Great West Way® Travel Magazine | Issue 04

2021 Annual Edition
TRAVEL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 04
GreatWestWay.co.uk
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 WILTSHIRE
THE GREAT WEST WAY ®
Explore picturesque Pewsey Vale and historic Bradford
on Avon along the Great West Way touring route.
Find out more at GWR.com/GreatWestWay

Pictured Below: Family enjoying the canal life in Newbury;
Couple at Windsor Royal Station planning their journey.
WELCOME TO SAFE TRAVEL
BE CURIOUS. BE RESPONSIBLE.
Before you start planning your next adventure along
the Great West Way, make sure you Know Before
You Go; please plan your trip carefully, check for
restrictions before you travel and book in advance
where necessary. Be curious, but be responsible.
IT HAS BEEN SIX MONTHS since we launched
our first virtual edition of the Great West
Way Travel Magazine, and yet despite the
challenges faced since, businesses along the
route have achieved so much.
From award-winning restoration projects,
new paddle boarding tours along the Bradfordon-Avon
river to the launch of Bridgerton-themed
holiday itineraries. There’s even a new Banksy - unexpectedly
unveiled on the walls of the disused Reading jail - along with yet
many more new immersive, and self-guided, experiences.
Alfresco dining options, and other safety measures have been
introduced at our hotels, attractions, restaurants, and pubs and the
Great West Way team have kept innovating too.
We hope you will enjoy our new Kennet & Avon Canal map,
with 87 miles of magnificent sites and spectacular landscapes to
explore by water. We have new branded signage along the route,
and have just launched a new video campaign travelling the entire
length from London to Bristol virtually.
Our 2021 edition is full of yet more inspiration, from
Unforgettable Experiences (p42) to Striking Architecture (p56),
Gourmet Guide (p84), Museum Gems (p90) and so much more.
As we wait for travel restrictions to be lifted, and continue to
bring the Great West Way to you, we hope that planning your
future staycation will have never been easier - and we look forward
to offering you the warmest of welcomes once travel returns.
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
GreatWestWay.co.uk
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
2021 Annual | Edition 04
Pictured
left then
clockwise:
The Kennet &
Avon Canal
meanders
through the
market town
of Newbury;
Marlborough
College
Summer
School; and
Burbage
village in
Wiltshire
DISCOVER OUR WAY
EXPLORE THE ROUTE
08 32
THE WAY FORWARD
A look at some of the highlights and
what’s new on the Great West Way for 2021.
13
AERIAL VISTAS
Enjoy the Great West Way from a
bird's-eye view with our selection of scenic
virtual tours and captivating drone footage.
MY GREAT WEST WAY
Discover the Great West Way through the
eyes of a local, Communications Manager in
charge of the UK's largest town, Alex Brannen.
ENJOYING THE RIVER
The Great West Way flows along with
wonderful waterways, offering plenty of opportunities
to splash about in the water.
39
26 42
SMART PHONE TOURS
Discover the Great West Way at your own
pace with these easy-to-follow smartphone apps.
10 UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
Packed with hidden gems and unexpected
treasures, there’s something for everyone to
experience along the Great West Way.
GreatWestWay.co.uk
5

PUBLISHED BY
Contista Media Ltd
Mitchell House, Brook Avenue,
Warsash, Southampton,
Hampshire, SO31 9HP
contistamedia.co.uk
Brought to you by the Great West Way
COVER IMAGE
Woodland walk in Wiltshire
Family and their dog enjoy a picturesque walk along
the river in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
With a special thanks to:
Bristol Airport, Canal & River Trust,
GWR, and National Trust
Image copyright credits: Throughout ©GreatWestWay.co.uk /
Marlborough College p5: Pete Davies Photography. Windsor, p12,
Bath, p45, STEAM, p90: @nicksmithphotography.com. SS Great
Britain, p92: © Adam Gasson. Stonor p21: Paul Upward Photography.
Bath, p50: ©VisitBritain/Simon Winnall. Architecture p59: Great
Pagoda Jeff Eden © RBG Kew. Playing croquet on the lawn at
Tyntesfield, Somerset, p72: ©National Trust Images/Trevor Ray
Hart. Bristol Science Centre: P93 ©VisitBritain / Pawel Libera.
Wellness p98: Getty Images/iStockphoto. Thermae Bath Spa, p101:
©jon@attenborough.net. Hotel Stays, p108: ©VisitBritain / Joanna
Henderson. Monkey Island Estate, p113: Credit: Isabelle Plasschaert /
Alamy Stock Photo.
Follow us on
Twitter @theGreatWestWay
Facebook @GreatWestWay
Instagram.com/GreatWestWay
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.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
52
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!
56
STRIKING ARCHITECTURE ON THE GREAT WEST WAY
There are many impressive styles of architecture to see on the
Great West Way. How many in our list have you visited?
72
GARDENS THROUGH THE SEASONS
The gardens of the Great West Way are beautiful whatever the
season, but here are the must-sees throughout the year..
78
HISTORIC STOPS: TRAIN TRAVEL
Making tracks on the Great West Way can point you at endless
amounts of history and fun facts to be discovered
along its length from London to Bristol.
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
84
GOURMET GUIDE: FOOD & DRINK
Discover a wealth of hidden culinary delights and epicurean
experiences on the Great West Way.
90
MUSEUM GEMS
The Great West Way is home to some of England’s most
fascinating heritage sites and unmissable museums to visit on your
journey.
96
MIND, BODY AND SOUL
Take some time out for yourself and re-energise by adding
some wellness to your trip.
108
Pictured:
Cyclists at
Windsor
Castle
POST-COVID HOTEL STAYS
From the city, riverside, to the countryside - a safe and warm
welcome awaits.

Wonders await
those who venture
off the beaten path...
Royal patronage, rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and beautiful natural
scenery along a 20 mile stretch of the River Thames. Add to this an abundance of
places to stay from 5 star resorts to riverside camping, quaint villages, one-of-a-kind
shops and a culinary scene headed by the likes of Heston Blumenthal and you’ll have a
reasonable idea of the treats in store for you in and around Windsor.
#WindsorIsWaiting
www.windsor.gov.uk

THE WAY FORWARD
A look at some of the highlights and
what’s new on the Great West Way
LOCKDOWN MIGHT HAVE PUT A STOP TO MANY
THINGS, BUT IT HASN’T STOPPED HOTELIERS
PREPARING TO ENSURE A VERY WARM WELCOME
ONCE IT IS SAFE FOR VISITORS TO RETURN.
For the ultimate city break you would be hard pushed to
find a better place to stay than the new Townhouse at the
Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel. The TV series Bridgerton had us
swooning over the ravishing city of Bath, used as a location,
and now there’s this. Offering the best of both worlds – ultra
luxurious self-catering for up to five people, plus the hotel next
door for dining out or using the spa. The real wow factor facility
here, however, is private access to the Cross Bath. This sacred
open-air bath taps in to the city’s thermal waters and beats a
hot tub any day! Prices start from £183 per night.
thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Look out for the new official UK “We’re
Good To Go” mark to signal that a business
has implemented Government and industry
COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in
place to maintain cleanliness and aid social
distancing. Many tourist attractions, shops,
places to stay, activities and places to eat and
drink on the Great West Way have now been
awarded the mark, with many more in the
process of applying.
8 GreatWestWay.co.uk

IN NEED OF A LUXURY SPA BREAK IN A REMARKABLE LOCATION TO
RECOVER THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT?
Perfectly sited adjacent to Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden, this regal
country estate is destined to be the UK’s leading wellness retreat comprising
a sprawling world-class spa spanning 2,500 square metres with indoor and
outdoor pools, 18 treatments rooms, a salt room, Hamman and Japanese foot
spa. Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the new hotel resembles an English
countryside sanctuary following a multi-million-pound redevelopment of
the former Savill Court Hotel. A home away from home, with 200 spacious
guestrooms and suites with modern interiors using natural stone and soft
textures, and with many offering sweeping views of the surrounding gardens.
There’s also a Library club and even a barbershop under license from the iconic
St. James’s based Truefitt & Hill – the oldest Barbershop in the world.
fairmont-windsorpark.com
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
BE PREPARED
Businesses on the Great West Way
have been working hard to make sure
everything is safe before opening
their doors and welcoming visitors
back once more. Things may look
slightly different though, so please
be patient as we all get used to new
ways of doing things. Check for
restrictions before you travel and
book in advance where necessary.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
› If you want to visit a particular
attraction, you may need to pre-book
a time slot (even if you are a member).
Check online before you set off.
› When planning your trip, check that
important facilities like toilets and car
parks are open before you travel.
› Some of the best known beauty
spots on the Great West Way are
likely to be extremely popular. Don't
follow the herd - get off the beaten
track and discover our hidden gems to
avoid the crowds.
› Keep 1 metre + apart from anyone
outside your household – this not
only applies to walking, but running,
cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.
› Wear your face covering at all times
when on public transport including
buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs.
› Make sure you have a bank card
as many outlets are currently not
accepting cash.
THE LUNA DRIVE-IN CINEMA IS BACK FOR THE SUMMER!
With the government roadmap in place, The Luna Cinema is giving movie
lovers the chance to experience new and classic movies in a nostalgic, socially
distanced setting. From May, hosted at Blenheim Palace, everyone’s favourite
cult films from Legally Blonde to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, as well as classics like
The Goonies, Grease, Back to the Future and Dirty Dancing will be screening.
For further details and screen times visit:
lunadriveincinema.com/blenheim-palace
› Take hand sanitiser with you – you
don’t know where will be open for
you to wash your hands.
› Leave the car behind where possible
and visit nearby attractions by
walking or cycling.
GreatWestWay.co.uk 9

Take your
time on the
Kennet &
Avon Canal

FANCY AN URBAN ADVENTURE TO ONE OF
THE COUNTRY'S HIPPEST CITIES, STAYING IN A
BOUTIQUE HOTEL WITH A DIFFERENCE?
Arty micro chain Artist Residence is set to open its fifth
hotel in a former boot factory in Bristol’s Portland Square.
An eclectic mix of art and vintage, the new venue includes
28 quirky bedrooms alongside a café, bar and events
space. Your home from home in the heart of creative
Bristol, with comfy beds and a stylish decor of industrial,
vintage and bohemian collections. Book the spacious
Artist Suite – it features original Georgian cornicing, super
king size bed, open bathroom with free-standing roll-top
bathtub and powerful rainfall shower.
artistresidence.co.uk/our-hotels/bristol
VISIT THE WORLDS FIRST AND ONLY HORROR
EXPERIENCE DEDICATED TO AUTHOR MARY
SHELLEY AND HER CREATION, FRANKENSTEIN!
Extending over four atmospheric floors, including a
dank foreboding basement, Mary Shelley’s House
of Frankenstein is a new visitor attraction located in
Bath's Gay Street. The experience promises to be scarily
atmospheric, multi-sensory and fully immersive, "If I
cannot inspire love, I will cause fear" Shelley once said.
Afterwards, take a short (8-10 minutes) stroll down to
the Abbey Churchyard, where she wrote the majority of
Frankenstein, whilst living in lodgings - now home to the
iconic Pump Room (next to The Roman Baths).
houseoffrankenstein.com
STAY CONNECTED
BANKSY ARTWORK ON THE WALL OF READING PRISON
Reading’s former Grade II-listed prison, where Wilde was held between 1895
and 1897, has been causing a bit of a media stir. It is yet to be decided if the
site is going to be knocked down for a housing or redeveloped into an exciting
new cultural hub for the town. We are hopeful for the latter, and it seems
both Banksy, whose prisoner artwork appeared on the side of the prison wall,
possibly resembling famous inmate Oscar Wilde - escaping on a rope made
of bedsheets tied to a typewriter – and Kate Winslet, who grew up in Reading,
are too. Kate has been showing her support by supporting theatre company
Rabble who have plans for an immersive new theatre space.
livingreading.co.uk
CLICK
HERE
TO SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR E-NEWSLETTER
GreatWestWay.co.uk 11

Booking online
essential
Explore ancient chambers
and sacred springs in the
heart of Bath.
Book your slot online at:
romanbaths.co.uk

VIRTUAL SPECIAL
AERIAL VISTAS
Enjoy the Great West Way from a bird's-eye view
with our selection of stunning panoramic virtual
tours and captivating drone footage!
Words: Samantha Rutherford
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 13

CLICK
HERE
WINDSOR
14 GreatWestWay.co.uk

→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
15

16 GreatWestWay.co.uk

CLICK
HERE
OLD SARUM
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 17

CLICK
HERE
READING
18 GreatWestWay.co.uk

CLICK
HERE
BATH
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 19

CLICK
HERE
BAILEY BALLOONS
20 GreatWestWay.co.uk

CLICK
HERE
STONOR
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 21

22

CLICK
HERE
BRISTOL
→
23

CLICK
HERE
BLENHEIM
PALACE
24 GreatWestWay.co.uk

GreatWestWay.co.uk 25

26

MY GREAT WEST WAY:
ALEX
BRANNEN
Discover the Great West Way
through the eyes of a local, the
Communications Manager in
charge of the UK's largest town
So, we hear it is an exciting year for Reading with plans for a potential new
cultural hub and an anniversary to celebrate – tell us more?
Alex: Yes, Reading’s disused Victorian prison, where Oscar Wilde was convicted
after his affair with Lord Alfred Douglas was exposed, is hopefully going to be given
approval for an exciting redevelopment plan of the area into a new diverse cultural
and arts hub.
The prison is also part of the Abbey Quarter area, which celebrates 900 years this
year and it is possible that King Henry I of England is buried under what is the car
park of the Prison. The Abbey Ruins are separated from the Prison by one high wall,
so this is part of a huge cultural area's potential regeneration.
You must be busy then?!
Alex: Always! However, there has been plenty of support from passionate locals and
artists too. The prison has been used for cultural events for a number of years now,
with many celebrities performing in 2016 including Ralph Fiennes and Patti Smith,
as well as our ArtAngel exhibition which features the work →of people such as Steve
McQueen. Professional theatre company Rabble have some exciting ideas to bring
to the redevelopment – Banksy has recently claimed a new piece of wall art on the
side of the Prison wall and Kate Winslet has already promised to perform on opening
night if the plans became a reality. →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
27

Pictured left-right: Maiwand Lion - - one of the biggest cast iron statues in the world. Reading's Abbey Quarter;
The Oracle Shopping Centre, Reading's Riverside; Reading Prison: the restored Edwardian Thames Lido.
What’s a typical day like for you?
Alex: I work with hotels, museums, river boat
companies, shops and other tourism businesses to
make sure Reading puts on its best face for visitors.
Reading is a bit of an undiscovered gem, but through
the Great West Way, visitors are beginning to see
the breadth of what we have to offer. We are blessed
with the rivers Thames and Kennet and surrounding
lakes used for boating, swimming, SUP, jet ski-ing and
inflatable fun. Reading is a great outdoor destination as
well as a historic urban stopover.
What do you love most about your job?
Alex: I love taking people around Reading and telling
them the story of this fascinating place. Many people
don’t know that Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen have
strong links with Reading or that England’s last
undiscovered King, Henry I, was buried here. The
UK’s most famous biscuit manufacturer, Huntley and
Palmers, owned half the town in Victorian times and
we have glorious stretches of the River Thames and
Kennet flowing through the heart of the town. And
there’s loads more…not least a vibrant cultural scene.
How did you get started?
Alex: I started off my working life in tourism in London
in the 1990s, which was such an exciting time for the
Capital. After doing a variety of other jobs, I am really
enjoying sharing my enthusiasm again for the place in
which I live. Living and working in one place means you
really get the measure of what makes it tick.
What achievements are you most proud of?
Alex: I trained for the 2018 Reading Half Marathon,
a race that attracts 14,000 people to run through
the streets of the town every spring. I had never
been a runner but the whole of Reading turns out
to support the runners on Marathon Day – there’s
a great atmosphere - and you get the chance to
run round many of Reading’s main streets closed
to traffic and finish in the Madejski Stadium, home
of the Royals, Reading Football Club. Sadly, freak
snow led to the cancellation of the race and I had
to use my training to run the 22 km elsewhere, but I
managed it!
What do you find inspiring day-to-day? What
keeps the enthusiasm going?
Alex: There is a real sense of pride in Reading about
our town – our heritage - both the buildings and
the people, our cultural scene, dynamic business
environment and neighbourliness. We are a
welcoming place that wants to share what we have
with people more widely. We think visitors will agree.
Any interesting or funny anecdotes related to
your role or your experiences with visitors that
you can share?
Alex: Not funny but maybe useful when you get here.
The pronunciation of Reading is like the colour Red in
‘Redding’ not like ‘reading’ a book. Locals sometimes
refer to the town as ‘the Ding’ and if you are looking
for Reading on twitter, search #rdguk.
28 GreatWestWay.co.uk

