Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns where our best-kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality.
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AUTUMN/WINTER 2022<br />
TRAVEL MAGAZINE | ISSUE <strong>07</strong><br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
DISCOVER A<br />
GREENER JOURNEY<br />
Expect history, adventure, natural<br />
beauty and excitement on an<br />
eco-friendly trip between London and<br />
Bristol along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns<br />
where our best kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality
THE DRAMA<br />
RETURNS FOR<br />
2023<br />
BE PART OF THE DRAMA<br />
20 - 24 JUNE 2023<br />
Royal Ascot best price ends on 21st October 2022.<br />
Tickets from £29 | Book at ascot.com today<br />
Group rates available when you book for 15 or more.
WELCOME TO ENGLAND'S<br />
GREAT WEST WAY<br />
As the earlier nights draw in, be sure to have an<br />
outdoorsy <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> escape to look<br />
forward to – some time spent rambling<br />
through fallen golden leaves in one of our<br />
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty,<br />
swooning over pretty villages and losing<br />
yourself in the festivities at an attraction or<br />
Christmas markets. Unwind with mellow evenings<br />
playing board games in a pub by a roaring log fire, or treat yourself<br />
to a pampering spa treatment in one of our luxury hotels.<br />
Take care of your carbon footprint discovering greener travel<br />
(page 14) when planning your trip, and don’t forget days out spent<br />
at one of your favourite Houses and Gardens (page 36). Wildlife<br />
enthusiasts will love our article on the best places to hide out with<br />
your binoculars (page 24) and we hope you will feel inspired by our<br />
best days out for shopping (page 58) ideas for celebrating special<br />
occasions (page 64) and places to visit along the canals (page 68).<br />
We hope you enjoy our seasonal selection of articles, latest<br />
news (page 8) and events (page 74) best read with a cup of<br />
hot chocolate topped with cinnamon sprinkles, or if you fancy<br />
something stronger, our rise of alco-tourism article (p30) should<br />
have the answer! Wishing you a lovely season.<br />
Cover Image: Mother and sons enjoying the outdoors in<br />
Wiltshire © VisitBritain/Jess Barfield. Pictured Above: The Jessica<br />
illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace; Snow at Avebury<br />
England’s <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is one of the world’s<br />
premier touring routes, bringing together many of<br />
England’s most famous destinations and attractions<br />
along a corridor between London and Bristol<br />
x<br />
Jessica <strong>Way</strong><br />
Editor-in-Chief, <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> <strong>Travel</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
Download our <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> map to discover<br />
the hundreds of places to visit, things to do,<br />
sites to see and places to stay along the route:<br />
: <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk/explore/maps<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
3
CONTENTS<br />
AUTUMN/WINTER 2022 | Edition <strong>07</strong><br />
DISCOVER OUR WAY<br />
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE<br />
MY GREAT WEST WAY<br />
<strong>07</strong> Interview with <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> local, Kirstine<br />
who works at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and shares her<br />
highlights of living on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
THE WAY FORWARD<br />
08 From 18th century underground Vault rooms and<br />
palatial Roman villas to brand new Lodge Retreats on the<br />
Blenheim Palace estate we take a look at what’s new on<br />
the route<br />
DISCOVERING GREENER TRAVEL<br />
14 With award-winning green practices including<br />
zero-food waste, recycled glass and solar power being<br />
applied by so many hotels, restaurants and attractions<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, plus with so many options<br />
to travel the route in an environmentally friendly way,<br />
planning your trip sustainably has never been easier<br />
THE BEST SPOTS FOR WILDLIFE SPOTTING<br />
24 ON THE WAY<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is lined with open countryside,<br />
picturesque woodlands, rolling hills, nature reserves and<br />
glorious gardens – if you enjoy spotting wildlife you will<br />
be spoilt for choice along the route<br />
THE RISE OF ALCO-TOURISM<br />
30 There’s a thriving trend of alco-tourism – with<br />
plenty of places along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> to learn the<br />
crafts behind some delicious homegrown tipples<br />
THE GREAT WEST WAY'S BEAUTIFUL<br />
36 HOUSES AND GARDENS<br />
On the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> you travel past some of England’s<br />
most spectacular palaces and historic houses – a chance to<br />
stop and admire some of the country’s most outstanding<br />
examples of architecture, art and landscape design<br />
4 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
HIGHLIGHTS ON THE WAY<br />
10 BRILLIANT REASONS TO VISIT THE<br />
48 GREAT WEST WAY THIS WINTER<br />
With the return of ice-skating rinks, spa treatments<br />
and horse drawn carriage tours, not to mention fine<br />
seasonal fare, theatre productions and markets, there<br />
are so many reasons to plan your trip this winter<br />
BEST DAYS OUT FOR SHOPPING ON THE<br />
58 GREAT WEST WAY<br />
With McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, the<br />
UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, Reading (the<br />
largest town in England) and everywhere in-between<br />
even shopaholics will not be disappointed here!<br />
CELEBRATING SPECIAL OCCASIONS<br />
64 There are many ways to celebrate your most<br />
special occasions on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> from hot air<br />
balloon rides to luxury spa hotels, skydiving and more<br />
PLACES TO VISIT ALONG THE CANALS<br />
68 Enjoy life cruising along the historic Kennet &<br />
Avon Canal from Devizes to Kintbury stopping off in<br />
the glorious Vale of Pewsey in the heart of the North<br />
Wessex Downs<br />
PUBLISHED BY<br />
Contista Media Ltd<br />
Unit 6, Basepoint, Andersons Road,<br />
Southampton, SO14 5FE<br />
contistamedia.co.uk<br />
Brought to you by the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk/digitaltravelmagazine<br />
REGULAR FEATURES<br />
ARTS, EVENTS AND CULTURAL CALENDAR<br />
74 As well as its natural scenery, cultural scene and lovely<br />
locals, the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is known for its many festivals and<br />
events – don't miss our cultural calendar highlights<br />
WAYS TO TRAVEL THE GREAT WEST WAY<br />
80 The route has been designed to be travelled in a<br />
variety of different ways: by road, by rail, on water via the<br />
Kennet and Avon Canal and River Thames, by bike or on foot<br />
GOURMET GUIDE TO FOOD & DRINK<br />
84 There are many ways to enjoy food and drink on the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> from fine dining and cookery schools to<br />
vineyard tours and quaint tea rooms and cafés<br />
WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY<br />
96 Stay overnight on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, whether on a<br />
romantic weekend away or a week-long adventure<br />
ISSN: 2632-3540<br />
Image copyright credits: Throughout © <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
Page 1 © Visit Britain/Jess Barfield / Page 4 © Anna Stowe / Page<br />
13 © Dirk Lindner Photography / Page 15 © Ioan Said Photography<br />
/ Page 21 ©VisitBritain / Jon Spaull / Page 39 © Richard Haughton<br />
/ Page 41 © Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor) /<br />
Page 74 © National Trust /Justin Minns / Page 75 ©National Trust<br />
Images/Arnhel de Serra/Chris Lacey / Page 78 © Phil Wilkinson / Page<br />
26/60 © Getty Images/iStockphoto / Page 80 © Jon Attenborough<br />
Photography Ltd / Page 87 © Lynk Photography / Page 89<br />
©nicksmithphotography.com /<br />
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Contista Media Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited<br />
submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken<br />
prices and details are subject to change and Contista Media Ltd take no<br />
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MY GREAT WEST WAY<br />
Kirstine Bowen, Marketing and Communications Manager at Wiltshire<br />
Wildlife Trust, talks to us about her role and life on the way. From helping<br />
with fundraising projects protecting wildlife and habitats in Wiltshire (and<br />
beyond) to connecting people with nature and more sustainable living<br />
What do you love most about your job and Wiltshire<br />
Wildlife Trust?<br />
Sending out a press release about an important project the<br />
Trust is undertaking, which then gets picked up by local or<br />
national media is an incredible feeling.<br />
How did you get started in your career?<br />
I started my marketing career in the English language teaching<br />
sector and then the book publishing sector. However, my<br />
passion has always been for wildlife conservation and environmental<br />
causes, and so I made the decision last year to make a change.<br />
What’s a typical day like for you?<br />
I keep up-to-date on any projects my colleagues are working<br />
on and look for opportunities to get media coverage wherever<br />
possible. Most weeks, I’ll be writing press releases, arranging<br />
radio interviews, but no two days are ever the same.<br />
Are you a city, town or country person?<br />
I am definitely a country person, as I love to be out enjoying<br />
nature, going for walks and spotting wildlife. It can do wonders<br />
for my mental health.<br />
What does sustainable travel mean to you?<br />
<strong>Travel</strong>ling in a way that limits the negative impact on the local<br />
environment and the planet. I always prefer to walk or cycle if<br />
I’m travelling shorter distances and for long journeys, whenever<br />
possible, I enjoy taking the train.<br />
Describe your perfect adventure on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>?<br />
Combining some walking and wildlife spotting with some water<br />
sports. A weekend spent near the lakes in the north of Wiltshire<br />
sounds perfect to me. I would visit somewhere like Cotswold<br />
Water Park to do some kayaking, followed by a visit to Wiltshire<br />
Wildlife Trust’s Lower Moor nature reserve to get out in nature.<br />
If you could choose one must-visit attraction along the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, what would it be and why?<br />
I would spend an afternoon exploring Wiltshire Wildlife<br />
Trust’s Lower Moor nature reserve. The reserve complex has<br />
three lakes, two brooks, ponds and wetland scrapes, all linked<br />
together by boardwalks, ancient hedges, woodland and<br />
meadows.<br />
What do you think will surprise first-time visitors about the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>?<br />
There are so many interesting and beautiful places to discover!<br />
There are also lots of different activities to choose from too, to<br />
suit different tastes and budgets. I love the ‘Top 10’ lists on the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> website, from the top 10 spectacular views to<br />
the top 10 short walks.<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
7
THE WAY FORWARD<br />
A look at the highlights and what’s new on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
Underground 18th century Vault rooms are<br />
unveiled at Hotel Indigo Bath<br />
Hotel Indigo Bath, set in a beautiful honey coloured<br />
Georgian Terrace, has recently opened its 18th century<br />
underground Vault rooms completing the final stage of<br />
its multi-million-pound major restoration project.<br />
The 18th century, Grade 1 listed building is the first<br />
global boutique hotel in Bath. The 12 Vault rooms are<br />
an amazing example of historical architecture and are<br />
both spacious and stunning in design. They feature<br />
exposed brickwork with soft lighting, timber finishing,<br />
vaulted bath stone ceilings, underfloor heating, and<br />
high-end crafted furniture. The rooms are equipped<br />
with a King-size Hypnos bed with luxury Egyptian<br />
cotton linen, a spa-inspired bathroom with roll-top<br />
bath and separate walk-in rainfall shower, a Nespresso<br />
coffee machine, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of<br />
channels on a 43” flat screen TV. As well as ‘The<br />
Vaults’, there are 154 additional guest rooms designed<br />
around four beautiful themes reflecting the history and<br />
locality of Bath. These include ‘Romance & Mischief’<br />
rooms, ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms, ‘Architectural<br />
Beauty’ rooms and ‘Garden’ rooms. The Vault rooms<br />
start from £299 per night for bed and breakfast.<br />
8 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
We the Curious reopening<br />
We the Curious science museum had to close<br />
in April 2022 after a devastating fire on its roof.<br />
Repairs to resulting water damage are under way<br />
and the plans are to reopen in 2023. Brimming<br />
with exhibits to inspire your curiosity and home<br />
to the UK’s only 3D planetarium, We the Curious<br />
is the place to ask questions and get creative.<br />
Aerospace Bristol celebrate 20th anniversary of<br />
the last Concorde to ever fly in 2023<br />
Housed at Aerospace Bristol in a purpose-built hangar,<br />
Concorde Alpha Foxtrot was the last Concorde to be<br />
built and the last to fly – and next year the museum<br />
will be celebrating 20 years since her final flight in<br />
2003. The incredible story of Bristol’s amazing aviation<br />
achievements are told at Aerospace Bristol – and<br />
there's loads to discover – starting from the earliest<br />
days of powered flight, through to today’s cutting-edge<br />
aerospace technology. There's aeroplanes, helicopters,<br />
missiles, satellites, engines and more to see and lots<br />
of interactive exhibits for all ages. The highlight is<br />
the iconic Concorde. You’ll have the chance to step<br />
aboard the world's fastest passenger jet, glimpse into<br />
the cockpit, and walk through the passenger cabin to<br />
discover how Concorde passengers would travel in style.<br />
Plus, enjoy an amazing show projected on to the outside<br />
of the aeroplane. <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> visitors will find<br />
Aerospace Bristol just off the M5, near Cribbs Causeway,<br />
and with plenty of free parking.<br />
Roman Villa at The Newt, Somerset<br />
A short detour off the main route The Newt, a<br />
luxury hotel in Somerset, has opened a palatial<br />
Roman villa on its estate, reimagined to the<br />
original villa ruins found there. Visit the superb<br />
interactive museum before wandering through<br />
Villa Ventorum, with working Roman baths and<br />
formal dining room with frescoes of The Three<br />
Graces and intricate mosaics on the floor.<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
9
Best Boutique Spa in the UK<br />
The buzzing city of Bristol is home to the<br />
Aztec Hotel Spa, recent Good Spa awards<br />
2022 winner of the Best Boutique Spa in the<br />
UK. Visit for a spa day or an overnight break at<br />
the Aztec Hotel and take some time to enjoy<br />
the recently refurbished spa and brand new<br />
Relax Lounge. Other spa facilities include the<br />
beautiful sauna, hot tub, steam room and both<br />
a spa pool and swimming pool.<br />
Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat<br />
A short detour from the main <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route<br />
and construction of the eagerly anticipated Blenheim<br />
Palace Lodge Retreats have begun and are set to be<br />
completed and open for Easter 2023.<br />
The collection of one, two and three-bedroom luxury<br />
staycation lodges will offer a new way to experience<br />
Blenheim Palace, one of the UK’s most historic<br />
country estates.<br />
Situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace<br />
is one of England’s most popular and recognisable<br />
attractions. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough<br />
and his family, the 18th-century venue was the<br />
birthplace of legendary British prime minister Sir<br />
Winston Churchill and was designated a UNESCO<br />
World Heritage Site in 1987.<br />
Set beside the estate’s vast 2000-acre grounds and<br />
ideal for couples, friends and families, the lodges will<br />
come equipped with fully equipped kitchens, dining<br />
and living areas and will offer the perfect homeaway-from-home<br />
to enjoy a break in the Oxfordshire<br />
countryside.<br />
10 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
photo - English Heritage<br />
Tour buses<br />
depart<br />
regularly from<br />
Salisbury<br />
City Centre<br />
& Salisbury<br />
Railway Station<br />
experience the<br />
magical &<br />
mysterious<br />
with our<br />
onboard commentary<br />
as we guide you through the<br />
glorious landscape.<br />
Tickets can be<br />
bought from<br />
the driver with<br />
cash<br />
or<br />
contactless<br />
or<br />
download<br />
the Salisbury Reds<br />
app<br />
seasonal prices apply as<br />
set by English Heritage<br />
Available in 10 languages<br />
thestonehengetour.info
Riverside Hotel, Salisbury<br />
Built in the 1800s by the Wort<br />
family, to whom the current<br />
owner’s father was an apprentice<br />
carpenter, the riverside property<br />
with cathedral views (previously<br />
Grasmere House Hotel) has been<br />
completely restored by new owners<br />
as a luxury 38-bedroom hotel.<br />
The official residences of His<br />
Majesty The King<br />
Windsor Castle and The Queen’s<br />
Gallery at Buckingham Palace have<br />
now reopened. The special displays at<br />
Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle<br />
and the Palace of Holyroodhouse<br />
marking the Platinum Jubilee of<br />
Queen Elizabeth II remain closed.<br />
Leighton House reopens<br />
Leighton House, the remarkable<br />
studio-house of Victorian artist<br />
and former President of the Royal<br />
Academy, Frederic, Lord Leighton<br />
has reopened to the public following<br />
a major redevelopment. Situated<br />
in Holland Park, Kensington on the<br />
east side of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
The ultimate party<br />
house, Wiltshire<br />
Situated on the edge of the pretty<br />
village of Kington Langley, Kin<br />
House is a super-luxe 12-bedroom<br />
Grade II listed house is set within<br />
walled gardens and private woodland<br />
and has been sensitively restored<br />
to its former glory. There are three<br />
lounges and a bar (named the Fitz<br />
Bar after Kington Langley’s original<br />
Medieval alias, Langley Fitzurse),<br />
and a talented in-house team of<br />
chefs. Prices from £12,500 per night.<br />
Stay in the know<br />
Click here to sign<br />
up to our monthly<br />
e-newsletter<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
13
DISCOVERING<br />
GREENER<br />
TRAVEL<br />
If sustainable tourism is important to you then you will be<br />
pleased to know the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is the perfect option for<br />
a more environmentally responsible holiday. Plan your <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> adventure with a carbon friendly footprint in mind,<br />
from the way you travel to the places you visit on the way<br />
Words | Samantha Campbell<br />
Help achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier<br />
world for us, our families and future<br />
generations by staying in eco-friendly<br />
locations and visiting eco-conscious<br />
venues with award-winning green practices along<br />
the route. Offset your environmental footprint<br />
by leaving the car at home, hiring an electric bike<br />
or perhaps taking a cruise on a horse drawn trip<br />
along the Kennet and Avon Canal instead.<br />
Dine in a restaurant with Michelin Green Star<br />
status and enjoy a night under the stars wild<br />
glamping in an eco-friendly shepherds hut or<br />
stay in a cosy carbon neutral farm cottage with<br />
countryside views.<br />
Hotels are now striving to reduce emissions<br />
and become more sustainable, from achieving<br />
zero food waste and removing single-use plastics<br />
from guest rooms to winning sustainability<br />
awards. Plus, there are a wealth of eco-friendly<br />
destinations, attractions and restaurants along<br />
the route to discover, not to mention greener<br />
ways to get there. It is now easier than ever to<br />
plan your journey more eco-consciously. So, for a<br />
travel experience that not only leaves you feeling<br />
fulfilled but has a positive impact on the planet,<br />
we hope you enjoy our selection of outstanding<br />
sustainable businesses along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
<strong>Way</strong>s to travel sustainably<br />
Perhaps one of the biggest impacts on our plant<br />
is the way we choose to get from A to B. Many<br />
hotels and accommodation providers have<br />
electric-car charging points if you are travelling<br />
by electric car. Alternatively, you might decide to<br />
plan your entire journey using public transport.<br />
Getting about by bike, foot, boat and train is<br />
made easy on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> thanks to the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway, the River Thames, the →<br />
14 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 15
Did you know?<br />
If every person<br />
in <strong>Great</strong> Britain<br />
switched just over<br />
one car trip to bus<br />
or coach per month<br />
each year (13 per<br />
year) by 2030 it<br />
would create a<br />
cumulative reduction<br />
of 2 million tons of<br />
C02e.<br />
Kennet and Avon Canal, and a magnitude of foot and cycle<br />
paths. Arrive at any of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>’s cities by train,<br />
and wander on foot to explore at your own speed, or hire a<br />
bike for the day to whizz around town seeing all the sights.<br />
In Bristol, you can even hop on a bicycle-for-two with<br />
Bristol Tandem Hire. If you fancy taking a cycle ride between<br />
some of the cities on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, the 13-mile<br />
Railway Path between Bristol and Bath offers a flat, easy ride<br />
away from the roads.<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway runs throughout the touring<br />
route, stopping at cities like Bristol, Bath and London, as<br />
well as some of the area’s major towns including Reading,<br />
Windsor and Swindon. There are also convenient rail links to<br />
nearby cities Salisbury and Gloucester, which are just off the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. You can use our <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer<br />
pass for unlimited off-peak train and bus travel to make life<br />
even easier, with options from £139 for a seven-day pass.<br />
Bristol Airport has also been recently recognised for its<br />
sustainability efforts, winning the Eco-Innovation Award<br />
for the easyJet low emissions initiative – a step towards<br />
becoming one of the UK's most sustainable airports.<br />
And you can’t get much greener than travelling by horsedrawn<br />
boat! The Kennet Horse Boat Company operate from<br />
Easter to the end of September, and you can just hop on<br />
when they have spare seats – or book a barge by charter.<br />
At the east side of the route you can enjoy a delightful<br />
electric boat cruise along the River Thames with Pure<br />
Boating. Surrounded by abundant beautiful unspoilt scenery<br />
16 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
“Surrounded by abundant beautiful unspoilt scenery and natural<br />
beauty, their fully electric fleet is perfect for spotting the occasional<br />
kingfisher or heron, without a noisy, smelly petrol or diesel engine.”<br />
Pictured left to right: The Kennet Horse Boat Company horse drawn<br />
boat along the Kennet & Avon Canal; Pure Boating's fully electric fleet<br />
and natural beauty, their fully electric fleet is perfect for<br />
spotting the occasional kingfisher or heron, without a<br />
noisy, smelly petrol or diesel engine.<br />
Buses are another way to help ease congestion and<br />
improve air quality. Just one double decker bus has<br />
the potential to take 75 cars off the road. Go South<br />
Coast have three fully electric zero emission vehicles<br />
collecting visitors from Salisbury Park and Ride sites.<br />
Plus, there are multiple coach services between London<br />
and Bristol by companies including National Express,<br />
Megabus, Stagecoach and Eurolines.<br />
You could take in the route on a private coach<br />
tour, from the royal sights of Windsor to the charming<br />
villages of the Cotswolds – many of these depart from<br />
central London. You’ll also find coach connections to<br />
other cities and towns along the touring route from<br />
London Victoria, including Marlow, Reading, Swindon,<br />
Chippenham, Bath and more.<br />
Towns, villages and cities<br />
Destinations along the route are improving their<br />
shopping high streets and popular visitor districts in<br />
innovative environmentally conscious ways.<br />
Henley have just hosted their Big Green<br />
Week event for local businesses to promote their<br />
sustainable products – and in an effort towards<br />
becoming 100% Net Zero the towns park vehicles<br />
are moving across to a greener fuel source of →<br />
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hydrotreated vegetable oil. They are offering sustainability<br />
advice for market stallholders and recently hosted a seminar<br />
on green tactics at the local Town Hall.<br />
In the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead they are<br />
reducing the need for carbon intensive travel by encouraging<br />
walking and cycling, investing in digital infrastructure,<br />
protecting and enhancing their natural environment and<br />
aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.<br />
