Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 03

2020 Annual Edition

TRAVEL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03

GreatWestWay.co.uk

Don’t follow the herd.

Be Curious.

Be Responsible. #EscapeTheEveryday Follow the paths taken by generations of travellers through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns on the Great West Way touring route between London and Bristol

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Pictured Below: Blue Badge guide taking visitors on a tour of Bath and a lady visiting Newbury

DON'T FOLLOW THE HERD BE CURIOUS. BE RESPONSIBLE. WITH LOCKDOWN MEASURES being slowly and tentatively relaxed, and new safety measures introduced, we’re thrilled to see so many businesses on the Great West Way able to open their doors and welcome visitors back once more.

Tourist attractions, shops, places to stay, activities and places to eat and drink are being awarded their “We’re Good To Go” mark, a signal that they have implemented Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and have a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

However, when it comes to enjoying a day out at a popular visitor attraction, or dining in your favourite restaurant, prebooking is almost always now essential. So careful planning for your journey has therefore never felt more important.

We hope this updated Digital Special Edition of the Great West Way Travel Magazine will be your indispensable ‘go-to’ guide for planning your next Great West Way adventure. Please plan your trip carefully, check for restrictions before you travel and book in advance where necessary. Be curious, but be responsible.

And if you're not feeling ready to travel just yet, we hope you enjoy taking a virtual trip along the route (see our special page 12) - We look forward to welcoming you to #EscapeTheEveryday with a holiday on the Great West Way.

Before you start planning your next adventure along the Great West Way, make sure you Know Before You Go; please plan your trip carefully, check for restrictions before you travel and book in advance where necessary. Be curious, but be responsible.

Jessicax

Jessica Way Editor-in-Chief, Great West Way Travel Magazine Download your Great West Way map: : GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps

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Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Bradford on Avon Iford Manor Gardens

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GreatWestWay.co.uk

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We’re proud to be the Official Airport Ambassador for the Great West Way®.

Bristol Airport is the perfect place for you to start your Great West Way journey. We’re just 8 miles from Bristol city centre and 19 miles from the city of Bath.

We’ve invested £225m in developments that have transformed the airport experience and now offer more than 120 destinations to our 8.6 million loyal passengers.

www.bristolairport.co.uk

CONTENTS

2020 Annual | Edition 03

Pictured left then clockwise: Cycling through the forest with Swinley Bike Hub; Tea and cake from Teashop By The Canal and Bozedown Alpackers

DISCOVER OUR WAY

EXPLORE BY RAIL, BOAT, BIKE AND FOOT

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THE WAY FORWARD Highlights for autumn/winter and a look at what’s new on the Great West Way

THE WATERWAYS From canoeing, paddleboarding and cycling along the towpath to a enjoying a traditional cream tea

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BY TRAIN 63 TRAVEL With the GWR Great West Way Discoverer

TAKE A VIRTUAL TRIP Whether you're looking for inspiration before your trip, or you're not feeling quite ready to travel again, then let us bring the Great West Way to you!

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ENGLAND'S PRETTIEST VILLAGES The Great West Way has an array of adorable villages. We hope you enjoy our selection and are able to take time to visit them in your journey

pass you can hop off at any station along the way

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EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE The Great West Way perfectly lends itself to the outdoors lifestyle, with open spaces of stunning countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Trails, Landscapes and Wildlife Trusts →

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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Escape the everyday, discover the extraordinary.

2,000 years of history are waiting for you.

Booking essential romanbaths.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY

Contista Media Ltd Mitchell House, Brook Avenue, Warsash, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 9HP contistamedia.co.uk In association with the Great West Way.

COVER IMAGE

Totteridge Farm New adult-only Camping Pods ready for the 2021 season at Totteridge Farm, Littleworth, Pewsey, Wiltshire

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Pictured above: Bath Street Scene

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CAPTURING THE MOMENT Photographers are never short of inspiration for the perfect shot along the Great West Way. Vote for your favourite capture for your chance to win!

GARDENS 76 HIDDEN From the world famous to the well-kept secrets,

here are some gardens along the Great West Way where you won’t be able to help but stop and smell the roses

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FIT FOR ROYALTY The ancient route that inspired the Great West Way was one of King Charles I’s Great Roads, with many castles, hotels and places to visit bringing you closer to England’s royal family heritage

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EXPERIENCES AFTER DARK From stargazing to light shows, there are plenty of experiences to try even when the sun goes down YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE With a special thanks to: Bristol Airport, Canal & River Trust, GWR, and National Trust

Image copyright credits: Throughout ©GreatWestWay.co.uk / p3 ©VisitEngland/Doug Harding / p9/p10-p11 ©Royal Collection Trust/©Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II / p9/p105/p110-111 ©nicksmithphotography.com / p12 ©Isabelle Plasschaert /Alamy Stock Photo / p13 ©National Trust Images/Andrew Butler, © Douglas Harding / p26/p27/p44/p45/p62 ©Jon Attenborough Photography Ltd / p72 ©Paul Box, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum / p73-74 © Photographers listed on p74 / p75 ©Steve Russell Studios Ltd / p79 ©2015 WWT. All rights reserved / P83 ©Colin Hawkins / P103/P105 ©Casper Farrell / p117 ©VisitEngland/Iain Lewis

Follow us on Twitter @theGreatWestWay Facebook @GreatWestWay Instagram.com/GreatWestWay

Contista Media Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken prices and details are subject to change and Contista Media Ltd take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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HOTEL STAYS Many hotels across the Great West Way are ready to welcome back guests once more, and there’s an abundance of choice along the route

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DYNAMIC CITY CULTURE As everyone else heads for the countryside, dare to be different and set your sights on an unusually quiet city break instead

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TIME FOR YOU From keeping fit to taking it easy at a luxury spa, there are some excellent ways to add a wellness element to your Great West Way journey

PLUS DON’T MISS WHEN PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY

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SHOPPING GEMS

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CULINARY DELIGHTS

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WHERE TO STAY

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JOIN THE FUN! WHAT’S ON

Digital editions available at: GreatWestWay.co.uk/ digitaltravelmagazine

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MY GREAT WEST WAY Three local business owners tell us what is special to them, and what they love best about living and working on the Great West Way

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THE WAY FORWARD

A look at some of the highlights and what’s new since lockdown restrictions were lifted on the Great West Way

8-YEAR-OLD FUNDRAISING ZEBRA-LOVER, POLLY RAISES ALMOST £11K FOR NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM’S ANIMAL SUPPORT FUND

It costs £8000 a month just to feed the hundreds of animals at the zoo, and Polly Robertson, 8, wanted to help the zebra’s after she received a birthday letter from the zebra with the same name.

Polly, the Zebra sent Polly, the human, a birthday letter, when she heard that the little girl was unable to visit due to lockdown.

This prompted Polly to decide to walk 64 miles (a mile a day) during lockdown to ‘walk the distance’ from her house to raise £100 for Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm’s Animal Support Fund. Polly, who was a guest on BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show, spoke to the radio host about how she wanted to raise money to help feed the animals at Noah’s Ark. After her appearance on the show, her JustGiving page amount shot up to almost £11k, meaning that Polly had helped the zoo feed the animals for a whole month! › GreatWestWay.co.uk/plan-your-way/were-good-to-go 8

GreatWestWay.co.uk

Pictured: Noah's Ark Zoo being officially re-opened by 8 year old Polly Robertson.

Look out for the new official UK “We’re Good To Go” mark to signal that a business has implemented Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing. Many tourist attractions, shops, places to stay, activities and places to eat and drink on the Great West Way have now been awarded the mark, with many more in the process of applying.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO BE PREPARED Businesses on the Great West Way have been working hard to make sure everything is safe before opening their doors and welcoming visitors back once more. Things may look slightly different though, so please be patient as we all get used to new ways of doing things. Check for restrictions before you travel and book in advance where necessary.

PLAN YOUR TRIP Did you know?

The new £20 note launched in February features J.M.W. Turner - one of Britain’s most important artists.

Turner designed his house in Twickenham,

› If you want to visit a particular attraction, you may need to pre-book a time slot (even if you are a member).

Check online before you set off.

today a museum, and you can visit Wednesday-Sunday to enjoy the events planned in support of the new note! turnershouse.org

› When planning your trip, check that important facilities like toilets and car parks are open before you travel. › Some of the best known beauty

EXPERIENCE NEW ATTRACTIONS

spots on the Great West Way are likely to be extremely popular. Don't follow the herd - get off the beaten track and discover our hidden gems to avoid the crowds.

› Keep 1 metre + apart from anyone

outside your household – this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.

› Wear your face covering at all times ENGLISH HERITAGE’S STONEHENGE SKYSCAPE

Stonehenge Skyscape is a new virtual experience of the skies above the iconic stone circle. With the help of Skyscape, a website showing a live view, you can explore how Stonehenge related to the skies and what these celestial bodies might have meant to Neolithic people, learn about movements of the sun, moon and planets - experience a live sunrise over Stonehenge, and see the journey of the stars and the moon from within the stone circle. › english-heritage.org.uk

THE INNER HALL, WINDSOR CASTLE

Created in the 1820s by King George IV, Windsor Castle's Inner Hall, which has been closed for more than 150 years, is now open again for visitors to use as an entrance hall, just as official visitors to the Castle once did. See the State Apartments, the world's most famous dolls' house, or pause and enjoy refreshments in the new café. For guaranteed entry while capacity is reduced, please book your ticket in advance. › rct.uk

when on public transport including buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs.

› Make sure you have a bank card as many outlets are currently not accepting cash. › Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands.

› Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling.

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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MUST VISIT PRINCESS BEATRICE’S WEDDING DRESS DISPLAY AT WINDSOR CASTLE

Visitors to Windsor Castle this autumn/winter will be able to see Princess Beatrice’s wedding dress in a special display. Designed by Sir Normal Hartnell and first worn by The Queen in the 1960s, the dress was worn by Her Royal Highness for her wedding to Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on 17 July 2020.