What does slow travel mean to you?
Alex: I cycle to work in Reading town centre every
day – Reading is a good scale for cycling. We also have
lovely footpaths along the Thames and Kennet, river
boat companies, the UK’s best bus company and a
£900 million train station in the heart of the town. For
me, slow travel is any journey where you don’t have to
take the car. Any of those would be THE BEST way to
visit Reading.
What do you think makes the Great West Way
special?
Alex: I know when I travel on holiday that a trail type
itinerary that brings together a diverse experience
and range of places really helps me explore under my
own steam. I think the Great West Way will provide
great ideas for exploring a special part of England and
allow visitors to see a number of different sides of our
country, from charming countryside and villages to
gritty multicultural urban landscapes – all within really
easy travelling distance of each other.
Do you have any insider tips or advice for travellers
who want to experience the touring route ‘like a
local’?
Alex: Chat to people when you are visiting/travelling.
Diffident British people probably won’t make the first
move to talk to you but if you ask their opinion or
start the ball rolling they’ll be delighted to share their
knowledge and experience with you. My best holiday
memories have always involved local people so treat
every pub, train journey or shopping trip as a chance to
make a new friend.
Describe your perfect adventure on the Great West
Way:
Alex: I think it is the diversity of any one day on the
Great West Way that makes it special. If you were in
Reading, that could involve a guided tour of the Abbey
Ruins, open air swimming at the restored Edwardian
Thames Lido, watching Reading FC in action at the
‘Mad Stad’, afternoon tea at The Roseate or a great live
band at one of Reading’s many live music venues.
What’s your favourite thing to eat or drink along the
touring route, a meal, a local delicacy or a favourite
tipple perhaps? And any cafes, restaurants or pubs
you can recommend?
Alex: Many first time visitors to the UK are surprised
by how multicultural our country is. 150 languages
are spoken in Reading schools, for example. For food
and drink fans, one of the benefits of our multicultural
society is the amazing choice of food on offer. In
Reading, you could try the Spanish/North African
influence at Thames Lido, the new Ethiopean café in
Palmer Park, Modern Indian at Clays Hyderabadi or
the non-licensed Lebanese Bakery House or take your
pick on the Wednesday/Friday street food markets.
Fans of ‘bitter’ (British ale/beer) should head for one
of the best pubs in the south of England, the Nags
Head or one of the new taprooms springing up around
Reading. →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
29

Connecting Wiltshire’s Communities
NEW! TransWilts
Walking and Cycling
leaflets from
transwilts.org
Bike hire available from
Melksham
Station
arrowdow
CLICK
HERE
TO
DOWNLOAD

The joy of the
Great West Way is
that every traveller’s
experience is
different.
Every journey is
exceptional in its
own way.
Are you a city, town or country person?
Alex: Definitely a city person. Having said that, as a
family we walk in the nearby lovely Chiltern Hills just
north of Reading whenever we can, and we enjoy a
ramble round the walls of the abandoned Roman city
of Silchester, south of Reading. But I never tire of the
buzz of people so it’s a city life for me.
Can you pick a place along the Great West Way that
best represents you and what you do?
Alex: I have lived and worked in London, Wiltshire
and Reading along the Great West Way so I know the
territory well. I’ve travelled much further afield too
but London remains for me the greatest city I have
ever explored. If the scale of London might be a bit
overwhelming, Reading offers many of the advantages
of big city life without the drawbacks. If I were to
choose a weekend away on the trail, I’d head to Bristol.
A great maritime history, University city and urban grit,
Bristol wears its green credentials proudly and is a great
cultural destination as well.
Are there any English stereotypes or traditions
you’d like to set straight?
Alex: I think visitors sometime have an outdated
concept of what England and the English are like. Like
every country, our history and culture has evolved
in recent decades, but we have done a good job
in protecting the best of our countryside and built
heritage. On the Great West Way, you’ll be able to find
a traditional view of England often depicted in films,
but you will also find a vibrant, cosmopolitan place
that celebrates the best of the world in a harmonious
co-existence.
If you could choose one must-visit attraction along
the Great West Way, what would it be and why?
Alex: Perhaps not strictly an attraction, but the
River Thames from London to Reading is a majestic
waterway and its many twists and turns tell the story
of this part of the world. Take some time to walk, cycle,
take a cruise, hire a boat, row or even swim!
What do you think will surprise first-time visitors
about the Great West Way?
Alex: The Great West Way is dense with things to
do and places to visit. You might think you are going
to ‘skate’ through it in no time, but you could easily
spend several weeks! The route is particularly rich in
great specialist museums. In Reading, try the museum
of food and the countryside - the Museum of English
Rural Life, or seek out the Huntley Palmer biscuit tin
collection at the Reading Museum.
What’s your preferred mode of transport: train, car,
bus or boat? Why?
Alex: I would choose bike – you can set your own pace,
stop where you like, get off the beaten track and you
just see so much more than you do through a window.
Oh, and it’s good for you!
Read more interviews with
the people who make the
Great West Way so special
- chefs, gardeners, tour
guides and more.
CLICK
HERE
GreatWestWay.co.uk 31

32 GreatWestWay.co.uk

ENJOYING THE RIVER
Since the Great West Way flows along
with wonderful waterways, opportunities
to splash about in the water abound
Words: Samantha Rutherford
ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY there are plentiful
opportunities to mess about in boats – or in
canoes, or on a paddle board perhaps. And,
with the Kennet & Avon Canal linking the River
Thames in the east with the River Avon in the west, the
Great West Way can even be travelled without setting foot
on dry land!
For a sedate sort of water sport, try one of the many
types of boating trips. You could hire a rowing boat at
Henley-on-Thames and gently row downstream, past rafts
of fluffy ducklings. Or kayak carefully down the Thames,
past the Houses of Parliament and other equally big sites,
on an alternative tour of London. Or even go stand-up
paddle boarding on Bristol's Floating Harbour.
Water sports aren’t just for lakes or oceans, the rivers
and harbours along the way are ideal waterways to cool
down in and try something new. Paddle past Brunel’s SS
Great Britain whilst on a tour of Bristol Harbour - or tackle
the Giant SUP from Original Wild which fits up to 9 people,
as well as kayaking, canoeing and raft building. It’s a great
bonding experience and totally hilarious, there’s nothing
like a bit of laughter therapy! You can also swim in the river
at designated places such as Warleigh Weir near Bath and
north of Dundas Aqueduct.
The Great West Way’s scenic waterways support various
water sports too. Canoeing, kayaking, canal boat riding,
stand-up paddle boarding… Viewing the touring route
from the water will give you a whole different perspective
on the landscape and its natural inhabitants. Just watch out
for the blue flash of a kingfisher as it dips down to catch a
fish. (Speaking of which, there are many places in the Great
West Way to go fishing too.)
There are some more heart-pumping options as well,
such as Cotswolds Water Park, comprised of 150 lakes,
ideal for people who like being by - or more specifically on
or in - the water. You can kayak, canoe, windsurf, waterski,
wakeboard, sail or brave the chilly waters and go for a
refreshing open water swim. Or you can just hire a great
big inflatable and have a laugh in the water with family and
friends.
The Thames might be London’s river, but it is away
from the city, further west on the Great West Way, that
the waterway is at its most beautiful. The River Thames
flows through Windsor, Henley-on-Thames, Reading and
Oxford (where it is called the Isis). Did you know that at
215 miles, it is the longest river entirely in England and the
second-longest in the UK, after the River Severn? Climb
aboard one of the Thames River Boat’s vessels at Kew to →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
33

“Cruise upsteam through Boveney Lock passing
The Willows, Bray Film Studios and Monkey Island
enjoying the wonderful views of Windsor Castle.”
Richmond and Hampton Court and
spot wildlife while cruising down the
river. On this relaxed journey you’ll
pass Kew Gardens and Richmond
Park before sailing on through the
locks at Richmond, past the imposing
Palladian villa of Marble Hill House
and the splendid 17th-century Ham
House, to reach the historic royal
palace at Hampton Court.
Further upriver, there are boat trips
with French Brothers departing
from Windsor Promenade. You’ll
cruise upsteam through Boveney
Lock passing The Willows, Bray Film
Studios and Monkey Island enjoying
the wonderful views of Windsor
Castle during the return journey.
Or, you might enjoy hiring a boat in
Henley or join Salters Steamers along
the Thames from Reading to Henley,
Wind in the Willows style. Or why not
head along the Kennet & Avon Canal
on a Canadian canoe from Towpath
Canoe Hire, Bradford on Avon?
The Kennet & Avon Canal is 87 miles
of beautiful waterway from Reading
to Bristol. No matter where you are
along the stretch, there are plenty of
chances to get out on the water. Hop
on Jubilee, The Rose of Hungerford,
Kenavon Venture or Barbara Mclellan
for a relaxing boat trip. If you want
to have a go at being captain and
explore the canal for longer, you
can hire you own canal boat at
Honeystreet Mill Boats and Café,
Bruce Accessible Boats and Sally
Narrowboats.
Cyclists might prefer flowing
along the Kennet & Avon Canal on
two wheels along the cycle paths

from Bath to Reading. The 85-
mile cycle route is packed with
amazing attractions, incredible
countryside and an abundance of
wildlife. Highlights along the way
include Bradford on Avon’s Tithe
Barn, the Pewsey White Horse
and the dramatic flight of locks at
Caen Hill. For a day ride that’s not
overly challenging, the Bath to
Devizes section (22 miles) is almost
completely traffic-free. Why not
start your bike ride in Reading and
finish in the spa city of Bath where
you can treat yourself to a hot soak
at Thermae Bath Spa!
If you don’t want to travel the Great
West Way entirely by canal and river,
there are numerous places along the
route for getting out on the water
for the day or even just for an hour
or two. South Oxfordshire is an area
full of natural beauty, picturesque
villages, shops to browse and places
to stay and to eat. Book a stay in
Henley-on-Thames, home to the
world’s most famous rowing event,
the annual Henley Royal Regatta.
The regatta first took place in 1839
and now every July the stretch of →

the river that runs through this attractive town on
the Berkshire-Oxfordshire border hosts races that
attract the very best international crews. A channel
of the river stays open to spectators throughout the
event – this is a great time to take to the water and
see world-class rowing up close.
The rest of the year there are cruises with Hobbs
of Henley on the same stretch of water, including
short sightseeing cruises, wildlife spotting trips, gin
and jazz nights and even Christmas cruises to meet
Santa.
The other side of the North Wessex Downs you
will come to the Caen Hill Lock Flight, known in
narrowboating circles as one of the biggest and best
challenges in English canal cruising. This flight of
locks on the Kennet & Avon Canal runs for just over
two miles up the eponymous hill into the market
town of Devizes. On this stretch the canal rises 237
feet (72 metres), using 29 locks to manoeuvre boats
up and down the hill. Tackling the lock flight – in
either direction – takes at least half a day. Each lock
must be manually opened and closed using heavy
wooden gates, each time allowing the water to
either fill the lock or drain away from it to change the
water level and keep you climbing up or down.
Standing atop your boat and feeling the water
rise or fall around you is one of any narrowboating
holiday’s most memorable moments – that and
mooring up at the pub afterwards, of course. You
can visit or stay at the nearby Devizes Marina
Village, where you hire a canal boat to tackle the
locks yourself. If you don’t fancy doing the grunt
work yourself, you can leave your narrowboat at
Foxhangers at the bottom of the hill and walk up to
the town along the towpath, watching others hard at
work as you go.
The Kennet & Avon Canal continues to travel
along the Great West Way from Newbury in the east
to Bath in the west. One of the prettiest sections
of this historic waterway is the section between
the delightful Wiltshire town of Bradford on Avon
and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bath. Bath
Narrowboats have electric boat and canoe hire from
Brassknocker Basin, five miles outside Bath, and one
day is ample time for exploring this quiet stretch of
water with its canalside pubs and tea gardens. Allow
some time in Bradford on Avon itself too, this pretty
town has Medieval and Georgian buildings tumbling
down the hillside to the water’s edge, many of them
now excellent delis, cafés and boutiques.
36 GreatWestWay.co.uk

In the south of The Cotswolds and just north of
Swindon is an extensive area of watery playground.
Over some 40 square miles, more than 150 lakes
pool across the landscape, offering myriad ways to
get out on the water. This is the best place on the
Great West Way to try your hand at waterskiing,
wakeboarding or windsurfing or to have a go at the
latest watersports craze, stand up paddleboarding.
You can learn to sail here too, and there are canoes,
kayaks and rowing boats for hire, as well as thrilling
rides atop massive inflatables that are sure to put a
smile on your face.
Rather just have a swim? Head to Cotswold
Country Park and Beach where the South Lake has
an extensive beach and a paddling area for children,
plus pedalos and rowing boats for hire.
In Bath, Original Wild has stand up paddle
boarding tours leaving from Pulteney Bridge, which
will introduce the city from a very different angle,
standing on a board afloat in the Avon.
Along the river at Forester Road, Bath Boating
Station hire out canoes, kayaks, skiffs and punts so
that you can explore at your own pace.
Or, you could cruise along the River Avon to
Bathampton, a pretty village just two miles east
of Bath, or into the city as far as Pulteney Bridge. If
you’d rather stick to easier waters, the more placid
Kennet & Avon Canal meets the Avon in Bath and
there are narrowboats for hire by the day from Bath
Narrowboats.
At the end of the route Bristol’s Floating Harbour
offers not only one of the best ways to get around
the city by ferry, with boats running from Temple
Meads train station into and around the city centre
and Floating Harbour, but there are also cream
tea cruises on the River Avon with Bristol Packet.
Bristol Ferries run cruises out to Beese’s Tea Garden
for lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, and you can also
paddle board around with SUP Bristol.
Bristol Packet and Bristol Ferries also offer cruises
from the Floating Harbour to Avon Gorge and
Wapping Wharf, where you’ll sail along the River
Avon beside Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s SS Great
Britain, and beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge,
another of the great engineer’s imposing and
unmissable designs.
Have you a copy of our new Kennet & Avon Canal map?
Slow down and enjoy 87 miles of the Kennet & Avon Canal
with our Great West Way map to include places to visit,
recommended accommodation, waterside restaurants and more.
GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps
GreatWestWay.co.uk
37

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.
#EscapeTheEveryday
It’s Time for Wiltshire
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

FIVE OF THE BEST
SMART PHONE
TOURS
Discover the Great West Way at your own pace
with these easy-to-follow smartphone apps
1BANKSY BRISTOL TRAIL
Fans of street art will love this new
self-guided smart phone tour in Bristol
dedicated to the famous pseudonymous
street artist, Banksy. The tour takes
you to see his works of art around the
Floating Harbour, Park Street, Stokes
Croft and Montpelier, and includes
Valentine, the new artwork that only
appeared in Bristol last year.
CLICK
HERE
TO DOWNLOAD ON THE
APP STORE OR GET IT ON
GOOGLE PLAY
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
39

CLICK
HERE
TO FIND OUT MORE
AND TO BOOK THE BATH
AND WILTSHIRE TOUR
2WALKING TOURS, BATH
Lose yourself without getting lost with
the must-have app when visiting Bath.
Available from the iTunes App Store or
Google Play to your mobile phone or
tablet this app offers a large choice of
themed sightseeing walks to include Bath’s
museums, coffee shops and shopping
gems, to where to find Jane Austen.
3BRUNEL TOUR, BRISTOL
When in Bristol, The Boat and the Bridge:
an audio tour about the creations and
genius of Brunel, offers a fantastic selfguided
insight into the creations and
genius of Brunel. Wind your way along the
river Avon, on a route that’s almost entirely
pedestrianised, and end at the Clifton
Suspension Bridge’s official viewpoint.
CLICK
HERE
TO DOWNLOAD
GPSMYCITY
CLICK
HERE
TO DOWNLOAD THE
BOAT AND THE BRIDGE
40 GreatWestWay.co.uk

4 5
SELF-GUIDED WALKS
Take your self-guided exploration to the
next level with an organised walking
holiday. Socially distancing yourself from
others is made easy when you are going
solo, and with the experts taking care of
your itinerary, maps and downloadable
tours all you need to worry about is
enjoying the journey. Try Cotswolds Walks
self-guided five night Bath and Wiltshire
tour, visit the World Heritage Site of Bath
with Roman Baths and Spa, and see the
iconic villages of Castle Combe and Lacock
with its magnificent Abbey.
NATIONAL TRUST APP
If you plan to visit one of the beautiful
National Trust properties on the Great
West Way, Basildon Park, The Courts
Garden or Tyntesfield perhaps, then be sure
to download the free National Trust - Days
Out App. Plan and enhance your visit by
staying up to date with events throughout
the year, download maps, keep a record of
the places you’ve visited, and make a wish
list for where to go next. Plus, everything
you need is available offline, so you can
use the app even in the most remote and
off-grid locations!
CLICK
HERE
TO DOWNLOAD THE
NATIONAL TRUST APP
ON THE APP STORE OR
GET IT ON GOOGLE PLAY
GreatWestWay.co.uk
41

TEN OF THE BEST
UNFORGETTABLE
EXPERIENCES
The Great West Way is packed with hidden
gems and unexpected treasures. There’s
something for everyone, and we hope you
enjoy our top ten unmissable adventures
1
FOR THE CYCLIST
Did you know the National Cycle Network route
can take you the entire length of the Great West
Way, and beyond? In total, from Greenwich,
London to Fishguard, Wales it’s an epic 432 miles.
Whether you choose to challenge yourself to a
week-long tour of the entire route from London
to Bristol (Route 4) or prefer to explore sections
of the Great West Way at a more leisurely pace,
you will be sure to find your perfect ride. The rural
charm of the touring route, including three Areas
of Outstanding Natural Beauty, makes it a dreamy
destination for any bike tour. There are plenty of
family-friendly woodland paths, long distance
cycle routes and exhilarating downhill mountain
bike trails. There are even lots of cute bike-friendly
B&Bs to stay in on your way. Experiencing the
route on a bike or e-bike is a fabulous option for a
charity challenge, a rewarding solo adventure or
an unforgettable family day out.
42 GreatWestWay.co.uk

