info@crownandanchorham.co.uk 

8 Luxurious en-suite Bedrooms 

01488 50 30 40 

Walker, Cyclist www.crownandanchorham.co.uk 

Dog Friendly 

01488 01488 50 3050 4030 40 

OPENING HOURS 

OPENING HOURS Monday: Closed 

Tuesday - Saturday: 

Monday: Closed 

11am—11pm 


11am—11pm Food served 

ONE OPENING DAY, ONE HOURS JUMP, ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE! 

Monday: Closed 


11am—11pm 

12 noon— 2.30pm Food served 

& 

12 Home noon— of the 2.30pm ARMY PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION 

& 6pm — 9.30pm 

6pm — 9.30pm Home of the Red Devils & with some of the best Military Instructors anywhere 

Sunday: 

Sunday: 

6pm — 9.30pm 

12 noon—6pm 

12 noon—6pm 

Military discount on Tandems & Courses on request 

Food served 12 noon—3pm 

Learn with the best! 

crownandanchorham.co.uk Sunday: 

T: 01980 670734 12 noon—6pm 

www.netheravon.com E: coursesmanager@netheravon.com 

Food served Airfield 12 Camp, noon—3pm Netheravon, Wiltshire, SP4 9SF 

Food served 

12 noon— 2.30pm 

Food served 12 noon—3pm 

crownandanchorham.co.uk 

SKYDIVE NETHERAVON 

nfo@crownandanchorham.co.uk 

01488 50 30 40 

crownandanchorham.co.uk

WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE GREAT WEST WAY 

Inspiring a passion for 

traditional weaving in Britain’s 

oldest working silk mill, in 

beautiful, rural Hampshire 

Explore the home of Bombay Sapphire 

in the heart of Hampshire 

BOOK YOUR GIN EXPERIENCE TODAY: DISTILLERY.BOMBAYSAPPHIRE.COM 

www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk 

Accessible by train and shuttle bus from Overton and Micheldever Stations. 

Bombay Sapphire Distillery | Whitchurch | Hampshire 

HELLO@BOMBAYSAPPHIRE.COM | 01256 890090 

THE BISHOP'S PALACE 

FIND 

YOUR 

HAPPY 

PLACE 

THE BISHOP'S PALACE 

& GARDENS, WELLS 

SOMERSET 

FIND 

YOUR 

HAPPY 

PLACE 

01749 01749 

988 988 

111 

111 

WWW.BISHOPSPALACE.ORG.UK 

WWW.BISHOPSPALACE.ORG.UK 

Tarr Farm Inn 

Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Exmoor, TA22 9PY 

Telephone: +44 (0)1643 851507 

Email: enquiries@tarrfarm.co.uk 

www.tarrfarm.co.uk

THANK YOU TO 

THANK YOU THOSE TO OUR WHO AMBASSADORS 

HELPED 

US ALONG THE WAY 

Title Ambassadors 

Bristol Airport 

Canal & River Trust 

Great Western Railway 


Destination Ambassadors 

Bath Business Improvement District 

Bradford on Avon Town 

Calne Town 

Chippenham Town 

Corsham Town 

Cotswolds Tourism 

Devizes Town 

Henley on Thames Town 

Hungerford Town 

Malmesbury Town 

Marlborough Town 

Marlow Town 

North Wessex Downs AONB 

Reading UK 

Royal Borough of 

Windsor & Maidenhead 

Steeple Ashton Village 

Stonehenge & Avebury World 

Heritage Site 

Swindon Town 

Tourism South East 

Trowbridge Town 

Vale of Pewsey 

Visit Bath 

Visit Bristol 

Visit Thames 

VisitNewbury 

VisitRichmond 

VisitWiltshire 

Designated Attraction 

& Hotel Ambassadors 

Aerospace Bristol 

Bowood House & Garden, Calne 

Cheddar Gorge & Caves 

Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen, 

Hungerford 

Longleat, Warminster 

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, 

Swindon 

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury 

The Roman Baths, Bath 

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, 

Bath 

Stonehenge 

Thermae Bath Spa, Bath 

Wadworth Brewery & Tours, Devizes 

West Berkshire Brewery, Yattendon 

Westonbirt, The National 

Arboretum, Tetbury 

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, 

Malmesbury 

Windsor Castle 

Discover more about 

our Ambassadors at: 