Marlborough have encouraged businesses in the town,<br />
including Bunces, The Parade Cinema and Slate Hill Charcoal,<br />
to sign a ‘Business Green Pledge’ to switch to cleaner<br />
products, to collect rainwater for using on plants, promote<br />
the use of biochar as a carbon negative soil improver, and<br />
offer discounts for customers bringing bottles and growlers<br />
(big refillable flasks) in for refills.<br />
Local producers are stocked on the high street, hotels<br />
and restaurants in Malmesbury, and green adventures at the<br />
internationally famous <strong>West</strong>onbirt Arboretum are close by. With<br />
its beautiful ancient hilltop town surrounded by picturesque<br />
rivers and countryside visitors are reminded of the benefits<br />
and importance of a greener more sustainable way of living.<br />
In Calne you will see many perennials planted to bring<br />
more biodiversity to the town. The National Cycle Network<br />
passes through Calne and the centre will soon have bike<br />
chargers accessible to visitors.<br />
As you travel through the cities of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>,<br />
you will discover all kinds of exciting eco initiatives too.<br />
Bristol is often regarded as the 'greenest' city in the UK,<br />
having been the first city in the UK to win the 'European<br />
Green Capital' award in 2015, as well as being named the<br />
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UK's first official Cycling City. Here you will find a<br />
thriving sustainability movement, from zero-refill<br />
shops to electric scooters for hire, and local awardwinning<br />
pie company Pieminister's ‘eat pies, plant<br />
trees’ scheme.<br />
Just down the road in Bath, a clean-air zone<br />
has recently been introduced to reduce fumes and<br />
emissions in the city. Bath was built on England’s only<br />
natural thermal springs, and if you visit Thermae Bath<br />
Spa or Gainsborough Bath Spa you can enjoy these<br />
naturally heated waters for yourself – lovely and<br />
warm without the need for any non-renewables to<br />
heat them.<br />
Attractions and museums<br />
If you’re a lover of nature, you’ll be keen to discover<br />
some of the conservation charities and nature reserves<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> which are working hard to<br />
protect biodiversity and wildlife.<br />
While many of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>’s nature<br />
reserves are found in the quiet of the countryside,<br />
our cities have some surprising offers. WWT London<br />
Wetland Centre on the west of London is a huge awardwinning<br />
nature reserve.<br />
Providing safe haven from wildlife of all kins –<br />
birds, bats, amphibians and more – London’s first<br />
large-scale, man-made, inner city wetland reserve is<br />
well worth a visit.<br />
At the other end of the touring route, visit the<br />
University Of Bristol Botanic Garden to see their huge<br />
variety of cultivated plants; the five-acre site is home<br />
to around 4,500 plant species.<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> has its fair share of ecofriendly<br />
farms too, which you could argue have had a<br />
head start on most when it comes to adapting to be<br />
more socially and environmentally aware.<br />
The Farm at Avebury produce more energy than<br />
they consume, including their holiday lets, from their<br />
solar panels and they don’t use any fossil fuels for<br />
heating thanks to air source heat pumps. On the farm,<br />
they work with The Small Robot Company who are at<br />
the forefront of agricultural sustainability, increasing<br />
productivity whilst protecting soil health, water<br />
quality and biodiversity – and over the last 10 years<br />
they have planted thousands of trees. They sell their<br />
produce locally and to guests, with all their food being<br />
grown within one mile of the farm.<br />
Visit Roves Farm in Swindon and you will see<br />
their sheep and hens grazing the grass beneath solar<br />
farm panels – accounting for almost 40% of their<br />
electricity required to run their 400-acre estate. Plus,<br />
they use wood chip biomass boilers heating the visitor<br />
centre during the colder months.<br />
They produce all of their own beef, lamb and<br />
pork on the farm, including supplying their café with<br />
handmade sausages, beef burgers and mince. →<br />
Pictured left to right: Clifton Suspension Bridge,<br />
Bristol; Rams at The Farm at Avebury, Beckhampton<br />
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19
“The Wave inland surf destination<br />
use solar thermal panels to<br />
pre-heat their water and have<br />
plans to plant 16,000 trees...”<br />
Within their Farm Shop, meat is prepared and sold in their<br />
own Butchery, and they also offer ‘Roves Refills’, a zerowaste<br />
pantry with pasta, beans, pulses, nuts, oil, fruit,<br />
grains, seeds, chocolate and sweets all without unnecessary<br />
packaging – you simply bring your own containers from<br />
home (or buy reusable ones from the shop).<br />
Fresh whole and semi-skimmed milk can be dispensed<br />
from the ‘Moo Station’ straight into glass bottles or cartons<br />
brought from home, reducing single use plastic whilst also<br />
supporting local dairy farmers.<br />
Major attractions along the route are doing their bit<br />
as well. Blenheim is leading the way with a ‘Gold’ Green<br />
Tourism award rating the palace within the top 5% greenest<br />
attractions in the UK. Stonehenge has launched a new fleet<br />
of green shuttle buses to take visitors to see the stones, and<br />
the visitor centre is not connected to a mains water supply;<br />
instead, water is drawn from a borehole. The land around<br />
the visitor centre and stone circle is maintained as chalk<br />
grassland meaning it is not improved with products such as<br />
fertilisers but instead cut and cleared once a year. They are<br />
maximising recycling with zero waste going to landfill.<br />
In the Stonehenge gift shop they stock products made<br />
and sourced locally including honey from Salisbury Plain,<br />
wine from Lyme Bay and a Christmas card range using cornstarch<br />
biodegradable bags and sustainably sourced board<br />
and envelopes.<br />
The Roman Baths and Pump Room are working on an<br />
innovative scheme to harvest heat from the naturally hot spa<br />
water to use it to heat their buildings. Sixteen three-metrelong<br />
energy exchange blades have been inserted into the<br />
King’s Bath, and a new plant room is being created beneath<br />
the street. The idea is that heat from the King’s Spring will be<br />
used to heat the Roman Baths and Pump Room, as well as<br />
the new Bath World Heritage Centre and Roman Baths Clore<br />
Learning Centre.<br />
The historic landscapes of Hampton Court Palace<br />
and Kensington Palace support a wide range of wildlife<br />
communities and projects to conserve biodiversity at the<br />
royal palaces, and where possible they have created new<br />
habitats or enhance existing ones to encourage local wildlife<br />
to flourish.<br />
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire was<br />
awarded the prestigious BREEAM Award for Industrial Design<br />
in 2014 – they have a biomass boiler providing heat and hot<br />
water using local, sustainably sourced wood chips as a fuel<br />
source and a hydroelectric turbine in the River Test, giving<br />
carbon savings of 38% and providing renewable and low<br />
carbon energy.<br />
SS <strong>Great</strong> Britain, Bristol have reduced their energy<br />
consumption of the pioneering conservation system which<br />
protects the ship’s fragile iron hull by 25% – part of their<br />
commitment to become carbon neutral in our operations<br />
by 2030. Also in Bristol, The Wave inland surf destination<br />
use solar thermal panels to pre-heat their water and have<br />
plans to plant 16,000 trees and 13 acres of wildflower<br />
meadowland, while Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park<br />
have 265 solar panels placed on their roof generating 90%<br />
of their power, and they are working with <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern<br />
Recycling Ltd which means they have zero waste to landfill.<br />
The Museum of English Rural Life and Reading<br />
Museum are launching a new campaign called 'Our Green<br />
Stories' which draws on the collections of both museums<br />
highlighting and engaging visitors and local people with<br />
environmental issues.<br />
Chippenham Museum has been engaging people around<br />
issues of climate change through an exhibition display<br />
exploring the local landscape through imagery and a series<br />
of interviews with the local community about their climate<br />
concerns.<br />
At the Jane Austen Museum, Bath they have switched<br />
to LED lights throughout the building, use a fully renewable<br />
electricity provider and have plans for solar panels on their<br />
roof and at Maidenhead Heritage Museum they have just<br />
started to stock a range of eco-friendly, sustainable products<br />
from Wild & Stone in their shop.<br />
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Pictured above to right: The Wave; Bristol; Roman Baths,<br />
The Sacred Spring<br />
The REME Museum are creating a wildflower and sensory<br />
garden in their grounds, designed to keep environmental<br />
impacts to a minimum. The wildflowers are species<br />
commonly found in Wiltshire, while the vegetables grown in<br />
the allotment will be used by the museum’s café.<br />
And although you can’t visit the factory, the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong><br />
<strong>Way</strong> is proud to be home to the Birchall Tea Factory – the<br />
only wholly solar-powered tea factory in the UK and the first<br />
tea company in the world to be entirely Carbon Neutral.<br />
Located in Amesbury, the factory generates more electricity<br />
than they use with 460 rooftop solar panels. Discover their<br />
award-winning <strong>Great</strong> Rift Breakfast Tea stocked in a number<br />
of restaurants and cafes along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route. →<br />
Insider Tip<br />
Enjoy greener travel by cycling, walking or<br />
riding along the new Pewsey Vale Circular<br />
<strong>Way</strong> – a 77 mile marked route (72 mile cycling),<br />
with the Vale of Pewsey at its heart. Dramatic<br />
downland, secluded woodland, sweeping<br />
valleys and the Kennet & Avon Canal provide a<br />
rich variety of landscapes for the walker, rider<br />
or cyclist to enjoy.<br />
▶ Click here to download the the Circular <strong>Way</strong><br />
leaflet.<br />
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21
“The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is proud to have three restaurants<br />
with Michelin Green Star status – an award designed to recognise<br />
restaurants offering dining experiences combining culinary<br />
excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments.”<br />
Eco-friendly hotels and restaurants<br />
Many hotels along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route are now ecocertified,<br />
achieved by performing zero food waste, using<br />
biodegradable packaging, and focusing on local produce.<br />
There are too many to mention them all, but in Bath they<br />
include the DoubleTree by Hilton, Apex City of Bath Hotel, and<br />
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa. There are at least five in<br />
Bristol to include The Bristol Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel, Hilton<br />
Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hampton by Hilton<br />
in Bristol. There's also the DoubleTree by Hilton in Swindon,<br />
Homestay Reading and many more.<br />
Pioneering in the sustainability is Whatley Manor in<br />
Malmesbury. They have recently been awarded a Silver<br />
accreditation by EarthCheck and were amongst the first 23 UK<br />
properties to be awarded a Green Michelin Star recognising<br />
sustainable gastronomy.<br />
These awards have not been without hard work from the<br />
dedicated team, whose best practices include sourcing organic<br />
beef from their farmer next door; coffee ground logs for their<br />
indoor fires; building a Bird Hide from upcycled materials sited<br />
by the river; employing a zero-use policy of single-use plastics<br />
in guest rooms; having a paperless account office, and reducing<br />
their fresh flower points replacing them with rooted plants.<br />
Danesfield House Hotel & Spa have employed a ‘green<br />
team’ to help the business move towards sustainability,<br />
climate change measures and efforts to save the planet.<br />
Measures include LED lighting and only running their garden<br />
water features at the weekends.<br />
And small changes are making a significant difference at<br />
Wiltshire Inn’s, The Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon and The Old<br />
Bell, Warminster. As well as recycling with no waste going to<br />
landfill they have invested in their own water bottling system<br />
for still and sparkling water in reusable glass bottles in the<br />
bedrooms. They recycle coffee beans into coffee logs to be<br />
used on log fires, have ‘one cup kettles’ to produce instant hot<br />
water on demand and encourage their guests to explore the<br />
local attractions by bicycle or on foot by providing information<br />
on walks, cycle routes and cycle hire at reception.<br />
We all know that in catering there can be a huge amount<br />
of waste, but many of the restaurants on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
are achieving zero food waste going into landfill.<br />
Vaughan’s Kitchen in Devises is one example. They even<br />
use ‘vegware’ packaging made from plants – a system saves<br />
around a tonne of waste which would otherwise be going to<br />
landfill each month.<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is proud to have three restaurants<br />
with Michelin Green Star status – an award designed<br />
to recognise restaurants offering dining experiences<br />
combining culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly<br />
commitments: Oak Restaurant, Bath; The Dining Room at<br />
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Whatley Manor, Malmesbury; and Wilsons, Bristol.<br />
There are just 31 restaurants across England, Scotland,<br />
Wales and Ireland awarded a new Green Star award in<br />
total. Just a short detour from the route: Heckfield Place,<br />
Hampshire; Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat Saisons, <strong>Great</strong><br />
Milton; and Petersham Nurseries Café, Richmond, have also<br />
made it onto the Green Star list.<br />
There are many other eco-certified restaurants along the<br />
route, perhaps on their way to the prestigious Green Star<br />
award, some of our favourites include: Wilding, Salisbury;<br />
Pythouse Kitchen Garden, Tisbury; Honest Burgers in<br />
Windsor, Reading and Bristol; and The Elder Restaurant, Bath.<br />
Pictured left to right: The Dining Room at Whatley Manor; Festive<br />
treats; Kitchen Garden at Whatley Manor Hotel<br />
Click here to find out more<br />
about sustainable tourism<br />
and eco-friendly holidays on<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
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23
WILDLIFE SPOTTING<br />
ON THE GREAT WEST WAY<br />
Get away from the crowds and wander through England’s beautiful<br />
landscapes full of interesting wildlife. There are many open spaces and<br />
beautiful countryside to enjoy along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, ideal for<br />
walking, cycling, or even horse-riding amidst the wildlife<br />
Words | Lucy Bond<br />
As you travel between Bristol and London you will be<br />
spoilt for choice spotting wildlife; the route is lined<br />
with open countryside, picturesque woodlands,<br />
rolling hills, nature reserves and glorious gardens.<br />
WWT London Wetland Centre<br />
A unique, man-made inner city nature reserve, the WWT<br />
London Wetland Centre is a haven of wide, open spaces<br />
full of wetland nature. Birds, bats, water voles, otters and<br />
amphibians make their home in the reserve's wetland<br />
habitats. Stretch your legs and see which creatures you can<br />
spot as you walk between the meadows, lakes and pools. The<br />
London Wetland Centre is the ideal spot to find some peace<br />
and quiet during the London stretch of your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
adventure.<br />
Arnos Vale Cemetery<br />
Arnos Vale is a unique green, open space to enjoy in the heart<br />
of Bristol; a 45-acre Victorian Garden Cemetery. Discover<br />
fascinating nature walks, peaceful green spaces and nearly<br />
200 years of history and heritage at Arnos Vale. Follow one<br />
of the self-guided walks around the site and look out for wild<br />
flowers and wildlife. →<br />
Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve<br />
Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve in North Wiltshire is a haven<br />
of wildlife, nature and calmness. Once a former military<br />
airfield, the site is now run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust who<br />
are restoring it to wildlife-rich hay meadow. Expect to<br />
see summer wildflowers surrounded by butterflies and<br />
dragonflies. The grassland of the nature reserve is also home<br />
to brown hare, roe deer, kestrel, skylarks and if you’re lucky<br />
enough to see them, tawny owls.<br />
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25
The North Wessex Downs<br />
Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural<br />
Beauty, the North Wessex Downs covers nearly 700 square<br />
miles and encompasses parts of Berkshire, Hampshire,<br />
Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. If you're looking for wide horizons<br />
and quiet walks where you can stretch your legs, enjoy<br />
classic English countryside views, and feel your troubles float<br />
away – the North Wessex Downs is a good choice. Situated<br />
in the centre of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, the countryside of<br />
the North Wessex Downs ranges from heaths to river valleys<br />
and ancient woodland to arable farmland.<br />
Cotswold Water Park<br />
Slightly north of the main <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, where<br />
Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire meet, you will<br />
find the Cotswold Water Park. Here there are 150 tranquil<br />
lakes interspersed with peaceful countryside. There are miles<br />
of off-road paths to explore on foot or by bike, and lots of<br />
wildlife to spot, including a huge variety of migrating birds.<br />
While some of the lakes are devoted to leisure pursuits, like<br />
boating and wakeboarding, others are designated nature<br />
reserves. Cleveland Lakes for example, home to otters, water<br />
voles, lapwings, teals and tufted ducks.<br />
Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park<br />
At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park is the<br />
largest public park in the whole of the UK. Which means<br />
that while this is a popular location with visitors and locals,<br />
there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and get away<br />
from the crowds. From ancient forest to sweeping parkland<br />
to formal gardens, there's lots to discover in Windsor <strong>Great</strong><br />
Park. Walk along the shore of Virginia Water for impressive<br />
views of the lake and waterfall, spot the red deer that roam<br />
through the deer park enclosure, or admire hilltop views of<br />
Windsor Castle.<br />
“If you're looking for wide horizons... classic English countryside<br />
views...the North Wessex Downs is a good choice.”<br />
Trooper’s Hill<br />
Cities need sanctuaries for nature and wildlife too. In<br />
Bristol, a local favourite is Trooper’s Hill. Tucked away amid<br />
a housing estate behind the River Avon, its acidic soils –<br />
unusual in Bristol – support a blaze of bright yellow gorse in<br />
early summer and hot pink heather in late summer. It also<br />
attracts a dazzling array of bird species including whitethroat,<br />
willow warblers, goldcrests, long-tailed tits and even green<br />
woodpeckers. There are excellent views of the city from this<br />
hilltop hideaway, too, best appreciated in the warm glow of<br />
sunrise or sunset.<br />
<strong>West</strong> Woods<br />
Come spring time these beautiful beech woods just outside<br />
Marlborough put on a spectacular display of bluebells, a<br />
quintessential British scene. Take along your camera for<br />
some souvenir shots or just take it all in via your senses – the<br />
delicate perfume, the flutter of the tree canopy overhead, the<br />
carpet of colour before you. The bluebells are at their best<br />
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Did you know?<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
is home to many<br />
zoos and wildlife<br />
parks – so whether<br />
your favourite animal<br />
is a monkey, lion<br />
or a giraffe, you’re<br />
guaranteed a great<br />
day out. Don't miss<br />
Longleat, the home<br />
to England’s only<br />
Koalas, and spotting<br />
rare breads at Avon<br />
Valley Wildlife Park<br />
and children can<br />
get behind-thescenes<br />
access to a<br />
fascinating range of<br />
animals at Noah’s<br />
Ark Zoo Farm.<br />
here at the end of April, beginning of May, but there’s always<br />
other pretty plants and wildflowers to see, like primroses<br />
with their mellow yellow petals and sweet scent. Good to<br />
know: If you’re looking for more nature-based things to do in<br />
Marlborough, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a nice water<br />
meadow nearby.<br />
Pictured previous page: Roe deer; Comma Butterfly Clockwise from<br />
above: Horses in the North Wessex Downs; Noah's Ark Zoo Farm; Lamb;<br />
Bird watching through binoculars Next page left to right:<br />
Otter; Roe Deer Swimming Lower Moor Farm; London Wetland Centre<br />
Lydiard Park<br />
Snowdrops, which often poke their dainty heads above<br />
ground amid the freeze of January, are one of the highlights<br />
of a British winter. There are many places to see them along<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, including the 260-acre parkland of<br />
this striking Palladian house near Swindon. There’s also a<br />
walled garden where you can see some more curated spring<br />
plantings including a 17th-century variety of jewel-like tulips.<br />
In summer, the beds are full of traditional English flowers<br />
such as roses and sweet peas. Top tip: Keep an eye on the<br />
Lydiard Park events pages as they sometimes run botanicalthemed<br />
rambles and tours. →<br />
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27
Take your<br />
time on the<br />
Kennet &<br />
Avon Canal
“Among more than 400 plants<br />
you’ll find bee orchids,<br />
pyramidal orchids and even<br />
monkey orchids, which are<br />
extremely rare in the UK.”<br />
Jones’s Mill<br />
Boardwalks traverse this enchanting fen in Pewsey, flooded<br />
through by the Salisbury Avon. Once farmed for watercress,<br />
it’s now a haven for animals who like getting wet such as<br />
water voles and occasionally water shrews. It’s also a prime<br />
place to spot blue-green kingfishers swooping low over<br />
the water to find fish to feed on. You’re also likely to see<br />
heron, with their long legs and beaks. For the most colourful<br />
displays of flora and fauna, visit in spring and summer – see<br />
if you can identify water avens, sometimes referred to as<br />
chocolate root. Their purply-orange, nodding flowers attract<br />
a flurry of dragonflies, bumble bees and butterflies.<br />
Hartslock Reserve<br />
As well as terrific River Thames views, the chalk grasslands<br />
of this reserve near Reading are fertile ground for a diverse<br />
collection of wild orchids. Among more than 400 plants<br />
you’ll find bee orchids, pyramidal orchids and even monkey<br />
orchids, which are extremely rare in the UK. Seen on a<br />
summer’s day, with chalkhill blue and green hairstreak<br />
butterflies fluttering among them, it’s hard to imagine a<br />
prettier site. Other highlights: watch magnificent red kites<br />
overhead and visit in July to see meadows full of marjoram.<br />
Richmond Park<br />
If you’re visiting Kew Gardens, don’t miss nearby Richmond<br />
Park. It’s the largest of the eight Royal Parks, a National<br />
Nature Reserve and one of London’s most scenic spots. It’s<br />
most famous for its hundreds of red and fallow deer that<br />
roam the parkland, but it has plenty more to recommend it.<br />
Ancient oak trees, for one – some thought to date back to the<br />
time of the Magna Carta. Precious species of bats, birds and<br />
beetles are also found here, including the endangered stag<br />
beetle. Stop at the park’s highest point, Pembroke Lodge, for<br />
Thames Valley views and a delicious cream tea.<br />
Winterbourne Downs<br />
A little south of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, near Salisbury, you’ll<br />
find Winterbourne Downs, an RSPB site that seasoned<br />
birders as well as beginners will love. Linnets, corn buntings,<br />
yellowhammers and stone curlews are frequently spotted<br />
here. If you visit early on a spring morning you might hear<br />
the mesmerising dawn chorus of the skylarks. In summer,<br />
take a picnic and feast on views of wildflower meadows and<br />
gently rolling Wiltshire hills. Winter meanwhile is a fine time<br />
for some serious bird watching, as fluffed-up feathers are<br />
more visible on bare branches, plus buzzards, red kites and<br />
possibly peregrine falcons often fly into view.<br />
Folly Farm<br />
Just south of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, in between Bristol and<br />
Bath, lies Avon Valley Wildlife Trust’s 250-acre reserve. It’s an<br />
ideal spot for a nature walk, with timeless Somerset views of<br />
the Mendips, Chew Valley Lake and traditionally-managed<br />
meadows. Its wooded paths also make it a great place to<br />
watch the leaves turn auburn and gold in the autumn (and<br />
there might be some plump blackberries ready for picking<br />
on the brambles too). There’s also an access-for-all trail,<br />
complete with badger-viewing platform.<br />