VISIT SAFELY
Protect yourself and others
Businesses have been working
hard to make sure everything is
safe for both staff and visitors.
Things may look slightly different,
so please be patient as we all get
used to new ways of doing things.
Websites and businesses will
be displaying new certification,
including the nationallyrecognised
"We're Good to
Go" mark to demonstrate the
measures they have in place to
protect us all from COVID-19.
→
43

Did you know?
The Great West Way
route passes through
three Areas of
Outstanding Natural
Beauty. In London,
the southern section
of The Chilterns’
324-miles makes a
great start to the
route, The Wiltshire
White Horses and
the White Horse at
Uffington will be a
joy to spot ambling
in the North Wessex
Downs, or start your
tour from Bath and
follow The Cotswold
Way north, for 102
more, glorious miles.
2
FOR THE WALKER
Why not try the Great West Way six-day walking
and sightseeing tour? If you love nothing more
than exploring by foot then this fabulous themed
itinerary, taking you to some of the very best
locations along the route, will be sure not to
disappoint. Highlights include walking to Ancient
Avebury and Jones’s Mill Nature Reserve, through
pretty villages including Calne and Devizes, and
visiting attractions to include Westonbirt, The
National Arboretum, The Roman Baths’ Great
Bath by the light of flickering torches and Brunel’s
SS Great Britain. Worried you won’t keep up?
The walks are mainly flat and vary in length from
a reasonable four-nine miles. There are plenty
of pubs and cafés along the route for lunches,
afternoon tea or a drink at the end of the day. You
can book this tour with Great West Way Official
Tour Operators, Active England, Alison Howell’s
Foot Trails or Compass Holidays.
44 GreatWestWay.co.uk

3FOR THE BOOKWORM
Fancy stepping into the scene from one of your
favourite classic novels by getting dressed up and
joining in the fun of the Jane Austen Festival? This
annual celebration of everything Austen lures
Janeites from all over to the beautiful city of Bath
each September. It’s definitely one of the more
eccentric things to do in Bath, but don’t be shy -
come with your frilliest frock, reticule and parasol
and prepare to be thrilled (in a most elegant
way, naturally). The programme is different each
year, but past events have included costumed
promenades, etiquette talks, book readings, dance
workshops and masked balls. Surrounded by Bath’s
historic golden architecture you’ll feel totally
immersed in the era
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
45

4FOR THE MOTORIST
Car enthusiasts will love the experience of going
behind the wheel of a Formula Ford 1600 or
Lotus Elise and driving laps of the Castle Combe
circuit racetrack, or for something extra special,
consider hiring a classic car. Some much-adored,
iconic choices include the Jaguar E-Type, the
nippy MGB Convertible and the Austin-Healey.
You can choose and hire your special wheels
from Vintage Classics and spend your day driving
stylishly through some of the prettiest villages
in England. Take your time as you cruise past the
quaint limestone cottages of Castle Combe, play
spot the chalky White Horse as you head to the
characterful village of Pewsey, and pass through
Tiddleywink, an adorable Wiltshire hamlet
consisting of just eight cottages - one of which is
historically known to serve beer to passing cattle
drovers. Don’t forget your camera, this will be a
day to remember.
46 GreatWestWay.co.uk

5
FOR THE
HORTICULTURALIST
For an unforgettable horticultural experience,
make a beeline for Kew Gardens. For a quick and
easy way to see the vast 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.
Did you know?
At Kew you can travel
the world with ‘The
Huntress of Flowers’,
Marianne North? The
boundary-breaking
Victorian botanist
who travelled solo
around the world
faithfully recording
the exotics plants
she encountered
has an exhibition
showing displaying
extraordinary oil
paintings - 833 of
them, in geographical
order - at her
eponymous gallery.
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
47

6
FOR THE FOODIE
Bons vivants will love the Great West Way for its
superior gourmet offering – especially given it is
the only place where you can experience all five of
the UK's Three Michelin Starred restaurants. Now
there’s a tasty challenge to add to the bucket list!
This incredible gastronomic journey will take you
on a special and indulgent tour sampling signature
dishes from some of the world’s finest chefs, with
equally impressive hospitality, at their British
restaurants. If you are starting your journey in
West London, your first stop should be Restaurant
Gordon Ramsay, followed by Alain Ducasse at the
Dorchester, and Sketch Lecture Room and Library.
Next head to Berkshire for an incredible fine dining
experience at The Waterside Inn. Then last, but by
no means least, Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck will
be unforgettable too – although this depends on
if you have been fortunate enough to book a table
reservation. Be sure to book in advance.
For the ultimate epicurean
experience, book a stay at
Bray Cottages Lavender
House, and enjoy Heston
Blumenthal’s son, Jack
Blumenthal and Scott
Perkins as your own private
chefs! Yes, that’s right, the
talented pair launched
their delicious private
dining experiences at Bray
Cottages in the heart of the
village, during lockdown.
You might wish to stay
for a few extra nights, as
there are seven Michelin
starred restaurants within
walking distance of the
cottage, to include, Heston
Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and
The Waterside Inn, Alain
Roux’s The Waterside Inn
and Roux at Skindles, plus
The Crown at Bray and
Caldesi in Campagna.
braycottages.com and
jackandscott.com
48 GreatWestWay.co.uk

7FOR THE ZOOPHILIST
For the ultimate overnight wildlife experience,
the recently opened Camp Baboon at Wild Place
Project is an absolute must. Think behind-thescenes
animal encounters, twilight tours of the
park and fully heated cosy wood cabins. Head into
the woods for a range of fun and exciting bush
craft activities, spot the native wildlife, and when
the gates close and you’re the only guests on-site,
toast marshmallows round a crackling fire before
settling down for sleep surrounded by amazing
animals from all around the world, including the
flamboyantly-furred Gelada Baboons! Wake up to
a special sunrise tour of the enclosures, and enjoy
feeding animals breakfast - just watch out for
those cheeky ring-tailed lemurs! Then enjoy free
entry to Camp Baboon’s sister property Bristol
Zoo Gardens, home to over 400 species set within
12 acres of beautiful gardens, including undercover
animal houses and wonderful picnic spots.
GreatWestWay.co.uk
49

8
FOR THE STYLIST
The fashion-conscious won’t want to miss a
trip to one of the designer shopping outlets,
McArthur Glen, Swindon, Kilver Court Designer
Village, or a short detour off the route, Clarks
Village. While lovers of homeware, book worms
and art collectors should keep their eyes open for
one-of-a-kind pieces in the many independent
boutiques, gift shops and museums along the
route. From a glass bauble at Bristol Blue Glass,
a stylish sarsen necklaces at Stonehenge to Rose
Nisbet handmade ceramics in Bristol, it is very
easy to come away with something unique and
special as a momentum of your Great West Way
holiday. For an all-encompassing super special
stylist shopping treat however Bath is the place to
be. The high street is made for fashion gurus, while
the smaller independent shops offer an eclectic
selection of unique finds. Mark the moment with
a unique piece of jewellery from Nicholas Wylde,
stop off at the Roman Baths to pick up a souvenir
or admire fashion through the ages at the Fashion
Museum Bath.
50 GreatWestWay.co.uk

9
FOR THE CHILDREN
Little ones will love the experience of getting lost
(and found) in the world’s largest hedge maze!
Longleat’s epic hedge maze is a short journey south
of the Great West Way (so parents please try not
to get lost before you get there). It was created
with 16,000 English yew trees, and more than two
miles of pathways, so it’s no easy feat reaching the
central observation tower. It’s a strangely satisfying
challenge to set yourself, but don’t take too long
- there’s a whole safari park to explore, not to
mention a glorious Elizabethan stately home.
10
FOR THE COMPETITOR
If you love a challenge then why not try your hand
at playing a game of Aunt Sally?! The Cotswolds
remains a stronghold for this traditional English
game that can be traced back to the 17th century.
The skittle-like lark is popular in country pubs,
especially in Oxfordshire, and involves teams
aiming wooden batons at a ‘doll’, which used
to resemble an old aunt. It can get competitive,
there’s even a world championship (singles knock
out) competition for it which takes place annually
(although not in 2020) a little north of the Great
West Way at Charlbury Beer Festival. Just don’t try
this one at home folks.
GreatWestWay.co.uk 51

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 prize to go here!
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 2022
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 2021 winner!
#GreatWestWay
52 GreatWestWay.co.uk

1
2
3
4
5
6
GreatWestWay.co.uk 53

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
îThe Roman Bath
1 @ni.co.let.ta 6
îBath
2 @daragh_cuthbert 7
îThe Circus, Bath
3 @her.grand.tour 8
îWiltshire
4 @dansramblings 9
îSunflowers
5 @casperfarrellphoto 10
îMarlborough
@pixiemarmalade
îPulteney Bridge
@emilymckay90
îVale of Pewsey
@stephen_davis_photos
îBristol
@matthewpriceartist
îAvebury Stones
@eagleeyeaerialphotography
54 GreatWestWay.co.uk

CAST YOUR VOTE FOR A
CHANCE TO WIN A PRIZE!
îVote for your favourite finalist
and you will be automatically entered
into our competition to win a luxury
weekend in Bath for two staying
overnight with breakfast in a Superior
Room at Apex City of Bath Hotel!
SIMPLY VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:
îGreatWestWay.co.uk/competition
Closing date for all entries is 31 December
2021. The winner will be announced in
January 2022. Terms and conditions apply,
please see website page for details.
CAPTURING
THE MOMENT
PHOTOGRAPHY
WINNER
2020
WIN!
Bradford on Avon @wordyelaine
OUR 2020 WINNER!
îCongratulations to Elaine Abbott,
(@wordyelaine on Instagram) the
talented winner of our Capturing the
Moment Photography Competition
2020! Elaine has won free family tickets
to a host of iconic attractions along the
Great West Way, plus a Bombay Sapphire
Cocktail Masterclass experience!
The winner of our 2021 competition
will win free tickets to include Noah’s Ark
Zoo Farm and an afternoon tea for two at
The Reading Room, situated within The
Roseate Reading hotel.
GreatWestWay.co.uk 55

56

STRIKING
ARCHITECTURE
TO SEE ON THE ROUTE
There are many impressive styles of architecture to see on the
Great West Way. How many in our list here have you visited?
Words: Samantha Rutherford
57

CLIFTON
SUSPENSION
BRIDGE
BRISTOL
Be sure to stroll across
Bristol's famous Clifton
Suspension Bridge. One of
Victorian engineer Isambard
Kingdom Brunel’s most
striking works, it straddles
the dramatic Avon Gorge.
Pop into the Visitor Centre in
Leigh Woods to find out more
about the people who built,
maintain and treasure it.
Entrance to the Visitor Centre
is free, although donations
are appreciated.
58
GreatWestWay.co.uk

GREAT
PAGODA
KEW
Kew’s Pagoda was completed
in 1762 as a gift for Princess
Augusta, the founder of
the Gardens. It was one of
several Chinese buildings
designed for Kew by Sir
William Chambers, who had
spent time travelling and
studying the architecture of
East Asia. A popular ‘folly’ of
the age, it offered one of the
earliest and finest bird’s eye
views of London – which you
can enjoy today, thanks to a
major restoration project. The
Great Pagoda will re-open
for pre-booked guided tours
from 5 June 2021 - so enjoy
climbing up the Great Pagoda
and seeing those spectacular
views across the capital.
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 59

BOMBAY
SAPPHIRE
DISTILLERY
HAMPSHIRE
Based at Laverstoke Mill
in rural Hampshire, just 15
miles from Winchester, the
Bombay Sapphire Distillery
is in a conservation area
with over 1000 years
of history. For over 225
years, the Victorian and
Georgian buildings set
astride the crystal-clear
River Test produced bank
note paper for the Bank
of England and the British
Empire. Now, Laverstoke
Mill is a state-of-the-art
sustainable distillery,
which produces every drop
of Bombay Sapphire gin.
Chart hundreds of years of
Laverstoke Mill’s illustrious
history, married with the
fascinating heritage of gin
and Bombay Sapphire.
Watch the production of
gin behind the scenes in
the Dakin Still House, and
uncover the secrets of
Bombay Sapphire’s unique
vapour-infusion distillation
process.
Discover your personal
taste profile in the
Dry Room, then use
your profile to order a
complimentary cocktail
from the Mill Bar suited to
your tastes.
60 GreatWestWay.co.uk

BRISTOL
CATHEDRAL
BRISTOL
Bristol’s beautiful and
historic Cathedral is located
on College Green in the
West End of the city. A
church has almost certainly
stood on the site for over a
thousand years, but it came
to prominence in 1140 when
Robert Fitzhardinge founded
the Abbey of St Augustine.
The Chapter House and
Abbey Gatehouse remain
clear to see, and the other
remains are to be found
within Bristol Cathedral
School. The eastern end of
the Cathedral, especially
in the choir, gives Bristol
Cathedral a unique place in
the development of British
and European architecture.
The nave, choir and aisles are
all the same height, making
Bristol Cathedral the major
example of a hall church in
Great Britain and one of the
finest to be found anywhere
in the world.
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
61

THE CIRCUS
BATH
Designated by UNESCO as a
World Heritage Site, Bath is
home to some of the most
impressive architectural
sights in the world including
the Royal Crescent, the Circus
and Pulteney Bridge. It is no
wonder then that this golden
city has been welcoming
visitors for over 2,000 years
62
GreatWestWay.co.uk

CABOT TOWER
BRISTOL
If you’d like to experience
a slightly less well-known
architectural experience, take
a trek up Brandon Hill to the
105ft Cabot Tower - then
climb up the tower’s spiral
staircase, where you’ll be
rewarded with panoramic
views of the city and further
architectural delights, to
include Clifton Suspension
Bridge and Bristol Cathedral.
Cabot Tower was built to
commemorate John Cabot’s
voyage from Bristol to the
continent of North America
over four hundred years ago.
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 63

WILTON
WINDMILL
WILTSHIRE
Enjoy a guided tour and find
out about how a Victorian
miller would have lived and
how the windmill works.
Built in 1821 and set high in
the North Wessex Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural
Beauty, Wilton Windmill is
the only working windmill
in the Wessex region. Picnic
area and site accessible all
year round. Guided tours,
refreshments and stone
ground flour available during
opening times. Fabulous
walking and great views – a
very special place.
64
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→
GreatWestWay.co.uk 65

THE BRIDGE
TEAROOMS
BRADFORD
ON AVON
The afternoon ritual of
serving tea has been
developed to a fine art here,
and is so accomplished that
the Bridge Tea Rooms has
been recognized as excellent
by the prestigious UK Tea
Guild for many years. Delicate
bone china, the finest leaf
teas, and friendly staff in
Victorian costumes serving
home-made cakes, pastries
and sandwiches. Housed in a
former blacksmith's cottage
dating from 1502, the Bridge
Tea Rooms positively oozes
atmosphere, and the classical
music playing gently in the
background sets a tranquil
tone.
66 GreatWestWay.co.uk

THE PUMPKIN
TOWER
TROWBRIDGE
The Pumpkin Tower is in
the heart of Trowbridge, the
county town of Wiltshire,
with a rich industrial heritage.
As well as visiting the intriguing
Pumpkin Tower, said to be the
creation of local business owner
Thomas Rothschild, named
after the nickname he had
for his daughter, pop into the
Information Centre and pick up
a copy of the Trowbridge Ted’s
Terrible Town Trail. The team can
offer advice on how to get the
most out of your stay, and the
map will take you around the
town, exploring the more gory
side of Trowbridge’s history!
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
67

BRISTOL
OLD VIC
BRISTOL
The oldest continuallyrunning
theatre in the
English-speaking world
can be found, perhaps
unsurprisingly, down
the cobbled King Street
of Bristol. Yet despite
its storied, tiered
interior, the shows here
are as contemporary
as they come. Be
challenged by modernday
interpretations of
Shakespeare classics, hear
top thinkers talk and see
fresh ideas expressed
through dance. A whole
cast of famous actors
learnt to walk the boards
at the Old Vic Theatre
School, including Daniel
Day-Lewis and Peter
O’Toole. Did you know?
Since autumn 2018 you’ve
been able to enjoy a pretheatre
meal in front of the
theatre’s original facade at
the 1766 Bar & Kitchen.
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STRAWBERRY
HILL HOUSE
TWICKENHAM
Strawberry Hill House &
Garden has been open to
visitors for over 250 years.
Created by Horace Walpole in
the 18th century, Strawberry
Hill is internationally famous
as Britain's finest example
of Georgian Gothic revival
architecture.
→
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69

THE ROMAN
BATHS
BATH
Bath was founded upon
natural hot springs with
the steaming water playing
a key role throughout its
history. Lying in the heart
of the city the Roman Baths
were constructed around 70
AD as a grand bathing and
socialising complex. It is now
one of the best preserved
Roman remains in the world.
1,170,000 litres of steaming
spring water reaching 46°C
still fill the bathing site every
single day. The Romans
believed that this was the
mystical work of the Gods but
we now know that the water
source, which comes from
the King’s Spring, fell as rain
water around 10,000 BC.
Visit The Great Bath, the
magnificent epicentre to
the complex and walk on
the ancient pavements as
the Romans did 2,000 years
ago. The Great Bath that lies
below street level can also
be viewed from the Terrace,
which is adorned with statues
and shadowed by the great
Abbey. Other chambers to
explore include the remains
of the ancient heated rooms
and changing rooms as well
as tepid and plunge pools.
70 GreatWestWay.co.uk