To update a dress first worn nearly 60 years ago, Princess Beatrice made some clever alterations: sleeves were added to the straps and the fullskirted silhouette was softened to give a more contemporary, simplified shape. You’ll be able to see the dress, along with Her Royal Highness's wedding shoes, made by Valentino, and a replica bridal bouquet at the Castle until 22 November. › rct.uk/whatson

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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HOT HOTEL MONKEY ISLAND

Monkey Island Estate lies on a picturesque island in the River Thames in the historic village of Bray, Berkshire. The island has a rich history, centuries old, and has been the haunt of monarchs, aristocrats and artists, along with writers, famous performers and Berkshire locals and now is home to one of the finest hotels in Bray - and the Great West Way. Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, Monkey Island Estate remains temporarily closed until October 31st 2020. Please check their website for more details. › monkeyislandestate.co.uk

You might also enjoy: Hotel Indigo Bath: A brand new luxury 166-bedroom boutique hotel located in the centre of Bath. The designs of the stylish guest rooms and lounges has been inspired by the area’s rich architectural beauty, ready to delight guests with a true feeling of this historic neighbourhood. Hotel Indigo Bath is accepting bookings ahead of its opening September 2020. hotelindigo.com

ANNIVERSARIES AND EVENTS TO CELEBRATE ON THE GREAT WEST WAY

HOBBS OF HENLEY CELEBRATES 150 YEARS! Enjoy an adventure on the Thames in 2020 with this family boating business and celebrate their 150th anniversary. To mark the occassion Hobbs of Henley have also launched their very own Gin 'Mr Hobbs'- a nod to their founding father Harry Hobbs who established their family business in 1870. So don't miss a sip or two of their cherished family tipple too! › hobbsofhenley.com

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900TH ANNIVERSARY OF READING ABBEY

2021 is the 900th anniversary of the foundation of Reading Abbey by King Henry I in 1121.

To celebrate there will be an exciting mix of arts, culture and heritage events across the town including the 2021 Reading Water Fest, taking place across the weekend of the 19th/20th June. Many of Reading's talented local arts and community groups will also be featured. › readingabbeyquarter.org.uk

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BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN'S BIG YEAR!

The world’s first great ocean line and the most experimental steam ship of her time, SS Great Britain in Bristol, celebrates two big anniversaries in 2020; 50 years since her epic salvage and homecoming; and 175 years since arriving in New York City, becoming the largest and most-efficient ship (at the time), and being greeted by crowds of New Yorkers. › ssgreatbritain.org

Don't miss! We hope you will notice our new welcome town signs on your Great West Way journey installed in the historic market town of Hungerford, famous for its antique shops. Make time to visit and take a boat trip onboard MV Rose of Hungerford from the Wharf, stop for coffee and cake at the Tutti Pole, or join one of the expert-led walks. › hungerford.co.uk

THE NATIONAL TRUST ARE 'GOOD TO GO'

Pictured above: National Trust's Runnymede and Ankerwycke, near Old Windsor; Pictured right: Dyrham Park, near the village of Dyrham in South Gloucestershire

Following lockdown restrictions being gently eased, more than 135 gardens and parklands have opened again, including Tyntesfield, Dyrham Park, Prior Park Landscape Garden, and Lacock, along with many many cafés and shops - but you’ll need to book your visit in advance, including some car parks.​ 2020 also marks the 125th anniversary of the National Trust and to celebrate this special birthday year, you might like to visit some of the properties and gardens along the Great West Way throughout the Thames Valley, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. Find everything you need to know about how to book and what to expect from your visit online: › GreatWestWay.co.uk/national-trust

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Scale the rigging, clamber through the cabins and dive under the glass sea to marvel at the ship from below.

For the best ticket prices, book online:

ssgreatbritain.org

TAKE A VIRTUAL TRIP

If you are looking for inspiration before planning your trip, or you're just not feeling quite ready to travel again, then sit back and enjoy these virtual tours - letting us bring the Great West Way to you!

Words: Samantha Rutherford

CLICK HERE

to step aboard the stunning SS Great Britain, Bristol with a virtual tour of the famous ship

BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN GreatWestWay.co.uk

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THERMAE BATH SPA 16

CLICK HERE

to take a virtual tour of the stunning rooftop spa at Thermae Bath Spa, Bath

CLICK HERE

to explore inside We the Curious museum, Bristol with this fabulous virtual tour

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GreatWestWay.co.uk

WE THE CURIOUS

CLICK HERE

WESTONBIRT ARBORETUM

to find out all you need to know about visiting this magical tree garden in Gloucestershire GreatWestWay.co.uk

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THE COTSWOLD WATER PARK

CLICK HERE

to take to the water for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and water skiing!

CLICK HERE

for a virtual tour of Hampton Court Palace, a Tudor treasure built to house monarchs

HAMPTON COURT PALACE GreatWestWay.co.uk

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CLICK HERE

to discover lots of fun activities and videos and for a virtual tour of Aerospace Bristol 22

AEROSPACE BRISTOL

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CLICK HERE

to float up, up and away over Bath and the stunning surrounding countryside!

BAILEY BALLOONS 24

GreatWestWay.co.uk

READING ABBEY REVEALED

CLICK HERE

to join over 18,000 people attending the reopening festival of Reading Abbey.

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE 26

CLICK HERE

for virtual video tours, educational resources and creative challenges

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GET ON BOARD

TAKE OFF ON A SUPERSONIC FAMILY DAY OUT

aerospacebristol.org

TripAdvisor

CERTIFICATE of

Bristol Aero Collection Trust: charity no. 1010632

EXCELLENCE

CLICK HERE

to see the stunning interior of Bristol Cathedral with a 360° virtual tour

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL GreatWestWay.co.uk

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CLICK HERE

WINDSOR

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GreatWestWay.co.uk

to learn more about visiting the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead for a day out

ONLINE | MOBILE | IN-STORE

Celebrating a special occasion on your jourey? Mark the moment with a

Wylde Flower Diamond #WYLDEMOMENTS

Q E D A nicholaswylde.com

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CLICK HERE

to learn more about the Roman Baths and Pump Room with this informative virtual tour

THE ROMAN BATHS 33

CLICK HERE

to browse a worldclass collection of contemporary and historic dress at the Bath Fashion Museum

BATH FASHION MUSEUM 34

GreatWestWay.co.uk

IFORD MANOR

CLICK HERE

to visit Iford Manor, internationally renowned gardens, with a virtual tour by the owner

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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CAEN HILL LOCKS

CLICK HERE

to experience what it's like to travel through one of the locks at Caen Hill near Devizes 36

GreatWestWay.co.uk

CASTLE COMBE CIRCUIT

CLICK HERE

to explore the racing circuit at the West Country's Home of Motorsport, Castle Combe Circuit

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK 38

WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE GREAT WEST WAY

CLICK HERE

to meet the animals with Longleat's 3 part virtual safari tour narrated by Kate Humble!

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WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE GREAT WEST WAY

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GreatWestWay.co.uk

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL

CLICK HERE

to explore this stunning building with a virtual tour of their new Spirit and Endeavour exhibition GreatWestWay.co.uk

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WITHIN EASY REACH OF THE GREAT WEST WAY

BLENHEIM PALACE 42

CLICK HERE

to explore Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, a masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture

WINDSOR CASTLE CLICK HERE

to step inside the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years!

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YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY VIDEOS & MULTIMEDIA

› Keeping busy at home with Wiltshire Museum's new At Home programme featuring do-it-yourself craft activities, learning resources for kids, stories about intriguing objects from their collections, interesting documents from the libraries and more: www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/donations/at-home/ › Take a Google Street View tour of the Roman Baths: www.romanbaths.co.uk/walkthrough Or have a go at these online games: www.romanbaths.co.uk/online-games

› Test your fashion knowledge with the Fashion Museum and Assembly Rooms online quiz: www.fashionmuseum. co.uk/quiz and download some children's activities: www.fashionmuseum.co.uk/childrens-page › Keep an eye on the Youtube account for The Pounds Art Centre, where they post videos of performances, readings and more: www.youtube.com/user/PoundArts/videos

› Pop in to virtual pub The Henry, launched by the wonderful people at Wadworth Brewery, for live music, pub quizzes and more: www.facebook.com/groups/thehenry/about/ › For any foodies out there, you can now book a virtual food tour of Bath to enjoy from your own home thanks to Savouring Bath. You can even purchase a box of tasty samples to eat during the tour, which will be delivered to your door: www.savouringbath.com/tours/virtual-food-heroes Enjoy a live view of the ancient standing stones at Stonehenge with their Stonehenge Skyscape tool.

Watch the sun rise and set and experience the atmosphere and mystery of the iconic stone circle. www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/ things-to-do/stone-circle/skyscape/ Admire the wonderful views from the hillfort at Old Sarum (the site of the original Salisbury Cathedral) with a 'Postcard from Old Sarum' from English Heritage. www.youtube.com/ watch?v=QhCZM9kXx8k&feature=youtu.be

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MADE OF ENGLAND

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E ST WAY

Wiltshire is rolling green downs, ancient woodlands and bustling market towns.

It’s parish churches, grand historic houses and country inns.

Timeless monuments and contemporary luxury.

Local ales and picnics in the park.

The England you love in one County Visit Wiltshire, at the heart of the Great West Way.

#EscapeTheEveryday

It’s Time for Wiltshire www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

ENGLAND'S PRETTIEST VILLAGES

As well as its colourful cities and towns, the Great West Way is remarkable for its array of adorable villages. We hope you enjoy our selection here - and are able to take time to visit them in your journey Words: Samantha Rutherford

LACOCK

You’ll find this National Trust village - a film set for Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - just a few miles south of Chippenham. It’s been so beautifully preserved that it feels like a living

museum. Its medieval streets are lined with charming stone cottages, and there’s a Tithe Barn and traditional bakery too. Stop and peer in the windows at 2 High Street. If you thought the UK’s buzzing coffee culture was something new, think again! Although

the old shop window now replicates a local store at the beginning of the 20thcentury, it was previously a busy coffee tavern. Other attractions in the village include Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum - the birthplace of photography.

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THE COOKHAMS

Cookham, Cookham Rise and Cookham Dean are referred to locally as ‘The Cookhams’.

Although Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic, The Wind in the Willows, was mainly a product of the author’s imagination, the sleepy riverside village of Cookham Dean, where he lived as a boy, may well have inspired

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him. (Try the National Trust’s 3-mile Wind in the Willows walk.) In fact these wellheeled Berkshire villages by The Thames have attracted plenty of creative residents over the years, including artist Sir Stanley Spencer and actress Jessica Brown Findlay - Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey.