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ALCO-TOURISM<br />
ON THE WAY<br />
Slow down, fill your boots and quench your thirst while enjoying the<br />
thriving trend of alco-tourism – with plenty of places along the <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> to learn the crafts behind some delicious homegrown tipples.<br />
Words | Susan Wright<br />
With so many impressive drink establishments<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, from beer<br />
and real ales to wine and spirits, you could base<br />
your entire journey – east to west or west to<br />
east – learning the crafts behind some of the finest beverages<br />
in southern England, while also sampling a few along the<br />
way too. Here are some of the best distilleries, breweries and<br />
vineyards you can visit along the way.<br />
Breweries<br />
Beer has been brewed in this area of England for thousands<br />
of years. Many delicious craft beers, IPAs and real ales are<br />
still produced right here on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. From tiny<br />
microbreweries with their own taprooms to <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong><br />
<strong>Way</strong> institutions like Wadworth Brewery and <strong>West</strong> Berkshire<br />
Brewery, there are lots of opportunities to try our local beers.<br />
Before you leave London learn what goes into making<br />
Fuller's ales taste so good at the Griffin Brewery, or for live<br />
music and cocktails pop into The Tap on the Line, Kew on the<br />
second Thursday of the month. For a night of jazz Fuller's host<br />
a different trio or quartet at The Old Fish Market, Bristol on<br />
Sunday evenings.<br />
One of the oldest steam breweries still in existence and<br />
one of the finest examples of a Victorian steam brewery<br />
anywhere in the world, Arkell's Brewery is a fully-functioning<br />
brewery today and Swindon's oldest established company.<br />
The ten-acre site is located in Kingsdown on the outskirts<br />
of the town behind the original Kingsdown Inn. Actual tours<br />
of the site are very limited and usually by invitation only,<br />
however you can enjoy a virtual tour from the link here. You<br />
can also visit many Arkell's along the route including The<br />
Cross Keys in Newbury, The Downgate in Hungerford and The<br />
Lansdowne in Calne.<br />
At Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre you can sample the<br />
delights and learn about the traditional brewing methods used<br />
at the site since 1875. Take yourself on a self-guided tour →<br />
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Previous page left to right: <strong>West</strong> Berkshire Brewery;<br />
Wadworth Brewery Left to right: Lavestoke Mill Bombay<br />
Sapphire; Abbey Hotel, Bath Art Bar Cocktails<br />
through their exhibition before reaching the sample bar where<br />
there are traditional pub games and five cask ales on draught.<br />
<strong>West</strong> Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery<br />
nestled in the heart of Berkshire with over 23 years of brewing<br />
experience. With a new state of the art brewery and packaging<br />
line they are the proud producers of many traditional cask ales<br />
and innovative craft beers.<br />
The Flying Monk Brewery is a forward-thinking brewery<br />
based at Hullavington, near Malmesbury, is focused on<br />
producing great beer for the local area - as well as offering a<br />
unique Cafe & Tap in a 200 year-old Cotswold stone barn, with<br />
a breakfast and lunch menu.<br />
Bristol is also one of the UK’s leading craft beer destinations<br />
and is brimming with brilliant breweries. Head to a local<br />
brewery to sample the delights of real, local English beers<br />
and learn about the history of this ubiquitous English drink.<br />
Distilleries<br />
Bombay Sapphire Distillery is based at Laverstoke Mill in<br />
rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 60<br />
miles from London, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in a<br />
conservation area with over 1000 years of history.<br />
For over 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings<br />
set astride the crystal-clear River Test produced bank note<br />
paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. Now,<br />
Laverstoke Mill is a state-of-the-art sustainable distillery,<br />
which produces every drop of Bombay Sapphire gin enjoyed<br />
from around the globe.<br />
The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind<br />
Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of<br />
the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.<br />
Start your experience with a trip to the Turbine Bar to choose<br />
a Bombay gin to make a gin and tonic before heading to the<br />
cinema room to be immersed in all things Bombay Sapphire<br />
in preparation for a tour of Laverstoke Mill.<br />
Learn about the ten botanicals which make Bombay<br />
Sapphire so exquisite in the iconic glasshouses designed by<br />
Thomas Heatherwick, chart hundreds of years of Laverstoke<br />
Mill’s illustrious history, married with the fascinating heritage<br />
of gin and Bombay Sapphire and uncover the secrets of<br />
Bombay Sapphire’s unique vapour-infusion distillation process.<br />
Enjoy classic rum cocktails and learn of their colourful<br />
histories at the Bristol Rum Distillery. Learn about new ways<br />
to understand rum, and approach the spirit through fresh<br />
informed eyes while also being entertained with rum’s rags<br />
to riches story. Before you go, choose your own rum from<br />
over 40 types made at the school, then spice and re-distil<br />
your own 70cl bottle, including naming your rum with a<br />
personalised label and waxing the top.<br />
Learn more about Bath gin at The Bath Distillery located<br />
on Queen Street in the heart of Bath’s city centre (just<br />
moments from Bath Abbey, Bath Thermae Spa and the →<br />
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Left to right: Enjoying the tour at a'Beckett's<br />
Vineyard; a'Beckett's Vineyard
“Take a vineyard tour or attend a wine<br />
sampling session and you'll see for<br />
yourself why English wines are winning<br />
prestigious international awards...”<br />
Roman Baths). Bath gin is distilled using eleven of the finest botanicals from across<br />
the world, including bitter orange, kaffir lime leaf and English coriander. Floral,<br />
exotic citrus and deep spice notes are followed by a mild sweetness, creating a light,<br />
aromatic and balanced gin.<br />
There's also the delightful (and tiny!) distillery Scout & Sage to visit in the village<br />
of Semington, Wiltshire. Join a master class and sip a delicious Scout & Sage G&T<br />
crafted using a tradional hand made copper pot still named Maud. Hear all about the<br />
history of gin, how it’s made and the process they use. There’s a tasting session of<br />
three Scout & Sage Gins and a Scout & Sage Gin cocktail – before making a shot of<br />
your very own gin from pre-distilled botanicals.<br />
Vineyards<br />
The chalk soils and temperate climate of the south of England are perfect for creating<br />
crisp, white, bubbly wines. Take a vineyard tour or attend a wine sampling session and<br />
you'll see for yourself why English wines are winning prestigious international awards.<br />
Discover the local wines of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> with a tour and tasting at Alder<br />
Ridge Vineyard, nestled into the chalky slopes of the North Wessex Downs between<br />
Hungerford and Marlborough. A'Beckett's Vineyard near Devzies also offer wine tastings<br />
and walks around their impressive 20-acre site.<br />
Bluestone Vineyards based just outside of Salisbury run morning and evening<br />
walking and wine tasting tours with one of their resident experts, Nat or Jack. Following<br />
an in-depth stroll around the vineyards learning about growing grapes in the UK, the<br />
challenges, and what it takes to produce high quality English sparkling wines, you’ll<br />
then be wowed with an expertly tutored wine tasting of four wines; two of Bluestone’s<br />
sparkling and two local still wines.<br />
Aldwick is a 300-acre family-run farm nestled serenely beneath the northern<br />
slopes of the famous Mendip Hills - the largest vineyard in Somerset. The team on the<br />
estate are devoted to producing quality wine and offer tours of their 11 acres of grape<br />
vines. Witness the development of grapes from which their wine will be made before<br />
sampling a selection of their available vintages.<br />
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35
THE GREAT WEST WAY'S<br />
HOUSES & GARDENS<br />
A journey along the route takes the traveller past some of<br />
England’s most spectacular palaces and historic houses – a chance to<br />
admire outstanding examples of architecture, art and landscape<br />
design, and discover how different people have lived throughout history
There are over 30 National Trust properties alone<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, such as Cliveden,<br />
Mompesson House, Montacute House and Runnymede,<br />
the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, to name<br />
but a few. Almost before you leave London, you pass the<br />
royal palaces at Kew, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, the<br />
oldest occupied castle in the World.<br />
Then further west as the countryside opens up, and the<br />
landscape is scattered with an array of stately homes, two<br />
further castles, Highclere and Berkeley, and with many of<br />
these properties still owned by the aristocratic families who<br />
first built them. Wander <strong>Great</strong> Halls hung with tapestries, feel<br />
the heat of a Tudor kitchen, admire the craftsmanship of an<br />
elaborately carved 4-poster bed... or plan your visit during the<br />
festive season and join a Christmas wreath making masterclass<br />
or magical light trail. Whether you’re about to set off, or you’re<br />
looking ahead to your next holiday we hope you feel inspired<br />
by our selection of houses and gardens you must visit.<br />
American Museum & Gardens, Bath<br />
Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding<br />
views over the Limpley Stoke Valley on the edge of Bath, the<br />
American Museum takes you on a journey through American<br />
history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts<br />
and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside<br />
of the United States, it was founded to bring American history<br />
and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. There are<br />
winding paths and woodlands to enjoy in The New American<br />
Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and The Children’s Garden<br />
play area. Visit during the festive season (1 to 31 December)<br />
for a sparkling trail of illuminations in a magical after-dark<br />
adventure which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and<br />
woodland in glorious colour.<br />
Apsley House<br />
Standing in the heart of London, Apsley House is the former<br />
home of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, victor of<br />
Waterloo. Designed and built by Robert Adam in the 1770s,<br />
the house was bought by the duke in 1817. He transformed<br />
it into a palatial residence to befit his status and filled it with<br />
works of art and gifts from grateful rulers across Europe.<br />
Wellington died in 1852. The following year his son Arthur,<br />
the 2nd Duke, decided to open Apsley House to the public. A<br />
‘Museum Room’ was created where Wellington’s magnificent<br />
silver trophies, military memorabilia and gifts of porcelain<br />
were exhibited. During the 20th century, the family suffered<br />
many losses. The 5th Duke died in 1941 and two years later<br />
his son and heir, Henry, died from battle wounds received<br />
during the Second World War. Gerald, the 7th Duke, decided<br />
to offer Apsley House to the nation, together with a significant<br />
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Previous page: Syon Park Left to right: Christmas<br />
Fair at Waddesdon; Christmas at Blenheim<br />
portion of the 1st Duke’s art collection. Today visitors can be<br />
awed by the palatial wonder of the gilded, glittering interiors<br />
and stunning artwork of Apsley House as they admire the<br />
gifts from emperors, tsars, and kings to the Iron Duke. There<br />
are nearly 3,000 fine paintings, sculptures and works of art in<br />
silver and porcelain, given to Britain's greatest military hero.<br />
Visit on the 25 November for a special evening made<br />
of dancing, etiquette and gossip – the Regency Evening<br />
experience includes a dance caller (to explain the steps and<br />
dances), Regency costumes, gowns, wine and fine dining.<br />
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire<br />
Just a short detour off the main route Blenheim Palace is<br />
a vast confection of pinnacles, pilasters and porticos built<br />
in golden stone, owned by the 12th Duke of Marlborough.<br />
Sarah, the notoriously difficult wife of John Churchill, the 1st<br />
Duke of Marlborough, took charge of the building project,<br />
and managed to fall out with the architect John Vanbrugh<br />
and with the queen herself. However, in spite of the rows,<br />
Sarah oversaw the creation of one of England’s finest Baroque<br />
palaces which includes the magnificent state rooms with<br />
their painted ceilings glorifying John Churchill. Formal<br />
gardens include Water Terraces, an Italian Garden, and the<br />
Rose Garden. Don’t miss the magical Ice Kingdom Themed<br />
Afternoon Tea (18 November 2022–2 January 2023) at the<br />
Orangery.<br />
Bowood House & Gardens, Wiltshire<br />
Bowood House, famed for its gardens, is owned by the<br />
Marquis of Lansdowne. Be enchanted by the herbaceous<br />
borders and the Italianate terrace gardens with their formal<br />
beds and fountains, and don’t miss the 30-acre Woodland<br />
Walk, with massed beds of rhododendrons.<br />
The 100 acres of parkland here were designed by ‘Capability’<br />
Brown, widely hailed as his best-preserved masterpiece,<br />
scattered with lawns and picturesque clumps of trees<br />
sweeping down to a gently curving artificial lake, it is a<br />
quintessentially English landscape. Other highlights include an<br />
arboretum, woodland gardens and Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s<br />
secret walled garden. Inside the house, which is open to the →<br />
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39
public from March to November, there is an unusual stately<br />
home laboratory. This is because it was here that Joseph<br />
Priestley, while working as the family tutor, discovered oxygen<br />
in 1774. You can visit the state rooms, library and chapel as<br />
well as the Orangery designed by Robert Adam in the 1760s,<br />
and the room he originally created as a small zoo which is<br />
now a sculpture gallery. Don’t miss their fantastic Halloween<br />
Outdoor Cinema Experiences this October with screenings of<br />
the Disney classic Hocus Pocus, Stanley Kubrick classic, The<br />
Shining and the vampire classic, The Lost Boys.<br />
Berkeley Castle, Gloucestershire<br />
Just half an hour north of Bristol, Berkeley Castle makes an<br />
excellent day out for stays based west of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
route. Another impressive history, having been lived in by the<br />
same family for nearly 900 years, it is the longest lived-in<br />
family fortress in England.<br />
Surrounded by eight acres of landscaped gardens, including<br />
Queen Elizabeth I’s bowling green and the 8th Earl’s swimming<br />
pool, now an ornamental lily pond with plume fountain.<br />
Explore the Norman Keep complete with the cell in which<br />
King Edward II was held captive and reputedly murdered,<br />
walk through medieval kitchens and the imposing <strong>Great</strong> Hall<br />
and marvel at the elegant State Apartments. See magnificent<br />
furniture, rare paintings by English and Dutch Masters,<br />
Elizabethan tapestries and the world famous Berkeley silver.<br />
There are free guided tours, a Tropical Butterfly House, a host<br />
of seasonal events and you could even stay overnight in their<br />
characterful 9 bedroom town house located on the estate.<br />
Henry II gave the Castle to the Berkeley family in 1153. Below<br />
the gatehouse is a bowling green, where Queen Elizabeth I is<br />
believed to have played. During Christmas Craft Week (5–7<br />
December) there are many festive workshops including luxury<br />
wreath making and creating your very own Christmas Glitter<br />
House.<br />
Cliveden House, Maidenhead<br />
Few hotels are as famous as 300-year-old Cliveden House<br />
– setting of the Profumo affair – or as romantic. Known for<br />
exuberant high-society parties, political scandals and, most<br />
recently, its connection to a certain royal wedding.<br />
Take a room in the Garden Wing and you’ll get views over the<br />
spa garden and – in some – a hot tub tucked privately into<br />
your terrace. There’s also a wonderful restaurant from chef<br />
André Garrett, where English ingredients star on the eightcourse<br />
tasting menu. The trump card here though is the 376-<br />
acre National Trust estate that surrounds the hotel, its formal<br />
gardens the sort of place you could happily lose yourself in<br />
for days. There’s direct access to the River Thames for a jaunt<br />
and a spot of lunch on a vintage boat, and plenty of pleasant<br />
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walks to work off the essential afternoon tea, served in the<br />
imposing <strong>Great</strong> Hall. Meander through the six-acre parterre,<br />
with its distinctive triangular beds, be uplifted by the fragrant<br />
intermingling of flowers and classical statues in the Long<br />
Garden and come over all romantic amid 900 roses in the<br />
heavenly scented Rose Garden.<br />
Make your visit even more special with a New Year House<br />
Party (31 December 2022–2 January 2023). Glamorous<br />
gatherings, indulgent feasts and, of course, plenty of<br />
Champagne to kick-start 2023 in the most stylish way.<br />
<strong>Great</strong> Chalfield Manor, Wiltshire<br />
As well as these aristocratic super stars, there are many<br />
smaller historic houses dotted across the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
<strong>Great</strong> Chalfield Manor is a late medieval manor house, built by<br />
the self-made Thomas Tropenell to proclaim his arrival into the<br />
landed gentry. He gave his new house all the necessary mod<br />
cons of the day including a gate house, moat, great hall and<br />
fashionable oriel windows, features which can still be seen, as<br />
the house has hardly been touched since his time. This relative<br />
neglect accounts for the house’s gentle charm and explains<br />
why it’s a popular film location: the BBC series Poldark and<br />
Wolf Hall were both filmed here. Visit on the 17 December to<br />
join in the fun and festivities during their annual Christmas fair.<br />
Iford Manor Gardens, near Bath<br />
For garden-lovers, a perfect day out on your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
journey could be the wonderful Iford Manor, close to Bath and<br />
the idyllic Frome River valley. Here you can dreamily wander<br />
around 2.5 acres of historic gardens that sit at the heart of<br />
the Grade-1 listed gardens designed by Harold Peto during<br />
his tenure at Iford from 1899-1933. Explore freely getting lost<br />
amongst the colonnades, pools and steps, as you enjoy the<br />
magnificent rural views over the valley. The garden contains<br />
many steep, narrow and uneven paths, as well as long flights<br />
of steps without handrails – very much part of the garden’s<br />
charm and design. There are a host of lovely Christmas events<br />
happening across the Iford Manor Estate this December<br />
including wine tasting and Christmas wreath making<br />
workshops, followed by a delicious lunch.<br />
Kelmscott Manor, Oxfordshire<br />
Kelmscott Manor, a short detour off the route, was the iconic<br />
country home of William Morris; poet, designer, craftsman,<br />
socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement.<br />
This Grade I listed house was loved by Morris as a survival of<br />
traditional craftsmanship in harmony with the nearby village<br />
and surrounding landscape, which lies towards the very upper<br />
reaches of the Thames, inspiring many of his most important →<br />
Left to right: Cliveden House bar; The summer<br />
home of William Morris, Kelmscott Manor<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
41
designs and writings, including the world-famous Willow<br />
pattern. Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection,<br />
from early 17th Century furniture to a unique collection of<br />
furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante<br />
Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London<br />
homes, including several designed especially for the iconic<br />
Red House. Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting riverside<br />
gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred<br />
yards away. Beyond the walls of the formal garden stand the<br />
impressive farm barns – two of them house the Tearoom and<br />
beautiful Shop. The Tearoom is a must, with its friendly staff<br />
and delicious home-made meals and cakes, whilst the Shop<br />
is packed with decorative and unusual items ideal for gifts or<br />
mementoes.<br />
Longleat, Wiltshire<br />
Home of the Marquess of Bath, Longleat is one of the finest<br />
examples of Elizabethan architecture in England, and since<br />
1580, up until today, has been owned by 16 generations of<br />
the Thynn family. The House is open to the public throughout<br />
most of the year. Inside this 450-year-old treasure trove, you<br />
will find the original Elizabethan <strong>Great</strong> Hall, the spectacular<br />
Grand Staircase, the impressive Saloon stretching 90 feet long<br />
with exquisite Flemish tapestries, beautiful antique furniture<br />
and a staggering collection of more than 40,000 books.<br />
In total there are 15 breathtaking rooms, together with<br />
stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds. Famously<br />
known for being the first drive-through safari park outside<br />
of Africa in 1966, home to, amongst other animals, majestic<br />
lions, a troop of mischievous macaque monkeys, a pack of grey<br />
wolves plus, the only animal collection in Europe to exhibit<br />
Southern koalas. In November, the UK's original, biggest and<br />
most exciting lantern festival is the showstopper at Longleat –<br />
The Festival of Light, and the theme for this year? You will be<br />
stepping into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl.<br />
Then, in December, Longleat becomes even more magical with<br />
a Santa Train, Winter Safari Drive-through and Britain's biggest<br />
singing Christmas tree – at 20 metres tall, it will sing your<br />
favourite carols and flurries with snow!<br />
The Merchant's House, Marlborough<br />
A glorious restoration of a 17th Century silk merchant's house<br />
The House of Thomas Bayly was built following the <strong>Great</strong><br />
Fire of Marlborough in 1653. Over the years 1653-1700 a<br />
fine timber and brick building was constructed, its interior<br />
panelled, brilliant with wall paintings and with a commanding<br />
oak staircase. A substantial amount of this fabric survives and<br />
hidden painted decoration is still being revealed.<br />
Many of us are familiar with homes of the aristocracy; here is<br />
a rare opportunity to view a 17th century house of the type<br />
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Left to right: Longleat and Britain's biggest singing<br />
Christmas tree; Kew Gardens Palm House in the snow<br />
many of us might have lived in. Thomas was a prosperous silk<br />
mercer whose lifestyle is reflected in the spacious and elegant<br />
rooms on show. The house is a living place. Throughout<br />
the season there are demonstrations of costume making,<br />
needlework and historic paint conservation. Musicians often<br />
play music appropriate to the period.<br />
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey<br />
For an unforgettable horticultural experience, make a beeline<br />
for Kew Gardens. By day you can see the vast UNESCO World<br />
Heritage Site by walking or hop aboard the Kew Explorer<br />
Land Train, which will wizz you round the main sites in around<br />
40 minutes. Current highlights of any tour include the Palm<br />
House, built with a rainforest climate to nurture the plant life<br />
brought back by Victorian botanists; The Hive, an immersive<br />
experience that echoes the life going on inside a real beehive;<br />
and The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which is packed with<br />
all sorts of prickly curiosities from cacti to carnivorous plants.<br />
Visit in the evening on selected dates between 16 November<br />
2022 and 8 January 2023 for Christmas at Kew when the<br />
stunning gardens are decorated in a show-stopping annual<br />
trail of festive light installations. More than a million tiny bulbs<br />
and flickering flames light up the night, as rainbow reflections<br />
shimmer on the water and trees are drenched in dazzling hues.<br />
Along the route there's festive hot food and treats such as<br />
spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.<br />
The Savill Garden, Windsor<br />
The Savill Garden in Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park has been a tranquil<br />
place to discover rare plants from around the world since<br />
its creation in the 1930s. This natural haven of beautifully<br />
designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone,<br />
from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend<br />
a relaxing day out with family or friends. There are 35 acres<br />
of interconnected gardens including the Hidden Gardens,<br />
Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden,<br />
Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter<br />
Beds. Don’t leave before visiting The Christmas Tree Shop to<br />
pick up some natural decorations for your home including<br />
wreaths and fresh boughs of holly and mistletoe. →<br />
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43