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY
CASTLES ON THE GREAT WEST WAY
› Highclere Castle, or ‘The Real Downton
Abbey’ as it is now known, is where most of
Downton Abbey the TV series and movie were
filmed. Highclere Castle is currently home to
the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Throughout the year, Highclere Castle holds
tours and events open to the public where you
can explore the Estate and the various filming
locations that have appeared on our screens.
› Berkeley Castle is considered by many as a
hidden gem; it was built in 1153 by the Berkeley
family, who still live there. Over the centuries
it has changed from a foreboding fortress to
a welcoming family home. 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. Featured in The White Princess, Wolf
Hall, Poldark, The Hollow Crown, The Spanish
Princess and Johnny English Strikes Again.
› Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest
inhabited castle in the world. It has been the
family home of British kings and queens for
almost 1,000 years and is today one of the
official residences of Her Majesty The Queen.
In 2018, the Castle provided a spectacular
backdrop to two royal weddings, which took
place in St George’s Chapel.
Find more inspiration from our website:
greatwestway.co.uk/see-and-do/attractions
GreatWestWay.co.uk 71

Pictured above: The Savill Building, Savill Garden, Windsor Pictured below left-right: Stonor Park, Wonder Woods;
Playing croquet on the lawn at National Trust's Tyntesfield, Somerset
72

GARDENS THROUGH
THE SEASONS
The gardens of the Great West Way are
beautiful whatever the season, but here are
the must-sees throughout the year
Words: Adrienne Wyper
SPRING SPLENDOURS
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!
• SAVILL GARDEN
This 35-acre garden in Windsor Great Park’s
grounds is home to a glorious spring display
of award-winning rhododendrons, in the
sunken woodland garden. Trumpet-like
flowers appear in every shade: pure white,
pale cream, lemon, apricot, shocking pink,
purple and flaming scarlet – many of them
scented.
• BLENHEIM PALACE
Formal gardens include Water Terraces,
an Italian Garden, and the Rose Garden.
Gardens manager Hilary Wood says:
‘The Secret Garden bursts with fresh life
and colour, from narcissus, snowdrops,
hellebores and magnolias. Vastly different
from the main formal gardens, the
tranquillity of this garden, with its winding
pathways and waterways, is a lovely place
to sit, listen to the birds singing and take
time to just relax.’
• TYNTESFIELD
Cocooned in the Somerset countryside,
Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic country
house and estate. Spring is special: in the
naturalistic orchard, apple, pear and plum
blossom appears, and tulips brighten
urns and beds along the terraces. And in
the kitchen garden, says Senior Gardener
Marianne Closius, ‘a spring highlight for me
is the blossom covering the wall-trained
fruit.’
• STONOR PARK
Set in a valley in the Chilterns, described
by Lord Gibson, former National Trust
Chairman, as: ‘Possibly the most beautiful
setting for any house in England’, there’s a
lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure
gardens. Stroll amid neat box hedges, and
seek out the hidden Japanese retreat. The
estate’s arboretum is a treat during spring
when the cherry blossom appears. →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
73

Pictured left-right: Bowood House and Gardens roses and fountain on The Terrace; Flowers at Bowood;
Bowood House, The Courts Gardens, National Trust; Stourhead; and Westonbirt Arboretum
SUMMER SENSATIONS
• CLIVEDEN HOUSE
The gardens of 300-year-old Cliveden House
hold as much interest as the house – 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 flowers and classical statues in the Long
Garden and come over all romantic amid 900
roses in the heavenly scented Rose Garden.
• BOWOOD HOUSE
Fashionable 18th-century gardener
‘Capability’ Brown worked his magic on 100
acres of parkland here, widely hailed as his
best-preserved masterpiece. Sit by the
mile-long lake, admire sweeping lawns
from the terrace and learn more about
the designer on a summer tour with head
gardener David Glass. Other highlights
include an arboretum, woodland gardens
and Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s secret walled
garden – swathed in early summer with
fragrant lavender, honeysuckle and peonies.
• BERKELEY CASTLE
Henry II gave the Castle to the Berkeley
family in 1153. Below the gatehouse is a
bowling green, where Queen Elizabeth I
is believed to have played. In the terraced
gardens the focus is on fragrance, and
June’s roses are a delight. Seize the rare
opportunity to walk among free-flying
butterflies in the Tropical Butterfly House.
• HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Beside the Thames, at Henry VIII’s
residence, the Royal Horticultural Society's
Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival
(5-11 July 2021) is the world’s largest
annual horticultural show. This year’s
design themes include Scandinavian and
sustainable.
Make time for the rose marquee, where
the rose of the year is revealed.
The setting for the Festival is a product
of the Palace’s rich history - the Baroquestyle
Great Fountain Garden, The Maze,
and Royal Kitchen Garden with its heritage
vegetables.
74 GreatWestWay.co.uk

AUTUMN GLOWS
• WESTONBIRT
ARBORETUM
With 15,000 trees from around
the world, including five national
collections, autumn is spectacular
here. Dendrologist Michal Dvorak
says: ‘With our world-renowned
maples taking centre stage, it’s
easy to miss lesser-known gems.
The smoke bush is a feast of
colour, including fiery yellows, reds,
peaches and purples. The Persian
ironwood is another one not to
miss in autumn as its leaves turn
crimson and gold.’ Don’t miss the
step-free STIHL Treetop Walkway,
and download a fun kids’ activity
booklet, including creating leaf
crowns and hunting acorns.
• STOURHEAD
In south Wiltshire, Stourhead
is one of the Great West Way’s
most famous gardens. Described
as ‘a living work of art’ when it
opened in the 1740s, its classical
architecture includes a grotto, a
gothic cottage and its own Temple
of Apollo. For Alan Power, head
gardener, his favourite time of year
here is autumn: ‘the garden, the
architecture, the plants and the
trees all perform perfectly together.
It’s like an encore before the rest for
winter.’
• BRISTOL BOTANIC
GARDEN
Fascinating displays tell the story
of plants in several zones. The
evolution collection boasts species
dating back 200 million years. Two
medicinal herb gardens – Chinese
and Western – display useful plants.
On chilly days, take shelter in the
tropical zone glasshouse, marvel at
giant waterlilies, and admire edible
crops such as cocoa, vanilla, sugar
cane, banana, pineapple and ginger.
• THE COURTS
GARDEN
Poet-in-residence John Bond (2018-
2019) summed up the beauty of
the season in this English country
style garden, open until the end of
October in Melksham: ‘…death,
for once, shows nature at its best,
and leaves outdo the flowers by
a mile in beauty’. As well as the
arboretum, topiary treats include
the line of yews called ‘the dancing
bears’ plus peaceful water gardens
and unexpected vistas.→
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75

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

Pictured left-right: Christmas at Kew;
and The Hidden Gardens of Bath
WINTER WONDERS
• ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW
See the stunning gardens in a whole new light with
Christmas at Kew, a show-stopping annual trail of
festive light installations. More than a million tiny
bulbs and flickering flames light up the night, as
rainbow reflections shimmer on the water and trees are
drenched in dazzling hues. Along the route try festive
hot food and treats such as spiced winter warmers and
hot chocolate.
• MONTACUTE HOUSE
One of very few Elizabethan gardens retaining the
compartmentalised design of the period, each with a
distinct feel, from the East Court’s stone balustrades
and foliage planting, to yews and views in the North
Garden, and wide-open spaces on the Cedar Lawn.
• PRIOR PARK LANDSCAPE GARDEN
At this elegant 18th-century landscape garden south
of Bath, designed by Capability Brown, the Palladian
bridge and waterway are a focal point. In winter the
bare branches reveal views that aren’t visible at other
times of year, but greenery still abounds, with glossy
laurels and evergreen shrubs, succeeded by drifts of
delicate snowdrops.
• WADDESDON MANOR
In winter the grounds are transformed by dazzling
colour and light displays, bathing trees and manor
alike in beautiful hues. Wrap up warm and follow the
trail, wending its way past imaginative illuminated
installations.
YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY
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 you will also be contributing
to charity. Simply go to their website (ngs.
org.uk) and search for your perfect garden -
pre-booking is essential. Fancy having it all to
yourself? Following the coronavirus pandemic
a number of gardens are offering private visits.
One of the safest, most comfortable and most
enjoyable places for a a family get-together, or
meet up with friends.
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!
Find out more about all the gardens on the
Great West Way and and inspiration from Head
Gardeners from our website:
greatwestway.co.uk/discover-our-way/
gardens
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77

HISTORIC STOPS
TRAIN TRAVEL
Making tracks on the Great West Way
can point you at endless amounts of
history and fun facts to be discovered
along its length from London to Bristol
Words: Geoff Moore
TAKING TO THE TRACKS is certainly one way to
explore locations and the history of the Great
West Way. In one go the journey is just 1hr
40min, but stopping en route to explore the
route in your own time is 'slow travel' at its best.
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.
Setting out west from Paddington, how about
making the first stop at Windsor and Eton Central?
It was here where a race to impress a real Royal took
place just outside her castle in the town. Two opposing
rail companies ‘The Great Western’ and ‘The London
and South Western Railway’ set out to be the first to
provide the monarch with a rail service.
In 1840 Queen Victoria encouraged by Prince Albert
took a trip from Slough - which was then the nearest
station to the castle - to Paddington. And today
parts of the original elegant façade can still be seen
indicating its former short lived Royal connection.
The GWR line extension was built to almost within
touching distance of the castle walls. With the two
companies frantically making progress to Windsor it
was the Great Western that finally won the race.
Although they had to build a massive curving brick
arch viaduct over the ‘playing fields of Eton’, plus bridge
the Thames in order to get into the centre.
For the London and South Western Railway, a bridge
failure disrupted their attempt to win and still the town
has two stations within 600 metres of each other.
Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor Eton Riverside.
GWR’s central station has an expansive metal and
glass roof that almost mimic’s Paddington’s. This was to
allow the Queen’s mounted soldiers to wait undercover
before escorting her back to the castle.
Today, you can enjoy an alfresco cocktail in the
stations All Bar One restaurant and bar, the exact
location where in March 1882 the last (of eight)
assassination attempts on Queen Victoria took place.
78 GreatWestWay.co.uk

Pictured:
The Great
Western
Railway built
the grand
Windsor &
Eton Railway
Station in
1897.
THE DISCOVER PASS
ROUTE MAP
→
GreatWestWay.co.uk
79

Pictured:
It might be possible
that Isambard
Kingdom Brunel
designed his two-mile
long Box Tunnel with
his own birthday in
mind! It is claimed
that on the 9th April,
the sun shines directly
down the length of the
tunnel - a theory which
was tested a few years
ago by Great Western
Railway and Network
Rail when a rare chance
to observe it came
about due to the line
being shut on the date
because of upgrade
work.
Trains from London Paddington also call at
Twyford, changing onto the line to Henley-on-
Thames, home to the famous regatta.
Disembark in Reading and enjoy 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.
Here you have a choice, you might like to take the
south-west route (see opposite page), or travel the
route via 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 – next stop on the
line is 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.
Heading further west passing Chippenham on
the train to Bath there is the renowned ‘Box Tunnel’.
Here the rail line dives underground through Box Hill
for nearly two miles. Another of Brunel’s great feats
on the GWR. Located on the outskirts of Corsham
the tunnel project was thought to be impossible
to build by fellow engineers of the time. However,
after starting in December 1838 the one mile and
three quarters long subterranean construction was
completed by Brunel in June 1841.
The entrance to it on the Bath side is ornate and
built of Bath Stone in a grand classical style but the
eastern entrance quite austere.
The tunnel itself also hides, adjacent to its dank
darkness, a Cold War secret. Constructed alongside
underground is a series of subterranean roads and
passages. Complete with communication bunkers,
offices, food and fuel storage, the complex was
designed in the 1950’s and 60’s to house the Prime
Minister and the Government plus military officials
in case of a nuclear attack.
80 GreatWestWay.co.uk

When Isambard Kingdom Brunel's
Box Tunnel was first built, despite
his own certainty, there were many
who feared disaster, believing
that the Box Tunnel was a health
hazard, likely to prove fatal, that
the noise of two trains passing
each other in the tunnel would
shake your nerves, and that if you
travelled over a certain speed you
wouldn't be able to breathe!
There was talk that this huge bomb proof selfsufficient
complex was in fact a ruse to fool the Russians,
and that the real contingency plan had the Government
spread around England, Wales, Scotland and Northern
Ireland under the code name Python!
The final stop on this route before reaching Bath is
the glorious Bradford-on-Avon. This small town sits on
the edge of The Cotswolds and straddles the River Avon.
Cross the waters in ancient footsteps, on the 13thcentury
town bridge, and stand dwarfed in the 14thcentury
Tithe Barn, its lattice of timbers soaring for over
50 metres far above your head.
SOUTH WEST ROUTE
Rather than taking the north-west route to Swindon
from Reading, you might choose to take the southwest
route towards Bath via Newbury and Hungerford,
travelling through the North Wessex Downs Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Great Western Railway is far from just one main
line – and this line is a perfect example of an alternative
rail journey where you can get off the beaten track and
out into more rural areas.
There are several short loop walks from Hungerford,
an ancient town also known for its antique shops, or you
could get off the train a stop earlier and walk the nine
miles from Newbury along the canal, stopping first for a
flutter – there’s a world-class racecourse here.
At Hungerford a short walk from the station will
find you at the Hungerford Wharf. Here the ‘Rose of
Hungerford’ operates canal boat trips with dedicated
volunteers of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust with their
trips starting May 22nd. Their passenger barge can take
around 50 people (in non Covid-19 times) complete with
wheelchair lift.
You might enjoy a scenic boat trip to Kintbury or
Great Bedwyn gliding through several locks. With an
onboard café and toilets too. →
Pictured:
Visiting Bradford
on Avon means the
visitor gets the best of
everything, shopping,
accommodation;
restaurants and inns;
river; canal and most
of all an amazing
history that can be
found at every turn.
GreatWestWay.co.uk
81

Make time in Great Bedwyn to visit the world’s oldest
operating steam driven beam engines, still in their
original building. 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 in order to keep the barges and boats moving and
the locks full.
The next stop on this line is Pewsey. From the station
it is a half mile walk north to Pewsey Wharf. Take the
towpath to the west (left) for a charming easy flat walk
to what has become the UK’s crop circle central! Or, The
Barge Inn at Honeystreet. A sign at the pub proclaims
‘twinned with Roswell, New Mexico’!
The Barge Inn has been a meeting place for ‘Crop
Circle’ enthusiasts as many have appeared in the
surrounding valley over the years. The inn plans to open
from April 12th. This delightful circular rural stroll will
take you back past Lady’s Bridge at Wilcot, a grand stone
regency bridge built by the canal engineer John Rennie in
order to placate the land owner for letting the canal pass
over his land.
Returning to Pewsey, you may spot a series of World
War II pill boxes and tank defences on some crossing
points like at Church Lane Bridge. This was all part of
what was called the GHQ line where if there had been
an invasion in World War 2 a major defensive action was
planned.
Today the towpath carries 21st century
communication too. Fibre optic cables run along much of
it. You may spot the ‘Fibreway ’signs.
Change at Westbury and head to 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.
Your final calling point en route to Bristol, whichever
direction you have taken to get here, is Bath - a city so
beautiful its centre has been UNESCO World Heritage
listed. 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.
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) and clamber up the
rigging of one of Brunel’s other famous creations, the SS
Great Britain. His Clifton Suspension Bridge is here too,
beckoning you along the River Avon and out to Avon
Gorge to set foot atop this world-famous bridge and
quietly thank Brunel for the journey he made possible –
along the Great West Way by rail.
82 GreatWestWay.co.uk

Pictured left:
Walk along the Kennet
& Avon Canal and
you'll encounter a
surprise - the world's
oldest working steam
engines. The Crofton
Beam Engines fed by a
hand-stoked coal-fired
boiler are still plugging
away at the same job
they were designed
to do more than 200
years ago - pumping
water up at the highest
point of the canal.
Right: Passenger on the
Avon Valley Railway;
Steam train; Swindon
and Cricklade Railway.
Did you know? Popular urban myth was
that if you travelled faster than a horse
could gallop, your head would explode! It
took Prince Albert, who himself was a keen
engineer, one year to persuade Queen Victoria
to go on a train. Once she had experienced
the 25 minute journey from Windsor to
Paddington she was charmed and impressed
CLICK
HERE
FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION AND
TO DOWNLOAD THE
GREAT WEST WAY
DISCOVERER PASS
STEAM ENGINES
Although England has lost many of its
railways over the years, the country has
long been ensconced in a love affair with
steam and there are passionate volunteers
still running heritage steam railways on
the Great West Way.
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
there, the number 15 from the centre of
Swindon stops at the Tawny Owl pub,
close to Taw Valley Halt.
GreatWestWay.co.uk
83

Pictured:
Making a toast
at The Newbury,
Berkshire over
cocktails and
homemade pizzas.
84