AVEBURY

Museums, 16th century manor houses, megalithic stone circles, some villages have it all. As home to the largest stone circle in the world, some of Avebury village lies within the stones.

Go on one of the National Trust’s regular guided tours to find out more about all the strange sarsens and burial mounds around you.

Make sure you check out Avebury Manor, too, and the Alexander Keiller Museum, which shines a light on the many archaeological finds from the area. Follow up with a cream tea in one of the cafés, and maybe even stay the night in a cosy B&B so you can capture that misty, mysterious morning view on camera.

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PEWSEY

Pewsey is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the ancient landscape of the Great West Way. The characterful village even has its own chalky White Horse,

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just a mile or so south of the village. It’s also an excellent launchpad for some great walks, (visitpewseyvale. co.uk/things-to-do) as well as bike rides along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all sleepy and rural here - the Pewsey Vale is known for its Carnival every September and top country pubs, many offering accommodation.

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Hungerford The Heart of the North Wessex Downs

History, culture, scenic walks, antiques, shopping, pubs and restaurants.

For a wonderful day out, Hungerford has something for everyone.

www.visithungerford.com

RAMSBURY

Historic Ramsbury is just a quick jaunt east from Marlborough. The Bell, a 300-year-old coaching inn, was awarded Pub of the Year 2017-18, with a restaurant that’s as well-regarded as its comfortable rooms. If you enjoy a tipple, take one of the Ramsbury Estate’s guided distillery or brewery tours - they make their own gin, vodka and beer with chalk-filtered water.

Try Honey Bee Nectar, a golden pale ale produced in cooperation with North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - except for the hops, all the beer's ingredients come from within the AONB. When you’ve had your fill of food and drink, explore the village’s rich heritage which goes all the way back to the Saxons. The magnificent mosaics at Littlecote Roman Villa are a must-see.

GreatWestWay.co.uk

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STEEPLE ASHTON

House to more humble cottages.

Steeple Ashton is a In the former School House quintessential West Country is the Village Community Village, offering visitors an Shop, staffed by local opportunity to marvel at volunteers. Inside there is its historic architecture set a coffee shop which acts amidst beautiful Wiltshire as a hub for locals, visitors, countryside. There is also walkers and cyclists www. a warm welcome and steepleashtonvilageshop. refreshment to be enjoyed at co.uk and on Facebook. the Village Shop and at The The surrounding Longs Arms public house. countryside offers scenic Starting life as a manorial walks to destinations such as Village in the 9th Century, Luffenham Field, conserved in 1266 a Royal charter was for public access by The granted for the holding of a Friends of Steeple Ashton. weekly market and an annual Keevil Airfield is also nearby, fair. By 1420 the village still in use for military training had become a prosperous after serving in World War 2 settlement profiting from as a fighter and glider base for the local cloth industry, American and British forces able to initiate the building as well as the assembly of of a magnificent Church Spitfire fighters. Guides to the which survives to this day village and for local walks can - despite ravages inflicted be purchased at the Village by the English Civil War and Shop. lightning strikes.

Explore at leisure from At the centre of the Village Coachmans Self-Catering is the green with its lock-up Holiday Cottage, an idyllic gaol and market cross. A ground floor 2 bedroom variety of architectural styles retreat for 2-3 guests at spanning 700 years can be the heart of the village. (Tel seen nearby, from the Manor 01380 870764).

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PLUS DON'T MISS! Travelling the Great West Way is all about discovering the real England, and alongside the picturesque sights and seasonal events there are all sorts of quirky customs and traditional events that you can discover in this vibrant swathe of England too!

Wassailing

An ancient pagan celebration performed in January to encourage fruit trees to give a healthy harvest.

This ancient tradition still takes place in certain village orchards, particularly in cider producing country - and there is plenty of cider country along the Great West Way!

Morris Men

Morris Men are one of the most well known of England's ancient traditions. Troupes of Morris Men dress in white with bells and ribbons and dance traditional dances together, with much slapping of knees and hitting of sticks! You'll likely see Morris Men at local fairs and festivals taking place along the Great West Way - a reminder that you're undoubtedly in England.

Hocktide

The charming Berkshire market town of Hungerford is reputed to be the only place in England where locals still dress up to celebrate the medieval festival of Hocktide. The residents of Hungerford throw themselves into the many customs surrounding Hocktide, which takes place annually after Easter, including dressing up, decorating their houses, welcoming the 'Tutti Men' and exchanging oranges and kisses.

Swan Upping

In Windsor, the ancient custom of 'Swan Upping' takes place in July each year, with uniformed 'Royal Swan Uppers' travelling in traditional rowing skiffs on the Thames to assess the health of the local mute swans, which are by tradition the property of the British monarch.

Oxford Traditions

Within easy reach of the Great West Way is the university city of Oxford, which has a whole host of quirky customs and traditions of its own, including penny throwing, May day singing, and boat burning.

Don't forget to tag #GreatWestWay so we can see your pictures!

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THE WATERWAYS

Relax with a gentle stroll and traditional cream tea, or for the more active there’s an amazing variety of activities, from canoeing and kayaking to paddleboarding or cycling along the towpaths

Words: Charlotte White

T

HE RIVER THAMES and the Kennet & Avon Canal meander their way through the heart of the Great West Way route from London all the way to Bristol, connecting at Reading.

Passing through towns and cities, the waterways offer tranquil spaces in urban areas, as well as stopping-off points to discover England’s heritage. The more rural sections offer a wealth of wildlife and natural beauty and along their lengths is living history. The waterways have also inspired festivals and regattas through the ages.

KENNET & AVON CANAL

What do you love about autumn? The glow of leaves and their crunch underfoot?

The romanticism of misty landscapes and jewel-like berries that punctuate the hedgerows?

You can find these and so much more along the beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal.

Autumn is a terrific time for foraging for blackberries, elderberries and sloes and for the more adventurous, why not collect some rose hips to make teas, jams and jellies.

As temperatures drop the canal is a great time to see birds on the move. The hedgerows will start to empty as birds such as warblers leave for warmer climes. It won’t be long before fieldfare and redwing move in joined by greater numbers of more common species – blackbird, robin and bullfinch.

Sparser winter vegetation makes it easier to spot deer and if you’re out at dusk you may even see a fox. →

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Take your time on the Kennet & Avon Canal

Bewick and whooper swans are also winter visitors and will gather in impressive flocks over the cold months.

Undoubtedly spending time by our waterways keeps us mentally and physically well during these uncertain times.

You needn’t worry about visiting as we are supporting the national effort to keep everyone Covid-safe.

We continually review and update the situation in line with government guidance. Just please remember to keep socially distanced from other towpath users and boaters.

The 87-mile long Kennet & Avon Canal is in fact the River Kennet and the River Avon, linked by a central canal section built in the Georgian period. Created originally as a trading link between London and the west coast, it is a masterpiece of engineering with 104 wide beam locks, including the second longest continuous series of locks in the country at Caen Hill, Devizes.

Despite this, the canal fell into obscurity and disrepair, and was almost lost to the nation with competition from the newly built railways. It took a passionate band of dedicated volunteers to restore the waterway which is now open for everyone to enjoy.

The Kennet & Avon Canal is a great way to travel the

route, with time to take in some magnificent sites (and sights) from the Crofton Pumping Station to a World Heritage Site and historic battlefield - not to mention 21 conservation sites, 14 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and many spectacular landscapes including Wiltshire and (just a short detour off the route) the Northern Cotswolds.

The canal has awesome examples of canal engineering too. The 16 locks of the steepest part of the flight at Caen Hill are not only a scheduled ancient monument, they are an Olympic-sized challenge for every boater – so remember to take a snack with you, as it will take 5-6 hours to pass through the locks. One of the most impressive structures on Britain's waterways, the Avoncliff Aqueduct at over 100 metres long and 18 metres wide, carries the Kennet & Avon Canal over the River Avon. Cycle just over 2.5 miles (4k) up the towpath and visit the equally magnificent Dundas Aqueduct, opened in 1805 - both were built by the architect and engineer, John Rennie. Or you could walk the other way along the towpath, passing the Barton Farm Country Park and you easily reach the bigger market town of Bradford on Avon. →

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THE RIVER THAMES

The Thames is the longest river in England with 45 locks.

It boasts three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the only river in Europe with a national trail, The Thames Path, along its entire length. Starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds, the River Thames travels over 210 miles through the heart of some of England’s loveliest towns. The Thames offers an excellent array of riverside locations to stay and play. It curves past some of the most significant sites in history including Runnymede where Magna Carta was sealed, the Royal Palaces at Windsor and Hampton Court, and the Parliament buildings at Westminster. It carried the bodies of Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I to their final resting places. While a flotilla, led by the Havengore vessel, carried Winston Churchill’s coffin up the Thames to Temple Pier, on the first stage of his journey to Bladon near Blenheim Palace, his final resting place. →

SOME TOWNS TO VISIT ALONG THE ROUTE îBradford on Avon

This town offers a rare combination of river, canal and architecture from the Romans, Saxons, Normans, Georgians and Victorians, who have all left their mark.

Bradford-on-Avon Wharf is a Trip Advisor Traveller’s Choice Winner for receiving consistently great reviews from travellers.

Don’t miss The Bridge Tea Rooms, a double winner of the UK Tea Guild's 'Top Tea Place', step into the newly refurbished canal-side pub, the Canal Tavern, or board the MV Barbara McLellan for a sightseeing boat trip.

îHenley on Thames

Discover the history of Henley, rowing and the Thames at the River & Rowing Museum, then join a sightseeing cruise along the Thames with Hobbs of Henley.

Head out of Henley (5.4miles/8.7kms) to Stonor Park, dating back to the 12th century and take a tour inside and walk through the gardens.

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îReading

From boat trips along the Thames to its historic Reading Abbey Quarter which covers the former precinct of one of Europe's largest royal monasteries. Visit one of the town's free museums, the Reading Museum or The Museum of English Rural Life, also known as the MERL, before enjoying its great shopping area and evening entertainment.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY Bristol Packet Boats Hear about the origins of the Floating Harbour and Brunel's famous Bridge as you cruise underneath on an Avon Gorge Cruise in Bristol, along the River Avon.