Left to right: Stourhead in autumn;<br />
Bristol Botanic Garden Evolutionary Dell<br />
The Christmas Tree Shop also stocks a selection of food and<br />
drink, including our very own Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park Sparkling<br />
Wine, grown in a vineyard on the Estate.<br />
Stourhead, Wiltshire<br />
A little way off the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> in south Wiltshire, but a<br />
must-visit if you’re in the area, Stourhead is one of the <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>’s most famous gardens. Described as ‘a living work<br />
of art’ when it opened in the 1740s, its classical architecture<br />
includes a grotto, a gothic cottage and its own Temple of<br />
Apollo. For Alan Power, head gardener, his favourite time of<br />
year here is autumn: ‘the garden, the architecture, the plants<br />
and the trees all perform perfectly together. It’s like an encore<br />
before the rest for winter.’<br />
The after-dark illuminated trail through the garden at<br />
Stourhead returns for its fourth year on selected dates<br />
between 25 November 2022 – 1 January 2023 with over a<br />
million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds fill the air with<br />
festive fun.<br />
Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham<br />
Strawberry Hill House has been open to visitors for over<br />
250 years, it is the former summer residence of Horace<br />
Walpole, author of ‘The Castle of Ontranto’ and is famous<br />
for being Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival<br />
architecture. Inspired by William Kent and the ideas behind<br />
the English Landscape Movement, Horace Walpole created<br />
a romantic garden to complement his Gothic castle. Formal<br />
borders mixed with groves of trees and shrubs crossed by<br />
winding paths, and flowers and fragrance, a fine lawn, an open<br />
terrace and meadows that led straight to the River Thames.<br />
The five-acre garden has been, as far as possible, restored to<br />
its original appearance using Eighteenth-Century maps and<br />
paintings as well as Walpole’s own writing. It is Grade II listed<br />
and of national importance as a reminder of a fascinating<br />
period in garden history. It is a charming, compact garden<br />
full of a variety of beds, borders, walks, groves, lawns and<br />
woodland.<br />
Visit on the 21 November to join the discussions around<br />
Charles Dicken’s most famous novel, A Christmas Carol a<br />
festive tale of redemption and compassion.<br />
Turner’s House, Twickenham<br />
Looking at the blue plaque on the front of Sandycombe Lodge<br />
you can imagine Turner living there – it was his retreat from<br />
the London art world. The architecture of this little building is<br />
quirky, reflecting Turner’s own designs but also the influence<br />
of his good friend, John Soane. Turner made many sketches<br />
before finally arriving at his final design, and these are now<br />
brought together in single facsimile sketchbook.<br />
44 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Some of the beautiful etchings from his Liber Studiorum are<br />
on display, several of them responding to troubled years when<br />
England was under threat of invasion, along with beautifully<br />
crafted models of ships, variations on those which Turner had.<br />
In Turner’s time, Sandycombe stood on a large plot of land,<br />
bordered by two huge estates. His grounds have now been<br />
built over, as have the estates – so the open views he would<br />
have had are shown by digital technology. The small remains<br />
of the once-large gardens has been beautifully planted. On<br />
the 27 October St Margaret’s Wine are hosting a Whiskey<br />
Tasting at Turner’s House event. Tickets include a selection of<br />
three whiskeys, food, admission to the house, and a tour of the<br />
exhibition, Between the Sheets: Turner’s Nudes.<br />
University of Bristol Botanic Garden, Bristol<br />
Fascinating displays tell the story of plants in several zones. The<br />
evolution collection boasts species dating back 200 million<br />
years. Two medicinal herb gardens – Chinese and <strong>West</strong>ern –<br />
display useful plants. On chilly days, take shelter in the tropical<br />
zone glasshouse, marvel at giant waterlilies, and admire edible<br />
crops such as cocoa, vanilla, sugar cane, banana, pineapple and<br />
ginger. Visit on the 24 November for a special autumn-themed<br />
lecture by Poppy Okotcha; Growing a better world.<br />
Stonor Park, South Oxfordshire<br />
Described by Lord Gibson, former National Trust Chairman, as:<br />
‘Possibly the most beautiful setting for any house in England’,<br />
there’s a lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens.<br />
Stroll amid neat box hedges, and seek out the hidden Japanese<br />
retreat. Stonor Park is one of the longest lived-in family<br />
homes in England, owned by the Stonor family for over 850<br />
years. Located near Henley, Stonor is a beautiful place to visit,<br />
especially if you are staying east of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route.<br />
The historic building and sweeping grounds are breathtaking<br />
and inside there is a fascinating family collection of art and<br />
artefacts. Open to visitors between April-September and at<br />
Christmas, (gardens are open April-October), you can view<br />
the work of St. Edmund Campion, created when he was given<br />
refuge there in 1581, and outside sits their oldest resident, a<br />
perfectly preserved prehistoric stone circle.<br />
Visit Stonor House when it has been beautifully decorated<br />
for Christmas and experience a Candle Lit Christmas where,<br />
walking from room to room, you will be able to imagine the<br />
many family members and friends who would have celebrated<br />
this festive season here through the centuries. Delicious<br />
seasonal fare will be served in the Stonor Pantry and the Gift<br />
Shop will be overflowing with goodies for all the family. →<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
45
Syon Park, London<br />
The London home of the Dukes of Northumberland, the<br />
Percy family, for over 400 years – Syon is one of the last great<br />
houses of London. Profoundly historic, the House holds a<br />
wealth of art within its grand classical interiors, while the Park<br />
and Gardens feel like deep countryside, although barely nine<br />
miles from Charing Cross. As the nights draw in, Syon Park<br />
once again hosts the Enchanted Woodland during November,<br />
which sees the 600-year-old gardens transformed by a display<br />
of lights and music. Now in its 16th year the trail winds<br />
through the arboretum, passing the sixteenth century Syon<br />
House, and ends at the spectacular <strong>Great</strong> Conservatory. An<br />
array of lighting effects – from high-tech lasers to low tech<br />
candles – illuminate the visitor’s way through the trees.<br />
Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire<br />
A former Rothschild, French Renaissance chateau brimming<br />
with priceless treasures and a contemporary exhibition space.<br />
There are also restaurants and cafes, a boutique hotel, a gift<br />
and Rothschild wine shop and wine cellars with access to wine<br />
tastings, not to mention acres of landscaped gardens. During<br />
the winter the grounds are transformed by dazzling colour<br />
and light displays, bathing trees and manor alike in beautiful<br />
hues. Wrap up warm and follow the trail, wending its way past<br />
imaginative illuminated installations.<br />
<strong>West</strong>onbirt Arboretum<br />
With 15,000 trees from around the world, including five<br />
national collections, autumn is spectacular here. Dendrologist<br />
Michal Dvorak says: ‘With our world-renowned maples taking<br />
center stage, it’s easy to miss lesser-known gems. The smoke<br />
bush is a feast of colour, including fiery yellows, reds, peaches<br />
and purples. The Persian ironwood is another one not to<br />
miss in autumn as its leaves turn crimson and gold.’ Don’t<br />
miss the step-free STIHL Treetop Walkway, and download a<br />
fun kids’ activity booklet, including creating leaf crowns and<br />
hunting acorns. Father Christmas’ elves have made their way<br />
to the arboretum to decorate the trees in twinkly lights for<br />
Christmas. Visit between the 25 November and 21 December<br />
2022 and be one of the first to experience their brand-new<br />
illuminated trail.<br />
Click here to find out<br />
more about exploring<br />
Houses and Gardens on the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
Pictured: Chritmas illuminations<br />
light up the woodlands at Syon Park<br />
46 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
A full-size Victorian replica<br />
Bayeux Tapestry and three<br />
hundred biscuit tins?<br />
The ruins of a breathtaking<br />
12th-century royal abbey<br />
that attracted pilgrims<br />
from across Europe?<br />
A nationally significant<br />
collection of English farm<br />
wagons and the most<br />
famous ram on the Internet?<br />
And all of it’s free.<br />
UNEXPECTED<br />
READING
TEN BRILLIANT REASONS TO VISIT<br />
THE GREAT WEST<br />
WAY THIS WINTER<br />
There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> this season, from indulgent spa<br />
weekends, picturesque countryside walks to<br />
Christmas markets and classics at the theatre.<br />
1<br />
ENJOY A HEARTY SUNDAY LUNCH<br />
Lined with grand stately homes, gentle green countryside,<br />
cute stone cottages and pretty thatched pubs, the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong><br />
<strong>Way</strong> is the perfect place to discover the real England. And<br />
what could be more traditionally English than a roast<br />
dinner on a Sunday lunchtime?<br />
A classic English roast dinner has succulent meat, crispy roast<br />
potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, lashings of gravy, lots of fresh<br />
seasonal veg, and a side of cauliflower cheese if you’re lucky. You’ll<br />
find this traditional Sunday lunchtime meal at many of the pubs and<br />
restaurants along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route – often accompanied<br />
by more modern takes on the classic roast dinner, such as Coq au vin<br />
with mash & bourguignon garnish.<br />
Enjoy a tasty Sunday lunch while admiring the spectacular views<br />
of Windsor Castle at the Royal Windsor Pub, head to The Red Lion<br />
Freehouse in the Vale of Pewsey – a picture-perfect English pub,<br />
complete with thatched roof and pretty beer garden. It is also a<br />
Michelin-starred restaurant – so you can expect your Sunday lunch to<br />
be utterly delicious.<br />
48 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
2<br />
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN<br />
STYLE AT ASCOT<br />
Kick off your festive season with the<br />
Christmas Fair at Ascot from the 24<br />
November (until the 27 November) with<br />
top quality gift companies you won’t usually find on<br />
the high street. Knowing you are going to delight your<br />
family and friends with the best Christmas presents<br />
wrapped and ready, you might want to celebrate by in<br />
an evening that’s exclusively yours to enjoy – or in a<br />
shared Christmas party with others.<br />
Either way you will be made to feel like royalty at a<br />
party hosted in the iconic surroundings of the world’s<br />
most famous racecourse. →
Did you know?<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
route passes through<br />
three Areas of<br />
Outstanding Natural<br />
Beauty. In London,<br />
the southern section<br />
of The Chilterns’<br />
324-miles makes a<br />
great start to the<br />
route, The Wiltshire<br />
White Horses and<br />
the White Horse at<br />
Uffington will be a<br />
joy to spot ambling<br />
in the North Wessex<br />
Downs, or start your<br />
tour from Bath and<br />
follow The Cotswold<br />
<strong>Way</strong> north, for 102<br />
more, glorious miles.<br />
3<br />
GO FOR A DAY WALK IN AN AREA OF<br />
OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY<br />
Just because the weather is often wet and wild this time<br />
of the year it doesn't mean you have to hide away inside.<br />
On a winters day on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, why not grab<br />
your wellies and head off to splash through the puddles and enjoy<br />
our beautiful countryside. Along the touring route there are 3<br />
Areas Of Natural Beauty (North Wessex Downs, The Cotswolds<br />
and The Chilterns) – each remarkable in its own way, from the<br />
landscapes to the people who live and work there.<br />
4<br />
EXPERIENCE A HORSE DRAWN<br />
CARRIAGE TOUR<br />
Windsor Carriages have been running tours of Windsor<br />
for over 170 years, offering a unique way to experience<br />
magnificent Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park. Take in views of<br />
stunning Windsor Castle as you are whisked down the Long Walk<br />
in a picture-perfect horse drawn carriage as a tour guide shares<br />
invaluable knowledge, stories and events passed down through<br />
the generations of coachmen of Windsor Carriages since 1849. →<br />
50 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Magical Marlborough<br />
The ancient market town that<br />
packs a postcard-perfect punch<br />
www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors<br />
visitmarlborough
5<br />
HAVE AN INDULGENT SPA WEEKEND<br />
For some well needed Winter pampering, why not book<br />
yourself a sumptuous couple’s spa session as you travel<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route? There are many options<br />
to choose from, including the spa at award-winning<br />
Whatley Manor near Malmesbury, or Bath's famous Thermae Bath<br />
Spa with its rooftop pool, or one of the incredible reclaimed lidos<br />
along the route; Thames Lido in Reading or the Lido in Bristol. If<br />
you’ve got kids, head to Woolley Grange near Bradford on Avon<br />
and take advantage of the 90 minutes free childcare each day of<br />
your stay while you relax in the spa.<br />
6<br />
HEAD TO THE THEATRE<br />
A Christmas Show or pantomime is an essential part of<br />
any traditional English Christmas, and there are plenty<br />
of options to choose from along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
route. RAPUNZEL will be showing from 18 November<br />
at the gorgeous Watermill Theatre. The Christmas programme at<br />
Pound Arts Centre in Corsham includes Christmas Gothic by Dyad<br />
Productions. Head to Wyvern Theatre in Swindon for side-splitting<br />
comedy, fun songs and festive magic with A Christmas Carol and The<br />
Ho Ho Ho Mrs Christmas Show. And the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>'s newest<br />
theatre, the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, will be showing yet more<br />
Christmas classics.<br />
52 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
7<br />
BATH ON ICE AT ROYAL<br />
VICTORIA PARK<br />
The Ice Rink is back and, with 1000 square<br />
metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever!<br />
Glowing in an array of atmospheric lights,<br />
it’s the ideal spot to practice those skating skills and<br />
simultaneously the perfect stage for avid skaters to<br />
show off their moves. With music to set the wintery<br />
scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be<br />
transported to a dreamy winter wonderland. →<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
53
Wonders await<br />
those who venture off the beaten path<br />
A unique royal connection,<br />
rich cultural heritage, stunning<br />
architecture and beautiful<br />
natural scenery along a 20 mile<br />
stretch of the River Thames.<br />
Add to this an abundance of<br />
places to stay from 5 star resorts<br />
to riverside camping, quaint<br />
villages, one-of-a-kind shops<br />
and a culinary scene headed by<br />
the likes of Heston Blumenthal<br />
and you’ll have a reasonable<br />
idea of the treats in store for<br />
you in and around Windsor.<br />
www.windsor.gov.uk<br />
#VisitWindsor<br />
www.windsor.gov.uk
8<br />
MAKE A HEAD START ON YOUR<br />
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING<br />
Buy beautiful gifts for your friends and family as you<br />
explore the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> in the run-up to the<br />
holidays. Christmas at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet<br />
Swindon means a winter wonderland springing up amongst their<br />
many designer and high street shops. Read our article on best days<br />
out for shopping on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> by clicking here.<br />
There will also be many Christmas Markets appearing along<br />
the route, with the Bath Christmas Market and Bristol Christmas<br />
Market both making lovely festive locations for an afternoon of<br />
Christmas shopping. Think sweet little chalets selling handmade<br />
gifts and serving hot drinks.<br />
9<br />
VISIT A MUSEUM AND LOSE YOURSELF<br />
IN CULTURE AND HISTORY<br />
At the far east of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, in bustling central<br />
London, is Wellington Arch. Originally built as an entrance<br />
to Buckingham Palace, the structure later became a victory<br />
arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Climb up to the<br />
arch's balconies for glorious wintery panoramas over London.<br />
Also, in the capital don’t miss The British Museum, the first national<br />
public museum in the world. The children will love meeting Santa and<br />
his elf at the London Transport Museum (from 25 November) – at their<br />
Christmas at the Museum season there’s also card-making workshops<br />
and an interactive Routemaster-inspired sleigh!<br />
Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside alongside the<br />
peaceful River Test is Whitchurch Silk Mill, the oldest silk mill that is<br />
still weaving silk in its original building. In Wiltshire visit Stourhead,<br />
Lacock and the Fox-Talbot museum, the birthplace of photography<br />
– and motoring enthusiasts will love the Atwell-Wilson Motor<br />
Museum, located near the historic town of Calne, an interesting and<br />
unusual stopping-off point along the route. Perfect for a Christmas<br />
party, in Salisbury revellers can lose themselves in a game of Spectre<br />
in the award-winning Live Escape Room on Castle Street.<br />
Explore the unique collection of vehicles, uniforms, and weapons<br />
and learn more about the proud history of the Royal Electrical and<br />
Mechanical Engineers at the REME Museum in Lyneham – a short<br />
drive from Chippenham. Reading Museum displays an array of<br />
historical artefacts waiting to be explored while Reading's Museum<br />
of English Rural Life is England’s most extensive museum dedicated<br />
to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.<br />
Maidenhead Heritage Centre explores the history of the Berkshire<br />
town of Maidenhead by telling the stories of its river, roads and<br />
railway. The centre's spitfire simulator is one of the most unusual<br />
historic experiences on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. Experience for yourself<br />
what it must have been like for a 1940s spitfire pilot in an authentic<br />
simulator with replica flight controls and wide screen pilot view.<br />
Plus, you can even step on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot,<br />
the last supersonic jets to ever fly, or discover the earliest days of<br />
powered flight at Aerospace Bristol. →<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
55
10<br />
VISIT<br />
THE SCENE OF A ROYAL<br />
WEDDING<br />
There are many Royal connections along<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>; especially the historic<br />
Berkshire town of Windsor, which has seen<br />
many royal nuptials throughout the years. Prince Harry and<br />
Meghan Markle were married at St George's Chapel in 2018,<br />
and the royal town has also hosted the marriages of the likes<br />
of Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward to their respective<br />
spouses. While you’re here, visit Windsor Castle – our beloved<br />
former Queen’s favourite weekend residence.<br />
56 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
This <strong>Way</strong> for<br />
a Journey<br />
Through Time<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> weaves through<br />
the timeless county of Wiltshire.<br />
The Ancient Briton, Romans, Normans and<br />
Saxons have all left their mark.<br />
Now it’s time for you to follow in<br />
their footsteps.<br />
It’s Time for Wiltshire<br />
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
BEST DAYS OUT<br />
FOR SHOPPING<br />
ON THE GREAT WEST WAY<br />
In the towns, villages and cities along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route you’ll<br />
find an abundance of antique stores and independent shops as well as<br />
super-handy shopping centres and malls. There are also some<br />
marvellous markets selling everything from local crafts to artisan<br />
delicacies. Here are some ideas for a great shopping day out…<br />
Words | Samantha Rutherford<br />
SPEND THE DAY AT MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER<br />
OUTLET SWINDON<br />
McArthurGlen’s Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in the<br />
beautifully renovated Grade II listed buildings of the <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong>ern Railway Works and is one of the largest covered<br />
designer outlets in Europe. There is a mixture of high-street<br />
and designer brands with reduced prices of up to 60 per<br />
cent. Stores include Guess, Reiss, Joules, Kurt Geiger, Ted<br />
Baker, Calvin Klein and bringing out the inner child in all<br />
of us, new for 2022, a HARIBO Store is due to open before<br />
Christmas – the ninth store of its kind to open in the UK.<br />
Swindon Designer Outlet has a variety of restaurants<br />
around the centre, open until late most weeknights,<br />
including Five Guys, Wagamama, Pizza Express, Giraffe,<br />
Patisserie Valerie, Krispy Kreme, KFC and Subway. As well<br />
as many dining options, Swindon Designer Outlet also<br />
houses a great selection of cafes including Starbucks, Soho<br />
Coffee and Costa.<br />
The on-site STEAM Museum of The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway<br />
offers families the chance to learn about the men and women<br />
who built, operated and travelled on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern<br />
Railway and National Trust has its own café and shop.<br />
Other shopping centres you might enjoy…<br />
The recently rebranded Town Centre inSwindon is home<br />
to many top retail names as well as local and independent<br />
stores – it has been re-modernised with many new<br />
remarkable makers, designer, artisans and pioneers.<br />
The Guild in Wiltshire is set in a rural and historic setting<br />
of regenerated carpet factory buildings. Here you’ll discover<br />
a distinctive mix of independent and national brands and<br />
don't miss their creative workshops, including Christmas<br />
Wreath making and Tumbleweed Gig and Christmas BBQ.<br />
Fisherton Mill is a shopping destination, gallery, cafe and<br />
artist studios based in Salisbury, within easy reach of the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> – originally built in 1880 as a grain mill.<br />
At the west end of the route Kilver Court Designer<br />
Village, a short distance south of Bath, is home to an array<br />
of luxurious lifestyle brands including Liberty London, known<br />
for its iconic floral prints. →<br />
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59
Pictured previous page: Friends enjoy shopping in Bristol Shopping Quarter Pictured clockwise from<br />
left: Bartlett Street, a picturesque pedestrian side street in Georgian Bath’s favourite shopping district;<br />
Parkway Shopping Centre; <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> signage at Parkway Shopping Centre; The Oracle, Reading<br />
SPEND A DAY SHOPPING IN THE UNESCO WORLD<br />
HERITAGE CITY OF BATH<br />
The golden city of Bath has been welcoming visitors for<br />
over 2,000 years and is a shopper’s haven, with a reputation<br />
for fashion that goes back to Georgian times. Set within a<br />
compact city centre Bath has a large range of independent<br />
and well-known stores as well as some off-the-beaten-track<br />
finds too.<br />
Whether it’s 40s glamour or Edwardian furniture you’re<br />
in to, you’ll find some lovely, preloved treasures in the city<br />
of Bath. Bath Vintage & Antiques Market, on the last Sunday<br />
of every month at Green Park Station, has a good mix of<br />
everything – mid-century furnishings, jazzy retro frocks and<br />
one-of-a-kind antiques.<br />
Elsewhere, Vintage to Vogue can style you in top quality<br />
fashion, from the 1900s onwards, then have it tailored<br />
specifically to your shape. Shopping in Bath is a real treat,<br />
high street fashion gurus, book worms and art collectors<br />
alike will enjoy the buzzing city and its eclectic selection of<br />
unique gifts.<br />
Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Bath<br />
is home to some of the most impressive architectural sights<br />
in the world such as the Royal Crescent, the Circus and<br />
Pulteney Bridge.<br />
At the heart of Bath city centre, next to Bath’s imposing<br />
Abbey is the Roman Baths Museum, which gives a fascinating<br />
insight into the original bathing complex and the great<br />
Roman temple of Sulis Minerva. Above the Museum in the<br />
18th century Pump Room you can taste the waters, enjoy a<br />
meal and listen to music from the Pump Room Trio.<br />
Bath has a wide variety of museums and galleries<br />
including the Holburne Museum, No 1. Royal Crescent, the<br />
Jane Austen Centre and the Musuem of Bath Architecture.<br />
There are stunning gardens and landscapes a-plenty – don’t<br />
miss the stunning Palladian bridge at the National Trust’s<br />
Prior Park, just outside the city.<br />
Don’t forget to stop off at the Roman Baths and pick up<br />
a souvenir to share with friends and family. When you are<br />
feeling hungry or thirsty there is a mouth-watering selection<br />
of restaurants, pubs, cafes and delis to choose from or a<br />
number of places to stay in Bath to settle down for the<br />
evening.<br />