GOURMET GUIDE
FOOD & DRINK
Discover a wealth of hidden culinary
delights and epicurean experiences on
the Great West Way
Words: Karyn Noble
Sure, you could travel the Great West Way
from London to Bristol in an afternoon, but
epicureans know the reward is in the discovery,
and we’ve got 500 miles of delicious detours
for you! Linger as long as you can, because this stretch
of English countryside needs to be savoured, and slow
travel is the best way to experience it.
This slice of quintessential England is home to
some of the country’s best agricultural land, and with
that comes excellent 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, hotels and restaurants select the best of it all
for their menus, and family-run tea rooms whip up
fresh cakes daily. All of this adds up to one very tasty
journey along the Great West Way.
From thatched pubs to beamed tearooms, farm
shops to Michelin starred restaurants, and food tours
to cookery schools – we hope you enjoy our pick of the
best places to visit along the route from east to west.
Starting the route from London and heading
towards Windsor, thoughts may immediately turn to
stately matters. Apart from admiring Windsor Castle,
it’s only proper to take an elegant afternoon tea here.
Push the boat out (or watch the Windsor Duck Tours
and French Brothers boat cruises) from the terrace
overlooking the Thames River at Sir Christopher Wren
Hotel & Spa, with warm scones, jam and Cornish
clotted cream. Or you could nibble your Highland oak
smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwiches by
the roaring fire in their Drawing Room.
For hearty pub food, The Bird in Hand at Knowl Hill
beckons. Renowned for its 28-day dry-aged-on-thebone
steaks, this is the kind of place that reverentially
namechecks all its local suppliers; the Great British
Sunday Roast is definitely worth booking. If you fancy
climbing the gastronomic echelons, Bray-on-Thames
is a must - truly the most exciting ‘foodie’ village to
visit in the UK, home to The Fat Duck (yes, of Heston
Blumenthal fame) The Waterside Inn, and other
Michelin starred gems you will want to add to your
special-night-out list. (see page 48).
Cap it off with a reservation at Monkey Island
Estate, a luxury hotel on a private island in Bray,
perhaps with a nightcap in the Whisky Snug accessed
via a secret staircase.
In the counties of Buckinghamshire and North
Hampshire, head for The Five Arrows restaurant,
located at the gates of the grand Waddesdon Manor →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
85

Pictured left-right:
The Red Lion
Freehouse,
Pewsey; The
Carpenters
Arms, Windsor;
Wadworth
Brewery Shires.
in Aylesbury for a taste of beef from the estate, its
very own ale, and seasonal vegetables from the
kitchen garden. If you’re still in the mood for luxury,
then the Grade-II listed Langley Hotel in Iver is the
place to retire to its Churchill bar for cosy Cognacs.
Gin fans will want to deviate to the Bombay
Sapphire Distillery in Whitchurch, where there has
been a mill since AD903. Here you can drink the likes
of Vespear Martinis alongside the River Test, or take a
masterclass to expand your cocktail repertoire. Finish
up with a Hampshire Charcuterie and Cheese platter
at the Mill Café for a tasty introduction to local
produce.
Next county stop along the route is Wiltshire. If
your ambition is to eat ham in the village of Ham,
then consider it done. Perhaps pressed ham hock
and pigeon terrine at the stylishly refurbished Crown
& Anchor pub with rooms, a traditional inn dating
back to the 1840s. Or a Michelin-starred version of
ham, egg and chips from the Red Lion Freehouse (a
thatched country pub with a boutique guest house)
in Pewsey. Extend yourself to ham in Chippenham,
with a sandwich from the tea room at Dyrham Park
before strolling 270-acre ancient parkland around the
baroque beauty of its mansion house at the western
edge of the Cotswolds. Don’t miss picking up some
of ‘the Wiltshire cure’ at Buttle Farm in Compton
Bassett: a traditional technique for curing their freerange
rare-breed pork and ham.
Farm shops are not only a highlight of the Great
West Way, but your source of excellent edible
souvenirs. At Roves Farm in Sevenhampton, you
can indulge in farm-raised fare at the Woolly Sheep
Café and also take home free-range eggs, sausages,
pies and other treats. True gourmands should head
straight to the butchery for the highest quality homereared
meats.
86 GreatWestWay.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? IN THEIR
HEYDAY, MORE THAN 40 SHIRES
WERE USED BY WADWORTH
BREWERY TO DELIVER THEIR
ALREADY FAMOUS BEERS TO
LOCAL INNS AND HOSTELRIES?
A TRADITION AT WADWORTH
– AND THEIR GENTLE GIANTS
ARE AS MUCH A PART OF THE
WADWORTH HERITAGE AS THE
CLOSELY GUARDED REAL ALE
RECIPES!
VISIT SAFELY
Protect yourself and others
Businesses have been working
hard to make sure everything is
safe for both staff and visitors.
Things may look slightly different,
so please be patient as we all get
used to new ways of doing things.
Websites and businesses will
be displaying new certification,
including the Nationallyrecognised
"We're Good to
Go" mark to demonstrate the
measures they have in place to
protect us all from COVID-19.
Renowned for its apples
and magnificent dairy produce,
Somerset is where you simply
must eat cheese in the village of
Cheddar, either before or after
(or both!) exploring the famous
Cheddar Gorge & Caves. The city
of Bath will easily enchant with
its Roman and Georgian charms,
but set aside plenty of time for
gastronomic exploration too.
One of the youngest chefs to
win a Michelin star, Rob Clayton
of Clayton’s Kitchen, prepares
delicate Mediterranean-influenced
dishes, with some good-value
set menus. You can also dine in
style in the neo-classical salon of
the Roman Baths’ Pump Room
Restaurant or in the opulent
surrounds of The Gainsborough
Bath Spa, the only hotel in the
country where you can experience
Bath’s thermal waters.
Pack an extra stomach for
Bristol: the city has had quite the
renaissance in the food world,
with its many multicultural
influences, and an especially
thriving street food scene. Pick up
a coffee at Prince Street Social or
head to Bristol Lido, where you
could really kickstart your day
with breakfast at the poolside
restaurant, enjoying hot smoked
salmon and soft-boiled eggs,
served with a Mimosa of Prosecco
and Chase marmalade vodka (best
not to swim afterwards!).
If you need a relaxing
afternoon tea, you can glide down
the River Avon on Bristol Packet
Boat Tours’ two-hour Cream Tea
Cruise. But to ensure your trip
is truly ship-shape and Bristol
fashion, try to time your visit for a
Wednesday, Thursday or weekend,
when the Harbourside Street
Food Market is in full swing. →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
87

FUN FACTS • IT TAKES 36 PIECES OF
FRUIT TO MAKE ONE GALLON OF
APPLE CIDER.
• IN A YEAR WEST BERKSHIRE
BREWERY BREW AN IMPRESSIVE
2.6 MILLION PINTS.
• THERE HAS BEEN A MILL WHERE
BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY IS
SINCE AT LEAST AD903.
FABULOUS FOOD &
DRINK FESTIVALS
If you can, time your visit for one of
the food and drink-focused events
along the Great West Way.
MAY
• BRADFORD ON AVON
FOOD FESTIVAL
One-day event featuring food stalls
from local artisan producers, cookery
demonstrations by professional
chefs and a children’s activity area.
JUNE
• BRISTOL FOOD
CONNECTIONS
A citywide line-up of events over
almost two weeks, including talks
on food and health, lunchtime boat
trips and cooking demonstrations.
• EAT! FOOD FESTIVAL
HENLEY
A fortnight of feasting, with a line-up
of events that includes tastings, chef
demonstrations, film screenings and
the finale Riverside Fiesta with street
food and a floating gin bar.
• PUB IN THE PARK
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge
combines tastings, chef
demonstrations, masterclasses
and music from top live acts in his
‘ultimate pub garden’ over three
lively days.
• EAT READING
Two-day festival showcasing
Reading’s best foodie businesses,
featuring live cookery
demonstrations, street food tastings,
cocktail mixology and a pop-up
street café.
• GREAT BRITISH FOOD
FESTIVAL
June (Englefield, Reading) and
August (Westonbirt House)
This touring festival brings artisan
producers and street food vendors
together over two or three days and
includes plenty of child-friendly
activities.
• TASTE OF CORSHAM
Full-day celebration of Corsham’s
local food producers, with food and
drink stalls lining the High Street, live
music and a silent disco.
JULY
• THE SURREY FOOD
FESTIVAL
A weekend of foodie fun, with talks,
tastings and demos in the marquee
and an extensive line-up of food and
drink stalls, plus live music and a
kids’ zone.
• DEVIZES BEER FESTIVAL
One-day beer festival with more
than 100 real ales and ciders served
up canalside. Live music too.
• LONGLEAT FOOD & MUSIC
FESTIVAL
A harmonious festival sure to
tantalise your taste buds with diverse
food and drink stalls, demonstrations
by celebrity chefs and live music from
an array of artists taking to the stage.
SEPTEMBER
• THE COFFEE HOUSE
PROJECT
Bristol’s first coffee festival
celebrates local, artisan roasters and
independent food and drink retailers
over two days.
• DEVIZES FOOD AND DRINK
FESTIVAL
Week-long celebration of local food
and drink products, including a
food market and visits to producers
including a goat farm and vineyard.
OCTOBER
• HUNGERFORD FOOD
FESTIVAL
Full-day event featuring street food
stalls, talks and live cooking demos.
Sustainability is a key theme.
There are also hundreds of smaller
events, alongside weekly produce
and street food markets in market
towns throughout the touring route.
You might even stumble upon
Chippenham’s Pancake Races!
88 GreatWestWay.co.uk