Gateway Ambassadors 

Devizes Marina Day Boat Hire 

Rick Stein, Marlborough 

A Taste of England 

Devizes Wharf Tea room 

River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames 

Title Ambassadors 

a’Beckett’s Vineyard, Devizes Gateway Ambassadors Didcot Railway Centre Devizes Marina 

Roman Prior Bath Park Private Landscape Hire Garden 

Abbey Hotel, Bath 

Donnington Grove, Newbury Devizes Marina Day Boat Hire The Rose Queens of Hungerford Arms, East Garston 

Bristol The Airport Abbey Quarter, Reading Abbey Hotel DoubleTree by Hilton, Devizes Swindon Wharf Tea room Roseate Reading House Museum London, Tyburnia 

Canal & Active River Trust England 

The Abbey Quarter Dukes Hotel, Bath Didcot Railway Centre 

The Roseate The Red Reading Lion East, Chisenbury 

Great Western Alder Ridge Railway Vineyard, Hungerforda’Beckett’s Vineyard Dyrham Park, Chippenham Donnington Grove 

The Roseate REME Museum Villa Bath 


Active England 

DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon 

River & Rowing Museum 

Aldermaston Tea Rooms, Reading 

The Engineman’s Rest Café, Crofton 

Roves Farm, Sevenhampton 

Aldermaston Tea Rooms, 

Dyrham Park 

Roseate House London 

Aldwick Estate, Bristol 

Destination Ambassadors 

Visitor Centre, & ShopFashion Museum, Bath The Engineman’s Rest Café Royal Berkshire, The Roseate Sunninghill Villa, Bath 

Alison Howell’s Foottrails Aldwick Estate French Brothers, Windsor The Farm Camp 

The Royal The Oak, Roseate Yattendon Reading 

Bath Business All Saints Improvement Church, Alton District Priors Alison Howell’s Foottrails The Gainsborough Bath French Spa Brothers 

The Royal Rose Windsor of Hungerford Pub 

Bradford The on Apartment Avon Town Bath 

Alton Priors Church The George Inn, Glenside Hospital Museum Salisbury Roves Camping Farm and Caravanning Club Site 

Calne Town Apex Hotel, Bath 

Apex Hotel, Bath Norton St Philip Great Northern Hotel 

Salisbury Royal Cathedral Oak, Yattendon 

Chippenham Town 

Arnos Vale Cemetery 

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport Salisbury Cathedral 

Apsley House, London 

Glenside Hospital Museum, Bristol 

Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum Tours 

Corsham 

Around and About Bath 

Hampton Court Palace 

Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum Tours 

Cotswolds Arnos Tourism Vale Cemetery, Bristol Aspley House Guyers House Hotel, Harrow Corsham at Little Bedwyn Sally Narrowboats, Salters Steamers Bradford on Avon 

Destination Around Bristol and About Bath Atwell-Wilson Motor Hampton Museum by Hilton Helen Bristol Browning’s Airport Royal Oak Salters Savouring Steamers, Bath Reading 

Devizes Atwell-Wilson Town Motor Museum, Calne Avalon Lodge Bed and Hampton Breakfast Court Palace, Henley East Greenlands MoleseyHotel 

Henley Avalon Thames Lodge Bed and Breakfast, Avebury DevizesLandscape Wiltshire Helen Browning’s Royal Heritage Oak, Bed Bishopstone & Breakfast 

Savouring Shaw Bath House 

Shaw House Skydive Netheravon 

Hungerford 

Avebury 

Town 

Landscape 

Avon Valley Adventure 

Henley 

& Wildlife 

Greenlands 

Park 

Hotel 

Hobbs of Henley 

Sheephouse 

Stonor 

Manor 

Park 

Cottages, Maidenhead 

Malmesbury Town 

Bailey Balloons 

The Holburne Museum 

South West Heritage Tours 

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol Henley Rowing Association 

Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, Windsor 

Marlborough Town 

Bainton Bikes 

Holiday Inn, Salisbury - Stonehenge South Western Railway 

Marlow Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath Barbara McLellan Heritage Bed & Breakfast, Honey Street Calne Boats & Café Skydive Stourhead Netheravon 

North Wessex Bailey Balloons, Downs AONB Bristol 

Reading The UKBarn Theatre, Cirencester 

The Barn Theatre 

Barrington Court 

Herongate Fitness & Hungerford Wellbeing, Wharf Hungerford and Kintbury 

The Hidden Gardens Iford of Bath Manor Gardens 

South West SUP Bristol Heritage Tours 

South Western The Swan, Railway Bradford on Avon 

Royal Borough Barrington of Windsor Court, & Ilminster Bath Apartment Breaks Hobbs of Henley Inspirock 