French Brothers Celebrate a special occasion with a luxury cream tea cruise on board a beautiful genuine steamboat.

Henley Rowing Association For a unique experience on the Thames in Henley book a Champagne Rowing Taster Session designed for ladies who lunch!

Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal Take a trip on the Kenavon Venture, a wide beam boat, from The Wharf in Devizes, or The Jubilee, a traditional narrowboat, from the Wharf in Newbury, or the Rose of Hungerford trip boat from Hungerford.

Salter's Steamers For an unforgettable experience while in Oxford try an afternoon of punting on the River Thames.

Thames Rivercruise Sit and relax as beautiful scenery glides by on a cruise along England’s greatest river.

Explore Bristol by Boat!

Hop aboard our daily waterbus service or hire out any of our boats for educational tours, boat parties and much more! bristolferry.com • 0117 927 3416 • @BristolFerry

Majestic Marlborough

visitmarlborough

The ancient market town that packs a postcard-perfect punch www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

Roseate Hotels & Resorts, the uber luxury hospitality brand offers a new spectrum of hospitality with well-appointed luxury rooms & suites, world-class Aheli Spa and unique dining experiences at the European-cuisine inspired fine dining restaurant ‘The Hyde’ (Roseate House London), the award-winning restaurant ‘Cerise’ & in house patisserie and boulangerie ‘Roasted by Roseate’(The Roseate Reading), opulent dining

Image: The Roseate Villa, Bath,

space ‘Henrietta Bar’ (The Roseate Villa Bath).

Some pictures have been taken pre-coronavirus, please wear a face covering when travelling on public transport.

R O S E A T E H O T E L S . C O M | +44 20 7479 6600 | #ROSEAT E H O T E L S | info.rhl@roseatehotels.com

TRAVEL BY TRAIN

With the GWR Great West Way Discoverer pass you can hop on and off at any station around the route - Reading, Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa, or London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central Words: Jane Freeman

A

H, THE ROMANCE OF THE RAILWAY. The sound of the whistle that announces the train’s departure, the clackclack rhythm of the rails as they pass beneath the wheels, and the everchanging view that passes by the window. Settling in to a railway carriage is a treat – one that heralds adventure and can be accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or a cooling bottle of beer, no driving required.

Seeing the Great West Way by train means becoming a part of its history. Trains have chugged and steamed along this route for over 175 years, bringing produce to market and business to towns, holidaymakers to the countryside and rural folk to the capital.

Join the story of England’s railways on a journey along the Great West Way with the GWR Great West Way Discoverer Pass.

The Discoverer pass makes travelling the route easy and hassle free. It includes unlimited off-peak train travel from London Paddington/Waterloo along the

route to Bristol Temple Meads via Reading and/or Basingstoke circular routes with options to branch off towards Oxford and Kemble (bus only). It also includes unlimited travel on the bus services along the route.

THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY One of England’s great long-distance railway lines, the Great Western Railway runs along the full distance of the Great West Way – from London’s Paddington station to Bristol Temple Meads. It’s chief engineer was Isambard Kingdom Brunel and you’ll travel the course he plotted back in the 1830s, including his Box Tunnel, infamously said to be impossible to build. Before he built it.

In one go, the journey takes just 1 hour 40 minutes, but stopping en route to explore the Great West Way is far more fun. First stop is Reading, for a cruise on the River Thames, a stroll through Caversham Court Gardens and the chance to watch a professional football match at Reading FC’s Majedski Stadium. Next stop is Swindon, →

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There are three Great West Way Discoverer routes available, (East, West or all) giving you the opportunity to explore your chosen area in one-day instalments or over the duration of a week. The Discoverer pass allows you to travel flexibly. If you know what trains you'll be aiming for, reservations on particular services can also be made in advance.

Book online at gwr.com, prices from just £24.

Visiting from overseas?

Three-day or seven-day international passes can be purchased (costing £98 /£129 respectively for adults) online at ACPRail.com

home to STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway. Here you’ll see famous locomotives from throughout the railway’s history, drive a train simulator and work the signals in the interactive GWR signal box. Right next door is the McArthurGlen outlet shopping village, where more than 100 brands are on sale at up to 60% off.

Armed with your new skills – and perhaps a souvenir or three to take home – head next to Chippenham, a historic market town in the rural county of Wiltshire. On the banks of the River Avon, Chippenham is a flourishing small town, with an enticing market to explore on Fridays and Saturdays on the High Street and plenty of proper English pubs.

It’s just 15 minutes by bus from here to Lacock, seen on screen more often than Judi Dench. This picturesque village has been the backdrop to film and TV titles such as Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey – see if you recognise Lacock Abbey and the High Street from your favourite scenes.

Your final calling point en route to Bristol is the beautiful city of Bath. You’ll want plenty of time here, for a stroll past honey-hued Georgian buildings and a dip in the natural hot springs that bubble up from the ground.

Don’t miss the original Roman Baths, too, not to mention the Jane Austen Centre, where afternoon tea is served Regency style.

The Great Western Railway ends in Bristol, a vibrant

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city where you can climb aboard the last Concorde ever made (built right here in Bristol) at Aerospace Bristol, and clamber up the rigging of one of Brunel’s other famous creations, the SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. SS Great Britain celebrates two big anniversaries in 2020; 50 years since her epic salvage and homecoming; and 175 years since arriving in New York City.

Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge is here too, beckoning you on along the River Avon and out to Avon Gorge.

Set foot atop this world-famous bridge and quietly thank Brunel for the journey he made possible – along the Great West Way by rail.

EXPLORE TOWNS AND VILLAGES AT YOUR LEISURE The Great Western Railway is far from just one main line. Take an alternative rail journey and you can get off the beaten track and out into more rural areas. Consider returning to London via a different route, taking the train from Bath to Bradford on Avon for example.

This glorious small town sits on the edge of The Cotswolds and straddles the River Avon. Cross the waters in ancient footsteps, on the 13th-century town bridge, and stand dwarfed in the 14th-century Tithe Barn, its lattice of timbers soaring for over 50 metres far above your head.

Change at Westbury and head east for Bedwyn, where you can disembark for a stroll along the water’s edge on

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN When travelling by train try to go at quieter times, carry hand sanitiser with you and wash your hands before and after your journey, and please remember that you must now wear a face covering. Tickets for the Great Western Railway can be bought from ticket offices at stations along the route but to avoid any queues we recommend buying in advance.

Stay alert, and travel safely.

For more info go to gwr.com/safety

the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal, which runs from Bristol all the way to Reading. After just over two miles you’ll encounter a surprise – the world’s oldest steam-operated beam engines. The Crofton Beam Engines are fed by a handstoked coal-fired boiler and are still capable of doing the same job they were designed to do more than 200 years ago – pumping water up to the highest point of the canal.

Back on the railway there are two other stops worth making en route to Reading – at Hungerford and Newbury.

You’re travelling through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty here so press that nose up against the window and pick out the perfect place for a stroll. There are several short loop walks from Hungerford (an ancient town also known for its antique shops) or you could walk the nine miles to Newbury along the canal.

Once you’re in Newbury you could stop for a flutter – there’s a world-class racecourse here. While closer to London, trains between Reading and London Paddington call at Twyford, where you can change onto the line to Henley-on-Thames, home to the famous regatta and plenty of messing about in boats.

Trains also call at Slough, where you can catch a train to Windsor to poke your head into the State Rooms of the Queen’s favourite castle.

RIDE THE RAILS OF THE HERITAGE STEAM RAILWAYS Savour the unmistakable sights, sounds and smells of steam at the Didcot Railway Centre, as you relive the golden age of the famous Great Western Railway. Find the entrance through the ticket hall and original steam age subway of Didcot Parkway railway station. Just outside Bristol is the Avon Valley Railway, where you can ride three miles of preserved track from the Victorian Bitton station through the valley, listening to the puff and whistle of the steam train. Reach Bitton by taking the Great Western Railway from Bristol to Keynsham and following the brown signs on foot for 1.5 miles. Near Swindon you’ll see the steam of the

Swindon & Cricklade Railway rising above the Taw Valley.

Ride the rails for more than two miles from Taw Valley Halt to Blunsdon on a heritage steam train. You’ll need to take a bus to get here, the number 15 from the centre of Swindon stops at the Tawny Owl pub, close to Taw Valley Halt.

Did you know?

There are 200 bus routes along the Great West Way to help you complete your journey - Visit your nearest bus station and/or tourist information

JOURNEY TIMES BY RAIL Based on average journey times: London Paddington to Bristol î1hr 40 mins London Paddington to Bath Spa î1 hour 11 minutes London Paddington to Heathrow î35 mins Reading to London Paddington (via Slough) î30 mins Bristol to Bath î11mins Bath to Salisbury î55mins Salisbury to Stonehenge î33mins (bus) Salisbury to Swindon (via Melksham) î90mins Swindon to Reading î30mins Reading to Windsor (via Slough) î35mins

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EXPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE The Great West Way perfectly lends itself to the outdoors lifestyle, with open spaces of stunning countryside, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and links to National Trails Words: Samantha Colbourne

Pictured leftright: Couple walking their dogs in Avebury; Cycling in the North Wessex Downs

T

HE GREAT WEST WAY OFFERS a curated touring route comprised of road, rail and water links between London and Bristol. Direct it runs 125 miles - but if you include all the off-the-beaten track walking and bike trails and other tempting detours then there’s over 500 miles to explore. So where to begin?

Pick a starting point - any starting point - and that in itself may uncover new realms of possibility. This route is all about finding your own way. Embracing the unknown and being open to whatever crosses your path.

Enjoy some of England's best national trails, three areas of outstanding natural beauty, winding waterways, and beautiful views. Feel inspired to enjoy some of England's finest landscapes, breathe fresh air, relax and enjoy the sights along the way.

And exploring the Great West Way by foot or bike, you will never be far from a pub or café along the route for lunch, afternoon tea or a refreshing drink at the end of your day. Find time to explore and unwind without the need of your car or public transport.

NATIONAL TRAILS

If walking or cycling in nature, exploring the roads and paths less travelled, finding hidden gems and a host of native wildlife is your idea of the perfect short break, then why not plan a walking road trip down the Great West Way over the course of several days?