89
GreatWestWay.co.uk
AFTERNOON TEA
A cream tea is a must on your journey
and there are many options for partaking
in this beloved English ritual as you travel
the route. Tables piled high with cake
stands, tea pots and pretty china cups.
Scones smothered in thick, sweet cream.
Dainty sandwiches layered with smoked
salmon, or Wiltshire ham, or West
Country cheese. Fresh homemade cakes
and pastries. Copious refills of herbal teas
or classic English Breakfast. Traditionally,
the jam is strawberry but choose from
raspberry or even blackcurrant!
Some of the best cream teas along the
way are at The Royal Crescent Hotel &
Spa, Honeystreet Mill Café, The Tutti Pole,
Whatley Manor, Woolley Grange Hotel
and the traditional Bridge Tea Rooms.
Experience an authentic afternoon tea
whilst enjoying views over the landscaped
gardens and lakes from the Drawing Room
at The Langley or surrounded by glorious
Cotswold gardens on the terrace at
Whatley Manor. Enjoy a quintessentially
English afternoon tea at Bowood House
or delve into the decadence of yesteryear
at boutique hotel Roseate House - or
head to the grand Pump Room to feel like
Jane Austen and take your tea where high
society has been meeting since the 18th
century. Whether you’re spending weeks
exploring the length of the Great West
Way, or you’re here for a day trip, there’s
always time for afternoon tea.
greatwestway.co.uk/see-and-do/foodand-drink/afternoon-tea
l
gs,
Great West Way and England’s Great West Way are registered trade marks. A l rights reserved.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
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
A fortnight of feasting, with a line-up of events
that includes tastings, chef demonstrations, film
screenings and the finale Riverside Fiesta with
street food and a floating gin bar.
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.
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
days and includes plenty of child-friendly activities.
HUNGERFORD FOOD FESTIVAL (F4)
Hungerford Town Hall and High St, October
hungerfordfoodfestival.com
Full-day event featuring street food stalls, talks
and live cooking demos. Sustainability is a key
theme.
PUB IN THE PARK (BATH B4 / MARLOW J3)
Marlow, May and Royal Victoria Park, Bath,
June • pubintheparkuk.com
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge 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 stalls, plus live music and a kids’
zone.
TASTE OF CORSHAM (C4)
Corsham, June • corsham.gov.uk
Full-day celebration of Corsham’s local food
producers, with food and drink stalls lining the
High Street, live music and a silent disco.
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 smaller events, alongside
weekly produce and street food markets in market
towns throughou the touring route. You might even
stumble upon Chippenham’s Pancake Races!
BRADFORD ON AVON FOOD FESTIVAL (C4)
Victory Field, Bradford on Avon, 30 May
scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk
One-day event featuring food stalls 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 coffee 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.
FOOD ON THE MOVE
Enjoy dining while travelling the route by train
with our Great West Way Discoverer pass.
Great Western Railway serve delicious produce
from their at-seat trolley service, from classic
snacks and sweet treats, to tasty sandwiches
and wraps. Plus, a great range of soft drinks,
beers, and wines to accompany your journey.
FABULOUS FOOD &
DRINK FESTIVALS
TEA ROOMS & CAFÉS
BEER & BREWERIES
WADWORTH EAT,
DRINK AND STAY
ON THE GREAT
WEST WAY
BRISTOL
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 distilled.
Landlord Pete’s vision is a the heart of The
Newbury and 137, from the distinctive branding
to the stunning décor.
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’ll enjoy diverse food and drink stalls,
demonstrations by celebrity chefs, plus live music
from an array of artists taking to the stage with
Longleat House as the backdrop; each day’s line-up
will be announced closer to the event.
AEROSPACE BRISTOL CAFÉ (B3)
Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ
aerospacebristol.org/cafe
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
locally 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)
honeystreetmillcafe.co.uk
SPRING’S CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT (B4)
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, BA1 1SJ
01225 331234 • thermaebathspa.com
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 TUTTI POLE (F4)
thetuttipole.co.uk
WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM (C3)
Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
0300 067 4890 • Forestryengland.uk/Westonbirt
The Westonbirt Restaurant offers tasty, freshly
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 Mill flour from nearby Long Newnton.
WINDSOR CASTLE UNDERCROFT CAFÉ –
OPENING 2020 (K3)
rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Royal Collection Trust is investing in a series of
projects at Windsor Castle that will transform the
experience of visiting this royal residence. Work is
underway to evolve the medieval Undercroft into
the Castle’s first permanent café. One of the few
remaining parts of Edward III’s majo renovations in
the 1360s, the Undercroft is among the oldest
surviving parts of the Castle and during the 14th
century served as the principal cellar and larder.
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. Call 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
THE WHITE HORSE INN (D4)
whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk
4)
tea
4)
r
ore
ren’s
e
Hall, or
NATIONAL TRUST SEASONAL EATING,
DRINKING AND SHOPPING
Did you know that 187 of National Trust’s cafés,
restaurants and tea-rooms have received the
Food for Life Served Here Award? The award
recognises tha they serve fresh, local food that
is ethically 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
DYRHAM PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE (B3)
The Tea-room and Tea Garden
PRIOR PARK, BATH (C4)
The Tea Shed
TYNTESFIELD, BRISTOL (A4)
Cow Barn Restaurant
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
CANAL TRUST CAFÉ (C4)
canaltrustcafe.co.uk
DEVIZES WHARF TEA ROOM (D4)
katrust.org.uk/attractions
THE ENGINEMAN’S REST CAFÉ (E4)
croftonbeamengines.org/cafe/
TEASHOP BY THE CANAL (G4)
teashopbythecanal.co.uk
Or take a look a these welcoming spots perfect
to stop and plan the next part of your Great
West Way journey while enjoying a cake and a
nice cup of tea.
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’ll 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-pull
pump mounted on the bar. This gives real ale
bags o flavour and a natura light carbonation
that is very different from the more ubiquitous
lagers and highly carbonated beers produced by
the large international brewers.
You’ll find real ale in almost all pubs along
the Great West Way. It comes in numerous
varieties including IPA (India Pale Ale), bitter,
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
ale along 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
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 follow the
lead of the local tour guides at Bristol
Brewery Tours or Bristol Hoppers.
Join one of the Great West Way’s best food
experiences to really ge to grips with the local
cuisine. There are plenty of places to try homegrown
tipples. Beer, wine and gin are all made along the
Great West Way. You can take a brewery, vineyard or
distillery 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)
distillery.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 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
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 smal local producers. You’ll also
find several celebrity chefs including Rick Stein,
Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White. There’s
also plenty of different 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
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.
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
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 well 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-starred tasting menu from the kitchen of
executive chef Niall Keating is served in this friendly
but formal dining room. There’s often charcuterie
from the manor to start, followed by a creative lineup
of modern British dishes.
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
terrace. The Cabin, offers fine wine, craft beers
and locally sourced food in a relaxing environment
– and includes a stylish outdoor terrace with
retractable roof.
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)
wiltonwindmill.co.uk
A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD (D5)
01380 816669 • abecketts.co.uk
ALDER RIDGE VINEYARD (F4)
01488 686770 • alderridge.co.uk
ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD (A4)
01934 864404 • aldwickestate.co.uk
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 OLD BELL HOTEL (C3)
Malmesbury, SN16 0BW,
01666 822344 • oldbellhotel.co.uk
The Old Bell 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.
PLUM + SPILT MILK, GREAT NORTHERN
HOTEL (M3)
gnhlondon.com
RICK STEIN, MARLBOROUGH (E4)
rickstein.com/eat-with-us/marlborough
SHELBURNE RESTAURANT, BOWOOD
HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT (D4)
Derry Hill, Calne SN11 9PQ, 01249 822228
bowood.org/bowood-hotel-resort
The classy restaurant a this luxury hotel has
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 full vegetarian and vegan
menu and excellen traditional Sunday roasts.
THE SWAN BRADFORD ON AVON (C4)
theswanbradford.co.uk
WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL (C4)
woolleygrangehotel.co.uk
THE FAT DUCK (J3)
High St, Bray SL6 2AQ
THE HAND AND FLOWERS (J3)
126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP
FOOD & DRINK TOURS & TASTINGS
ENGLISH WINE
CULINARY DELIGHTS
IN MICHELIN STARRED
RESTAURANTS
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
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 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’ll happen upon them
as you travel along the Great West Way.
COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN,
HUNGERFORD (F4)
Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerford RG17 0SP,
01488 686770 • cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
This excellent farm shop sells produce from
the surrounding 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
(E5)
Choldertoncharliesfarm.com/farm-shop
COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN,
ENGLEFIELD (H4)
cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
ROVES FARM SHOP (E3)
Rovesfarm.co.uk/farmshop
Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Sat & Sun
Swindon Farmers’ Market Swindon Designer
Outlet, every Sun
Thames Valley 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
MARVELLOUS FOOD MARKETS
FARM SHOPS
ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD
COBBS FARM SHOP
THE NEWBURY
WINDSOR CASTLE UNDERCROFT CAFÉ
WHATLEY MANOR
BATH ARTISANS MARKET
WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY
TASTE HERE.
GreatWestWay.co.uk/food-and-drink
BRISTOL BEER FACTORY
MOOR BEER
To discover more, visit GreatWestWay.co.uk
W W W.WA D W O R T H.C O.U K
EAT, DRINK & STAY WITH
ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY ®
Enjoy great food from pub cla sics to a special treat
George Inn, Norton St Philip, Bath, Somerset
Meet our working shire horses
Bird in Hand, Knowl Hi l, Reading, Berkshire
Try beers brewed with pa sion
Crown Inn, To ldown, Dyrham, Somerset
Wadworth Brewery, Devizes, Wiltshire
Black Swan, Devizes, Wiltshire
Bear Hotel, Devizes, Wiltshire
GGW advert.qxp_Layout 1 19/11/2019 15:26 Page 1
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
agricultural land, and with that comes excellent 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 select the best of it all for their menus,
and family-run tea rooms whip up fresh cakes daily.
All 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.
Great places to savour along the
Great West Way.
FOOD &
DRINK
DEVIZES FOOD AND DRINK FES
Devizes, September-October
devizesfoodanddrinkfestival.info
Week-long celebration of local food a
products, including a food market in t
Place and visits to producers including
and vineyard.
EAT! FOOD FESTIVAL HENLEY (H3
Henley on Thames, June • eatfoodfe
A fortnight o feasting, with a line-up o
that includes tastings, chef demonstrat
screenings and the finale Riverside Fiest
street food and a floating gin bar.
EAT READING (H4)
Broad St and Market Place, Reading, Ju
livingreading.co.uk
Two-day festival showcasing Reading’s be
businesses, featuring live cookery demons
street food tastings, cocktail mixology and
up street café.
GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL
Englefield, Reading (H4), June and
Westonbirt House (C3), August
greatbritishfoodfestival.com
This touring festival brings artisan producers
street food vendors together over two or thre
days and includes plenty of child-friendly act
HUNGERFORD FOOD FESTIVAL (F4)
Hungerford Town Hall and High St, Octob
hungerfordfoodfestival.com
Fu l-day event featuring street food stalls, talk
and live cooking demos. Sustainability is a key
theme.
PUB IN THE PARK (BATH B4 / MARLOW J3)
Marlow, May and Royal Victoria Park, Bath,
June • pubintheparkuk.com
Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge combines tastings,
chef demonstrations, masterclasses and music
from top live acts in his ‘ultimate pub garden’ ove
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.
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 throughout the touring route. You might even
stumble upon Chippenham’s Pancake Races!
BRADFORD ON AVON FOOD FESTIVAL (C4)
Victory Field, Bradford on Avon, 30 May
scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk
One-day event featuring food stalls 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 coffee 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.
FABULOUS FOOD &
DRINK FESTIVALS
TEA ROOMS & CAFÉS
BEER & BREWERIES
WADWORTH EAT,
DRINK AND STAY
ON THE GREAT
WEST WAY
BRISTOL
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 a the heart of The
Newbury and 137, from the distinctive branding
to the stunning décor.
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 sta ls,
demonstrations by celebrity chefs, plus live music
from an array 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.
AEROSPACE BRISTOL CAFÉ (B3)
Hayes Way, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5BZ
aerospacebristol.org/cafe
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
locally 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)
honeystreetmillcafe.co.uk
SPRING’S CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT (B4)
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, BA1 1SJ
01225 331234 • thermaebathspa.com
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 TUTTI POLE (F4)
thetuttipole.co.uk
WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM (C3)
Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
0300 067 4890 • Forestryengland.uk/Westonbirt
The Westonbirt Restaurant offers tasty, freshly
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.
WINDSO
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’ l 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
THE WHITE HORSE INN (D4)
whitehorse-comptonbassett.co.uk
ABBEY HOTEL (B4)
abbeyhotelbath.co.uk
APEX HOTEL (B4)
apexhotels.co.uk
BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL (B4)
handpickedhotels.co.uk/bailbrookhouse
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)
no15greatpulteney.co.uk
THE PUMP ROOM RESTAURANT (B4)
Roman Baths, Bath BA1 1LZ 01225 444477
romanbaths.co.uk/pump-room-restaurant
An elegant space a the Roman Baths where a
range of teas is served, from the sma ler cream tea
to the fu l tiered stand of treats.
THE ROSEATE (H4)
roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate
ROSEATE HOUSE (L3)
roseatehotels.com/london/roseatehouse
THE ROSEATE VILLA BATH (B4)
roseatehotels.com/bath/theros
NATIONAL TRUST SEASONAL EATING,
DRINKING AND SHOPPING
Did you know that 187 of National Trust’s cafés,
restaurants and tea-rooms have received the
Food for Life Served Here Award? The award
recognises tha they serve fresh, local food that
is ethically 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
DYRHAM PARK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE (B3)
The Tea-room and Tea Garden
PRIOR PARK, BATH (C4)
The Tea Shed
TYNTESFIELD, BRISTOL (A4)
Cow Barn Restaurant
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
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 ca led ‘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 – genera ly from a traditional hand-pull
pump mounted on the bar. This gives real ale
bags o flavour and a natural light carbonation
that is very different from the more ubiquitous
lagers and highly carbonated beers produced by
the large international brewers.
You’ l find real ale in almost a l pubs along
the Great West Way. It comes in numerous
varieties including IPA (India Pale Ale), bitter,
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
ale along 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
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.
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
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,
Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White. There’s
also plenty of different 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)
handpickedhot
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 DIN
A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD (D5)
01380 816669 • abecketts.co.uk
ALDER RIDGE VINEYARD (F4)
01488 686770 • alderridge.co.uk
ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD (A4)
01934 864404 • aldwickestate.co.uk
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 FAT DUCK (J3)
High St, Bray SL6 2AQ
THE HAND AND FLOWERS (J3)
126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP
AFTERNOON TEA
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
while away an afternoon.
There is always tea, of course. Usua ly this is served
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
jam and cream, and cakes. Most people ea them
in that order, but since many of the most upmarket
places wi l keep replenishing each level, you could
switch back and forth for hours.
Afternoon
ENGLISH WINE
CULINARY DELIGHTS
IN MICHELIN STARRED
RESTAURANTS
The Great West Way runs through some of
England’s most fertile agricultural 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 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.
COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN,
HUNGERFORD (F4)
Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerford RG17 0SP,
01488 686770 • cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
This exce lent farm shop se ls produce from
the surrounding 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 wi l
find another Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen with
a whole host of local produce.
BUTTLE FARM (D4)
buttlefarm.co.uk
CHOLDERTON CHARLIE’S FARM SHOP
(E5)
Choldertoncharliesfarm.com/farm-shop
COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN,
ENGLEFIELD (H4)
cobbsfarmshops.co.uk
ROVES FARM SHOP (E3)
Rovesfarm.co.uk/farmshop
Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Sat & Sun
Swindon Farmers’ Market Swindon Designer
Outlet, every Sun
Thames Valley 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
MARVELLOUS FOOD MARKETS
FARM SHOPS
THE LANGLEY (K3)
thelangley.com
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.
ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD
COBBS FARM SHOP
THE NEWBURY
WHATLEY MANOR
BATH ARTISANS MARKET
BRISTOL BEER FACTORY
MOOR BEER
CLICK
HERE
TO
DOWNLOAD
With so many great experiences to savour
along the Great West Way food lovers should
download our Food & Drink map!
VINEYARD TOURS AND TASTINGS
• ALDER RIDGE
Tours happen between June and September at this 8-acre vineyard
specialising in sparkling wine, conveniently located at Cobbs Farm Shop, a
food-lovers’ destination in its own right, on the Berkshire/Wiltshire border.
• A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD
Tours (1 hour or 90 minutes) can be arranged for groups (minimum of 10
people or the cost thereof). In addition to trying English sparkling wine, or
cider or apple juice from the orchards, don’t miss the Penruddocke’s Red
Pinot Noir, a bronze-medal winner in the Decanter World Wine Awards 2020.
• ALDWICK ESTATE
Take a 90-minute tour from March to October in Somerset’s lush Yeo Valley.
Try the award-winning Seyval Salute sparkling English wine, first released in
2020: a ‘salute’ to the NHS key workers during COVID-19. There’s sumptuous
accommodation on the estate if you imbibe extra enthusiastically.
Pictured leftright:
Family fun
at Pub in the
Park; Vineyard
at the Aldwick
Estate, a
sumptious
afternoon tea
at Whatley
Manor
Hotel & Spa,
Malmesbury

90 GreatWestWay.co.uk
Pictured in
a clockwise
direction: STEAM
Museum of the
Great Western
Railway; STEAM
Museum's
Pattern Shop; The
Merchant's House;
Crofton Beam
Engines; Jane
Austen Centre;
We The Curious.

MUSEUM GEMS
The Great West Way is home to some of
England’s most fascinating heritage sites and
unmissable museums to visit on your journey
Words: Robin Glover
TRAVELLERS ALONG THE Great West Way, whether
driving, cycling, boating or walking, will be amazed
by the many opportunities to visit sites of national
and international importance. If you think London
has a monopoly on arts and culture in England, think again!
The world is well aware of the magnificent Windsor
Castle, majestic Salisbury Cathedral, mystical Stonehenge
and the Roman Baths in Georgian Bath – and each
demands a visit – but there are also many less well-known
finds to discover on your way.
Even in the quaintest of villages you can find a thriving
cultural life, from annual festivals that have been faithfully
recreated for hundreds of years to pop-up art galleries in
repurposed phone boxes.
The market towns and cities along the Great West Way
also reach well beyond their geographical limits in terms
of the quality and breadth of their artistic output. While
some showcase the work of celebrated local artists, each
inspired in unique ways by their remarkable surroundings,
others attract national and international talent. This is a joy
for travellers as it means a variety of art galleries, theatres,
music venues, literary events, comedy nights and more to
explore.
Along the touring route you’ll find big name theatres
rubbing shoulders with smaller - but just as interesting
- backroom gig venues. And one-off woodland poetry
readings that prove as soul-stirring as star-studded book
festivals. Because on the Great West Way, art and culture
happens anywhere and everywhere.
There’s such a rich respect for the arts along the route,
we know you’ll find something to arouse even your most
niche interests.
Before leaving behind the Thames-side delights of Henry
VIII’s Hampton Court, historic Runnymede, notorious
Cliveden and Royal Windsor, seek out the Windsor &
Royal Borough Museum, unassuming but full of interesting
exhibits illustrating the thousands of years of the
settlement’s existence and royal patronage.
By contrast, just a few minutes away, at Eton Wick, is
an absorbing, privately-owned collection of civilian and
military motor vehicles and militaria, The History on
Wheels Museum.
Head a little further upstream and you will come to
the Maidenhead Heritage Centre where you can both
trace the two thousand years of the town’s history and,
unforgettably for enthusiasts of all ages, ‘fly’ in a WWII
Spitfire simulator. Arrive in the town of Reading and there
are many visitor attractions.
Make your next stop the historic village of Cookham
in Berkshire's north-easternmost corner, home to the
Stanley Spencer Gallery, an art museum dedicated to his
life and work as an artist. Pick up a map and continue the
experience on an hour-long walking trail from the centre of
Cookham down to the Thames and back, past the location
of a number of Spencer’s paintings. Our next cultural gem
along the route is the pretty riverside village of Hurley, with
its half-timbered houses, old church and exciting past as
one of the last great secrets of D Day! →
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“In Newbury the West Berkshire Museum is a treasure trove of information
and exhibits illustrating the origins of the county and its people.”
Unknown to its residents, for 75 years, Station Victor was
in fact a radio centre run by the secret intelligence branch
of the American Office of Strategic Services. There's a blue
commemorative plaque, which was unveiled in 2019 to
mark the site of the secret communication stations, (which
were codenamed VICTOR) - find it at the entrance to
Hurley Manor.
Whitchurch Silk Mill is a gem of industrial heritage
in beautiful, rural Hampshire. Pop into The Mill Shop
following your visit to buy exclusive silk gifts that have
been woven right there at the Mill.
Further west, Reading Museum, is full of fascinating
regional history and artefacts, a 70-metre long, woven
replica of the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the Huntley
& Palmer exhibition, reflecting on the 150 years of local
biscuit manufacture. The Museum of English Rural Life is
where agriculture, through the ages, is brilliantly brought
to life with interactive exhibits as well as comprehensive
displays of implements, machinery and vehicles, and the
Abbey Galleries are a great introduction to exploring the
ruins of Reading Abbey, which is also celebrating a 900
year anniversary in 2021, and finding out more about
Henry I, England’s last ‘unfound’ king.
In Newbury the West Berkshire Museum is a treasure
trove of information and exhibits illustrating the origins
of the county and its people. By contrast, just a few miles
further west, in Wiltshire, is a pair of remarkable survivors
from the early days of the Industrial Revolution.
The Crofton Beam Engines were built over 200 years
ago to maintain water-levels in the nearby Kennet & Avon
Canal and, amazingly, those great steam engines are still in
working order, doing the job for which they were designed!
Negotiating the pretty lanes of the Vale of Pewsey brings
the happy traveller to Devizes, home of the independent
craft brewers, Wadworth Brewery, featuring a ‘Brewseum’ of
memorabilia, and of the county’s Wiltshire Museum, telling
the 500,000 years story of the county through its awardwinning
galleries, exhibits, high-quality graphics and striking
reconstructions. In order to maximise their enjoyment,
visitors en route to such prehistoric sites as Avebury and
Stonehenge are urged to visit this museum first.
And in Wiltshire’s county town, the Trowbridge Museum
offers insight into the rich textile related heritage in
the heart of the town. The museum has recently seen a
fantastic multi-million pound expansion, doubling the size
of the museum for its 2021 re-opening!
Moving forward in time, the history of 19th and 20th
century steam railways is retold at STEAM - Museum of
the Great Western Railway and, if historic aeroplanes are
a ‘must-see’ for you or your children, you need look no
further than the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection at
Old Sarum, Salisbury, where cockpits are mostly open and
you can sit in and use the controls.
Since its formation in 1942, the Corps of Royal Electrical
and Mechanical Engineers has been the driving-force of the
British Army and the inspiring story of the unit is told at
the REME Museum through their collections of armoured
vehicles and weaponry and child-friendly interactive
displays.
When you reach Bristol, be prepared for even more,
as Aerospace Bristol houses an awesome collection of
aeroplanes and space vehicles spanning the centuries, →
92 GreatWestWay.co.uk