Stay in Swinley Bath Bike Hub 

Maidenhead 

Bath Apartment Breaks 

The Bath Brew House 

The Holburne Museum, 

Jane 

Bath 

Austen Centre 

Stonehenge 

Thames 

and 

Lido 

Avebury World Heritage Site 

Stonehenge & Avebury WHS 

Bath Bus Company 

Kenavon Venture 

Thames Rivercruise 

Bath Area Self Catering 

Holiday Inn, Salisbury – Stonehenge 

Stonehenge Landscape 

Swindon Town 

Bath Self Catering 

Koffmann & Mr. Whites 

Three Tuns Freehouse 

Tourism Beanhill South East Farm B&B, Chippenham Beanhill Farm B&B Honey Street Mill Café English and French Brasserie Stonor Tintinhull Park, Henley Garden on Thames 

Trowbridge The Bear Town Hotel, Devizes Berkeley Castle Hotel Novotel Reading Lacock Centre Abbey, Fox Talbot Stourhead, Totteridge Stourton Farm 

Vale of Berkeley Pewsey Castle 

Best Western Plus Angel Hungerford Hotel, Wharf Museum and village 

Strawberry Tour and Hill Explore House & Garden, Twickenham 

Visit Bath Best Western Plus Angel Hotel, Chippenham 

Iford Manor Gardens, The Bradford Langley on Avon 

Sulis Guides Tours 2 Order 

Visit Thames 

The Bird in Hand, Knowl Hill 

Bombay Sapphire 

The Jane Austen Centre, 

Lido Bristol 

Bath 

The Swan 

TransWilts 

Hotel, 

Community 

Bradford on 

Rail 

Avon 

Partnership 

Visit Newbury 

Bozedown Alpacas 

Lytes Cary Manor 

Troutbeck 

Visit Richmond 

The Black Swan Hotel, Devizes 

Bristol Blue Glass 

The Kingsbury @ No.8, 

Macdonald 

Marlborough 

Hotel & Spa Bath 

Swinley 

Tucking 

Bike Hub 

Mill 

Swinley 

Self catering 

Forest’s Trail Centre, 

VisitWiltshire Blenheim Palace, Woodstock Bristol Cathedral Koffmann & Mr White’s Maidenhead English Heritage French Centre Bracknell Tutti Pole 

Bombay Sapphire, Whitchurch Bristol Community Ferry Brasserie, Boats Bath Manor Farm B&B 

Teashop Tyntesfield By The Canal, Newbury 

Designated Boscombe Attraction Down Aviation Collection, Bristol Salisbury Packet Boats Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Marlborough Museum College and Village Summer School Thames University Lido, Reading of Bristol Botanic Garden 

& Hotel Bozedown Ambassadors Alpacas, Reading Bristol Tandem Hire The Langley, Slough The Matthew Of Bristol Thames Vaughan’s Rivercruise, Kitchen Reading 

Bristol Zoo Gardens 

Meadowbank House 

Vintage Classics 

The Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford on Avon Liberty Car Tours, Bath 

Three Tuns Freehouse, Great Bedwyn 

Aerospace Bristol 

Brooks Guest House B&B, Bath 

Merchants House 

The Watermill Theatre 

Alder Ridge 

Bristol 

Vineyard 

Blue Glass 

Bruce Branch Boats 

Lido Spa & Restaurant, 

Mompesson 

Bristol 

House 

Tintinhull 

Wellington 

Garden 

Arch 

Bowood Bristol House Cathedral & Gardens 

Brunel’s SS Great Britain Lorne House, Corsham Montacute House 

Totteridge West Farm Berkshire Camping Museum Pods, Pewsey 

Cheddar Bristol Gorge Community & Caves Ferry Boats Buttle Farm Lytes Cary Manor The Museum of English Rural Life Tour and We Explore The Curious 

McArthurGlen Bristol Insight Designer Outlet, Swindon Canal Trust Café Maidenhead Heritage MV Centre Jubilee 

Tours 2 Whitchurch Order Silk Mill 

Fashion Bristol Museum Nordic Bath Walking 

Castle Combe Circuit Manor Farm Courtyard Newark Cottages, Park Thatcham TransWilts Wiltshire Community landscape, Rail Stonehenge Partner 

Longleat 

Cheddar Gorge 

The Newbury Pub 

Wiltshire Museum 

Bristol Packet Boats 

The Manor House, Castle Combe 

Troutbeck Guest House, East Chisenbury 

The Roman Baths 

The Chilterns View 

Newbury Racecourse 

Wiltshire Music Centre 

Royal Crescent 

Bristol Tandem 

Hotel & Spa 

Hire 

Chippenham Museum 

Marlborough College 

No. 

