Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

Did you know?
The Great West Way
is home to many
zoos and wildlife
parks – so whether
your favourite animal
is a monkey, lion
or a giraffe, you’re
guaranteed a great
day out. Don't miss
Longleat, the home
to England’s only
Koalas, and spotting
rare breads at Avon
Valley Wildlife Park
and children can
get behind-thescenes
access to a
fascinating range of
animals at Noah’s
Ark Zoo Farm.
here at the end of April, beginning of May, but there’s always
other pretty plants and wildflowers to see, like primroses
with their mellow yellow petals and sweet scent. Good to
know: If you’re looking for more nature-based things to do in
Marlborough, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a nice water
meadow nearby.
Pictured previous page: Roe deer; Comma Butterfly Clockwise from
above: Horses in the North Wessex Downs; Noah's Ark Zoo Farm; Lamb;
Bird watching through binoculars Next page left to right:
Otter; Roe Deer Swimming Lower Moor Farm; London Wetland Centre
Lydiard Park
Snowdrops, which often poke their dainty heads above
ground amid the freeze of January, are one of the highlights
of a British winter. There are many places to see them along
the Great West Way, including the 260-acre parkland of
this striking Palladian house near Swindon. There’s also a
walled garden where you can see some more curated spring
plantings including a 17th-century variety of jewel-like tulips.
In summer, the beds are full of traditional English flowers
such as roses and sweet peas. Top tip: Keep an eye on the
Lydiard Park events pages as they sometimes run botanicalthemed
rambles and tours. →
GreatWestWay.co.uk
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