60 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
SPEND A DAY SHOPPING IN READING, THE LARGEST<br />
TOWN IN ENGLAND<br />
Reading is located near the centre of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>,<br />
making it a great base from which to explore the many<br />
delights of the route. Located in the heart of Reading, The<br />
Oracle boasts more than 80 stores to cater for all your<br />
fashion and lifestyle needs – including Next, House of Fraser<br />
and Zara. There’s plenty of choice on Riverside with flavours<br />
from around the world in more than 20 restaurants.<br />
VISIT NEWBURY AND THE PARKWAY SHOPPING CENTRE<br />
Alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, Newbury has a bustling<br />
high street with many interesting shops, which include<br />
unique stores such as family-run department store Camp<br />
Hopson. Located in the heart of the town centre, Parkway<br />
Shopping is anchored by M&S and NEXT and includes a<br />
number of essential shopping needs from fashion such as<br />
H&M, Superdry, Fat Face, New Look, The Entertainer and<br />
more, with many cafes and restaurants to choose from. →<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 61
Discover Gloucestershire’s best attractions, tours,<br />
shops, restaurants, accommodation and venues<br />
home of The Cotswolds & ancient Forest of Dean<br />
discovergloucestershire visitglosuk DiscoverGlos
Pictured: Bristol's historic harbourside, Salt & Malt at Cargo is part of a<br />
bustling new food hub in the newly regenerated Wapping Wharf<br />
Other <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> towns you might enjoy…<br />
For a spot of souvenir hunting or Christmas gift shopping head<br />
to our smaller <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> towns including Marlborough,<br />
Malmesbury, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Pewsey,<br />
Marlow and Tetbury. Plus, don’t miss pop-up boutiques such<br />
as We Make Bristol in <strong>West</strong>bury-on-Trym, which only stocks<br />
products by local artists and designers, or head to the gift<br />
shops at top tourist attractions or tourist information offices,<br />
Stonehenge gift shop, for instance, sells striking lino prints of<br />
the stones by local artist Caroline Day.<br />
TAKE A DAY OUT SHOPPING IN CREATIVE BRISTOL<br />
Cabot Circus is the ultimate shopping destination in the heart<br />
of Bristol, with over 120 high-street and designer brands,<br />
including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser, Zara, &Other<br />
Stories, H&M and Apple. Covered by a unique shell-shaped<br />
glass roof, Cabot Circus is also home to a Showcase Cinema de<br />
Lux, Escape Hunt and crazy golf venue, Jungle Rumble.<br />
Bristol is known for its alternative outlook, making it a<br />
go-to place for vintage and offbeat fashion finds. For quirky<br />
places in Bristol head straight to Stokes Croft and adjoining<br />
Gloucester Road – the longest street of independent shops<br />
in the UK. There you’ll discover artfully curated charity shops<br />
alongside intriguing second-hand stores (with lots of hip<br />
cafes in between for when you need a coffee break).<br />
For award-winning fish and chips with a view head to Salt &<br />
Malt at Bristol’s historic harbourside. If you’re a guy or gal<br />
who likes Americana, Uncle Sam’s on Park Street is the best<br />
place to find a pair of cowboy boots or classic Levis you can<br />
cherish forever. The Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is a hiddenaway<br />
haven for one-offs including musical instruments,<br />
herbal remedies and fine spirits (the medieval steps<br />
themselves make the perfect Insta-snap too). Plus, be sure to<br />
visit St Nick’s Market in Bristol (every day except Sunday).<br />
Looking ahead…<br />
Set to open in Autumn 2023, Bristol Beacon, Bristol’s<br />
largest concert hall (formerly known as Colston Hall) has<br />
undergone a complete refurbishment and redevelopment.<br />
The £48.8m transformation will turn the venue into one the<br />
best performance and music learning spaces in Europe – a<br />
modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facility.<br />
Shop around for<br />
something extra special<br />
Click here to find out more and<br />
to read our Itinerary Planner<br />
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63
CELEBRATING<br />
SPECIAL<br />
OCCASIONS<br />
Tours, wine-tastings, hot air balloon rides, watersports,<br />
spas, luxury hotels, skydiving and more... There are many<br />
ways to celebrate your most special occasions on<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>
There are many ways to celebrate and mark a special<br />
occasion between London to Bristol, adding some<br />
memorable magic to your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> experience.<br />
Getting friends and family together for a party to<br />
commemorate a special milestone such as a special birthday<br />
or silver wedding anniversary perhaps? You are spoiled for<br />
choice along the route.<br />
Since the covid pandemic we have seen a rise in beautiful<br />
exclusive use accommodation and options for multi-generation<br />
group stays. Take the new private country cottages located on<br />
the Lucknam Park Estate, near Bath for example – your very own<br />
private haven of luxury set in the 500-acre estate.<br />
Lucknam Park is the sort of hotel you mean to use as a<br />
base for exploring but end up not leaving for several days.<br />
There’s so much to do at this five-star, from classes at the<br />
cookery school and horse riding to hydrotherapy in the spa,<br />
as well as one of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>’s best restaurants –<br />
Restaurant Hywel Jones.<br />
Time slows right down here, as you make your way up the<br />
mile-long drive between the beech trees and settle into the<br />
drawing room for cocktails. The signature tasting menu has Loch<br />
Duart salmon, braised halibut and pork from nearby Roundway<br />
Hill and there’s a vegetarian tasting menu and wine matching<br />
to boot. It has held a Michelin star since 2006. Rooms in this<br />
Palladian mansion are supremely comfortable and the whole<br />
experience feels like staying with (very wealthy) friends.<br />
If your style is more relaxed country chic, the Pear Tree Inn<br />
Farmhouse Kitchen with Bar & Rooms is tucked away in rural<br />
Whitley near Melksham. Book the new Potting Sheds located<br />
into the fabulous grounds with fully equipped kitchenette for a<br />
romantic glamping setting and evening under the stars.<br />
For something super-stylish the modern Berkeley Suite<br />
apartments with cinema projectors located in the desirable<br />
Clifton area of Bristol are perfect for impressive get-togethers<br />
too. Self-contained with open plan living area with a bespoke<br />
kitchen and all the benefits of a fully serviced hotel, including a<br />
chic restaurant and cocktail bar.<br />
From Michelin star dining rooms in elegant country house<br />
hotels to soothing spas with crystal-lit swimming pools and<br />
natural thermal waters, you could celebrate your special<br />
occasion with some five-star pampering.<br />
The stunning Gainsborough Bath Spa in the centre of<br />
Bath for example offers a very special guest experience – set<br />
beneath a glass atrium here you can "take the waters" in<br />
luxury. There are three thermal baths, traditional and infrared<br />
Saunas, a steam room and eleven treatment rooms.<br />
Once the headquarters of Lloyds Bank, and with a<br />
gorgeously ornate exterior inspired by a 16th century Venetian<br />
library Bristol Harbour Hotel is another seriously opulent city<br />
address. The 42 bedrooms have views out over the historic<br />
city centre, luxurious drapes and bedding and complimentary<br />
decanters of gin and sherry. Some also have rolltop baths and<br />
all guests have use of the HarSpa down in the vaults, with its<br />
hydrotherapy pool. The Jetty restaurant serves an afternoon tea<br />
of just-baked homemade scones, clotted cream and jam, then<br />
in the evenings brings out an a la carte menu of fresh seafood<br />
dishes such as moules marinere and South Coast crab on toast.<br />
Coworth Park is five-star from its crystal-lit swimming<br />
pool right down to its impeccable service. This is a 21stcentury<br />
country house hotel and rooms are beautifully chic,<br />
with a cream colour palette and contemporary furniture.<br />
The grounds are extensive and there’s a Polo Academy and<br />
Equestrian Centre offering riding lessons and off-road hacks.<br />
The spa is one of England’s best, set into the countryside and<br />
offering dreamy treatments, and the Drawing Room serves a<br />
fabulous afternoon tea of scones and freshly made cakes from<br />
the pastry team. For dinner, elegant Restaurant Coworth Park<br />
has a Michelin star and a showcase of a tasting menu, which<br />
features dishes such as Cornish turbot with salted grapes and<br />
Highland wagyu short rib.<br />
Sample the delights on offer at the Langley Hotel in<br />
Buckinghamshire, one of the newest hotel on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong><br />
<strong>Way</strong>. This hotel and spa sits in a former royal hunting ground<br />
surrounded by formal gardens and landscaped parklands,<br />
offering guests a truly luxurious stay. At the opulent spa you<br />
can enjoy the plunge pools, steam room and a whole host of<br />
sumptuous treatments. →<br />
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With a fascinating history dating back to the Edwardian<br />
era, the Thames Lido is a unique urban retreat in the heart<br />
of Reading, situated in a Grade II listed building which was<br />
painstakingly renovated before the lido reopened – it’s another<br />
great place to base yourself for a celebration. You can swim<br />
year-round in the open-air swimming pool and book with<br />
spa packages such as a holistic massage included, as well as a<br />
delicious meal at the restaurant, overlooking the open-air pool.<br />
Take the glamour with you into the day time with private<br />
day tours from Bath throughout the South <strong>West</strong> with your<br />
own guide in a luxury Mercedes V-Class vehicle with Galahad<br />
Tours. To see the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> from a bird's eye view you<br />
might even enjoy a hot-air balloon ride with Bailey Balloons,<br />
offering exclusive balloon flights for up to 6 people across the<br />
South <strong>West</strong>.<br />
From the road to the sky, did you know you can also travel<br />
in style along our <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> rivers and canals? Private<br />
harbour tours and river trips can be booked with Bristol Packet<br />
Boat Trips, or take a Thames Rivercruise (based at the heart<br />
of the Upper Thames) and cruise through some of the most<br />
stunning reaches of the Thames from Henley and Sonning up<br />
to Goring and Streatley.<br />
For something more thrilling on the water enjoy<br />
an unforgettable outdoors activity such as stand up<br />
paddleboarding, canoeing and kayaking with Original Wild.<br />
Or step outside your comfort zone thrill-chasing with an<br />
adrenaline-fuelled driving experience at Castle Combe Circuit,<br />
watersports at Cotswold Water Park, or by jumping out of a<br />
plane with Skydive Neteravon. Or, from the social whirl of<br />
Royal Ascot to Ascot Racedays there is something to suit every<br />
occasion and ensure a day to remember at Ascot Racecourse<br />
throughout the year.<br />
Perhaps learning a new skill is a more appealing way of<br />
marking an occasion? You might like to rustle up a special<br />
treat in the kitchen with a hands-on course at Vaughan’s<br />
Cookery School in Devizes. Or, have a go at glassblowing at<br />
Bristol Blue Glass.<br />
While in Bristol you might also enjoy a stop in urban<br />
oasis at The Lido. Tucked away amongst a courtyard of<br />
Georgian Terraces in the heart of historic Clifton, the Lido<br />
features a spa, restaurant, outdoor heated pool, sauna, hot<br />
tub and steam room within a characterful Victorian building.<br />
Here you can enjoy a tailor-made massage using bespoke<br />
own-brand Lido oils or take a refreshing dip in the open-air<br />
pool before enjoying lunch in the building's historic viewing<br />
gallery.<br />
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Pictured previous page left to right: Hot Air Balloon over Wiltshire; Champagne celebrations at the<br />
Gainsborough Bath Spa Pictured clockwise from left: Bedroom at The Langley; Cross Bath by candlelight;<br />
Swimming at Bristol Lido<br />
Just 10 minutes by train from Bristol in Bath you can enjoy<br />
a private tour of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage city<br />
with Insider Tours. Or, discover Bath’s food scene using your<br />
taste buds on a Savouring Bath tour, while strolling through its<br />
elegant 18th century streets and alleyways.<br />
For a special occasion in addition to the open-air rooftop<br />
pool with spectacular views over the city of Bath at Thermae<br />
Bath Spa next door is its more exclusive sister – The Cross<br />
Baths. Housed in a separate building with its own open-air<br />
thermal bath The Cross Baths provides an alternative to the<br />
more extensive spa facilities in the New Royal Bath. Fed by<br />
its own natural spring, this beautiful building with its own<br />
changing facilities can be enjoyed as a unique venue for an<br />
exclusive spa break for a group up to 10 people.<br />
Christmas is always a golden time to visit, with twinkly<br />
festive markets sprinkled throughout the route – none more<br />
well-known than Bath Christmas Market, with its magical<br />
Regency backdrop providing the perfect setting for a mulled<br />
wine and a mince pie. Elsewhere along the touring route you<br />
can celebrate the season with ice skating, festivals of light,<br />
slapstick pantomime shows, and glitzy New Year’s parties.<br />
Now is the perfect time for a memorable adventure through<br />
the real England.<br />
Evening entertainment<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
Click here for our Itinerary<br />
Planner for night owls<br />
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67
GUIDE TO<br />
CANAL BOATING<br />
HOLIDAYS<br />
Enjoy life cruising in the slow lane on a canal boat break along the<br />
historic Kennet & Avon Canal from Devizes via Hungerford to Kintbury in<br />
<strong>West</strong> Berkshire with the option of stopping off in the glorious Vale of<br />
Pewsey in the heart of the North Wessex Downs<br />
Words | Poppy Ryan
Pictured previous page: Kennet & Avon Canal Pictured clockwise from<br />
below: The Canal Tavern; Bradford on Avon Canal; autumn berries on<br />
the Bradford on Avon Canal<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal runs all the way from the<br />
River Thames to the River Avon, connecting the town<br />
of Reading with the World Heritage Site of Bath and<br />
Bristol. It is 87-miles (140km) long and is made up<br />
of two lengths of navigable river linked by a 57-mile (92km)<br />
canal section. It passes through some of the loveliest scenery<br />
you could hope to see.<br />
When you travel down the Kennet & Avon Canal you are<br />
hitting the rewind button on life. Wonderful views, tranquil<br />
waters, charming villages, quaint canal side pubs, impressive<br />
locks – all of them looking much the same as they always did.<br />
Not forgetting Bath's Georgian architecture of golden stone<br />
and the rich maritime history of Bristol.<br />
Started in 1794, the canal was completed in 1810 to the<br />
designs of engineer John Rennie. It became an important trade<br />
route bustling with boats carrying a variety of goods. As it<br />
snaked its way across country the canal brought prosperity<br />
and employment to rural towns and villages. Wharves and all<br />
the infrastructure necessary for handling goods were built,<br />
and today you can still see this fascinating industrial heritage<br />
scattered along the canal banks. The canal needed many locks<br />
and engineering solutions to climb up and down the Wiltshire<br />
and Somerset hills. Engineers were innovators and designed<br />
remarkable canal architecture such as the Crofton Pumping<br />
Station, Claverton Water Mill and the Dundas and Avoncliffe<br />
Aqueducts.<br />
The canal's locks are wide enough to take two<br />
narrowboats side by side or a large beamed boat. Most<br />
spectacular of all is the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight in<br />
Devizes, considered one of the wonders of the waterways. In<br />
order that boats could climb or descend the steep hill, 29 locks<br />
were built between Town Bridge and the bottom lock at Lower<br />
Foxhangers. In the middle of this is the 'staircase' of 16 locks<br />
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with enormous side pounds that hold water to fill the locks.<br />
If you're taking a boat through them, it's best to give yourself<br />
ample time.<br />
The canal was a busy thoroughfare until the <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong>ern Railway Act of 1835 led to the building of the railway<br />
from London to Bristol. Faster and more efficient, the railway<br />
began to steal trade away from the canal which gradually<br />
declined.<br />
By the mid-1950s the canal was derelict and on the point<br />
of abandonment when a group of waterways enthusiasts<br />
decided to act. In 1962, they formed the Kennet and Avon<br />
Canal Trust, determined to rescue the canal and make<br />
it navigable once more. Working with the then British<br />
Waterways (now the Canal & River Trust) and local authorities<br />
they plugged the leaks, fitted new lock gates, restored the<br />
towpaths and bridges and after a grant of £25 million from the<br />
Lottery Fund it finally reopened in 1990.<br />
Today this ribbon of water provides pleasure for thousands<br />
of tourist boaters, walkers and cyclists, as well as a home for<br />
'liveaboards' – those who choose to live permanently on their<br />
boats. Every Easter the Devizes to <strong>West</strong>minster Canoe Race<br />
challenges paddlers to race the 125 miles to London via the<br />
canal and the Thames. A broad array of businesses make their<br />
money from the canal, ranging from hire boats, marinas and<br />
chandleries to floating cafes and hairdressers.<br />
It is also hugely important for all sorts of animals and<br />
plants. You will see swans, ducks and heron, and if you're lucky<br />
catch the flash of kingfishers. Water voles and otters are more<br />
secretive, but they are here too. Curious cows come down to<br />
the banks to drink and watch you chug on by. The water teems<br />
with fish such as roach, pike, perch, bream, tench and small<br />
minnows. The aggressive pike is the largest of all canal fish and<br />
often lurks among weed beds bursting out to catch smaller<br />
fish.<br />
There are lots of plants to spot as you visit – the wide,<br />
leathery leaves of water lilies float on the surface, and you can<br />
see their attractive flowers from mid-May until the first frosts.<br />
In summer, brightly-coloured purple loosestrife provides food<br />
for long-tongued insects such as brimstone butterflies and<br />
elephant hawk moths and the towpath vegetation attracts<br />
many more species of insects. The rustle of common reed will<br />
provide a soundscape to your walk and a summer home for →<br />
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Pictured left to right: Bradford on Avon Canal; locks on the<br />
Bradford on Avon Canal<br />
reed and sedge warblers. The fact that by boat you cannot<br />
travel faster than 4mph, forces you to embrace that wonderful<br />
antidote to modern life-slow time. If you are on the towpath,<br />
take time to observe the changing seasons and give a friendly<br />
greeting to all who pass by. So please, when you visit, slow<br />
down and linger a while, there is so much to enjoy about the<br />
spectacular Kennet & Avon Canal.<br />
The Canal & River Trust cares for 2,000 miles of canals<br />
and rivers across England and Wales. Every year, around 15<br />
million people visit these waterways, a 200-year old national<br />
network.<br />
CAEN HILL<br />
Caen Hill is one of the greatest examples of canal engineering<br />
in England and is a great place to start your journey along this<br />
historic canal. Hire a boat at Devizes from the Kennet & Avon<br />
Canal Trust or from one of the many operators that are listed<br />
with the Canal and River Trust. Alternatively, you could start a<br />
little further east along the canal and hire a boat with<br />
Honeystreet Boats and on your return from Kintbury you<br />
could do an extra leg to Devizes and then back to Honeystreet.<br />
This round trip is about 55 miles and includes 56 locks and you<br />
could easily do it all in a week.<br />
Have lunch at Honeystreet Café or at the Waterfront<br />
Bar and Bistro by Pewsey Wharf then follow the towpath to<br />
Crofton Beam Engine – the oldest working beam engine in the<br />
world. Further along the trail you come to Wilton Windmill,<br />
built in 1821, it is the only working windmill in Wessex. Just a<br />
few miles further along the canal is the Three Tuns Freehouse<br />
pub in <strong>Great</strong> Bedwyn.<br />
HUNGERFORD<br />
Spend the day exploring the lush green water meadows of<br />
the market town of Hungerford with its quirky canal bridges<br />
and famous antique shops. A great place for lunch is the Tutti<br />
Pole, a quaint restaurant on the high street selling everything<br />
from lights snacks to a full English Breakfast served all day,<br />
three-course meals and afternoon teas. The name Tutti Pole<br />
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derives from the ancient traditions of Hocktide, an English<br />
ceremonial rite dating back to 1365 and is still celebrated<br />
in Hungerford each year, when, on the second Tuesday<br />
after Easter, two tithing men visit the homes of commoners<br />
carrying Tutti poles dressed with spring flowers.<br />
There are replica Tutti poles outside the restaurant,<br />
while inside there are many photographs of the Hocktide<br />
celebrations through the years. Alternatively, you could take<br />
a day off your own boat and go on a popular half-day round<br />
trip on the Rose of Hungerford boat, travelling east from<br />
Hungerford Wharf through Dun Mill Lock Wire Locks.<br />
HIGHWORTH<br />
Highworth is an ancient hill top market town situated on the<br />
edge of the Cotswolds close to Lechlade-on-Thames which<br />
is the last navigable section of the River Thames and the<br />
Thames Path. The town centre is a remarkable conservation<br />
area containing 84 listed buildings and a Grade l listed<br />
church. There's also the Highworth Museum in the unusual<br />
setting of a Bank’s strong room, featuring a permanent<br />
display on the history of the town as well as temporary<br />
exhibitions. The Visitor’ Centre is also an Arts and Craft<br />
centre showcasing handmade pieces by local artists and<br />
makers, and the town is perfectly placed to explore Wiltshire,<br />
Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.<br />
Insider Tip<br />
Looking to plan a trip by canal but unsure of<br />
the route and timings? Check out Canalplan –<br />
a handy route planner for canal journeys that<br />
you follow virtually before the trip. It helps<br />
you plan your journey or holiday, calculates<br />
the length (distance, number of locks, time<br />
taken and so on) of your trip and shows<br />
gazetteer information on places along the<br />
way (pubs, shops etc). ▶ canalplan.org.uk<br />
Click here to<br />
download the <strong>Great</strong><br />
<strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> guide to the<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal<br />
Did you know?<br />
Caen Hill (produced<br />
‘cane’) is one of the<br />
longest continuous<br />
flight of locks in<br />
England with a total<br />
of 29 locks rising<br />
237 feet over 2<br />
miles, with a 1 in 44<br />
gradient<br />
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73
Arts and Events<br />
Cultural Calendar<br />
As well as its natural scenery, cultural scene and lovely locals, the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is known for its many festivals and events<br />
OCTOBER<br />
Pumpkin picking patches<br />
Bristol has a wide range of<br />
pumpkin patches where<br />
you can pick your own<br />
pumpkin this Halloween.<br />
Try the Pumpkin Fest at<br />
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm where<br />
you can pick your own,<br />
there are talks about creepy<br />
crawlies, and the Owl of<br />
the World Trail. Head east<br />
of the city to Avon Valley<br />
Wildlife and Adventure<br />
Park for the Pumpkin Patch<br />
Nights where there are fair<br />
rides, or south of the city is<br />
Pumpkins at Farrington’s<br />
2-5<br />
OCT<br />
28<br />
OCT<br />
Wake The Tiger: Danse Macabre<br />
Visit Bristol’s newest attraction this<br />
Halloween for a special event with<br />
live bands, DJs, and performances<br />
Terrifying Turnip Trail at Brunel’s SS <strong>Great</strong> Britain<br />
Reveal truths about ‘All Hallows Eve’ customs and traditions<br />
from Victorian times as Gothic characters and horror monsters<br />
roam the ship with extra gruesome sights, sounds and smells<br />
21-31<br />
OCT<br />
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein –<br />
After Dark: Purgatory<br />
An intense multi-sensory horror<br />
event for those aged 15 and above<br />
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FROM<br />
<strong>07</strong><br />
OCT<br />
FEAR, Avon Valley Scream<br />
Park<br />
Award-winning event<br />
FEAR is gearing up for its<br />
biggest scare experience<br />
this year called<br />
#ABloodyGoodNight<br />
along with thrilling<br />
fair rides, street<br />
entertainment, and the<br />
famous fire display<br />
22-30<br />
Visit Dyrham Park this<br />
October half term to<br />
find scarecrows through<br />
the parkland and collect<br />
All Hallows' Eve clues<br />
©National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra<br />
22-23<br />
OCT<br />
Halloween Spooktacular at<br />
Wookey Hole<br />
Get into the spirit of Halloween<br />
at the Home of the Witch<br />
UNTIL<br />