Pictured left-right: West
Berkshire Museum;
Brunel's SS Great Britain;
the last Concorde to be
built at Aerospace Bristol;
We the Curious; and
Trowbridge Museum
DID YOU KNOW? STONEHENGE AND
AVEBURY ENIGMATIC STONES FORM
ONE OF THE UK’S FIRST EVER UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE SITES?
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DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED IN 2021…
DISCOVER READING
A unique place in history, Reading is a surprise at every turn
Reading Abbey celebrates 900 years of history
The Museum of English Rural Life – the museum of food, farming and the countryside
Britain’s Bayeux Tapestry is 70m long – the only full-scale replica is housed in Reading Museum
livingreading.co.uk
Discover
Calne
From A to B
Calne
Town
Council
Plan your visit at
VisitCalne.co.uk

including the last Concorde to be built and to fly. Also in Bristol, don’t miss
Brunel's SS Great Britain, one of the most important historic ships in the
world or We The Curious on Bristol’s harbourside, with all sorts of different
experiences and exhibits for you to interact with, and experiments you can
take part in.
Our next ports-of-call are altogether more restful, starting at the charming
Georgian town of Chippenham, there's the Chippenham Museum &
Heritage Centre, set in an immaculate 18th century townhouse and relating
the story of the town’s development since the prehistoric era. On the way
to the nearby market town of Corsham, a small detour will bring you to the
picture-perfect village of Lacock, and National Trust’s Lacock Abbey, Fox
Talbot Museum and Village.
Here, in 1835, William Fox Talbot created the world’s first photographic
negative and it is only proper that the Museum of Photography is established
here.
Pretty Corsham offers two museum ‘treats’, a moving historical experience
in the original 17th century Corsham Schoolroom and Almshouse and The
Pound Arts Centre, a North Wiltshire hub for the performing and visual arts.
The City of Bath, in its entirety, has been awarded UNESCO World
Heritage status and this modest feature cannot do it full justice. Explore it
for yourself, at leisure, and marvel at the splendour and grace of its Georgian
beauty. 2021 is the year to immerse in English history and Bath is offering it
in abundance.
The city was built up around its mineral rich hot springs, so you’ll want to
explore the Roman Baths, where it all began - walking on the very ground
bathers did more than 2,000 years ago.
The Archway Project has recently converted the former Victorian spa
buildings close to the Roman Baths into a World Heritage Centre, exploring
the internationally recognised historic city, and opened previously unseen
areas of the Roman Baths themselves – including a Roman sauna!
Other impressive museums and exhibitions include the imaginative
recreations at No. 1 Royal Crescent and the Jane Austen Centre and the
superb collection of fine and decorative arts to be viewed at the Grade I listed
The Holburne Museum. Plus don't miss the brand new Mary Shelley's House
of Frankenstein, the world's first horror experience dedicated to author Mary
Shelley and her most infamous creation, Frankenstein.
VIDEOS AND MULTIMEDIA
› Keep busy at home with Wiltshire
Museum's new At Home programme
featuring do-it-yourself craft activities,
learning resources for kids, stories about
intriguing objects and documents from
their collections and libraries:
wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/donations/at-home
› Take a Google Street View tour of
the Roman Baths: romanbaths.co.uk/
walkthrough Or have a go at these online
games: romanbaths.co.uk/online-games
› Test your fashion knowledge with the
Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms
online quiz: www.fashionmuseum.
co.uk/quiz and download some children's
activities: fashionmuseum.co.uk/
childrens-page
› Keep an eye on the Youtube account for
The Pounds Art Centre, where they post
videos of performances and readings:
youtube.com/user/PoundArts/videos
› For any foodies out there, you can now
book a virtual food tour of Bath to enjoy
from your own home thanks to Savouring
Bath. You can even purchase a box of tasty
samples to eat during the tour, which will
be delivered to your door: savouringbath.
com/tours/virtual-food-heroes
› Enjoy a live view of the ancient
standing stones at Stonehenge with
their Stonehenge Skyscape tool. Watch
the sun rise and set and experience the
atmosphere and mystery of the iconic
stone circle: english-heritage.org.uk/
visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/
stone-circle/skyscape/
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WAYS TO REJUVENATE THE
MIND, BODY
AND SOUL
Take some time out for yourself along
the Great West Way and re-energise your
mind, body and soul. Whether you’re keen
on keeping fit or prefer taking it easy in a
luxury spa, we hope you enjoy our top 10
ways to add some wellness to your trip
1
CONNECT WITH
NATURE
You just can’t beat pulling on your walking boots,
getting out into the English countryside and
breathing in that fresh, fresh air. The whole length
of the route boasts wide, open landscapes just
calling out to be explored. Rolling green downland.
Fields of spring wildflowers. Tranquil lakes. Get
away from the crowds and head out into these
quintessentially English landscapes for some
ultimate restorative me-time. Explore Richmond
Park, London’s largest site of Special Scientific
Interest and European Special Area of Conservation
or visit one of the Great West Way’s Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the North
Wessex Downs, The Cotswolds to The Chilterns.
Or why not take a walk around the grounds of one
of the Great West Way’s National Trust gardens
including Tyntesfield, Prior Park Landscape Garden
and Lacock. For a faster pace join a Nordic Walking
event with Bristol Nordic Walking. Or you might
enjoy Alison Howell’s Foot Trails, Oldbury Tours or
Tour & Explore with Anne Bartlett.
96 GreatWestWay.co.uk

→
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97

2
JOIN IN WITH A
WELLNESS CLASS
No matter where you are on the Great
West Way chances are you won’t be
too far from a yoga or mindfulness class
where you can join in the spirit with
others. Luxury hotels and Health Retreats
including Casterley Barn, Danesfield House
and Hungerford’s Herongate Club all run
regular classes. If staying in Bath you
might enjoy a one-day introductory session
at the Bath School of Shiatsu & Yoga, and
in Bristol yoga and holistic therapies are
hugely popular. Wild Wolf’s Yoga, Bristol
City Yoga and Bristol Yoga Space are all
fairly central. You can even take part in a
yoga session with SUP Bristol while on a
paddleboard floating on the waterways of
Bristol Harbourside.
98 GreatWestWay.co.uk

3STAY ON A FARM
To get an authentic feel for life on the
land, wake up to the sound of cockerels
at one of the fabulous farms along the
Great West Way. Depending on what sort
of experience you want, you could stay
at a lovely luxurious farmhouse B&B like
Marshwood Farm near Salisbury or Great
Ashley Farm in Bradford-on-Avon. For the
ultimate luxury experience stay in one of
Buttle Farm’s beautiful barn conversions,
awarded VisitEngland’s highest rating –
5*Gold, or for rustic-romance in a snuggly
shepherd hut on rolling farmland head to
Rushall Organics Farm. You could get stuck
in with a full-on farm stay at Mill Farm
in Devizes, offering lots of farm-based
experiences alongside its accommodation,
from badger watching to donkey rides.
→
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4
BOOK A LUXURY
SPA BREAK
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 what you
need then there’s plenty of choice on the
Great West Way. Some of the best include
The Roseate Reading, Monkey Island in Bray,
The Langley in Buckinghamshire, Pennyhill
Park in Surrey, Whatley Manor in Malmesbury
and The Royal Crescent in Bath. Cricklade
House and Woolley Grange Hotel in Wiltshire
both have scenic locations ideal for that after
dinner evening stroll. Or if you really want to
splash out, make like a princess (or prince)
for a spa retreat at Cliveden House. 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 and to help you combat any fatigue
caused from lockdown.
100 GreatWestWay.co.uk

5
BRAVE A DIP
There are some magical places to go wild
swimming along the Great West Way such
as Avoncliff, a luscious river pool with a
rope swing in Bradford-on-Avon, or Cock
Marsh near Cookham where you’ll find
sandy beaches to paddle out from and
clear, clean waters. You might prefer to
plunge into one of the historic lidos en route
such as Clifton’s Victorian Lido in Bristol, and
enjoy the invigorating feel of an outdoor swim,
or with the luxury of changing rooms, Bristol
Lido and the Thames Lido in Reading are
much-loved by locals. You might also enjoy a
refreshing soak in the natural thermal waters
of the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa.
→
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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.

6
HAVE A ‘ZOO’PER
TIME
Whether your favourite animal is a monkey,
lion, pig or a giraffe, you’re guaranteed to
enjoy your day and re-energise exploring
one of the many zoos or wildlife parks along
the way. Visit Longleat, home to England’s
only Koalas at Koala Creek, and meet their
colourful macaws in an impressive parrot
show display, explore rare breeds at Avon
Valley Wildlife Park, become a ranger for the
day at Bristol Zoo Gardens (the world’s 5th
oldest zoo!), or celebrate World Lion Day on
10 August at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.
At Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm the little
ones will love feeding, cuddling and petting
the rabbits, pigs, goats, chickens, ponies,
sheep and more, or just a short detour off the
route at Cotswold Wildlife Park you can walk
the Giraffe Walkway and be eye-to-eye with
these amazing creatures.
→
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7
GLAMP OR CAMP
For wellness you can’t beat sleeping in a
yurt, glamping pod, rustic cabin or luxury
treehouse. There’s no doubt, camping in the
countryside along the Great West Way can
be a magical experience, sitting round a fire
pit, toasting marshmallows until they’re so
gooey they nearly fall off the stick. Listening
for the twit-twoooo of owls after dark.
Sleeping under a dazzling blanket of stars. If
you enjoy going off-grid then try The Farm
Camp near Bath, or for a unique city stay
try Uplands Treehouse in Bristol. If in search
of some precious couples-only time head
to Totteridge Farm in the heart of Vale of
Pewsey. In what amounts to a Great British
Glamp-off, some sites even offer experiences
like mindfulness walks, guided birdwatching
tours and cooking classes and most have
outdoor spaces where you can sit and read
a book or enjoy a sundowner cider with
mesmerising views.
104 GreatWestWay.co.uk

8TRY YOUR HAND AT
SOMETHING NEW
You might enjoy a bushcraft course with
Survival School, Bristol, or learning about
bee keeping with Wiltshire Beekeepers
Association. Book a foraging experience
with Experience Nomadic for a woodland
foraging feast inspired by the wild ingredients
that grow there in abundance. Take a
creative course such as learning to weave
at Whitchurch Silk Mill – or take part in a
wellbeing summer course at Marlborough
College in Wiltshire, once home to the
Duchess of Cambridge during her school
days. They run a wide range of workshops
including a burgeoning selection of rural
craft courses, an introduction to bee keeping,
drawing and painting the landscape, code
breaking and many more. If you’re interested
in organic farming and happy to volunteer,
WWOOF can even connect you with local
smallholdings where you can learn new skills
helping out around the farm.
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9
GET IN TOUCH WITH
YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE
If the wellness you seek is spiritual, you’ll find plenty
of absorbing sacred spaces along the Great West Way,
and where better to start than one of the almighty
cathedrals? There’s the inimitable Bath Abbey, perfect
for pondering higher spiritual planes, as well as Bristol,
Salisbury and Gloucester cathedrals. Amid those you’ll
also find churches, temples and mosques. A growing
interest in mindfulness techniques means you can find
meditation courses and retreats too. Tarastone near
Salisbury offers Buddhist teachings as well as peaceful
accommodation in a beautiful setting. Finally, you can
feel the power of England’s pagan past at Stonehenge
and Avebury - or, for a lesser-known experience, Stanton
Drew. Sunset or sunrise at summer and winter solstice -
signalling the longest and shortest days of the year - are
when most of the celebrations take place, but they’re
magical places of reflection whenever you visit. 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 highwayman
and unforeseen hazards.
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10
TREAT YOURSELF
All sorts of delicious foods and drinks are
produced along the Great West Way – fresh
fruit and vegetables are grown, meat is reared,
beer is brewed and gin is distilled. Sample some
delicious local produce as you explore the
wonderful farm shops. Pile your basket high with
free range eggs, punnets of fresh strawberries,
West Country cider, Cheddar cheese, Wiltshire
smoked ham and more. Why not pack it all up
in a hamper and find a spot to enjoy a leisurely
picnic besides the canal or on a flower-strewn
hillside? At Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen in
Hungerford you will find a traditional butchery
counter, delicatessen, fishmongers, and shelves
stacked with locally-grown produce. Or dine in,
with outdoors hospitality expected to reopen
mid-April and indoors hospitality from mid-
May, places will be welcoming you back to enjoy
their pubs, restaurants and cafés along the
route. Linger over an indulgent afternoon tea
in a quaint country café. Sit down to a gourmet
meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Sip local
beer in sunny beer gardens... Whatever your
tastes, there’s many a tantalising buffet foodie
experience waiting to be savoured.
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POST-COVID
HOTEL STAYS
From the city, riverside, to
the countryside - a safe and
warm welcome awaits
Words: Jessica Way
HOTELIERS ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY have been busy
preparing to reopen their doors, and welcome you back
safely, on the 17 May 2021, covid restrictions permitting.
Whether you are looking for a city break in a luxury spa
hotel, a countryside manor house offering rambles in acres of
outdoor space, or a boutique hotel on the banks of the river, there
is a hotel for every occasion. Hospitality teams have been working
hard behind the scenes to ensure enhanced safety procedures to
offer you peace of mind during your stay, so here’s a look at some
of the best hotels, getting you ready for your summer staycation.
HOTELS IN THE CITY
If you are starting your Great West Way journey in London
The Great Northern Hotel is an exquisitely designed, luxurious
boutique hotel relevant and central to today's reborn King's Cross
St Pancras. Opened in 1854, the hotel embraces its heritage while
moving gracefully with the times. Dress to impress and head to
the cocktail bar and glamourous martini lounge. Roseate House
London is just a short walk from Hyde Park offering stunning views
over leafy Westbourne Terrace. If you are arriving from overseas
and need a convenient place to stay in Central London for your 14
days quarantine, the Roseate House London has launched a special
quarantine package, based on a minimum 14-night stay, with →
108 GreatWestWay.co.uk

GreatWestWay.co.uk 109

Catch The Stonehenge Tour bus in Salisbury:
bus stop U or Salisbury railway station
THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF THE STONES
buy tickets
online or
from the
driver
thestonehengetour.info
thestonehengetour
SHT_Great-West-Way-Mag_Advert_195x133_0121_V2.indd 1 20/01/2021 11:07:41

“Why not stay in the most famous crescent in the world, take a dip in
their award-winning spa, then let the tension of the last twelve months
melt away while making a toast to a brighter future?”
discounted room rates and a complimentary upgrade to
a luxury Suite. Good to know - 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' (see p112); and located
in the centre of Bath The Roseate Villa Bath.
Why not combine your city stay with a spa break?
Because who doesn’t enjoy a morning filled with shopping
followed by an afternoon of luxury pampering? The
Great West Way has some of the country’s best and
most unique spa hotels, many of which are located in
convenient proximity to a city centre. The Gainsborough
Bath Spa for example, is located in the heart of Bath,
famed for its Georgian-era architecture. Guests of the
hotel have exclusive access to the Spa Village, set beneath
a glass atrium within the hotel, the spa draws on the city’s
natural thermal waters. A short walk away The Royal
Crescent Hotel & Spa built between 1767 and 1775 is
located in the most famous crescent in the world. For the
re-opening they have launched a special midweek new
package where you will enjoy a night’s stay in a luxury
room or suite including full English breakfast, plus a
Taittinger Champagne gift set. Why not take a dip in their
award-winning spa, then let the tension of the last twelve
months melt away while making a toast to a brighter future?
If it’s culture, dining and nightlife you’re after, you won’t
find better than Abbey Hotel Bath, home to Koffmann &
Mr. White's brasserie-style English and French restaurant,
for its location. An experiential art-driven hotel, for
people seeking true Bathonian encounters, close to all
the main attractions, museums and after-dark venues.
Meanwhile, Dukes Hotel occupies two magnificent
Georgian townhouses on Great Pulteney Street.
You could try the Apex Hotel, Bath’s largest hotel, or
for an elegant and vivacious boutique townhouse hotel
located on the grandest street in Bath head to No. 15
Great Pulteney.
Taking your dog on holiday with you? Just a short drive
from the centre of Bath, Grade II listed Bailbrook House
Hotel, (a Hand Picked Hotel), is dog friendly and set in 20
acres - here you can enjoy the historic Cloisters restaurant
or contemporary dining in The Conservatory.
If Bristol is your chosen destination for a citybreak
full of culture, hotels don’t get more arty than the new
Artist Residence in Bristol’s Portland Square, or more
central than Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, a historic
hotel with restored family-friendly accommodation. You
might also enjoy the Rock & Bowl Motel, or The Bristol
Wing, a boutique hostel in the Grade II listed old Police
Headquarters. Alternatively, The Full Moon →
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Pictured in
a clockwise
direction:
Bailbrook House
reception and
freestanding bath;
The Mitre Hotel;
sumptious four
poster bedroom
at The Roseate
Reading.
is 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. And if you’re just in Bristol
for a flying visit - where could be more convenient than
Hampton By Hilton Bristol Airport – the only hotel
within walking distance of the terminal?
Reading is technically the UK's largest town, but with
so much buzz and excitement around the town, with
plenty to see and do, it makes for a fabulous destination
to rival any UK city. There is yet more excellent choice of
hotels here to stay in too. Malmaison Reading has stayed
open through much of the pandemic offering a reduced
service to key workers and business travel. Built in 1844,
the hotel is the oldest surviving station hotel in the
world - perfectly retaining the style and decadence of the
golden age of rail travel. Think luxe decor, roll-top baths,
and gigantic, soft beds. The Novotel Reading Centre also
sits in the heart of the town just a stone's throw from
many of Reading's best restaurants, bars and shops – or
head to artful luxury townhouse, The Roseate Reading,
originally Shire Hall. Marvel over the impressive Italian
chandelier complete with 86,000 Italian-glass beads
and original lift shaft that has been lovingly restored
running the full height of the building. The Roseate
Hotel is the perfect place to spend a glamorous evening
contemplating the next stage of your journey on the
Great West Way.
112 GreatWestWay.co.uk