There are a host of fantastic accommodation options along the route, from bed and breakfasts in quintessential villages and rental options in quaint cottages, to luxury hotels in grand houses. Find inspiration from our Where to Stay article p78, or you can find everything you need at GreatWestWay.co.uk/stay

Your adventure might take you through one of the three National Trails that cross the Great West Way, perfect for day trips or for longer holidays. You might enjoy a river walk along some of the 184 miles of Thames Path National Trail passing Windsor Castle. This trail is mostly flat and relatively gentle with water meadows, sleepy riverside villages and nature reserves interspersed with historic market towns. The Ridgeway National Trail is an 87-mile National Trail follows Britain’s oldest road, a route that’s been walked by travellers since prehistoric times. It passes through the North Wessex Downs and the Chilterns. Along the way you’ll glimpse remnants of the Iron, Bronze and Stone Ages, passing stone circles, white horses and ancient woodlands. If it's picturesque villages you are searching for then you can't beat The Cotswold Way National Trail offering just over 100 miles of magical walking, with long distance views from the Cotswold escarpment, and journeys past famous ancient sites. →

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connect to The Stonehenge Tour from don Salisbury railway station regularly from Lon

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thestonehengetour.info

Avebury and Stonehenge Private Guided Tours Wiltshire’s wonderful countryside, full of internationally important monuments, is a very special place to visit

Find out more online or call Laurence

oldburytours.co.uk | +44 (0)7947 488665

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sourced. At Cherhill there’s the white horse on Calstone and Cherhill Downs. North of Chippenham discover Sutton Lane Meadows, an unspoilt natural wildflower meadow which blooms in May and June. → GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps There’s nothing like a good map 125 to make you feel like a true adventurer.

With 125 miles of twists and HERE. START START HERE. turns and new discoveries along the Great West Way our map will help you plan your journey, and also includes 125 great things to do!

Of course, while these maps will steer you towards incredible attractions, beautiful landscapes and top places to stay, eat and drink, please wander off course and find things to see and do that are not marked on our maps. This dreamy part of England is set up for surprising discoveries.

12. Learn the ropes on a rock-climbing lesson at the high limestone cliffs of Avon Gorge. There are 750 climbing routes here, some of them so physically and mentally challenging that they’ve only been climbed once. GRID REF: A4

GRID REF: K3

11. Poke your nose into the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle at Windsor Castle, the home of the Queen – and said to be her favourite castle.

GRID REF: B4

10. Run a bath with naturally hot thermal waters at The Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel, where selected rooms are plumbed directly into Bath’s thermal waters.

9. Check out the world’s oldest pot plant, a prickly cycad that lives at Kew Gardens and was planted in 1775. GRID REF: L3

Bristol and Bath. GRID REF: A4

24. Sail up into the sky in a hot air balloon at Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta every August.

You needn’t wait for the fiesta though, Bailey Balloons offer flights all year round above both

23. Settle in for a traditional afternoon tea, served on a tiered stand in the restaurant of one of England’s finest country hotels. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa (B4), Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa (C3) and Cricklade House Hotel (E2) are all much-loved for their afternoon teas – which can be served with Champagne.

22. Ride the rails of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s (arguably) greatest achievement, the Great Western Railway from London to Bristol. GRID REF: A4

(September). GRID REF: B4

7. See where the earliest surviving photographic negative was taken, by Henry Fox Talbot in 1835 at Lacock Abbey. GRID REF: C4

GRID REF: K4

8. Climb the rigging of a Victorian ship, the SS Great Britain and reach heights of more than 25 metres above Bristol Harbour! If you’re feeling really brave you can even walk out along the main yard. GRID REF: A4

GRID REF: A4

6. Feast in one of the world’s best restaurants, the three Michelin star Fat Duck in Bray, where chef Heston Blumenthal takes guests on a sensory journey – all the way to the seaside. GRID REF: J3

5. Wave to the Queen as she rides in the daily Royal Procession at world-famous horseracing event Royal Ascot (four days every June). GRID REF: J4

4. Count the deer in Richmond Park (hint: there are hundreds!). GRID REF: L3

3. Fly down mountain biking trails that weave through ancient woodland in Swinley Forest. The 13km Red route is not for the faint-hearted – expect jumps, drops and twists all the way. GRID REF: J4

2. Soak in the UK’s only natural hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa – home to a rooftop al fresco pool with views over the city’s ancient rooftops. GRID REF: B4

GRID REF: E4

1. Sit in the Devil’s Chair – a natural seat sculpted in stone at Europe’s largest stone circle, Avebury.

21. Dress like Jane Austen, bonnet and all, and dance the night away at the Regency Costumed Masked Ball in Bath, part of the annual Jane Austen Festival

of 20. Have a “meet and greet” with a red panda, one several behind the scenes experiences at Bristol Zoo.

the 19. Mount your steed and thwack a polo ball across lawn on a half-day polo masterclass at Coworth Park.

GRID REF: J3

18. Swim in the pool that plunged the UK into chaos at Cliveden – backdrop to the infamous Profumo Affair.

17. Escape to an English country garden at The Bath Priory hotel, where dinner is taken overlooking the kitchen garden and your bedroom is named after a flower. GRID REF: B4

GRID REF: D2

16. Waterski on a private lake at Cotswold Water Park.

14. Soar like a bird above the Wiltshire Downs on a paragliding lesson. GRID REF: E4 15. Stand on the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, K4 on the banks of the Thames at Runnymede. GRID REF:

market town of Devizes. GRID REF: D4

13. Test your muscle power on a narrow boating journey up one of the longest continuous flights of locks in England. You’ll rise 72 metres (237ft) in just two miles at Caen Hill lock flight en route to the

is a classical masterpiece. GRID REF: B4

37. Shop while walking on water at Pulteney Bridge in Bath. This gorgeous Georgian bridge is one of only four worldwide to have shops lining both sides and

GRID REF: H3

36. Join the party at one of England’s biggest and best-loved music festivals, Reading Festival (August).

GRID REF: K3

35. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle.

GRID REF: B4

34. Sniff out the best cheeses at Winston Churchill’s favourite cheesemonger Paxton & Whitfield in Bath.

GRID REF: G3

33. Taste local brew Good Old Boy in the Taproom of the brewery that crafted it, West Berkshire Brewery.

31. Ride a steam train kept alive and running by volunteers, at Avon Valley Railway. GRID REF: B4 32. Lose yourself in the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace. GRID REF: L4

extensive farm shop.

30. Go organic with food from the farm at Helen Browning’s Royal Oak (E3), where portions are generous and as much as possible is home-grown.

You can visit the farm too, and buy delicious bacon and sausages to take away. Also in Wiltshire you’ll find Buttle Farm (D4), where you can buy pork and charcuterie, and Roves Farm (E3), home to an

28. Get confetti in your hair at the utterly unique Devizes Confetti Battle (August). GRID REF: D4 29. Visit the Wiltshire white horses, carved by local people into chalky hillsides around the county. There the are eight that can be seen today including two in unspoiled countryside of beautiful Pewsey Vale, and some are as old as 300 years! GRID REF: E4

LEGO bricks at LEGOLAND. GRID REF: K3

26. Take the wheel of a Formula Ford 1600 or Lotus Elise C3 on a lap of Castle Combe Motor Racing Circuit. GRID REF: 27. Find out just what you can build with 42 million

25. Gawp at the super-elite school that educated Princes William and Harry – as well as 19 British Prime Ministers. The tour of Eton College includes the School Yard and College Chapel. GRID REF: K3

GRID REF: C4

49. Discover the gardens of legendary landscape gardener ‘Capability’ Brown at Elizabethan mansion house Corsham Court. There’s a glorious one-mile Great Walk planted with cedars and planes, a Gothic bath house and a ha ha to keep the deer out without spoiling the view.

48. Follow in Poldark’s footsteps on a stroll along Corsham’s gorgeous honey-stoned High Street – it appeared on screen as eighteenth century Truro in the BBC drama. GRID REF: C4

81. Eat international street food in the heart o The street food market runs year-round on Tue and Fridays on Wine Street and has everything Indonesian street food and vegan Thai snacks t cooked doughnuts and Tibetan dumplings. GRI GRID REF: B4

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79. Stroll through a “living work of art” at Stour of England’s greatest landscape gardens. The be to visit is the autumn, when the trees turn gold at any time of the year you can seek out the cla temple above the lake – a great shot for your In

78. Drink English wine direct from the vineyard a award winning Alder Ridge Vineyard (F4) or Aldw in Bristol (A4). English sparkling wine is getting es popular so be sure to give it a try.

77. Step into the 1930s at the Atwell-Wilson M Museum in Calne, where a 1930s garage has b reconstructed and filled with classic cars. GRID of the town’s old gallows. GRID REF: D4

76. Seek out ghosts on a creepy walk around the town of Devizes with local historian John Girvan.

Devizes Ghost Walk has been terrifying children a alike for more than 20 years and includes a trip to

75. Attend the weekly mass at Stonor Chapel, bui late thirteenth century on the site of a prehistoric circle and resolutely Catholic ever since. GRID REF: H

74. Get eyeball to eyeball with some very cheeky monkeys at Longleat Safari Park – as you drive thr their habitat expect them to clamber onto your ca possibly to take some of it with them! GRID REF: C5 every July. GRID REF: A3

73. Spot a Banksy – an artwork by the anonymou street artist – in the city he hails from, Bristol. You also watch other street artists at work, painting th as part of Europe’s largest street art and graffiti fe

72. Smell the rhododendrons at Bowood’s Woodl Gardens, open every spring during flowering seaso Two miles of paths wind their way between the v coloured plants, many of which have been putting this display every year since 1854. GRID REF: D4

at 61. Find dazzling carpets of bluebells in the woods West Woods just outside Marlborough. April and May are bluebell season here. GRID REF: E4

29

66

80. Discover the history of the shoe at the Fash Museum in Bath, where you’ll find a collection runs from Georgian silk shoes to Nike trainers.