30<br />
OCT<br />
LACOCK ABBEY<br />
Photography Fortnight<br />
Learn about Henry Fox<br />
Talbot's photographic<br />
discoveries through a trail<br />
22-30<br />
During October half term<br />
Prior Park Landscape<br />
Garden will be offering a<br />
Halloween inspired trail.<br />
Find the clue hidden in<br />
the pumpkin patch!<br />
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75
EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST WAY ®<br />
WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE<br />
Chauffeur driven tours with a Blue Badge Guide<br />
HEATHER NEWMAN<br />
HEART OF ENGLAND<br />
IAN NEWMAN<br />
SOUTH WEST ENGLAND<br />
www.bbhtours.co.uk | hello@bbhtours.co.uk | 01985 840049
Arts and Events Cultural Calendar<br />
NOVEMBER<br />
FROM<br />
18<br />
NOV<br />
Christmas at Blenheim<br />
Palace<br />
Three unmissable<br />
experiences in one iconic<br />
Oxfordshire setting; The<br />
story of The Snow Queen,<br />
Christmas Market and<br />
Illuminated trail are back<br />
with stunning trails in the<br />
Palace and the worldrenowned<br />
gardens<br />
05 Nov – 31 Dec<br />
Don't miss the Christmas<br />
exhibition at Fisherton<br />
Mill featuring 18 artists<br />
and makers and other<br />
festivities and fun<br />
8-12<br />
NOV<br />
Sarum Lights – Renaissance<br />
Jaw-dropping light displays,<br />
evocative music and breathtaking<br />
Renaissance art<br />
10<br />
NOV<br />
FRI/SAT NIGHTS<br />
Bath Adventures Ghost Hunters<br />
Silent Disco Tour<br />
join Bath Adventures through<br />
the streets of Bath and dance!<br />
01 Nov – 31 Jan 2023<br />
Jump aboard a festive tea<br />
cruise with French<br />
Brothers for a 2½ hour<br />
christmas journey<br />
complete with a luxurious<br />
afternoon tea<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
77
Arts and Events Cultural Calendar<br />
NOVEMBER<br />
FROM<br />
17<br />
NOV<br />
UNTIL 9 JANUARY<br />
Christmas at Kew<br />
A botanical world filled with seasonal<br />
cheer. The magical trail will light up Kew<br />
Gardens as you’ve never seen before,<br />
making the perfect festive winter evening<br />
– as one of the UK’s leading Christmas<br />
experiences. Discover sparkling tunnels of<br />
light, dancing waterside reflections, glitter<br />
balls and trees drenched in jewel-like colour<br />
on your way to the panoramic Palm House<br />
light display<br />
FROM<br />
25<br />
NOV<br />
UNTIL 1 JANUARY<br />
Christmas at Stourhead illuminated tour<br />
Stourhead is a Palladian house and<br />
garden described as a ‘living work of art’.<br />
The curated trail features the stunning<br />
Christmas Cathedral, in which more than<br />
a thousand pea lights will be woven into<br />
the forest landscape. Marvel at the ‘Sea<br />
of Light’, neon stars wrapping trees and a<br />
brilliant super nova, providing plenty of<br />
selfie moments along the way<br />
78 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
DECEMBER<br />
FROM<br />
17<br />
NOV UNTIL<br />
8 JANUARY<br />
RHS Glow 2022 at Wisley<br />
Wander the new trail<br />
around the garden<br />
and see some of<br />
Wisley’s iconic sights in<br />
breathtaking beauty as<br />
amazing illuminations<br />
light your way. This year<br />
there will be more light,<br />
fire and fountain displays<br />
than ever before.<br />
4-10 December<br />
Sail with Hobbs of Henley<br />
on a Thames Christmas<br />
Party Cruise enjoying a 3<br />
course meal and dancing<br />
away to their resident DJ<br />
FROM<br />
05<br />
NOV<br />
UNTIL 8 JANUARY<br />
The Festival of Light, Longleat<br />
Meet characters from the Roald<br />
Dahl stories and watch the<br />
enchanted Christmas Tree show<br />
FROM<br />
12<br />
NOV<br />
UNTIL 2 JANUARY<br />
Christmas at Waddesdon<br />
A festive extravaganza returns to<br />
Buckinghamshire with magical<br />
lights and the gardens aglow<br />
Find out more<br />
Click here to stay<br />
up-to-date with our<br />
festivals and events<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
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<strong>Way</strong>s to travel the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
It’s fun to travel under your own steam. Welcome to a journey<br />
through time – an adventure across England by car, rail, boat, foot, bike<br />
or a combination of all. Start planning your journey of discovery here...<br />
80 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
BY BIKE AND FOOT<br />
Hiring a bike and cycling along the canal, countryside<br />
paths and trails, taking a walk through picturesque<br />
villages and visiting our three Areas of Outstanding<br />
Natural Beauty and three UNESCO World Heritage<br />
sites by foot is a beautifully scenic experience.<br />
Whether you’re up for a lengthy hike in the<br />
Cotswolds, a cycle ride racing down the 13.7km (8.5<br />
miles) steeply twisting Swinley Red trail with its<br />
berms, drops and white-knuckle descents, or just<br />
fancy a potter around some village antique shops,<br />
walking and cycling is a wonderful way to explore.<br />
You can cycle the entire length of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong><br />
<strong>Way</strong> via National Cycle Route 4, which links up<br />
regional cycle routes such as the Thames Valley Cycle<br />
Route and the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route.<br />
The National Trails website gives details of longdistance<br />
walking trails along the route: The Cotswold<br />
<strong>Way</strong>, The Ridgeway and the Thames Path.<br />
Go to Sustrans for more (shorter) cycle routes on the<br />
National Cycle Network, in and around the touring<br />
route. There are also some excellent routes along the<br />
Wiltshire Cycleway, including a picturesque 15.3k<br />
between Corsham and Bradford on Avon.<br />
Be sure to read the Information Points page to find<br />
out where to pick up local maps and walking trails.<br />
Plus, download our <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> map before you<br />
set off.<br />
Did you know? Bristol was officially Britain’s first<br />
cycling city. Join the locals with a ride on a<br />
pay-as-you-go YoBike, hire a tandem or go on a<br />
Cycle the City tour of Bristol's best landmarks.<br />
BY BOAT AND ON WATER<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal is a wonderful way to<br />
travel along part of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. This ribbon<br />
of beauty and history stretches between Reading and<br />
Bristol and is looked after by the Canal & River Trust.<br />
Slow down and enjoy all 87 miles of the Kennet<br />
& Avon Canal as part of your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
adventure, using our Kennet & Avon Canal map.<br />
Hire a boat or hop on a barge tour for the ultimate<br />
experience in slow travel. Multiple companies<br />
operate along the River Thames and the Kennet &<br />
Avon Canal. Visit Thames and The Kennet & Avon<br />
Canal Trust are useful places to start.<br />
You can canoe, kayak or book one of the numerous<br />
boat trips. Passing through countryside, market<br />
towns and picturesque villages, the canal offers an<br />
abundance of natural beauty, fascinating wildlife,<br />
outstanding canal structures, fabulous vistas and<br />
heritage galore. The lazy pop pop pop of the engine<br />
while you travel slowly through attractive towns like<br />
Hungerford, quaint villages such as Wootton Rivers<br />
and architectural masterpieces like Bath.<br />
Of course, the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight in<br />
Devizes is a real wow – look up from the bottom of<br />
the 16 locks that form the main ‘staircase’ – now<br />
that’s one way to get boats to travel uphill.<br />
Take a look at our Marina page for hire boats and<br />
boat tours and find details of river transport options<br />
in the capital on the Transport for London website.<br />
Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II reopened the<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal in 1990 after a passionate<br />
band of volunteers gave it an impressive revamp.<br />
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<strong>Way</strong>s to travel the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
BY CAR<br />
A road trip adventure along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
allows you to linger as long as you want in each<br />
destination, and even venture off on a complete<br />
tangent if the mood takes you – take a look at our<br />
suggested itineraries to help you make a start.<br />
The main road between London and Bristol is the A4<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> Road, based on an ancient horse track<br />
and later, one of King Charles I’s <strong>Great</strong> Roads, which<br />
facilitated the establishment of the British postal<br />
service – The Royal Mail.<br />
The A4 cuts a fairly direct path between the two<br />
cities, allowing you to travel the distance in less than<br />
2 hours 30 minutes if you wanted to. Of course, if<br />
you’re travelling by car, half the pleasure is being<br />
able to pull off and explore whenever you like.<br />
Wherever you decide to base yourself along the<br />
touring route, there’ll also be charming country lanes<br />
and winding rural roads to enjoy. Jump in the car and<br />
see where you end up.<br />
You may find the AA’s Route Planner tool useful for<br />
planning your road trip. Also, our pages on car hire<br />
and travel tips could be of interest – especially if this<br />
is your first time driving in the UK.<br />
If you want to hire a car for your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
adventure, you’ll find plenty of car hire companies<br />
in just the places you’d expect – airports, larger train<br />
stations, cities and towns, for example Auto Europe<br />
and Practical Car & Van Rental.<br />
Did you know? The first mail coach was introduced<br />
between Bristol and London in 1784.<br />
BY TRAIN<br />
Making tracks on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> can point you<br />
at endless amounts of history and fun facts to be<br />
discovered along its length from London to Bristol. In<br />
one go the journey is just 1hr 40min, but by stopping<br />
off you can explore the route in your own time<br />
turning it into a holiday adventure of a lifetime.<br />
Relax and journey along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> using<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer pass. It includes<br />
unlimited Off-Peak train travel from London<br />
Paddington with <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway along the<br />
route to Bristol Temple Meads via Reading and<br />
Swindon, or Newbury and Pewsey, with options<br />
to branch off towards Salisbury via <strong>West</strong>bury (or<br />
London Waterloo to Salisbury with South <strong>West</strong>ern<br />
Railway). It also includes unlimited travel on listed<br />
bus services along the routes. The rail route is<br />
marked on the map with a green line. Choose from<br />
an East, <strong>West</strong> or Global one-day or seven-day ticket<br />
to enjoy your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> adventure.<br />
You can purchase the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer<br />
pass online at GWR.com or from your local station.<br />
They come in the form of a standard orange ticket,<br />
clearly showing the route you have purchased<br />
and whether it is valid for one day or seven. If you<br />
are travelling from overseas, international passes<br />
(similar to a BritRail pass) can be purchased online<br />
at ACPRail.com or via your travel agent, where<br />
discounted international rates apply and with no offpeak<br />
travel time restrictions.<br />
Did you know? The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway runs<br />
along the full distance of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
– from London’s Paddington station to Bristol<br />
Temple Meads.<br />
82 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
DISCOVER OUR THREE AREAS<br />
OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL<br />
BEAUTY ON THE ROUTE<br />
North Wessex Downs<br />
Marvel at the prehistoric stones of<br />
Stonehenge and Avebury, the Wiltshire<br />
White Horses and the White Horse<br />
at Uffington. Take time to visit<br />
Highclere Castle, where Downton<br />
Abbey was filmed, and get lost in the<br />
mysterious hillforts, neolithic burial<br />
mounds and genteel country houses.<br />
The Chilterns<br />
Characterised by neat farmland,<br />
ancient woodland and chalk downland.<br />
The Chilterns is a haven for wildlife<br />
including red kites. Explore the<br />
fabulous trails of The Ridgeway and<br />
the Chiltern <strong>Way</strong> Circular passing<br />
sparkling-clear chalk streams.<br />
The Cotswolds<br />
The Cotswolds <strong>Way</strong> starts in Bath<br />
and follows north for 102 miles,<br />
to the well-to-do market town of<br />
Chipping Campden. Explore Corsham,<br />
Castle Combe and Dyrham Park,<br />
or just take in the views: gentle<br />
hills, sweeping valleys and summer<br />
wildflower meadows dotted with<br />
warm limestone homes. This is<br />
England at its prettiest.<br />
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83
Gourmet Guide to<br />
Food and Drink<br />
From the wild creativity of Bristol’s street food scene, to the glamour of<br />
London’s high profile restaurants, there’s a tantalising buffet of food and<br />
drink experiences along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
84 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Michelin Starred and Fine Dining<br />
Sit down to a meal of gastronomical delights at one<br />
of the award-winning fine-dining establishments<br />
along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. Sample sumptuous<br />
tasting menus created by Michelin-starred chefs,<br />
innovative dishes featuring local produce, and<br />
traditional English delicacies cooked to perfection.<br />
The Vineyard, Stockcross, Berkshire<br />
Not only is The Vineyard a luxury five-star hotel<br />
and spa, it also has a fine dining restaurant and<br />
30,000-bottle wine cellar. Head chef Robby Jenks is<br />
at the helm of this 3AA Rosette restaurant. Diners can<br />
choose from an à la carte or tasting menu where they<br />
can enjoy dishes such as veal sweetbread ravioli with<br />
pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin and brown butter sauce<br />
or roast brill, brassicas, caper berries and almond.<br />
Stockcross, Newbury<br />
Bulrush, Bristol<br />
One of the recent additions to the Michelin Guide,<br />
Bristol-based restaurant Bulrush is certainly on many<br />
a foodie’s ‘must visit’ list. Chef Proprietor George<br />
Livesey’s imaginative and well-balanced menu is<br />
chock-full of seasonal ingredients which are either<br />
organic or have been foraged.<br />
21 Cotham Rd S, Bristol<br />
THE PIG-near Bath<br />
You don't have to be staying at THE-PIG-near Bath<br />
to book a table at their impressive Kitchen Garden<br />
restaurant. Home to quite a few four-legged and<br />
feathered friends, it is the farm to fork experience<br />
that has made the PIGs so successful. THE-PIG-near<br />
Bath rear their our own chickens and pigs for eggs<br />
and pork meaning they can be sure of their quality<br />
and provenance, ensuring they lead happy lives.<br />
Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath<br />
Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath<br />
Located in the renowned Queensberry Hotel, Olive<br />
Tree is a 3 AA Rosette restaurant in the heart of the<br />
beautiful city of Bath. It is a contemporary British<br />
restaurant offering informal fine dining under the<br />
direction of award-winning head chef, Chris Cleghorn.<br />
This is the only restaurant in the city to be awarded a<br />
Michelin Star. Chris’ menu is quintessentially British<br />
with Mediterranean influences.<br />
4-7 Russell St, Bath<br />
The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire<br />
If you love theatre, Heston Blumenthal’s renowned<br />
eatery in Bray offers the perfect destination, serving<br />
innovative modern British cuisine in the most<br />
spectacular of settings. Heston has previously been<br />
described as the ‘Willy Wonka of British gastronomy’<br />
and diners who would like to eat at his three-Michelinstarred<br />
wonderland pay £325 up front for a ‘ticket’ –<br />
providing them with access to the 17-courses on offer<br />
that showcase his multi sensory cuisine.<br />
High St, Bray<br />
The Dining Room, Malmesbury, Wiltshire<br />
Michelin’s European Young Chef of the Year Niall<br />
Keating showcases his skills as Executive Chef at this<br />
one Michelin star dining room restaurant at Whatley<br />
Manor Hotel. Serving seasonal British produce<br />
influenced by his world wide travels.<br />
Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey,<br />
Malmesbury, Wiltshire<br />
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons,<br />
South Oxfordshire<br />
Described as ‘Oxfordshire heritage meets French<br />
flair’, Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred chic<br />
restaurant has earned itself a global reputation<br />
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85
Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink<br />
for fine gastronomy and creative cooking. Diners<br />
continue to be charmed by both the setting<br />
(country-house luxe) and the delicious treats on<br />
offer which includes the likes of spiced monkfish,<br />
ravioli of pumpkin and smoked trout amongst others.<br />
Church Road, <strong>Great</strong> Milton, South Oxfordshire<br />
The Miller of Mansfield, Berkshire<br />
Despite its intriguing name, the Miller of Mansfield<br />
is situated in the sweet village of Goring-on-Thames.<br />
This 18th-century country pub has been given a<br />
contemporary twist and can be defined as ‘Modern<br />
European’ which has earned two AA Rosettes<br />
and offers refined modern British dishes from the<br />
freshest seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.<br />
High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading<br />
The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, Nr. Marlborough<br />
Owned and run by Sue and Roger Jones, this Michelin<br />
Star gem has received worldwide accolades for its<br />
food and has also been critically acclaimed for its<br />
900 bin Wine List. Offering three menus, to include<br />
an eight course evening gourmet which changes daily<br />
to reflect the best seasonal ingredients.<br />
Little Bedwyn, Nr. Marlborough, Wiltshire<br />
The Hand and Flowers, Marlow<br />
The Hand and Flowers is the only pub in the UK<br />
with two Michelin stars and with celebrated chef<br />
Tom Kerridge at the helm it is easy to see why. The<br />
restaurant has a rustic feel which is complemented<br />
by the refined British cuisine on offer.<br />
126 <strong>West</strong> St, Marlow<br />
Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire<br />
Chef André Garrett’s innovative dishes, meticulous<br />
preparation and elaborate finishes showcase his<br />
exquisitely crafted creation. Produce is locally<br />
sourced and is highly seasonal – guests can choose<br />
between an à la carte menu or an eight-course<br />
tasting menu.<br />
Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Berkshire<br />
Paco Tapas, Bristol<br />
An ever changing menu combining traditional tapas<br />
with personal interpretations from Michelin starred<br />
Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Staying true to the<br />
vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage, with<br />
jamón ready to carve, padrón peppers roasting over<br />
the wood fire and sherry straight from the barrel.<br />
3a Lower Guinea Street, Bristol BS1 6FU<br />
Queens Arms, East Garston, Berkshire<br />
Perfectly placed as a stop-over destination within<br />
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This award<br />
winning, pub, restaurant and hotel (with its own<br />
private lodge) serves seasonal British cuisine.<br />
East Garston, Berkshire<br />
The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire<br />
Bray is the place for foodies to be! The Waterside Inn<br />
which is under the leadership of chef patron Alain<br />
Roux has held three Michelin stars for over thirty<br />
years. Expect the most exquisite Classic French<br />
cooking coupled with the most impeccable service.<br />
Ferry Rd, Bray, Berkshire<br />
Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury<br />
Husband and wife team, Guy and Brittany Manning<br />
modestly describe themselves as “just a couple<br />
of chefs working to create a place with real soul”.<br />
Sourcing from the best possible producers, talent<br />
and hard work has earned the duo, and their team,<br />
one Michelin star status and a restaurant “where the<br />
food has personality, the surroundings are relaxed<br />
and the hospitality is warm and sincere”.<br />
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THREE MICHELIN-STARRED<br />
RESTAURANTS<br />
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is the only place<br />
where you can experience all five of the<br />
UK's Three Michelin Starred restaurants.<br />
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay<br />
Royal Hospital Road, London<br />
gordonramsayrestaurants.com/<br />
restaurant-gordon-ramsay<br />
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester<br />
Park Lane, London<br />
alainducasse-dorchester.com<br />
Sketch – the Lecture Room & Library<br />
9 Conduit Street, London<br />
sketch.london/the-lecture-room<br />
The Waterside Inn<br />
Ferry Rd, Bray<br />
waterside-inn.co.uk<br />
Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck<br />
High Street, Bray<br />
thefatduck.co.uk<br />
MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS<br />
The Dining Room, Whatley Manor<br />
Easton Grey, Malmesbury<br />
whatleymanor.com<br />
Red Lion Freehouse<br />
East Chisenbury, Pewsey<br />
redlionfreehouse.com<br />
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Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink<br />
Dining Restaurants<br />
You’ll find many of the restaurants along the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> are dining rooms within our<br />
Ambassador hotels. You’ll also find several celebrity<br />
chefs including Rick Stein, Pierre Koffmann and<br />
Marco Pierre White.<br />
Abbey Hotel Kitchen, The Abbey Hotel Bath<br />
Under the helm of Head Chef Marcus Bradley, Abbey<br />
Hotel Kitchen is in the perfect central Bath location.<br />
This relaxing and vibrant space offers high energy,<br />
attentive service and delicious fresh food and drinks<br />
abbeyhotelbath.co.uk<br />
The Orange Artichoke, Apex Hotel, Bath<br />
Perfectly placed in the heart of Bath, you’ll never<br />
be far from the action when you eat at The Orange<br />
Artichoke. Allow them to curb your cravings with<br />
locally sourced food, drink and delicious delicacies in<br />
contemporary, chic surroundings.<br />
apexhotels.co.uk<br />
Beau’s Bar and Restaurant at Donnington<br />
Grove Hotel & Country Club<br />
Set amidst beautiful parkland with the River<br />
Lambourn winding through the grounds, this<br />
Newbury restaurant has large picture windows to<br />
make the most of the picturesque river views.<br />
donnington-grove.com<br />
The Brasserie at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel<br />
With glorious river views and a stunning bar and<br />
terrace, The Brasserie offers upscale dining in the<br />
heart of Windsor. Large windows let you watch boats<br />
and swans glide down the Thames as you enjoy the<br />
delicious all day menu and fine wines.<br />
sirchristopherwren.co.uk<br />
Cedar at the Langley<br />
Dining experiences here are inspired by the bountiful<br />
English countryside. Savour delicious cuisine in<br />
our elevated restaurant overlooking the grounds,<br />
featuring sumptuous meals crafted with natural<br />
ingredients.<br />
marriott.com<br />
Clayton’s Kitchen<br />
Uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase<br />
the freshest and very best ingredients. Chef Patron,<br />
Robert Clayton ensures that every dish is prepared,<br />
cooked and presented to perfection.<br />
claytonskitchen.com<br />
Cloisters Restaurant, Bailbrook House Hotel<br />
Tucked away in the historic mansion is Cloisters<br />
restaurant where the heritage of this country house<br />
hotel in Bath really comes into its own, with original<br />
archways made from traditional Bath stone.<br />
handpickedhotels.co.uk<br />
Cricklade House & Spa<br />
The chefs at Crickdale are passionate about using<br />
great local produce and change their menu monthly.<br />
Enjoy a three course meal, a traditional Sunday Roast<br />
or Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, homemade<br />
scones with jam and cream and a selection of cakes.<br />
crickladehotel.co.uk<br />
The Gainsborough Brasserie<br />
The Restaurant with its Georgian architecture,<br />
original artwork and impressive wine wall is open to<br />
hotel guests and non-residents. Enjoy contemporary<br />
British cuisine inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients<br />
in a stylish and relaxed environment.<br />
thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk<br />
88 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES<br />
There are many ways to sample the best<br />
local cuisine on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>,<br />
from city tours and hands-on cookery<br />
classes to nostalgic river cruising.<br />
FOOD & DRINK TOURS<br />
A Taste of England<br />
atasteofenglandtours.com<br />
Around and about Bath<br />
alainducasse-dorchester.com<br />
Savouring Bath<br />
savouringbath.com<br />
COOKERY SCHOOLS<br />
Vaughan’s Kitchen<br />
White Horse Business Centre, Devizes<br />
vaughanskitchen.co.uk<br />
RIVER CRUISE DINING<br />
Hobbs of Henley<br />
hobbsofhenley.com<br />
Bristol Packet Boat Trips<br />
bristolpacket.co.uk<br />
Thames Rivercruise<br />
thamesrivercruise.co.uk<br />
French Brothers<br />
frenchbrothers.co.uk<br />
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Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink<br />
The Restaurant, No 15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney<br />
Open for a show-stopping supper or lovely lunch<br />