HOTELS BY THE RIVER
Want to slow down your pace and find your own
story on the Great West Way staying near the
river? With so many absorbing things to see and
do along the Royal River Thames, from watching
the historic tradition of Swan Upping to splashing
about in boats, you might want to combine and
enhance your mini-break to one of these fabulous
hotels with some of the suggestions made in our
Enjoy the River article (see p32)?
Start with one of the oldest inns in the world,
The Olde Bell in Hursely. Full of warmth, history
and charm, this quintessential English coaching
inn, with some parts dating back to 1135, offers a
variety of bedrooms in barns and lodges ranging
from the sublime…to the ridiculously sublime!
One of the newest hotels located on the banks
of the River Thames is The Mitre, a stylish boutique
hotel in East Molesey boasting balconies, private
courtyards, fire pits, jacuzzis and stunning river vistas.
Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa is another
with a Thames riverside location. The hotel
comprises several characterful buildings clustered
around a historic cobbled street by Eton Bridge
“One of the newest hotels located
on the banks of the River Thames
is The Mitre with private
courtyards, fire pits, jacuzzis and
stunning river vistas”
and Windsor Castle, with a gym, spa treatments,
outdoor whirlpool and sauna.
Also in Windsor, both Castle Hotel MGallery
and Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa offer
spectacular views of both the Thames and Windsor
Castle. There are also some fantastic foodie stays
to be had in the Thames area. From Hotel du Vin
in Henley, housed in a former brewery, to The
Hand & Flowers in Marlow - a 3 Michelin-starred
pub by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge. You’ll find the
rooms in nearby cottages almost as sensational as
the fine dining, with their 4-poster beds and deep,
double-ended baths.
If it is a riverside break with luxury spa you
desire, the Runnymede-on-Thames is a hotel
with swimming pool, whirlpool bath, saunas and
eucalyptus steam room, and endless pampering
with a range of treatments. History-rich Magna
Carta country and all manner of outdoor pursuits
are also on the doorstep here.
Speaking of spas, they don’t come much
better than the Monkey Island Estate. Located
on a picturesque island in the historic village →
Pictured left to
right: Afternoon
Tea at The Mitre;
garden at the
Monkey Island
Estate.
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Pictured left-right:
Venue Henley;
Pennyhill Park &
Spa; The Langley;
Cliveden House
Hotel; and Luxury
Family Hotel,
Woolley Grange.
“In Henley, you might enjoy an
overnight stay at Venue Henley,
a 30 acre estate once home to the
WH Smith family set in the heart
of the glorious Oxfordshire
countryside.”
of Bray in Berkshire, on the River Thames. 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 on the Great West Way.
Further along the river, in Henley, you might enjoy
Venue Henley. Once home to the WH Smith family, this 30
acre estate enjoys both views of the river and the glorious
Oxfordshire countryside. It lies less than three miles from
the centre of Henley-on-Thames, a market town full of
historic buildings and home to the famous annual event the
Henley Royal Regatta, five miles from the riverside Georgian
market town of Marlow and a short car journey to Windsor
and the University City of Oxford.
In Wiltshire’s Bradford on Avon, The Swan Hotel is a
charming inn in the centre of town, by the river, full of
character combining the traditions of an old inn, dating
back to the 16th and 17th Century.
HOTELS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE
If your walking boots are the most important item you
have packed, and you are looking to reach places that
only they can take you, then one of the Great West Way’s
beautiful countryside hotels is waiting to welcome you!
North of the Thames, The Langley, Buckinghamshire
is the former country estate of the third Duke of
Marlborough. The hotel has a wonderful spa, exceptional
dining and rooms retaining exquisite period features, such
as Baroque fireplaces, and grounds designed by England’s
most famous landscape gardener, Lancelot Capability
Brown.
If you are looking to stay in Ascot, there’s an
abundance of bedrooms and charming grounds, including
a private walled garden and beautiful fountain plaza at
the Royal Berkshire.
Just over five miles away Pennyhill Park in Bagshot is
set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside offering Michelin
starred dining and an award-winning spa.
As a county with an impressive landscape of castles,
country houses and sprawling estates, it’s a fine place to
get a taste for how the English aristocracy live. It doesn’t
get much more luxurious - or traditionally English - than
the Cliveden House Hotel, where the Duchess of Sussex
114 GreatWestWay.co.uk

chose to stay the night before her wedding.
For quaint and cozy, try the Queens Arms,
East Garston, an award-winning hotel, pub and
restaurant with its own private lodge right in the
heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural
Beauty.
Also in Berkshire, there’s Donnington Grove
near Newbury, an impressive 18th-century Gothic
house which was once home to Daisy Fellowes, a
socialite and fashionista said to have owned the
largest jewellery collection in the world. This hotel
and country club is set in 500 acres of countryside
offering countryside pursuits such as fishing and
clay pigeon shooting.
Or perhaps you’re keen to be close to the
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, if so head
to five-star Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, in the
Southern Cotswolds set in 12 acres of gardens
this is a ‘grown up getaway’ with a cinema, spa,
restaurants and more.
Cotswolds villages such as Castle Combe,
Lacock, Badminton and Malmesbury all make
idyllic destinations for countryside rambles.
Why not stay in the nearby market town of
Chippenham, where you’ll find lots more options,
like Best Western Angel Hotel - a 17th-century
coaching inn, standing in over 30 acres of peaceful,
secluded grounds on the edge of the Cotswolds, or
head to The Lygon Arms, a luxury spa hotel set in
the quintessential Cotswold village of Broadway.
For the ultimate tranquility of a countryside
escape with views in all directions, head to the
beautiful county of Wiltshire. This predominantly
green landscape is a wayfarers' paradise - an
ancient, rural county full of excellent walking
routes and intriguing places to stay.
Start with England’s oldest hotel - sitting
proudly next to the 12th Century Abbey in the
centre of the historic, vibrant and charming market
town of Malmesbury, The Old Bell Hotel has
been restored to the height of elegance, glamour
and English charm. Grade I-listed, it’s thought to
date back to the 13th century when it was built to
house visitors to Malmesbury Abbey next door.
For a luxury family experience, Woolley
Grange Hotel in Bradford-on-Avon is another
superb choice. Guests of all ages are indulged
at this Jacobean Manor House. There’s even →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
115

TOUR & EXPLORE
with Anne Bartlett
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
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
visit: www.tourandexplore.com
Ambassador for The Great West Way
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.
Stay in a Jacobean
manor on your Great
West Way journey!
24a Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon,
Wiltshire, BA15 1BY
+44 (0)1225 865537
www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk
HOTEL | SPA | RESTAURANT
01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk
Woolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1TX

Pictured:
Cricklade
House
Hotel.
“Cricklade House Hotel is a beautiful and dignified country house,
built at the turn of the last century with a most impressive magnificent
Victorian-style glass conservatory”
complimentary childcare at Woolley Bears Den, so little
ones can get stuck into seasonal activities, like making
butterfly sun catchers, while adults head off for a welldeserved
spa treatment.
With a name like this who could refuse a stay (and
if you’re lucky, a hug too) at The Bear Hotel? Set in
the heart of the quaint historic traditional market town
of Devizes, the hotel is run by Wadworth Brewery. An
original 16th century Coaching Inn with many beams
and other original features, the Bear’s en-suite bedrooms
include grand 4-poster suites with front views of the
Market Square.
Cricklade House Hotel is a beautiful and dignified
country house, built at the turn of the last century with
a most impressive magnificent Victorian-style glass
conservatory which runs the full length of the original
building, making the most of the hotel's elevated position.
Sit out on the terrace and enjoy wonderful panoramic
views over Wiltshire countryside. Beechfield House, also
in Wiltshire, is a stunning 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).
For a unique concept of keyless entry and no reception,
meaning you’re able to stay safely and privately without
having to interact with any other guests book yourself a
room at No.7 & No.8 Kingsbury Street, Marlborough.
Arrive hungry - they also have a fabulous burger
restaurant. Further west, 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, or head to nearby Guyers House Hotel &
Restaurant, a traditional country house with an awardwinning
restaurant.
And if you’re looking for somewhere quick and
convenient for visiting top attractions, you’ll love
Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, the closest hotel to
Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
DoubleTree By Hilton Swindon is ideal for resting
tired feet after a different type of day spent walking – a
shopping spree at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Swindon.
Find more places to stay,
including bed & breakfasts,
farm stays, self-catering,
pubs, camping and boats
from our website.
CLICK
HERE
GreatWestWay.co.uk
117

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
National Trust
Destination Ambassadors
Bath Business Improvement District
Bradford on Avon Town
Calne Town
Chippenham Town
Corsham Town
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
Swindon Town
Trowbridge Town
Uncover The Cotswolds
Vale of Pewsey
Visit Bath
Visit Bristol
Visit Thames
VisitNewbury
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 Roman Baths, Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa,
Bath
Stonehenge
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath
West Berkshire Brewery, Yattendon
Westonbirt, The National
Arboretum, Tetbury
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa,
Malmesbury
Windsor Castle
Gateway Ambassadors
Dukes Hotel, Bath
The Roseate Reading
Title Ambassadors
Gateway Ambassadors
Devizes Marina
Prior Park Landscape Garden
American Museum & Gardens
Dyrham Park, Chippenham Devizes Marina Day Boat Hire The Roseate Queens Villa Arms, Bath East Garston
Bristol Airport A Taste of England
Abbey Hotel Fashion Museum, Bath Devizes Wharf Tea room Roves Reading Farm, Sevenhampton
Museum
Canal & River a’Beckett’s Trust Vineyard, Devizes The Abbey Quarter French Brothers, Windsor Didcot Railway Centre
Royal Berkshire, The Red Lion Sunninghill East, Chisenbury
Great Western Abbey Railway Hotel, Bath
a’Beckett’s Vineyard The Gainsborough Donnington Bath Spa Grove
The Royal REME Oak, Museum Yattendon
National Trust The Abbey Quarter, Reading Active England Norton St Philip DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon The Royal River Windsor & Rowing Pub Museum
Aldermaston Tea Rooms,
Dyrham Park
Roseate House London
Active England
Glenside Hospital Museum, Bristol
Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Destination Ambassadors
Visitor Centre, & Shop
The Engineman’s Rest Café
The Roseate Villa, Bath
Alder Ridge Vineyard, Hungerford Aldwick Estate Guyers House Hotel, The Corsham Farm Camp
Salisbury The Cathedral Roseate Reading
Bath Business Aldwick Improvement Estate, Bristol District Alison Howell’s Foottrails Hampton by Hilton French Bristol Brothers Airport
Salisbury, Rose Stonehenge of Hungerford and Sarum Tours
Bradford Alison Avon Howell’s Town Foottrails Alton Priors Church Hampton Court Palace, Glenside East Hospital Molesey Museum Sally Narrowboats, Roves Farm Bradford on Avon
Calne Town All Saints Church, Alton Priors Apex Hotel, Bath Helen Browning’s Royal Great Northern Oak, Bishopstone Hotel
Salters Royal Steamers, Oak, Yattendon Reading
Chippenham The Town Apartment Bath Arnos Vale Cemetery Venue Henley, Henley-on-Thames
Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport Savouring Salisbury BathCathedral
Corsham
Around and About Bath
Hampton Court Palace
Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum Tours
Apex Hotel, Bath
Henley Rowing Association
Shaw House
Cotswolds Tourism
Aspley House
Harrow at Little Bedwyn
Salters Steamers
Destination Apsley Bristol House, London Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum Heritage Bed & Breakfast, Helen Browning’s Calne Royal Oak Sir Christopher Savouring Wren Bath Hotel & Spa, Windsor
Devizes Town Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol Avalon Lodge Bed and Breakfast Herongate Fitness Henley & Wellbeing, Greenlands Hungerford Hotel Skydive Shaw Netheravon House
Henley on Atwell-Wilson Thames Motor Museum, Avebury Calne Landscape Wiltshire The Hidden Gardens Heritage of Bath Bed & Breakfast South Skydive Western Netheravon Railway
Hungerford Avebury Town Landscape
Avon Valley Adventure Hobbs & Wildlife of Park Henley Hobbs of Henley
Stay in Stonor Bath Park
Malmesbury Avon Town Valley Adventure & Wildlife Bailey Park, Balloons Bristol The Holburne Museum, The Holburne Bath Museum
Stonehenge South West Landscape Heritage Tours
Marlborough Town
Bainton Bikes
Holiday Inn, Salisbury - Stonehenge South Western Railway
Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath
Holiday Inn, Salisbury – Stonehenge
Stonor Park, Henley on Thames
Marlow
Barbara McLellan
Honey Street Boats & Café
Stourhead
North Wessex Bailey Downs Balloons, AONBBristol
The Barn Theatre Honey Street Mill Café Hungerford Wharf and Kintbury Stourhead, SUP Bristol Stourton
Reading UK Barrington Court, Ilminster Barrington Court Hotel Novotel Reading Iford Manor CentreGardens
Strawberry The Swan, Hill House Bradford & on Garden, Avon Twickenham
Royal Borough Bath of Apartment Windsor & Breaks Bath Apartment BreaksIford Manor Gardens, Inspirock Bradford on Avon
Sulis Guides Swinley Bike Hub
Maidenhead Bath Area Self Catering The Bath Brew House The Jane Austen Centre, Jane Austen Bath Centre
The Swan Thames Hotel, Lido Bradford on Avon
Stonehenge Bath & Avebury Bus Company WHS
Bath Bus Company The Kennet & Avon Kenavon Trade Association
Venture
Swinley Thames Bike Hub Rivercruise Swinley Forest’s Trail Centre,
Swindon Town
Bath Self Catering
Koffmann & Mr. Whites
Three Tuns Freehouse
Beanhill Farm B&B, Chippenham
The Kingsbury @ No.8, Marlborough
Bracknell
Tourism South East
Beanhill Farm B&B
English and French Brasserie
Tintinhull Garden
Trowbridge Berkeley Town Castle
Berkeley Castle Lacock Abbey, Fox Lacock Talbot Abbey, Museum Fox and Talbot Village Thames Totteridge Lido, Reading Farm
Vale of Pewsey Best Western Plus Angel Hotel, Best Chippenham Western Plus Angel The Hotel, Langley, Slough Museum and village
Thames Tour Rivercruise, and Explore Reading
Visit Bath Blenheim Palace, Woodstock Chippenham
Visit Thames Bombay Sapphire, Whitchurch Bombay Sapphire
Liberty Car Tours, Bath The Langley
Lido Spa & Restaurant, Lido Bristol
Three Tuns Tours Freehouse, 2 Order Great Bedwyn
Tintinhull TransWilts GardenCommunity Rail Partnership
Visit Newbury Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Bozedown Salisbury Alpacas Lorne House, Corsham Lytes Cary Manor
Totteridge Troutbeck Farm Camping Pods, Pewsey
Visit Richmond
Bristol Blue Glass
Macdonald Hotel & Spa Bath
Tucking Mill Self catering
Bozedown Alpacas, Reading
Lytes Cary Manor
Tour and Explore
VisitWiltshire
Bristol Cathedral
Maidenhead Heritage Centre
Tutti Pole
The Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford Bristol on Avon Community Ferry Maidenhead Boats Heritage Manor Centre Farm B&B
Tours 2 Tyntesfield Order
Designated Bristol Attraction Cathedral
Bristol Packet Boats Manor Farm Courtyard Marlborough Cottages, College Thatcham Summer School TransWilts University Community of Bristol Rail Botanic Partner Garden
& Hotel Bristol Ambassadors Community Ferry BoatsBristol Tandem Hire The Manor House, The Castle Matthew Combe Of Bristol
Troutbeck Vaughan’s Guest Kitchen House, East Chisenbury
Bristol Nordic Walking Bristol Zoo Gardens Marlborough College Meadowbank Summer School House
Tucking Vintage Mill View, Classics Midford
Aerospace Bristol Packet Boats
Brooks Guest House B&B, The Bath Matthew of Bristol Merchants House
Turner’s The House, Watermill Twickenham Theatre
Alder Ridge Vineyard
Bruce Branch Boats
Mompesson House
Wellington Arch
Bristol Tandem Hire
The Merchant’s House, Marlborough
The Tutti Pole, Hungerford
Bowood House & Gardens
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
Montacute House
West Berkshire Museum
Cheddar Gorge The Bristol & Caves Wing
Buttle Farm Mill Farm Glamping, The Poulshot Museum of English Rural Life Tyntesfield, We The Wraxall Curious
McArthurGlen Bristol Designer Zoo Gardens Outlet, Swindon Canal Trust Café Mompesson House, MV Salisbury Jubilee
University Whitchurch of Bristol Silk Botanic Mill Garden
Fashion Museum Britain’s Bath Best Heritage Tours Castle Combe Circuit Monkey Island Estate, Newark Bray Park
Vaughan’s Wiltshire Kitchen, landscape, Devizes Stonehenge
Longleat Brooks Guest House B&B, Bath Cheddar Gorge Montacute HouseThe Newbury Pub
Vintage Wiltshire Classics, Museum Melksham
The Roman Brooks Baths Guest House B&B, Bristol The Chilterns View Museum of East Asian Newbury Art, Bath Racecourse
Visit Hillbrush, Wiltshire Music MereCentre
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Chippenham Museum
No. 1 Royal Crescent
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Blakehill Farm
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol
The Museum of English Rural Life, Reading Waddesdon Manor
Stonehenge
and Heritage Centre
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Lower Moor
Thermae Bath Buttle Spa Farm, Compton BassettChurch Farm Country Cottages National Garden Scheme The Old Bell, Malmesbury Walton Wiltshire on Thames Wildlife Camping Trust, Jones’s and Mill
Wadworth Crop Brewery Circle & Tours Visitors Centre & Exhibition Clifton Suspension Bridge Newark Park, Ozleworth The Old Chapel
Caravanning Woolley Club Grange Site Hotel
West Berkshire Bradford Brewery on Avon
& Visitor Centre The Newbury Pub Old Sarum
Westonbirt, Castle The National Combe Arboretum Circuit, Chippenham Cobbs Farm Shop Newbury Racecourse Oldbury Tours
Whatley Manor
Castle Hotel, Windsor
Compass Holidays
No. 1 Royal Crescent,
Parkway
Bath
Shopping, Newbury
Windsor Castle
The Courts Garden
Pound Arts
Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath
Cricklade Hotel
Practical Car and Motorhome
Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Crofton Club Beam Site Engines Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, hire, Wraxall Chippenham
The Chilterns View, Wallingford Cumberwell Country Cottages The Old Bell Hotel, Prince Malmesbury Street Social
Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre Old Sarum, Salisbury
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Salisbury Oldbury Tours
Church Farm Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon Original Wild, Bath
Clayton’s Kitchen, Bath
Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury
Discover Cliffe more Farm about Dairy, West our Lavington Ambassadors at: GreatWestWay.co.uk
Pennyhill Park, Bagshot
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
The Crown & Anchor, Ham
Cumberwell Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon
Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Donnington Grove, Newbury
DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon
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
River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames
Roseate House London, Tyburnia
Wanderlust Camper Co
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
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
Discover more about our Ambassadors at: GreatWestWay.co.uk

Magical Marlborough
The ancient market town that
packs a postcard-perfect punch
www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors
visitmarlborough

Begin your next adventure at
GreatWestWay.co.uk
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