Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

Festival returning to STEAM on the 9 and 10 September 2023.
Here you can experience the amazing detail of over 20 of
the UK’s finest model railway layouts that will be uniquely
displayed alongside iconic Swindon-built locomotives. You’ll
also see new special exhibitions, unique trade stands and
modelling demos.
SHAW HOUSE, NEWBURY
Shaw House was built by a Newbury clothier in 1581 and
retains much of its original Tudor architecture - it is one of
the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England. Over
the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action
during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and
schooled generations of local children. The House offers a year
round programme of events and family activities including the
Spring Food and Craft Fair on the 2 April 2023. Visit on this
day and you can explore the house and browse over 60 stalls
offering artisan food, drink and locally produced crafts, giving
you the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and treats.
THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM, HENLEY ON THAMES
This stunning museum is situated in the picturesque town of
Henley on Thames and housed in an award-winning building,
designed by the acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield.
Located on the banks of the river, the museum explores
the River Thames, the international sport of rowing and the
town of Henley. The Museum hosts a lively programme of
temporary and visiting exhibitions, working with partners such
as the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Hayward
Gallery in London. The constantly evolving calendar of
temporary art and photography exhibitions and a year-round
calendar of nature trails, craft workshops and family days,
ensures there is always something new to see and do.
WILTSHIRE
STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY, SALISBURY
Starting with the world-famous, it could be argued that a trip
along the Great West Way isn’t complete without visiting the
world-famous Stonehenge. And, new for 2023 is the Circles of
Stone: Stonehenge and Prehistoric Japan exhibition. Standing
impressively amongst the Salisbury Plain, this prehistoric
monument welcomes visitors from all around the globe and
has done for centuries. For a more personal experience of the
monstrous stones visit between the months of December and
August to see them up close with a Stone Circle Experience.
Available outside regular visiting hours, here you will get the
unique opportunity to capture the fascinating statues within a
much quieter setting. Plus, don’t miss the nearby secret stones
of Avebury - 4,000 years of history you never knew existed.
WILTSHIRE MUSEUM, DEVIZES
Negotiating the pretty lanes of the Vale of Pewsey brings the
happy traveller to Devizes, home of the Wiltshire Museum,
telling the 500,000 years story of the county through its
award-winning galleries, exhibits, high-quality graphics and
striking reconstructions. Take part in a day course of Stone
Carving with Andrew Ziminski on Saturday 27 May and
23 September 2023. This one-day workshop is perfect for
beginners looking to pick up the basic skills required to carve
stone. The Bath stone used is easy to carve, and you will be
able to take it home with you. Take some time here to also
stop in at the independent craft brewers, Wadworth Brewery.
CROP CIRCLE EXHIBITION & INFORMATION CENTRE,
VALE OF PEWSEY, WILTSHIRE
If you have ever wanted to learn about crop circles or to
meet crop circle enthusiasts to share thoughts with then The
Crop Circle Exhibition & Information Centre based at the
Honeystreet Mill Café in the Vale of Pewsey is the place to go.
The multi-media exhibition, which was initially created for →
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