while you’re exploring the city of Bath. Seasonal<br />
local meat, fresh fruit and veg are sourced from<br />
Buxton Butchers and family-run grocers, Lovejoys,<br />
and as for bread and baked goodies, there’s nowhere<br />
better than beloved Bath institution, Bertinet Bakery.<br />
guesthousehotels.co.uk<br />
The Dower House Restaurant, The Royal<br />
Crescent Hotel & Spa<br />
Award winning dishes are created with passion and<br />
served with pride by award-winning Head Chef<br />
Martin Blake and his team.<br />
royalcrescent.co.uk<br />
Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant, Chippenham<br />
Set in a lovely old house with its own kitchen garden<br />
and orchard the pretty dining room restaurant offers<br />
a menu of finely cooked modern British cuisine.<br />
guyershouse.com<br />
Heyworth Restaurant, Henley<br />
Greenland’s Hotel<br />
Here you can enjoy an evening meal prepared by<br />
passionate chefs with menus designed using seasonal<br />
produce and locally sourced ingredients.<br />
hospitalityuor.co.uk<br />
Windsor & Eton Brewery, Leaf<br />
at The Castle Hotel<br />
From comforting classics to light bites and<br />
delectable vegan options, British artisan cheeses and<br />
local beers visit Leaf, serves dishes made from the<br />
finest locally sourced produce with a wide-ranging,<br />
modern menu.<br />
castlehotelwindsor.com/dining/<br />
The Moonraker Hotel Brasserie<br />
Like the seasons, menus change as Xavier and his<br />
team use fresh local produce to create and showcase<br />
some old-fashioned classics, putting the hotel<br />
Brasserie firmly on the culinary map. They have a<br />
walled garden used as the setting for their smokery<br />
which they use to smoke their meat and fish.<br />
moonrakerhotel.com<br />
The Old Bell Hotel, Saints & Sinners<br />
Home to some of the most delicious food in the<br />
Cotswolds serveing a menu of dishes made from<br />
deliciously fresh, locally sourced ingredients.<br />
The Old Bell Hotel is a Grade I listed hotel, rumoured<br />
to be England’s oldest hotel, located next door to<br />
Malmesbury Abbey.<br />
oldbellhotel.co.uk<br />
Plum + Spilt Milk, <strong>Great</strong> Northern Hotel<br />
An award-winning restaurant in the heart of King's<br />
Cross, offering a beautiful seasonal modern-British<br />
menu, with locally sourced ingredients. In an elegant<br />
yet cosy atmosphere, surrounded by the views of<br />
King’s Cross and St Pancras.<br />
plumandspiltmilk.com<br />
Rick Stein, Marlborough<br />
Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant brings a taste<br />
of Cornwall to the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>. Located on<br />
Marlborough High Street, serving a combination<br />
of classic seafood dishes, excellent wines and with<br />
plenty of coastal charm.<br />
rickstein.com<br />
The Roseate Hotels, London, Reading and Bath<br />
All three of The Roseate Hotels, Roseate House in<br />
London, near Hyde Park, The Roseate in Reading and<br />
90 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
VINEYARD TOURS<br />
Discover crisp, white, award-winning<br />
bubbly varieties<br />
Alder Ridge Vineyard<br />
Between Hungerford and Marlborough<br />
alderridge.co.uk<br />
Aldwick Estate Vineyard<br />
Nestled beneath the famous Mendip Hills<br />
aldwickestate.co.uk<br />
Bluestone Vineyards at Cholderton<br />
Rare Breeds Farm<br />
10 acre on-site boutique vineyard on the<br />
McConnell family farm in Wiltshire<br />
bluestonevineyards.co.uk<br />
BREWERY TOURS<br />
Enjoy wine tastings, taprooms and tours<br />
Bristol Brewery Tours<br />
Mardyke Wharf, Bristol<br />
bristolbrewerytours.com<br />
Bristol Hoppers<br />
Walking Tours of Bristol's Craft Beer Scene<br />
bristolhoppers.co.uk<br />
The Bath Brew House<br />
14 James Street <strong>West</strong>, Bath<br />
thebathbrewhouse.com<br />
Wadworth Brewery<br />
Northgate Brewery, Devizes, Wiltshire<br />
wadworth.co.uk<br />
<strong>West</strong> Berkshire Brewery<br />
The Old Dairy, Yattendon<br />
wbbrew.com<br />
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Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink<br />
The Roseate Villa in Bath, located in a quiet corner of<br />
the city, offer exceptional dining in their restaurants.<br />
roseatehotels.com<br />
Shelburne Restaurant, Bowood Hotel, Spa &<br />
Golf Resort<br />
Laid-back, countryside dining with picture perfect<br />
views. The Two AA Rosette Shelburne Restaurant<br />
serves delicious food from seasonal menus every day.<br />
From long, lazy lunches to romantic moments over<br />
cocktails, you will enjoy a range of mouth-watering<br />
dishes prepared with passion and served with flair.<br />
bowood.org<br />
The Swan Bradford On Avon<br />
Locally sourced produce, beautifully prepared and<br />
cooked to perfection.Open for breakfast, lunch,<br />
dinner, Sunday carvery, coffee, or a light snack and a<br />
glass of wine or pint of local ale.<br />
theswanbradford.co.uk<br />
Woolley Grange Hotel<br />
With so many ingredients plucked from their own<br />
kitchen garden, it’s more about wheelbarrow yards<br />
than food miles at Woolley Grange. Visit for fine<br />
dining or family dining.<br />
woolleygrangehotel.co.uk<br />
Mark’s Bar, Riverside Hotel, Salisbury<br />
Mark’s Bar is truly a fabulous place to enjoy a<br />
relaxing drink, lunch or dinner with friends. Opening<br />
out on to a terrace overlooking the river and<br />
Salisbury Cathedral, on a summers day, it certainly<br />
will be the place to be - with a great choice of wines,<br />
Champagnes, premium spirits and cocktails.<br />
riversidesalisbury.co.uk/salisbury-food-and-drink/<br />
Pubs and Inns<br />
From traditional thatched village inns to modern<br />
gastropubs with spacious beer gardens perfect for<br />
families to enjoy the summer sunshine<br />
Red Lion Freehouse<br />
East Chisenbury, Pewsey<br />
redlionfreehouse.com<br />
The Bear Hotel, Devizes<br />
2-3 The Market Pl, Devizes<br />
thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk<br />
The Black Swan in Devizes<br />
The Market Place, Devizes<br />
blackswandevizes.co.uk<br />
The Bird in Hand, Knowl Hill<br />
Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Reading<br />
butcombe.com<br />
Crown & Anchor Inn<br />
Ham, Wiltshire<br />
crownandanchorham.co.uk<br />
The Crown, Tolldown<br />
Toll Down <strong>Way</strong>, Dyrham, Chippenham<br />
butcombe.com<br />
The George Inn, Norton St Philip<br />
High Street, Norton St Philip, Bath<br />
butcombe.com<br />
<strong>West</strong> Berkshire Brewery Taproom and Kitchen<br />
The Old Dairy Frilsham Farm, Yattendon<br />
wbbrew.com<br />
92 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
BARS AND PUBS SERVING REAL ALES<br />
Helen Browning’s Royal Oak<br />
Cues Ln, Bishopstone, Swindon<br />
helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk<br />
The Newbury<br />
137 Bartholomew St, Newbury<br />
thenewburypub.co.uk<br />
The Prince Street Social<br />
Crown House, 37-41 Prince St, Bristol<br />
princestreetsocial.com<br />
Queens Arms, East Garston<br />
Newbury Rd, East Garston, Hungerford<br />
queensarmseastgarston.co.uk<br />
The Royal Oak Yattendon<br />
The Square, Yattendon RG18 0UG<br />
royaloakyattendon.co.uk<br />
The Royal Windsor Pub<br />
Datchet Rd, Windsor<br />
theroyalwindsor.co.uk<br />
The Swan Bradford On Avon<br />
1 Church St, Bradford-on-Avon<br />
theswanbradford.co.uk<br />
Three Tuns Freehouse<br />
1 High St, <strong>Great</strong> Bedwyn, Marlborough<br />
tunsfreehouse.com<br />
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Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink<br />
Tea Rooms & Cafés<br />
Whether it’s a quick cuppa with breakfast or a<br />
full-blown afternoon tea with dainty sandwiches,<br />
indulgent cakes and tasty scones, you'll find plenty<br />
of lovely cafes and tea rooms to enjoy along the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
Aldermaston Tea Rooms<br />
Traditional Tea Rooms in a lovely setting by the<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal. Leaf tea, cream teas, apple pie,<br />
canalman's lunch, whippy ice cream and more.<br />
facebook.com/aldermastontearooms<br />
Canal Trust Café<br />
A beautiful tea rooms and licensed cafe situated in<br />
Bradford on Avon along the Kennet & Avon Canal.<br />
with lovely gardens and delicious food and cakes.<br />
facebook.com/Canal-Trust-Cafe<br />
Teashop by the Canal<br />
Set in a unique grade II listed building by the Kennet<br />
& Avon Canal, blending the warmth of Italian culture,<br />
with fine and splendid rituals of English Cream Teas.<br />
teashopbythecanal.co.uk<br />
The Bridge Tea Rooms<br />
Housed in a former blacksmith's cottage dating<br />
from 1502, this quintessentially English tea room<br />
offers the very best in traditionally British afternoon<br />
tea. With delicate bone china, the finest leaf teas,<br />
and friendly staff in Victorian costumes serving<br />
homemade cakes, pastries and sandwiches.<br />
thebridgetearooms.co.uk<br />
Honeystreet Mill Cafe<br />
Situated in Pewsey Vale, Honeystreet Mill Cafe offers<br />
a range of delicious fresh and local food open for<br />
breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Treat yourself to<br />
a chilled glass of prosecco on the terrace, and watch<br />
the world go by Wiltshire-style.<br />
honeystreetboats.co.uk<br />
Spring's Café and Restaurant<br />
Located at Thermae Bath Spa, Springs Café and<br />
Restaurant combines beautiful Georgian architecture<br />
with classic, contemporary style. Throughout the day<br />
and evening, spa users can enjoy delicious dishes and<br />
interesting drinks from an extensive menu.<br />
thermaebathspa.com/springs-cafe-and-restaurant<br />
The Tutti Pole<br />
A family run restaurant close to the Kennet & Avon<br />
Canal in a grade ll listed building, serving quality<br />
homemade food and luxury afternoon teas.<br />
thetuttipole.co.uk<br />
<strong>West</strong>onbirt, The National Arboretum<br />
During your visit to <strong>West</strong>onbirt The National<br />
Arboretum stop off at the restaurant for freshly<br />
prepared hot and cold refreshments including soups,<br />
sandwiches, savoury snacks, cakes and pastries.<br />
forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/restaurant<br />
Windsor Castle Undercroft Café<br />
The first café for visitors to Windsor Castle has<br />
opened in Edward III’s medieval Undercroft, which<br />
for centuries served as the Castle’s main wine cellar<br />
and is one of the oldest surviving spaces in the<br />
1,000-year-old royal residence.<br />
windsor.gov.uk/food-and-drink<br />
Lido Spa & Restaurant, Bristol Lido<br />
Spanish and Mediterranean menus, open kitchen<br />
with hot blazing Italian clay oven and bespoke<br />
charcoal grill by the grade 2 listed outdoor pool.<br />
lidobristol.com/restaurant-and-tapas-bar<br />
94 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
BEST PLACES FOR AFTERNOON TEA<br />
Abbey Hotel, Bath<br />
North Parade, Bath<br />
abbeyhotelbath.co.uk<br />
Cricklade House<br />
Common Hill, Cricklade, Swindon<br />
crickladehotel.co.uk<br />
The Bridge Tea Rooms<br />
Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon<br />
thebridgetearooms.co.uk<br />
No15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney, Bath<br />
15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney Street, Bath<br />
guesthousehotels.co.uk<br />
The Pump Room Restaurant<br />
Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath<br />
thepumproombath.co.uk<br />
The Roseate Hotel, Reading<br />
26 The Forbury, Reading<br />
roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate<br />
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa<br />
16 Royal Crescent, Bath<br />
royalcrescent.co.uk<br />
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa<br />
Easton Grey, Malmesbury<br />
whatleymanor.com<br />
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95
Where to Stay on<br />
the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
Staying overnight on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> makes for a wonderful trip,<br />
whether on a romantic weekend away or a week-long adventure<br />
BATH<br />
Abbey Hotel, Bath<br />
Abbey Hotel is located perfectly central in the city of<br />
Bath, making it an ideal place to stay to when exploring<br />
the city. Independantly owned, this unique hotel offers<br />
an intriguing blend of stylish comfort, vibrant and<br />
eccentric contemporary art, and historic character.<br />
abbeyhotelbath.co.uk<br />
Dukes Hotel<br />
One of Bath’s most prestigious streets, this beautiful,<br />
boutique, guest house stands on <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney<br />
Street. Whether it is the high ceilings, sash windows<br />
or hand crafted Sanitan bathroom suites, each room<br />
uniquely reflects an era of Georgian elegance and charm.<br />
dukesbath.co.uk<br />
The Apartment Bath<br />
From Nespresso to Nintendo, The Apartment, Bath<br />
is a two-bedroom apartment in central Bath on<br />
Widcombe Parade, and the perfect home from home<br />
for guests exploring the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>.<br />
apartmentbath.com<br />
The Roseate Villa Bath<br />
The Roseate Villa Bath occupies a quiet corner of<br />
the city, overlooking the tranquil Henrietta Park.<br />
Encompassing two characterful converted Victorian<br />
houses, the Villa offers 21 rooms with exclusive<br />
features. The Villa also has a private garden where<br />
you can relax and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea.<br />
roseatehotels.com/bath/theroseatevilla/<br />
Tucking Mill, Bath Apartments and Cottages<br />
Family owned range of award-winning luxurious<br />
properties including three cottages at Tucking Mill<br />
with outstanding views, and two apartments just 10<br />
minutes’ walk from Bath city centre.<br />
bathselfcatering.net<br />
YMCA Bath Hostel<br />
YMCA Bath Hostel is a city centre hostel with all<br />
the attractions located within walking distance;<br />
The Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Bath Rugby<br />
Ground, The Circus and Bath Abbey to name a few.<br />
Affordable, clean accommodation ideal for families,<br />
couples, and backpackers on a budget.<br />
ymcabath.org.uk<br />
Bath Apartment Breaks<br />
Two luxurious self-catering apartments in Bath, each<br />
perfect for four guests. One apartment is on the<br />
ground floor and has its own sun-trap patio area with<br />
outside seating, whilst the other is on the first floor<br />
and has two small balconies off the living area.<br />
bathapartmentbreaks.co.uk<br />
Bath Area Self Catering<br />
High quality, luxury self-catering holiday cottages<br />
and apartments in Bath and the surrounding areas<br />
of Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. These<br />
properties are ideal for exploring the <strong>West</strong>ern part<br />
of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> including Wiltshire, the<br />
Cotswolds, Bath and Bristol<br />
bathselfcatering.com<br />
96 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
No.15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney<br />
No.15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney<br />
To be found at the heart of Bath’s<br />
fashionable society, No.15 <strong>Great</strong><br />
Pulteney is an elegant and vivacious<br />
townhouse hotel on the very grandest<br />
street in Bath. Comprising 40 bedrooms,<br />
a cocktail bar, restaurant and boutique<br />
spa, No.15 exudes understated<br />
sophistication and luxury.<br />
guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath<br />
Brooks Guesthouse B&B<br />
Brooks Guesthouse Bath is an award winning four<br />
star boutique guesthouse in Bath city centre with 22<br />
uniquely furnished bedrooms with an eclectic mix of<br />
antiques, modern pieces and designer wallpapers.<br />
brooksguesthouse.com<br />
Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa<br />
Where dapper country house hotel meets hospitality<br />
with imagination, charm and spirit, surrounded by<br />
private gardens and set in glorious, rural Wiltshire.<br />
You might also enjoy a visit to sister hotels , The Bird<br />
& Homewood<br />
bishopstrowhotel.com<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
97
Abbey Hotel, Bath<br />
The Gainsborough Bath Spa<br />
The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two historic<br />
buildings with Georgian and Victorian facades in<br />
the heart of Bath. Named after the artist Thomas<br />
Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is welcoming and<br />
elegant. there are 99 berooms and suites with views<br />
across the city to surrounding countryside.<br />
thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk<br />
BERKSHIRE<br />
Royal Berkshire – Exclusive Collection<br />
Royal Berkshire is a country house located in the<br />
heart of Ascot, perfect for overnight stays, with 66<br />
luxury bedrooms. The grounds are charming, perfect<br />
for a wedding location or event, with a private walled<br />
garden and a beautiful fountain plaza.<br />
exclusive.co.uk/royal-berkshire<br />
BRISTOL<br />
Brooks Guesthouse B&B and Rooftop Retro<br />
Rocket Caravans, Bristol<br />
A boutique contemporary guesthouse situated<br />
smack bang in the heart of Bristol's old town next<br />
to St Nicholas Market and just a short stroll to the<br />
vibrant Harbourside.<br />
The caravans are British built and capturing the<br />
glamour of the timeless vintage aluminium design<br />
with all the lux of a modern hotel room and beautiful<br />
rooftop views of Bristol City Centre.<br />
brooksguesthousebristol.com<br />
Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport<br />
This is the ultimate hotel in terms of design, comfort<br />
and convenience, being on the doorstep of Bristol<br />
Airport – the only hotel within walking distance of<br />
the terminal. Spend a day exploring Noah's Ark Zoo<br />
Farm, Cheddar Caves and Gorge or Cabot Tower.<br />
hilton.com<br />
The Bristol Wing part of YMCA<br />
The Bristol Wing is a boutique hostel in Bristol city<br />
centre in the Grade II listed old Police Headquarters.<br />
Since the first lockdown it has been repurposed<br />
and provided a safe place for people at risk of<br />
homelessness – it is now being fully refurbished with<br />
plans to re-open Spring 2023. Located only a short<br />
walk from some of the best bits of Bristol including<br />
98 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Bristol’s harbourside, Bristol Shopping Quarter and<br />
the Old City.<br />
thebristolwing.co.uk<br />
CASTLE COMBE<br />
The Manor House – Exclusive Collection<br />
This 14th century luxury hotel and golf club is<br />
perfect for romantic nights away, with Michelin<br />
starred dining and a dedicated gin bar. Head into the<br />
picturesque village of Castle Combe or play a round<br />
at the championship 18-hole golf course. Situated in<br />
365 acres of rich parkland and widely regarded as a<br />
real hidden golfing gem in the Cotswolds.<br />
exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house<br />
SOUTH WILTSHIRE<br />
Pythouse Kitchen Garden<br />
You’ve heard of restaurants with rooms – now we<br />
bring you the restaurant with a glamping village.<br />
Six bell tents and a cosy shepherds’ hut sit in an<br />
orchard near this lunchtime-only restaurant.<br />
They share showers, a cocktail area, kitchen and<br />
dining area.<br />
pythousekitchengarden.co.uk<br />
CHEDDAR (WITHIN EASY REACH)<br />
Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site<br />
From its lofty position near Priddy, the highest<br />
village in the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Club Site is<br />
surrounded by spectacular landscapes, great for<br />
walking, cycling, caving and rock climbing. Less than<br />
five miles from the campsite is Cheddar Gorge, one<br />
of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks.<br />
Explore its extraordinary subterranean stalactite<br />
show caves and spectacular panoramic views.<br />
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk<br />
CHERTSEY<br />
Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site<br />
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, this<br />
lovely campsite has a rural feel despite being just<br />
50 minutes from Central London by train. Walkers<br />
will enjoy the Thames Path Nature Trail – a longdistance<br />
towpath trail that starts in the Cotswolds<br />
and meanders through Chertsey towards the heart of<br />
London. It’s a peaceful and scenic trail that’s ideal for<br />
people of all ages and abilities.<br />
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk<br />
Mill Farm Glamping<br />
Enjoy the best of the beautiful British countryside<br />
from the comfort of a luxurious canvas lodge on this<br />
family-run, organic farm. Meet the ducks, dairy cattle<br />
and donkeys. Have fun on Farmer Joe's organic farm<br />
tour. Walk, ride, paddle, fish – or just soak up the sun<br />
and the tranquil scenery. It all adds up to a unique<br />
break that you – and your family or friends – will<br />
treasure for a lifetime.<br />
millfarmglamping.co.uk<br />
HENLEY ON THAMES<br />
The Greenlands Hotel<br />
Set within the 30-acre Henley Business School estate<br />
in the Oxfordshire countryside, this magnificent<br />
Grade II Listed Building is steeped in history dating as<br />
far back as 1480. There are 100 bedrooms including<br />
eight luxury balcony rooms with views across the<br />
Chiltern Valley and the grounds leading to the River<br />
Thames. There's a fitness centre, tennis courts, giant<br />
lawn chess and footpaths leading into the Chiltern<br />
Hills. Located less than three miles from the centre<br />
of Henley-on-Thames home to the famous annual<br />
Henley Royal Regatta, five miles from the riverside<br />
Georgian market town of Marlow and a short car<br />
journey to Windsor and Oxford.<br />
hospitalityuor.co.uk/accommodation<br />
HUNGERFORD<br />
Herongate Apartments<br />
Welcome to Herongate Apartments, a collection of<br />
four purpose built self serviced/serviced apartments<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
99
WILTSHIRE, MALMESBURY<br />
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa<br />
Whatley Manor is a grown-up getaway in the<br />
heart of the Cotswolds set in 12 acres of gardens.<br />
Try Grey’s Brasserie for a leisurely lunch, dinner<br />
or chilled glass of wine. Or the innovative tasting<br />
menu with specially selected wines in The Dining<br />
Room. There's also The Green Room where chefs<br />
prepare small plates of expertly crafted food in<br />
front of you, Aquarias Spa and even a cinema.<br />
whatleymanor.com<br />
Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Club<br />
Donnington Grove, a three star country-house hotel<br />
in Newbury, is situated in 500 acres of beautiful<br />
grounds that include an 18 hole championship golf<br />
course, beauty and treatment rooms at Avalon<br />
Retreat, Clay Shooting and the New Beau's Bar<br />
and Restaurant. It is a fascinating destination with<br />
more than a whiff of English decadence. Built in<br />
'Strawberry Hill Gothic' style, this 250 year old,<br />
charming building has a unique heritage.<br />
donnington-grove.com<br />
The Chequers Hotel<br />
This former 18th Century Coaching Inn comprises<br />
56 bedrooms, a business and meeting centre and<br />
an intimate restaurant serving modern British and<br />
European cuisine.<br />
donnington-grove.com<br />
conveniently located just minutes walk from<br />
Hungerford High Street and the beautiful Kennet &<br />
Avon Canal. The apartments are situated next door<br />
to Herongate Club and all guests over the age of 16<br />
years can enjoy complimentary access to the gym<br />
and pool as well as discounts off classes and the<br />
fabulous Honesty Cafe.<br />
herongateservicedapartments.com<br />
LONDON<br />
Roseate House London<br />
Located near Hyde Park with stunning views over<br />
leafy <strong>West</strong>bourne Terrace. John Constable, son of the<br />
famous landscape artist, once lived there, and Oscar<br />
Wilde married at St James’ Church opposite. The<br />
hotel comprises of three restored, mid-19th century,<br />
Grade II listed townhouses originally built in 1842<br />
which still retain the grace and charm of the original<br />
Victorian architecture. Located on a street steeped in<br />
history in a haven of tranquillity.<br />
roseatehotels.com<br />
NEWBURY<br />
OXFORDSHIRE<br />
The Chilterns View<br />
The Chilterns View offers luxury lodge<br />
accommodation overlooking the beautiful Chiltern<br />
Hills. Guests love the privacy and seclusion of these<br />
lodges with wonderful south-facing views and hot<br />
tubs. Sit around the fire pit with a glass of fizz to<br />
watch the sun set over the hills, and in the daytime<br />
you can relax by the pond or take a walk to one of<br />
the many fine pubs and eateries in the area.<br />
thechilternsview.co.uk<br />
READING<br />
Hilton Reading<br />
Ideally located off junction 11 of the M4, the<br />
Hilton Hotel in Reading offers a warm and inviting<br />
atmosphere. Bedrooms feature air conditioning,<br />
wired and wireless Internet access, laptop safes, mini<br />
bar, on-demand movies, a spacious workdesk and<br />
famous Hilton Serenity bed system. Access to the<br />
24-hour LivingWell Health Club is included.<br />
hilton.com<br />
Novotel Reading Centre<br />
Perfectly suited in the heart of the town. Many of<br />
Reading's best restaurants, bars and shops are just<br />
a stone's throw from the hotel, and you are close<br />
100 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Whately Manor Hotel & Spa, Malmesbury<br />
to Windsor and Oxford, and family attractions like<br />
Legoland, Reading Museum, Reading Abbey Ruins<br />
and Forbury Gardens Public Park. Reading train<br />
station is a two-minute walk away and Thames<br />
Valley Park is just a shuttle bus away.<br />
all.accor.com/hotel<br />
The Roseate Reading<br />
Described as 'The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel' by<br />
The Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is also<br />
recognised for its artful conception and luxury.<br />
roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate<br />
SURREY<br />
Pennyhill Park – Exclusive Collection<br />