GRID REF: B6

and temptations. GRID REF: B4

47. Discover Bath’s food scene on a tasty tour with Savouring Bath – the “naughty but nice” tour is especially indulgent, focusing on treats

46. Peer down from steep cliffs into England’s largest gorge before descending beneath this dramatic landscape on a caving adventure at Cheddar Gorge & Caves. GRID REF: A5

GRID REF: A4

45. Come face to face – safely – with 33 different native shark species at the Bristol Aquarium.

GRID REF: C4

42. Mess about in boats on the Thames surrounded by hundreds of others doing the same, at Henley Royal Regatta (July). GRID REF: J3 to 43. Watch stately Shire horses deliver local beer the pubs of Devizes, fresh from Wadworth Brewery, based in the town. GRID REF: D4 room 44. Stand in Harry Potter’s footsteps in the very he first saw his parents, reflected in the Mirror of Erised (the Chapter House in Lacock Abbey).

41. Discover Nordic walking on an introductory session with Bristol Nordic Walking. GRID REF: A3

39. Climb a 120-foot Neoclassical tower built for Europe’s wealthiest man at Beckford’s Tower just outside Bath. GRID REF: B4 40. Shop for a bargain at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, where more than 100 designer stores offer discounts of up to 60%. GRID REF: E3

38. Step aboard the last Concorde ever built at Aerospace Bristol, on the site that built every British Concorde ever made. GRID REF: B3

o.uk estWay.c GreatW

Victorian era.

71. Take a dip al fresco at Thames Lido in Kings Meadow (H3), Reading. This beautiful Edwardian swimming baths has been fully restored and offers non-members swimming sessions every weekday from 1-4pm. The same company operates a Lido in Bristol (A4) too, which dates from the

60. Get a new insight into Shakespeare, at a contemporary performance of the Bard’s best work at Bristol Shakespeare Festival (July). GRID REF: A3

sites such as Stonehenge, The Great West Way brings you to world-famous is in discovering somewhere Roman Bath and Windsor Castle, but the real joy back home with you – as different, a real slice of England that you can take craft ale or piece of local art. memories, as photographs, or even as a bottle of right down to the pace of You can explore by road, by rail or by water. Slow place for a while and find one in two feet or two bike wheels, base yourself your own story on the Great West Way.

Discover an essential strand of England on the Great West Way. Based on one of the first Great Roads commissioned by the Kings of England, the Great West Way winds for 125 miles through of the very soul of England, from the capital city London to the vibrant western gateway of Bristol.

59. Scan the skies for red kites in the Chilterns – the best time to see these glorious birds of prey is between October and April and the best chance of seeing them is in the far south of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. GRID REF: K1

En for th

70. Hear nothing but silence in the designated Silent Space at Prior Park Landscape Garden, near Bath. This was once the site of a Gothic temple; today it’s a serene spot where mobile devices are banned and silence is requested (every Thursday noon-3pm). GRID REF: C4

at 58. Try a hot chocolate seventeenth-century style Dyrham Park – you might be surprised to learn that it has cayenne pepper in it! GRID REF: B3

69. Treat the whole family to a luxury stay at Woolley Grange, a hotel that puts family first – and even includes C4 two hours daily free childcare in its room rates. GRID REF:

57. Take a stroll through 45 acres of serene greenery at Bristol’s Arnos Vale Cemetery, a Victorian garden cemetery surrounded by unspoiled woodland and B4 home to numerous fascinating monuments. GRID REF:

international musicians. GRID REF: A3

68. Hear classical music echoing around an ancient cathedral. Bristol Cathedral hosts regular recitals, featuring classical music from both local and

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69. Treat that unspoiled ments. GRID l’s are in its a hotel at Bristo surrounded by Silent monu Grange, daily free childc at designated This fascinating cemetery tury style e in the Bath. two hours numerous e teenth-cen learn that but silenc Garden, near home to to it’s a seren nothing late seven cape ised today Lands le; 70. Hear is a hot choco might be surpr B3 Prior Park a Gothic temp silence 58. Try REF: ed and Space at Park – you er in it! GRID site of 66 es are bann ). GRID REF: C4 erns – Dyrham once the pepp devic ne was in the Chilt e mobile noon-3pm it has cayen red kites us birds of prey ce spot wher (every Thursday Kings skies for Lido in these glorio the best chan Scan the requested 31 see rdian 59.

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56. Walk along the River Thames on the Thames Path, strolling from Kew Gardens to the upscale London suburb of Richmond, home to some great pubs. GRID REF: L3

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66. Walk across Brunel’s famous Clifton Suspension A4 Bridge, gazing across the dramatic Avon Gorge GRID REF: 67. Get up close and personal with the trees on Westonbirt Arboretum’s Treetop Walkway. It runs through the tree canopy for 300 metres and features interactive information panels and telescopes to teach visitors about the collection at the national arboretum.

are the work of extra-terrestrials… GRID REF: E4

of 55. Tune into alien energies on the hunt for one Wiltshire’s infamous crop circles with a visit to the Crop Circle Exhibition & Information Centre. Many people think these large and often ornate patterns that appear overnight in the county’s wheat fields

54. Climb to the top of Roundway Hill and gaze down into the “bloody ditch” – scene of the greatest Royalist victory of the English Civil War, in 1643. GRID REF: D4

Great things to do along the Great West Way.

53. See paintings by English masters Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable, housed together at Bath’s Holburne Museum. GRID REF: B4

52. Play disc golf in the park, at Ashton Court in Bristol – you’ll be trying to get a frisbee, not a ball, into each hole. GRID REF: A3

on a 51. Travel through the historic centre of Bath (B4) or stand-up paddleboarding safari with Original Wild, take a lesson in Bristol (A4) with SUP Bristol.

50. Step inside a fourteenth century tithe barn, complete with a staggering timber roof of wooden arches that stretch for more than 50 metres above your head.

Bradford on Avon’s tithe barn is so historically important that it’s protected by English Heritage. GRID REF: C4

64. Watch for the colourful flash of a swooping kingfisher, walk its orange and blue plumage catching your eye on a (E4), through the marshland at Jones’s Mill in Pewsey Vale has cared for by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The Trust also sites at Blakehill Farm (D2) and Lower Moor (D2) in north Wiltshire.

65. Wear out the kids at Bowood’s fabulous adventure a playground. There’s a pirate ship, aerial walkways and hard Flying Fox zip wire – kids up to the age of 12 will be to drag away from here! GRID REF: D4

63. Find your next new favourite story in one of Bath’s & independent bookshops. Mr B’s Emporium and Topping Company both have great selections. GRID REF: B4

62. Try Wiltshire cured ham in Calne, the town it very originated in back in the eighteenth century. It goes well with cheese and pickle! It’s also on the menu at Arms plenty of pubs along the Way, including the Queens at East Garston. GRID REF: D4

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From ancient trees to butterflies and otters, National Trust look after some wonderful landscapes, that are full of life. Try Bath Skyline for example - only a short stroll from the city centre.

Explore the skyline hills above Bath and beyond, through six miles of meadows and ancient woodlands to secluded valleys.

The limestone grassland slopes support a great variety of plants and attract a number of butterflies, great for some spring and summer wildlife spotting. This is a circular walk and will take around three to four hours of moderate walking. For a more exhilarating walking trail you might prefer Cheddar Gorge & Caves dramatic 3-mile walk – 450ft above sea level – with views over the Mendips. And it’s not just the landscape out to impress. The gorge is a dedicated conservation area, home to an abundance of rare plants and wildlife – see if you can spot the Cheddar Pink (dianthus), which isn’t found anywhere else in the world.

There are a variety of fascinating sites across Wiltshire too, including parts of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. At Avebury you’ll find the largest stone circle in the world, a prehistoric artificial chalk mound, Silbury Hill, as well as many other Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, including Windmill Hill, The Sanctuary and West Kennet Long Barrow. A bit further afield, discover the Stonehenge Landscape where there are remarkable prehistoric monuments such as The Avenue, several Bronze Age barrow cemeteries and the huge henge monument of Durrington Walls, which contains the remains of a Neolithic village.

Just outside Marlborough, Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene’s unusual sarsen boulder stream, creates a striking landscape, from which the standing stones of Avebury were probably

NATIONAL TRUST LANDSCAPES

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BE CURIOUS. BE RESPONSIBLE We've put together some further pointers to help you respect, protect and enjoy our lovely English countryside while you travel the Great West Way.

Be Curious

The Great West Way is perfect place to be curious and explore the great outdoors by getting off the beaten track. But don’t forget to:

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

The Chilterns, the North Wessex Downs and the Cotswolds offer exceptional landscapes, and thanks to their legal protection they are perfect countryside playgrounds for cyclists and ramblers.

If you are starting your journey from London, you will be close to the southern section of The Chilterns - a section of the 324 square miles which fall within the Great West Way corridor. It’s a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for red kites - the bird of prey now thrives in the region, having been reintroduced in 1989.

It is likely you may have heard of the North Wessex Downs - it is the third largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain (there are 46 AONBs in total). The area lies at the heart of the chalk band that stretches across southern England and was once under a warm sea. Its landscape is very diverse; as well as the chalk habitats, there is a rich mosaic of woodland, pasture, heath and common land.

It is an ancient landscape etched by the impact of humans for over 5,000 years, including fascinating features such as the World Heritage Site at Avebury, eight Chalk White Horses, Savernake Forest, Highclere Castle, historic market towns and the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Or you might find yourself walking some of the Cotswold Way which really is England at its prettiest.

Here you could cover more ground with a leisurely Sunday road cycle through the sleepy Cotswolds villages before stopping for a well-earned roast dinner in one of the many pretty pubs or award-winning restaurants.

Whichever direction you take, be it by bike, foot, water, or a mix of all three remember to slow down to enjoy the journey as much as you do the destination!

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Respect our local landscapes and communities as you discover the many hidden delights of the Great West Way. There are hundreds of miles of stunning countryside for curious travellers to explore along the route, but please stick to Public Right of Ways as you wander and do not picnic or exercise on private land.

Protect yourself and others by avoiding busy beauty spots that might attract crowds. Don’t follow the herd. Instead, explore off the beaten track to find a quiet, peaceful spot away for others where you can maintain social distancing. Be prepared to go elsewhere if you arrive at a destination and find that too many other people have had the same idea!

