VisitWiltshire Visitor Guide 2024

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Clifton, Bristol
Savill Gardens
Welcome to the Great West Way. It’s time to explore
England. To uncover tales of the past. And experience all
that’s to offer today. Welcome to a journey through time.
And an adventure across England. The Great West Way
is based on one of the first great roads, commissioned
by the Kings of England. As you travel between London
to Bristol, you’ll uncover the very soul of England.
The Great West Way brings you to world-famous sites such as
Stonehenge, Roman Bath with its double World Heritage status
and Windsor Castle, but the real joy is in discovering somewhere
different, a real slice of England that you can take back home with
you – as memories, as photographs, or even as a bottle of craft ale
or piece of local art.
At one end of the Great West Way is London, with its famous
royal sights and rich cultural heritage. At the other, Bath and
Bristol – close neighbours geographically, yes, but with very
different personalities. Elegant Bath is renowned for its classical
Georgian architecture and romantic literary connections. While
Bristol is a riot of alternative art, music and dining experiences. In
between lie relaxing riverside towns, lush green landscapes, and
characterful villages.
There’s so much more to the Great West Way than simply getting
from A to B. The Great West Way is for travellers who want to
explore further and delve deeper. Those who relish the journey.
The curious, for whom the colourful characters they chance upon
are as fascinating as the places they visit.
There are many ways to experience the Great West Way. But
whether you choose to travel by road, rail or water, on two feet
or two wheels, base yourself in one place for a while or move on
every day, you can create your own itinerary and write your own
story. The Great West Way navigates over 500 miles of twists
and turns with tempting trails and off-the-beaten-track detours
there is so much to explore. Follow paths taken by generations of
travellers and you’ll encounter the very essence of England.
Along the Great West Way you’ll find three breathtaking natural
landscapes – the Chilterns, the Cotswolds and the North
Wessex Downs – as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of
Stonehenge and Avebury, Kew Gardens and Bath.
You can stand on the site of the sealing of Magna Carta at
Runnymede. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle.
Or get a handle on the royal heritage by visiting Hampton Court
Palace. Or visit some of the Stately Homes such as Blenheim
Palace or one one of the many National Trust properties along the
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