Summer 

1 Royal Crescent 

School 

Tucking 

Wiltshire 

Mill View, 

Wildlife 

Midford 

Trust, Blakehill Farm 

Stonehenge The Bristol Wing 

and Heritage Centre The Matthew of Bristol Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 

Turner’s Wiltshire House, Wildlife Twickenham Trust, Lower Moor 

Thermae Bristol Bath Zoo Spa Gardens 

Church Farm Country The Cottages Merchant’s House, The Marlborough 

Old Bell, Malmesbury The Tutti Wiltshire Pole, Hungerford 

Wildlife Trust, Jones’s Mill 

Wadworth Brooks Brewery Guest & House Tours B&B, Bath Clifton Suspension Bridge Mill Farm Glamping, The Poulshot Old Chapel 

Tyntesfield, Woolley Wraxall Grange Hotel 

West Berkshire Brooks Guest Brewery House B&B, Bristol& Visitor Centre Mompesson House, Old Salisbury Sarum 

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum Cobbs Farm Shop 

Oldbury Tours 

Bruce Branch Boats, Marlborough 

Monkey Island Estate, Bray 

Whatley Manor 

Compass Holidays 

Parkway Shopping, Newbury 

Windsor Brunel’s Castle SS Great Britain, Bristol The Courts Garden Montacute House Pound Arts 

Buttle Farm, Compton Bassett Cricklade Hotel Museum of East Asian Practical Art, Bath Car and Motorhome 

Canal Trust Café, 


Crofton Beam Engines The Museum of English hire, Rural Chippenham Life, Reading 

Cumberwell Country MV Cottages Barbara McLellan, Prince Bradford Street on Social Avon 

Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham 

MV Jubilee, Newbury 

Castle Hotel, Windsor 

MV Kenavon Venture, Devizes 

Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site National Garden Scheme 

Cheddar Gorge 

Newark Park, Ozleworth 

Discover more about our Ambassadors at: GreatWestWay.co.uk 

Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site 

The Chilterns View, Wallingford 

Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre 

Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Salisbury 

Church Farm Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon 

Clayton’s Kitchen, Bath 

Cliffe Farm Dairy, West Lavington 

Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol 

Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen, Englefield 

Compass Holidays, Cheltenham 

Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney 

The Courts Garden, Trowbridge 

Cricklade House Hotel, Swindon 

Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton 

The Crown & Anchor, Ham 

The Crown, Tolldown 

Cumberwell Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon 

Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site 

Devizes Marina 

The Newbury Pub 

Newbury Racecourse 

No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath 

No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath 

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall 

Old Sarum, Salisbury 

Oldbury Tours 

Original Wild, Bath 

Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury 

Pennyhill Park, Bagshot 

Postern Hill Campsite, Marlborough 

The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham 

Practical Car & Van Hire, Chippenham 

The Prince Street Social, Bristol 

Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath 

The Queens Arms Hotel, East Garston 

Reading Museum 

Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury 

REME Museum, Lyneham 

University of Bristol Botanic Garden 

Vaughan’s Kitchen, Devizes 

Vintage Classics, Melksham 

Visit Hillbrush, Mere 

Waddesdon Manor 

Walton on Thames Camping and 

Caravanning Club Site 

The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor 

The Wave, Bristol 

We The Curious, Bristol 

Wellington Arch, London 

West Berkshire Museum, Newbury 

Whitchurch Silk Mill 

White Horse Inn, Compton Bassett 

Wild Swim Bike Run 

Wilton Windmill 

Wiltshire Museum, Devizes 

Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon 

Windsor Carriages 

Windsor Duck Tours 

Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford on Avon 

WWT Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve, 

Swindon 

WWT Jones’s Mill at the Vera Jeans Reserve, 

Pewsey 

WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes 

WWT Lower Moor Farm 

Wyvern Theatre, Swindon 

YMCA, Bath

Begin your next adventure at 


WHICH WAY NEXT?

Great West Way® Travel Magazine | Issue 02

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