Enjoy discovering and supporting our small local businesses. From pub takeaways to village shops, many businesses are now open again and waiting for you to discover them. Please support our local businesses by shopping with them and abiding by their social distancing protocols.

Be Responsible

As Lockdown restrictions start to ease, remember the guidelines that are in place to help keep you safe and to look after our wonderful countryside: Respect our wildlife and landscapes. Please tread carefully and keep an eye out for wildlife that may have moved into

unexpected places during the lockdown. Keep dogs on a lead and do not stray from footpaths and bridleways, as you might disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife. Take all litter home with you and follow the countryside code when exploring rural areas.

Protect yourself and others by maintaining strict social distancing and staying 1 metre+ away from anyone outside your household whilst exercising, sitting and socialising. Avoid parking too close to other people's houses and remember to wash your hands regularly. Some historic towns and villages along the Great West Way have narrow streets that make it hard to maintain social distancing - plan in advance to avoid these areas.

Enjoy the glorious countryside of the Great West Way. Here curious travellers will find rolling green hills, peaceful forests, pretty nature reserves, picturesque villages, quaint canals, glorious open countryside, charming historic towns and more. Please follow any specific guidelines from our friends and partners, including the National Trust, Forestry Commission, English Heritage, The Canal and River Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, North Wessex Downs AONB, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and local councils. Plan ahead before you travel and check which facilities are open. Some car parks may need to be booked in advance.

Please stay curious and stay responsible while you explore this area of quintessentially English beauty, and plan carefully before visiting.

CAPTURING THE MOMENT Photographers are never short of inspiration for the perfect shot along the Great West Way. Vote for your favourite capture from our ten finalists for your chance to win a luxury short break for two to Bristol!

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HANK YOU to all the wonderful For the opportunity to photographers out there who have make the finalists of our been helping build our Great West Capturing the Moment 2021 Way Instagram page. With so Competition follow our many wonderful shots it has been difficult Instagram page to narrow down the photos to a top 10 instagram.com/GreatWestWay of finalists. Readers - I hope these images inspire you and thank you for helping us to and tag @GreatWestWay or use the hashtag choose our Capturing the Moment #GreatWestWay Photography Competition 2020 winner!

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WINNERS PRIZE

Our Capturing the Moment Photography Competition 2020 winner will not only be featured in our next issue, on our website, and across our social media platforms but will win a hamper of tickets to visit five of the best Great West Way attractions!

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PICTURE CREDITS

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@angelacoomey îClifton Suspension Bridge @tobypickardphotography îBradford on Avon @wordyelaine îWilton Windmill @declan.spreadbury îPulteney Bridge, Bath @ellisreed

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WIN!

he talented winner of our Capturing the Moment Photography Competition 2020 will be spoilt for choice of places to visit on the Great West Way hopefully still with their camera in hand!

We will be providing them with free family tickets to visit Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, English stately home Longleat in Wiltshire, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Britain’s highest, inland limestone cliffs rising up 450ft, in Somerset, and Berkeley Castle, with origins dating back to the 11th century, in Gloucestershire.

Plus, they will also be treated to a Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Masterclass experience, for themselves and up to three guests!

And that's not all. As a thank you for voting we are offering you the chance to win an overnight stay for two, staying in the stylishly boutique, Brooks Guest House, situated in the heart of Bristol's old town (next to St Nicholas Market) within easy walking distance of Bristol's city centre.

The lucky winners will also receive tickets to visit Brunel's SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner, as well as enjoying a private guided tour, discovering Bristol's famous street art, with Graft! To find out more about Bristol please visit visitbristol.co.uk

HOW TO ENTER

îVote for your favourite finalist

for your chance to win Help us to choose our Capturing the Moment Photography Competition 2020 winner and you will be automatically entered into our competition! Simply visit our website to submit your entry: îGreatWestWay.co.uk/competition Closing date for all entries is 31 December 2020. The winner will be announced in January 2021. Terms and conditions apply, please see website page for details.

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HIDDEN GARDENS Scenic gardens with lashings of space and fresh air make the ideal day out post-lockdown. Avoid the crowds and feel safe outdside in these socially distanced times. From the world famous to the well-kept secrets, here are some gardens along the Great West Way where you won’t be able to help but stop and smell the roses Words: Samantha Rutherford

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Pictured left then clockwise: Stourhead; Strawberry Hill House; Cliveden House; London Wetland Centre.

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NGLAND IS RENOWNED for its stately homes and gardens and many of the finest lie along the Great West Way. Here's our pick of some of the best from east to west!

CLIVEDEN HOUSE

The gardens of 300-year-old Cliveden House hold just as much interest as the house - itself known for exuberant high society parties, political scandals and, most recently, its connection to a certain royal wedding. Meander through the six acre Parterre, with its distinctive triangular beds, be uplifted by the fragrant intermingling of fresh spring flowers and classical statues in the Long Garden and come over all romantic amid 900 roses in the heavenly-scented Rose Garden.

LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

London Wetland Centre, an award winning nature reserve, brings the countryside to London. Although close to the heart of the capital it is a haven of tranquility for both wildlife and people.

The lakes, pools and gardens are home to kingfishers nesting in a bank, sand martins zipping over the ponds, wading birds searching for food at the lake edges and ducklings waddling after their mother in the spring. For keen bird watchers there are bitterns in the winter and yellow wagtails on the grazing marsh in summer. It’s a wonderful place for a relaxing walk through the scenic paths that meander among the lakes and gardens.

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW

For an unforgettable horticultural experience, make a beeline for Kew Gardens - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hop aboard the Kew Explorer Land Train, which will wizz you round the main sites in around 40 minutes. Current highlights of any tour include the Palm House, built with a rainforest climate to nurture the plant life brought back by Victorian botanists; The Hive, an immersive experience that echoes the life going on inside a real beehive; and The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which is packed with all sorts of prickly curiosities from cacti to carnivorous plants.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

As host of the prestigious RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, with 500 years of royal gardening experience, Hampton Court Palace is certainly no amateur. The gardens you see now are all a product of its rich history - the Baroque-style Great Fountain Garden for instance was executed by King William III and Queen Mary II’s gardener, in the shape of a goose foot as was fashionable then. Elsewhere you can navigate The Maze, which featured in Jerome K. Jerome’s novel, Three Men in a Boat, and tour the immaculate Royal Kitchen Garden with its heritage vegetables.

STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE

Strawberry Hill House, the former summer residence of Horace Walpole, author of ‘The Castle of Ontranto’, is famous for being Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic Revival architecture. →

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Pictured left then clockwise: The Savill Garden; Bowood House & Gardens; Stonor Park

You can visit the house and gardens in Twickenham - it has been open to visitors for over 250 years! Inspired by William Kent and the ideas behind the English Landscape Movement, Horace Walpole created a romantic garden to complement his Gothic castle. Formal borders mixed with groves of trees and shrubs crossed by winding paths, and flowers and fragrance, a fine lawn, an open terrace and meadows that led straight to the River Thames.

The five-acre garden has been, as far as possible, restored to its original appearance using Eighteenth-Century maps and paintings as well as Walpole’s own writing. It is Grade II listed and of national importance as a reminder of a fascinating period in garden history. It is a charming, compact garden full of a variety of beds, borders, walks, groves, lawns and woodland.

Learn more about its history by joining one of the experienced guides on a garden tour at 1pm every Wednesday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from March until October.

THE SAVILL GARDEN

Starting life in the 1930s, these 35-acres of gardens are home to a whole spectrum of flora and fauna, from glades, woodlands and winter beds to spring bulb meadows and a Mediterranean garden. See flaming stars shine bright orange along the herbaceous border, spot purple globes of alliums in the dry garden and watch as the Summer Gardens become a circus of life and colour in season. But that’s not all - other gardens, also part of Windsor Great Park, include The Valley Gardens, Virginia Water and The Long Walk and Deer Park.

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STONOR PARK

Set in a valley in the Chiltern Hills, Stonor Park offers a lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens. Stroll amid the neat box hedges, and see if you can find the hidden Japanese retreat. Or head to the Old Kitchen Garden, laden with bounty in summer, and be inspired to grow-your-own back home. The estate even has its own arboretum, which is a treat to visit during spring when the cherry blossoms fall - the ideal scene for budding photographers.

BOWOOD HOUSE & GARDENS

Fashionable 18th-century gardener ‘Capability’ Brown has become synonymous with manicured English landscapes.

He worked his magic on 100 acres of parkland at Bowood House, and it is now widely held to be the best preserved of his masterpieces. Sit for a while by the mile-long lake, behold the sweeping lawns from the terrace and learn more about the highly skilled designer, and his work, on a themed tour.

Other highlights include an arboretum, woodland gardens and Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s secret walled garden - best in early summer when it blossoms with fragrant swathes of lavender, honeysuckle and peonies.

WESTONBIRT, THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM

Home to 2,500 different species from the far corners of the globe and five national tree collections and the STIHL Tree Top Walkway. Enrich your visit to Westonbirt, The National Arboretum by pre-booking a seasonal guided walk with an experienced guide for only £50 (plus admission fees).

A guided walk of the Arboretum (up to an hour and a half) unpicks all the myths and stories behind the trees and the Arboretum’s history, as well as capturing the garden's magical seasonal highlights along the way. →

Westonbirt The National Arboretum Explore the world’s finest woodland garden, and discover trees and plants from all over the globe at the National Arboretum. forestryengland.uk/westonbirt

Make memories in Marlow

Situated along the new 125 mile touring route Great West Way, the charming and characterful town of Marlow awaits you. Welcomed by the iconic suspension bridge spanning the River Thames, soak up the idyllic riverside by boat or on foot, mooch about the boutique high street shops, enjoy impressive, award-winning food and drink or explore the quintessential English villages that lie on the doorstep…

www.GreatWestWay.co.uk www.VisitThames.co.uk

Explore the Marlow Midsomer Murders Locations Trail Follow the local discovery trail based on locations used in the popular TV detective series Midsomer Murders in and around Marlow and the picturesque Hambleden Valley.

The 17-mile trail starts in the historic market town of Marlow and you will very quickly find yourself immersed in scenes from Midsomer Murders.

Following the trail you can sample local beer and wine, taste fine food, spend the night in a filming location and walk the Chiltern Hills of Midsomer.

