Great West Way® Travel Magazine | Issue 02

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 →
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