Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

2
RICHMOND RIVERSIDE, PARK IN
RICHMOND
Richmond Riverside is an open space that overlooks the
River Thames in the centre of Richmond Town Centre.
With many seats and terraced lawns, and in close
proximity to bars, restaurants and cafes, this is an ideal place
to relax on a summer day or evening. Watch the boats sail pass,
people watch while enjoying your picnic. Afterwards why not hire
a canoe or if you are feeling more adventurous go paddleboarding
under the oldest bridge, Richmond Bridge that spans the River
Thames.
3
THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL
The bucolic Kennet and Avon Canal opened in 1810 to
provide the cities of Bristol and London with a costeffective
method of transporting large quantities of
goods between England’s two largest ports at the
time. The canal winds through exquisite countryside, providing
numerous idyllic picnic stops as well as incredible walking routes
with some amazing pubs on the way. With so many spots
too choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but at least one
contender would have to include the stretch around the villages of
Great and Little Bedwyn. Set in classic English countryside, dotted
with small yet striking settlements, sitting alongside the canal’s
banks, it’s easy to imagine oneself transported back to a bygone
time, well before the frenetic pace of the modern world was even
a thought.
4
LACOCK
The village of Lacock is iconic in its own right. A
medieval village set in the very southernmost part of the
Cotswolds, the village has been owned, maintained and
preserved by the National Trust since the 1950s. Having
featured in countless TV shows and films, including Harry Potter,
as well as almost every period drama you care to name over the
last 30 years, Lacock, and it’s grand house, Lacock Abbey, attracts
large numbers of visitors keen to connect with the past and the
screen. Head east to the footpaths that follow the River Avon as
it winds its way alongside the village and house, and you’ll not
only escape from any crowds present, but discover some stunning
picnicking and paddling spots with views across to the historic
house beyond.
36 GreatWestWay.co.uk