There are only a few places able to offer such a<br />
diverse range of experiences as Pennyhill Park.<br />
Set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside with a host<br />
of individual experiences, they offer exceptional<br />
overnight breaks, Michelin starred dining, bespoke<br />
weddings, distinctive meetings and events, family<br />
celebrations and an award-winning spa. There are<br />
two award-winning restaurants, The Ascot Bar, and<br />
The Spa including a state-of-the-art fitness suite,<br />
treatment rooms, nail bar, hot tubs and indoor and<br />
outdoor pools.<br />
exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park<br />
Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning<br />
Club Site<br />
Tucked away in rural Surrey, you’d hardly know<br />
Walton on Thames Club Site is just half an hour from<br />
Central London. For a hearty dose of adrenaline,<br />
head to the much-loved theme parks of Thorpe Park,<br />
Chessington World of Adventures, and Legoland,<br />
where kids (and big kids too) can go wild on wacky<br />
rides and looping rollercoasters. For something a<br />
little more sedate, head to Hampton Court Palace,<br />
once the palatial home of King Henry VIII and his<br />
six wives, to experience Royal life by exploring<br />
the splendid interiors and wandering around the<br />
magnificent estate with its rich variety of gardens<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
101
The Kingsbury @ No7 & No8, Marlborough<br />
and plants.<br />
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk<br />
SWINDON<br />
Rose & Crown Inn, Ashbury<br />
Located in a charming ‘off the beaten track’ village at<br />
the foot of the rolling countryside of the Lambourn<br />
Downs and historic sites of the Vale of the White<br />
Horse. This village inn boasts an exceptional menu<br />
and very comfortable rooms. It has a unique<br />
atmosphere and very much reflects the gentle pace<br />
of a friendly and welcoming ‘unspoiled’ village inn.<br />
roseandcrownatashbury.co.uk<br />
WEST BERKSHIRE<br />
The Queens Arms Hotel<br />
The Queens Arms is an award-winning hotel, pub and<br />
restaurant with its own private lodge.<br />
Situated in the beautiful village of East Garston,<br />
between London and the <strong>West</strong> Country yet in the<br />
heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The<br />
Queens Arms features 12 bespoke bedrooms, a large<br />
friendly bar with log fire that leads into the dining<br />
room, a south facing patio and a large enclosed<br />
garden. Children and dogs welcome.<br />
queensarmseastgarston.co.uk<br />
WILTSHIRE, SALISBURY (WITHIN EASY REACH)<br />
Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site<br />
Within easy reach of some of the most famous sites<br />
in England. The historic centre of Salisbury, known<br />
as ‘the city in the countryside’, is an easy two mile<br />
walk from the campsite and offers many must-see<br />
attractions including the famous cathedral.<br />
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk<br />
The Merchant’s House Hotel, Salisbury<br />
37 newly and beautifully refurbished en suite<br />
rooms located in the city centre. A must visit is The<br />
Merchant’s Bar with open fire and wonderful choice<br />
of wines, beers and spirits.<br />
themerchantshousehotel.co.uk<br />
102 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Riverside Hotel, Salisbury<br />
Set in beautiful grounds leading down to the River<br />
Nadder and just a short stroll from the historic<br />
Salisbury city centre, this charming and newly<br />
renovated hotel consists of 38 beautifully restored<br />
bedrooms, some that enjoy stunning views over<br />
the river to Salisbury Cathedral. In 2022 the hotel<br />
and grounds underwent a major yet sympathetic<br />
refurbishment to restore and bring back to life<br />
this charming contemporary manor house hotel –<br />
previously it was the Grasmere House Hotel. Built<br />
in the 1800s by the Wort family the Riverside Hotel<br />
was one of the first houses built in Harnham.<br />
riversidesalisbury.co.uk<br />
WILTSHIRE, BRADFORD ON AVON<br />
Church Farm Country Cottages<br />
Enjoy a rural location on a working sheep farm<br />
staying in award-winning single storey cottages and<br />
barn conversions with exposed beams and vaulted<br />
ceilings. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural<br />
Beauty you can enjoy walking and cycling from your<br />
doorstep or it is a short journey to Bradford on Avon,<br />
Longleat and the World Heritage City of Bath.<br />
churchfarmcottages.com<br />
Cumberwell Country Cottages<br />
Set in a peaceful, rural location, these seven unique,<br />
luxurious and spacious self-catering cottages are set<br />
in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside on the edge<br />
of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just five<br />
miles from the World Heritage city of Bath and one<br />
mile from the Saxon town of Bradford on Avon.<br />
cumberwellcountrycottages.com<br />
Timbrells Yard<br />
Timbrells Yard is a stylishly revamped riverside inn<br />
at the heart of beautiful Bradford-on-Avon. It has<br />
award-winning food and 17 super stylish bedrooms.<br />
Grade II listed, it is family and dog-friendly, and has a<br />
wonderful terrace on the banks of the River Avon.<br />
timbrellsyard.com<br />
Woolley Grange Hotel<br />
Surrounded by 14 acres of stunning grounds, Woolley<br />
WILTSHIRE, MARLBOROUGH<br />
The Kingsbury @ No7 & No8<br />
Boutique hotel come Airbnb with modern,<br />
keyless entry system allowing you to come<br />
and go as you please. All rooms have been<br />
lovingly and individually designed to offer<br />
quality, comfort and style, for you to relax and<br />
enjoy your stay. Fun dining concept including<br />
fabulous afternoon teas and cocktail making in<br />
the restaurant (book in advance).<br />
thekingsbury.co.uk<br />
Grange is a Jacobean manor house offering a warm<br />
welcome to families, with award-winning children's<br />
facilities, a beautiful spa, and great food using<br />
fresh produce from the walled kitchen garden. For<br />
a stargazing evening stay in one of the new Luxury<br />
Glamping Suites, you also have access to the historic<br />
hotel and its facilities, including heated indoor and<br />
outdoor swimming pools, spa, OFSTED-registered<br />
childcare and The Hideout Pizza Cafe.<br />
woolleygrangehotel.co.uk<br />
WILTSHIRE, CHIPPENHAM<br />
Best <strong>West</strong>ern Plus Angel Hotel, Chippenham<br />
Superbly located five miles from the M4 between<br />
Bath and Swindon. This 400-year-old coaching inn<br />
has been sympathetically extended to include a<br />
gym, indoor pool, courtyard garden and bedroom<br />
wing. The addition of a stylish new brasserie, bar<br />
and lounge create the ideal surroundings to relax.<br />
A perfect base for enjoying motor racing at Castle<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
103
WILTSHIRE, BRADFORD-ON-AVON<br />
Rowley Cottage at Iford Manor<br />
Surrounded by nature in the beautiful Iford<br />
Valley and set within the Grade 1 listed<br />
Iford Manor Gardens, this luxury, self-catering<br />
period cottage is in an idyllic setting. Recently<br />
renovated, with three en-suite bedrooms,<br />
sleeping six it is the perfect base to explore<br />
from. Just 15 minutes from Bath.<br />
ifordmanor.co.uk/stay<br />
Combe, the Badminton Horse Trials, Longleat Safari<br />
Park and Swindon designer shopping village.<br />
angel-hotel-chippenham.com<br />
WILTSHIRE, DEVIZES<br />
Cliffe Farm Dairy<br />
Self-catering accommodation in the heart of<br />
Wiltshire; ideal for families looking for that quiet<br />
escape. A secluded and unique cottage on a working<br />
farm. This special place offers uninterrupted views<br />
and wonderful walking opportunities.<br />
cliffefarmdairy.co.uk<br />
Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site<br />
This peaceful campsite beside the Kennet & Avon<br />
Canal is perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring<br />
the region’s many historic attractions. Head out on<br />
a scenic walk to the historic market town of Devizes<br />
along the towpath, passing the Caen Hill flight of 29<br />
locks – one of the longest continuous flight of locks<br />
in the country, rising 237 feet over two miles. In the<br />
bustling market town of Devizes, visit the Wiltshire<br />
Museum with its award-winning galleries and<br />
ancient gold collection, pop into the Kennet & Avon<br />
Canal Trust Museum to learn more about the local<br />
waterways. Head to Wadworth’s Brewery to take a<br />
tour and sample ales at the visitor centre, and see the<br />
famous shire horses making deliveries. If you fancy<br />
stretching your legs, take the five-mile circular walk<br />
from Devizes to Roundway Hill, taking in stretches of<br />
the Kennet & Avon Canal, with opportunities to take<br />
longer walks by joining the Mid Wilts <strong>Way</strong>, Wessex<br />
Ridgeway or the White Horse Trail.<br />
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk<br />
WILTSHIRE, MALMESBURY<br />
The Old Bell Hotel<br />
A comfortable, country hotel full of character and<br />
charm, reputed to be the oldest purpose built hotel<br />
in England (c.1220) and Grade I Listed. The hotel<br />
nestles in the beautiful medieval Cotswold town of<br />
Malmesbury and is 75 yards from the famous Abbey<br />
House Gardens with over 2000 roses.<br />
With crackling log fires, cosy corners, squashy sofas,<br />
plump duvets, fine linen and fabulous food and wine<br />
– this is pure indulgence.<br />
oldbellhotel.co.uk<br />
Pettifers Hotel<br />
Pettifers Hotel is the perfect spot to relax, unwind<br />
and explore. You've got the fabulous Cotswold Water<br />
Park, Highgrove, <strong>West</strong>onbirt Arboretum, Tetbury,<br />
Malmesbury and Cirencester all on the door step –<br />
perfect for family stays and mini breaks, plus they are<br />
super dog friendly too so no need to leave your four<br />
legged friends behind!<br />
pettifershotel.co.uk<br />
WILTSHIRE, SALISBURY<br />
Holiday Inn, Salisbury – Stonehenge<br />
This modern friendly hotel has over 100 air<br />
conditioned bedrooms and is the nearest hotel<br />
to Stonehenge, offering a stylish, contemporary<br />
gateway to the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> and to the<br />
picturesque county of Wiltshire and beyond.<br />
Enjoy easy access to the colourful landscape of sights<br />
and attractions dotting the English countryside.<br />
hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk<br />
104 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
Rowley Cottage at Iford Manor, Bradford-on-Avon<br />
WILTSHIRE, SWINDON<br />
Cricklade House Hotel<br />
Standing in over 30 acres of peaceful, secluded<br />
grounds on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cricklade<br />
House Hotel offers a traditional, warm and friendly<br />
welcome for those in search of tranquility, comfort,<br />
good food and wine, with extensive recreational<br />
facilities. This beautiful and dignified country<br />
house, built at the turn of the last century, has been<br />
tastefully restored and carefully extended.<br />
Perhaps the most impressive addition is the<br />
magnificent Victorian-style glass conservatory<br />
which runs the full length of the original building,<br />
making the most of the hotel's elevated position,<br />
with wonderful panoramic views over the Wiltshire<br />
countryside. The ideal location for exploring the<br />
wonders Wiltshire and the surrounding area have to<br />
offer – with brilliant links to both the M4 and M5 and<br />
through to Oxford.<br />
crickladehotel.co.uk<br />
DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon<br />
<strong>West</strong> of Swindon, this relaxing hotel is an excellent<br />
base for touring the beautiful <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong><br />
countryside including the Wiltshire Downs and<br />
the Cotswolds, visiting pretty villages such as<br />
Chippenham and Marlborough, and, for a truly<br />
memorable experience, you'll find the World<br />
Heritage Site of Avebury nearby too.<br />
The accommodation comprises 171 bedrooms with<br />
61 Deluxe rooms and eight Suites and for food and<br />
drink head to The Larder Restaurant and Bar.<br />
hilton.com<br />
WILTSHIRE, VALE OF PEWSEY<br />
Totteridge Farm Camping Pods<br />
Totteridge Farm Camping Pods offer a wonderful<br />
English countryside experience, for those who<br />
want to be close to nature without giving up home<br />
comforts. Step out of your timber lodge into the<br />
fresh calm of a rural Wiltshire morning, explore the<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
105
Avebury and Stonehenge Private Guided Tours<br />
Wiltshire’s wonderful countryside, full of internationally important monuments, is a very special place to visit<br />
Find out more online or call Laurence<br />
oldburytours.co.uk | +44 (0)7947 488665<br />
GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK<br />
VISIT THE VALE OF PEWSEY IN WILTSHIRE<br />
TRANQUIL SPIRITUAL ANCIENT<br />
WWW.VISITPEWSEYVALE.CO.UK<br />
IMAGE © PETER ORR ARPS WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/ORRPIX/
The <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> caters to the desires of<br />
all travellers, with its mix of quirky glamping<br />
and camping sites, pretty countryside B&Bs,<br />
cool city hotels, traditional village pubs and<br />
even fancy castles and stately homes<br />
towns, villages and trails of the Vale of Pewsey, or sit<br />
out under the stars around a wood fire with a glass<br />
of farm-grown English wine. There are five luxury<br />
log pods in total, and they are exclusively for adults<br />
(for ages 18 and above), with fantastic views over<br />
the Pewsey Vale, and with the home comforts of a<br />
hot shower and a King Size bed in a double-glazed,<br />
underfloor-heated. There is plenty of choice for<br />
walking, cycling or even kayaking, with many dog<br />
friendly pubs nearby. Come home to your own firepit,<br />
spectacular sunsets and dark skies. There is also an<br />
all-weather shelter and BBQ area.<br />
totteridge-farm.website/camping-and-holidays<br />
Troutbeck Guest House<br />
The Red Lion Freehouse and Troutbeck Guest House<br />
at East Chisenbury have gained quite a reputation<br />
for providing the best of Wiltshire's food, drink<br />
and accommodation in a truly beautiful setting.<br />
The thatched pub now holds a Michelin star for<br />
its outstanding food, but has never changed its<br />
relaxed, distinctively 'pubby' atmosphere. If there<br />
were any improvements to be made to the Red<br />
Lion experience, it could only be the addition of a<br />
cozy, classy guest house to go back to after a lovely<br />
meal. In December 2012 the Red Lion opened a<br />
newly converted bungalow to its loyal following – a<br />
gorgeously polished accommodation sat right on the<br />
bank of the River Avon.<br />
redlionfreehouse.com<br />
HAMPSHIRE<br />
Lainston House – Exclusive Collection<br />
Lainston House is a 17th century luxury hotel,<br />
offering luxurious stays, award-winning dining,<br />
bespoke meetings and memorable weddings. It is<br />
also home to the Season cookery school with awardwinning<br />
chefs and renowned external experts.<br />
Tucked away in 63 acres of rural Hampshire<br />
countryside, you can enjoy both a remote and<br />
Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages<br />
Luxuriously-appointed self-catering cottages<br />
situated in glorious Berkshire countryside.<br />
These 17th century former barns and stables,<br />
renovated by the Betts family farm, provide<br />
everything you need for a luxurious stay on the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> and with a village community<br />
shop and café next door for fresh food.<br />
stayatmanorfarm.co.uk<br />
relaxing escape in the country or a more activity<br />
filled getaway with lots to do on site, as well as so<br />
many attractions on your doorstep. Individually<br />
designed rooms and suites with beautiful walks and<br />
bike rides in the grounds, inspiring cookery classes<br />
in Season and delicious dining in The Avenue or<br />
their brand new restaurant, The Wellhouse. Not to<br />
mention outstanding afternoon teas in the drawing<br />
room and casual dining in The Cedar Bar. Head out<br />
to explore local attractions, with the historic city of<br />
Winchester, Bombay Sapphire distillery, Marwell Zoo<br />
and Paultons Park all within 15 miles.<br />
exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house<br />
Plan your complete trip<br />
One of the most exciting ways to<br />
travel the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is to<br />
stop somewhere new each night.<br />
<strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk<br />
1<strong>07</strong>
Prepare before you go<br />
There’s nothing like a good map to make you feel like a true adventurer<br />
This <strong>Way</strong> for a Journey of Discovery<br />
Download our 'This <strong>Way</strong> for a Journey of Discovery'<br />
map of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, and get a sense for<br />
the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Will you<br />
venture out to explore the mysteries of the North<br />
Wessex Downs? Make a summer solstice pilgrimage<br />
to Stonehenge? Or set off to photograph the pretty<br />
villages of the Cotswolds?<br />
Food and Drink Map<br />
Food lovers can download our food and drink map for<br />
an overview of the incredible culinary delights available<br />
along the route, featuring local breweries, Michelin<br />
starred dining, farmers' markets, afternoon tea, food<br />
and drink festivals, quaint country pubs and more.<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal map<br />
Take a look at our Kennet & Avon Canal map to find<br />
out about travelling along the beautiful and historic<br />
canal that stretches between Reading and Bristol.<br />
Looked after by the Canal & River Trust, you can<br />
explore the towpath by foot or bike – or float gently<br />
along on a narrowboat, canoe or kayak.<br />
Of course, while these maps will steer you towards<br />
incredible attractions, beautiful landscapes and top<br />
places to stay, eat and drink – you are ultimately<br />
your own tour guide. Please do wander off course<br />
and find things to see and do that are not marked on<br />
our maps. This dreamy part of England is set up for<br />
surprising discoveries.<br />
Click here to book online<br />
with prices from just £24.<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer Pass<br />
Tickets for the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern<br />
Railway can be bought from<br />
ticket offices at stations along<br />
the route but for cheaper tickets<br />
and no queues we recommend<br />
buying in advance. There are<br />
three <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer<br />
routes available, (East, <strong>West</strong> or<br />
global) giving you the opportunity<br />
to explore your chosen area in<br />
one-day instalments or over the<br />
duration of a week.<br />
Click here to download the<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Discoverer Pass<br />
Click here to download<br />
This <strong>Way</strong> for a Journey of Discovery<br />
Click here to download the<br />
Food and Drink Map<br />
Click here to download the<br />
Kennet & Avon Canal map<br />
108 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO’VE HELPED<br />
US ALONG THE WAY...<br />
Aerospace Bristol<br />
Alder Ridge Vineyard<br />
Aldermaston Tea Rooms, Visitor<br />
Centre, & Shop<br />
Aldwick Estate<br />
All Saints Church<br />
American Museum & Garden<br />
Apex Hotel<br />
Apsley House<br />
Ascot Racecourse<br />
Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum<br />
Auto Europe<br />
Avebury<br />
Bailey Balloons<br />
Barrington Court<br />
Bath Apartment Breaks<br />
Bath Area Self Catering<br />
Bath Bus Company<br />
Bath Insider Tours<br />
Berkeley Castle<br />
Best <strong>West</strong>ern Plus Angel Hotel<br />
Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa<br />
Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve<br />
Blenheim Palace<br />
Bluestone Vineyard<br />
Bombay Sapphire<br />
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection<br />
Bowood House & Garden<br />
Bozedown Alpacas<br />
Bradford on Avon Town<br />
Bristol Airport<br />
Bristol Cathedral<br />
Bristol Community Ferry Boats<br />
Bristol Packet Boats<br />
Bristol Tandem Hire<br />
Britains Best Heritage Tours<br />
British Museum<br />
Brooks Guest House Bath<br />
Brooks Guest House Bristol<br />
Bruce Branch Boats<br />
Brunel’s SS <strong>Great</strong> Britain<br />
Calne Town<br />
Canal & River Trust<br />
Canal Trust Café<br />
Castle Combe Circuit<br />
Cheddar Camping and Caravanning<br />
Club Site<br />
Cheddar Caves<br />
Cheddar Gorge<br />
Chippenham Museum and Heritage<br />
Centre<br />
Chippenham Town<br />
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm<br />
Church Farm Country Cottages<br />
Clayton’s Kitchen<br />
Cliffe Farm Dairy<br />
Clifton Suspension Bridge<br />
Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen<br />
Corsham Town<br />
Cotswold Water Park<br />
Cricklade House Hotel<br />
MV Barbara McLellan<br />
Crofton Beam Engines<br />
MV Jubilee<br />
Crop Circle Visitors Centre & Exhibition National Garden Scheme<br />
Crown & Anchor<br />
National Trust<br />
Cumberwell Country Cottages Newark Park, Ozleworth<br />
Devizes Camping and Caravanning Newbury Racecourse<br />
Club Site<br />
No. 1 Royal Crescent<br />
Devizes Town<br />
No.15 <strong>Great</strong> Pulteney<br />
Devizes Wharf Tea Room<br />
North Wessex Downs AONB<br />
Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Novotel Reading Centre<br />
Club<br />
Old Sarum<br />
DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon Oldbury Tours<br />
Dukes Hotel<br />
Original Wild<br />
Dyrham Park<br />
Parkway Shopping Centre<br />
Exclusive Collection<br />
Pennyhill Park<br />
Fashion Museum Bath<br />
Pettifers Freehouse Hotel<br />
First <strong>Travel</strong> Solutions<br />
Pewsey Vale of Tourism Partnership<br />
Fisherton Mill<br />
Prior Park Landscape Garden<br />
French Brothers<br />
Reading Museum<br />
Galahad Tours<br />
Reading UK<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong>ern Railway<br />
Red Lion Freehouse<br />
<strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Official Tour<br />
REME Museum<br />
Operators<br />
River & Rowing Museum<br />
Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport Rose & Crown Inn<br />
Henley Greenlands Hotel<br />
Roseate House London<br />
Henley Rowing Association<br />
Royal Berkshire, Sunninghill<br />
Henley on Thames<br />
Royal Borough of Windsor &<br />
Herongate Apartments<br />
Maidenhead<br />
Hilton Reading<br />
Salisbury Cathedral<br />
Hobbs of Henley<br />
Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum<br />
Holiday Inn, Salisbury - Stonehenge Tours<br />
Honey Street Boats<br />
Sally Narrowboats<br />
Hungerford Town<br />
Savouring Bath<br />
Iford Manor Gardens<br />
Shaw House<br />
Jones’s Mill at The Vera Jeans Reserve Skydive Netheravon<br />
Kennet & Avon Trade Association South <strong>West</strong>ern Railway<br />
Kennet Horse Boat Company<br />
St Peter’s Church<br />
Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum & Stay in Bath<br />
Village<br />
Stasher<br />
Lainston House<br />
Steeple Ashton<br />
Live Escape Salisbury<br />
Stonehenge<br />
WWT London Wetland Centre Stourhead<br />
Longleat<br />
Strawberry Hill House & Garden<br />
Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve Studley Grange<br />
Lytes Cary Manor<br />
Sulis Guides<br />
Mad Max Tours<br />
Teashop by the Canal<br />
Maidenhead Heritage Centre<br />
Thames Lido<br />
Malmesbury Town<br />
Thames Rivercruise<br />
Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages The Abbey Quarter<br />
Marlborough College Summer School The Bridge Tea Rooms<br />
Marlborough Town<br />
The Bristol Wing/YMCA<br />
Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein The Castle Inn & Bakers Cottage<br />
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet The Chequers Hotel<br />
Swindon<br />
The Courts Garden<br />
Merchants House<br />
The Crown & Anchor<br />
Mill Farm Glamping<br />
The Gainsborough Bath Spa<br />
Mompesson House<br />
The Guild Wiltshire<br />
Monkey Island Estate<br />
The Holburne Museum<br />
Montacute House<br />
The Jane Austen Centre<br />
Museum of East Asian Art<br />
The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust<br />
The Kingsbury @ No.8<br />
The Manor House<br />
The Merchant’s House<br />
The Merchants House Hotel<br />
The Museum of English Rural Life<br />
The Old Bell Hotel<br />
The Pound Arts Centre<br />
The Queens Arms Hotel<br />
The Riverside<br />
The Roman Baths<br />
The Rose of Hungerford<br />
The Roseate Reading<br />
The Roseate Villa Bath<br />
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath<br />
The Royal Windsor Pub<br />
The Swan Hotel<br />
The Tutti Pole<br />
The Watermill Theatre<br />
The Wave<br />
Thermae Bath Spa<br />
Timbrells Yard<br />
Tintinhull Garden<br />
Totteridge Farm Camping Pods<br />
Tour and Explore<br />
Tourism South East<br />
Tours 2 Order<br />
TransWilts Community Rail<br />
Troutbeck Guest House<br />
Trowbridge Town<br />
Tucking Mill View<br />
Turner’s House<br />
Tyntesfield, Wraxall<br />
University Of Bristol Botanic Gardens<br />
Vaughan’s Kitchen<br />
Vintage Classics<br />
VisitBritain/VisitEngland<br />
Visit Gloucestershire<br />
Visit Highworth<br />
Visit Newbury<br />
Visit Thames<br />
Visit <strong>West</strong> - Bath<br />
Visit <strong>West</strong> - Bristol<br />
VisitWiltshire<br />
We The Curious<br />
Wellington Arch<br />
<strong>West</strong> Berkshire Museum<br />
<strong>West</strong>onbirt, The National Arboretum<br />
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa<br />
Whitchurch Silk Mill<br />
Wilton Shopping Village - The Guild<br />
White Horse Inn<br />
Wilton Windmill<br />
Wiltshire Museum<br />
Wiltshire Stonehenge landscape<br />
Windsor Carriages<br />
Windsor Castle, Royal Collection Trust<br />
Windsor Duck Tours<br />
Woolley Grange Hotel<br />
Wyvern Theatre<br />
YMCA Bath Group<br />
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