Download a copy from:

www.visitbuckinghamshire.org/midsomer Group enquiries: info@visitbuckinghamshire.org

Bradford on Avon

is perfectly set in the dramatic Avon valley in Wiltshire and only a few miles from the World Heritage City of Bath; it is a combination of river, canal and architecture of true character.

From small weavers’ cottage to grand clothiers’ houses; handsome public buildings, medieval barns, ancient places of worship and meandering alleyways making it the perfect place to explore!

Explore BoA visitor centre: 01225 865797

www.bradfordonavon.co.uk

eboa ad 091219.indd 1

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Come and discover Wiltshire’s hidden treasure Just 8 miles from Bath on the A4, 4 miles from the M4 (J17), or 3 miles from Chippenham Station.

IMAGE CREDIT: MAMMOTH MEDIA

www.corsham.gov.uk/visit

History, heritage, arts and crafts, great places to eat and drink and lots of independent shops – plus Poldark was filmed here too.

PLUS DON'T MISS! The National Garden Scheme

There are hundreds of private gardens to explore on the Great West Way not usually open to the public, hosting special open days, thanks to The National Garden Scheme. Visit unique gardens during special open days and as a paying visitor you will also be contributing to charity. Simply go to their website (ngs.org.uk) and search for your perfect garden - pre-booking is essential. Fancy having it all to yourself?

Following the coronavirus pandemic a number of gardens are offering private visits. One of the safest, most comfortable and most enjoyable places for a a family get-together, or meet up with friends.

Pictured above then clockwise: Visitor to The Courts Garden; Hidden Gardens of Bath

The Hidden Gardens of Bath

Behind the honey-coloured stone facades of Bath’s houses and hotels lie beautiful private gardens, rarely seen. With The Hidden Gardens of Bath guided tours, you can explore these hidden gems meeting their creative, passionate and hard-working owners before then sitting down to enjoy a quintessentially English afternoon tea!

THE COURTS GARDEN

This garden, near Bradford on Avon, offers an enchanting glimpse of the quintessential English country garden. Less well known than some of the others on this list, it’s a lovely place to spend a summer afternoon. The formal garden, with its topiary and jolly, tulip-lined borders juxtaposes beautifully with the wilder arboretum and quiet lily pond. Keep your eyes peeled for benches, placed in perfectly peaceful spots around the garden. Alternatively, treat yourself to a sugary something in The Rose Garden Tea Room.

AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS

This is the only museum of American decorative and folk art outside the US. Take a journey through the history of America, from its early settlers to the twentieth century, and delve into the museum’s remarkable collections.

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the hilltop site of the Museum’s home, Claverton Manor, takes full advantage of the spectacular views over the Limpley Stoke Valley and River Avon. Remnants of the old Italianate style manorial pleasure gardens and parkland, dating from the 1820s, can be seen within the grounds, including period features such as the balustrade and curtain walling, as well as ornamental stone work.

THE PETO GARDEN

At Iford Manor Estate’s remarkable gardens you will find Cypress trees, sweet-smelling lilies and draping branches of wisteria. Set on a steep hillside, the garden offers inspiring views of the Wiltshire countryside. For a unique way to enjoy this special place, join one of their guided tours, or attend a health and well-being workshop.

PRIOR PARK

At this elegant 18th-century garden in Regency Bath, it’s easy to imagine parasolled ladies walking over the Palladian bridge in their flowing gowns. But there’s much more to see in real life, silky white snowdrops and bright yellow daffodils, swans floating around together in the lakes, and tiny wild raspberries emerging in the woods.

STOURHEAD

A little way off the Great West Way in south Wiltshire, but a must-visit if you’re in the area, Stourhead is one of the most famous gardens on the list. Its classical architecture includes a grotto, used to escape the summer heat, a gothic cottage and its own Temple of Apollo - built in 1765 to rival the Temple of the Sun at Kew Gardens, which was then destroyed by a storm in 1916. It’s also known for its colourful rhododendrons.

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Explore one of the greatest royal residences ever built Walk in the footsteps of Henry VIII and discover the magnificence of Hampton Court Palace

www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace -

FIT FOR ROYALTY

The ancient route that inspired the Great West Way was one of King Charles I’s Great Roads, with many castles, hotels and places to visit bringing you closer to England’s royal family heritage Words: Dominic Parkes

Pictured: Her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle

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LONG THE GREAT WEST WAY you can trace the history of the nation, from neolithic times to the present day, riding The Great Western Railway, a marvel of Victorian ingenuity, to walking the ancient Ridgeway National Trail - or why not head out on an ancient road trip of your own along the A4 Great West Road, with a plethora of royal attractions to visit along the way? We hope you enjoy our pick of the best...

CASTLES, COUNTRY HOUSES AND GARDENS îSet in the heart of royal London, Wellington Arch was

built as an original entrance to Buckingham Palace, later becoming a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Visit this spectacular landmark and feast on the glorious panoramas over London from its balconies.

Next, visit Hampton Court Palace, a short journey upstream from central London. It’s a towering testament to King Henry VIII’s power complete with a complex of Tudor kitchens, a Great Hall and jousting tournaments in the gardens. Or head to Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Kew Palace - King George III’s summerhouse.

In Bath, a city famed for its Georgian-era architecture and Royal Crescent, you can visit the Victoria Art Gallery →

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Pictured left-right: The Great Park by horse drawn carriages with Windsor Carriages; The Royal Crescent, Bath

opened in 1900 for Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. While in Bristol you can head back further in time to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who found St Mary Redcliffe ‘the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England.’ Inside the church there is a colourfully-painted wooden sculpture of her, believed to be painted by a contemporary.

Head 30 minutes north of Bristol and visit Berkeley Castle. Considered by many as a hidden gem, it was built in 1153 by the Berkeley family, who still live there today! Over the centuries it has changed from a forebidding fortress to a welcoming family home. Henry II gave the Castle to the family in 1153 and it has received royal guests ever since: Edward II, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, the Countess of Wessex and the late Queen Mother have all visited Berkeley Castle.

Travel throughout time and history, from the Keep with its dungeon, the room where Edward II is said to have been murdered, to the Drawing Rooms with their fine upholstery, chandeliers and silver lamps. Finally, if you have time to explore more of the Cotswolds, the Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall live at Highgrove, near Tetbury, Gloucestershire. You can visit their impressive gardens on selected dates, and also pop into the Highgrove Shop in Tetbury which sells luxurious souvenirs and organic treats inspired by the gardens.

EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS îWhile kings and queens of England were traditionally

educated by a personal tutor at home, times have changed.

Both Prince Harry and Prince William went to Eton College, which you can visit on a guided tour between May and September. While the Duchess of Cambridge went to Marlborough College - stop for afternoon tea at the café she used to visit with friends, The Polly Tea Rooms. A little off the Great West Way, there’s the esteemed Oxford Colleges. King Edward VII and King Edward VIII are both alumni. As one of the best universities in the world, it also attracts royals from other countries. Both HM King Abdullah II of Jordan and Harald V, King of Norway studied there.

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SOVEREIGN PLACES îMalmesbury is England’s oldest borough with its stunning

12th Century Abbey still very much in use today. Visit the original Market Cross, the Norman Abbey with its tomb of King Athelstan and the free Athelstan Museum.

And have you noticed that some place names in England have ‘royal’ in the title? Although the prime minister and organisations can request the addition, for either their royal heritage or current royal connections, it is ultimately a gift bestowed by the queen. Along the Great West Way you can visit the Royal Borough of Windsor and the Royal County of Berkshire - thanks to the location of Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s three official residencies. Take some time out here to visit the Castle's wartime pantomime pictures revealed in the Waterloo Chamber, or to experience Great Park by horse drawn carriages with Windsor Carriages The only carriages licensed to operate tours throughout the Great Park. There’s also the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames, as well as Royal Wootton Bassett, near RAF Lyneham - the most recent place to receive the Queen’s blessing. Be sure to visit Jubilee Lake when you’re there.

A BED FIT FOR A KING OR QUEEN îSometimes nothing but a 4-poster bed and some

medieval tapestries on the wall will do. See what it’s like to live like a royal by staying at a hotel with royal connections.

There’s the effortlessly elegant Cliveden House Hotel, where Meghan Markle - now the Duchess of Sussex got ready for her wedding to Prince Harry. There’s The Georgian House, which although built as humble kitchens for George, Prince of Wales in 1719, occupies a privileged position in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace.

In Bath, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa has often found its opulent interiors and prime setting in the World Heritage City attractive to visiting royals. And a short journey from Bristol you’ll find Gloucestershire’s Thornbury Castle - where Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed when they visited in 1535 (ask for the Duke’s Bed Chamber).

The stunning film location of...

The stunning film location of...

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Berkeley Castle A Family home for almost 900 years!

Berkeley Castle A Family home for almost 900 years!

The stunning film location of...

Poldark · Wolf Hall · The White Princess · Johnny English Strikes Again

A Family home for almost 900 years!

Berkeley Castle A Family home for almost 900 years!

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The oldest Castle in England lived by the family that Free Castle Guided Tours • 8 Acres of landscaped Gardens Ground The oldest Castle in England still lived in by the family that built&it!

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Tropical Butterfly House • Yurt Tearoom • Gift Shop • Plant Sale Tropical ButterflyWWW.BERKELEYCASTLE.COM House • Yurt Tearoom • Gift Shop • Plant Sale 01453 810303 • INFOBERKELEYCASTLE.COM

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Start your adventure at the Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport

A 201 room, contemporary hotel based just steps away from Bristol Airport FREE HOT BREAKFAST INCLUDED IN EVERY STAY BOOK DIRECT FOR OUR BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

North Side Road, Bristol, BS48 3AQ | 01275 405 966 | BRSHX_Hampton@hilton.com

EXPERIENCES AFTER DARK

From stargazing to swimming, spooky city tours to light shows, there's plenty of experiences to try even when the sun goes down Words: Samantha Rutherford

BE PREPARED Coronavirus Changes

Event information may have changed or been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). While we have tried to bring you the most up-to-date information available when publishing please confirm details with event organisers. Check websites for the latest information on new booking procedures, event timings and safety requirements.

Be Curious. Be Responsible.

ILLUMINATED LIGHT TRAIL

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BLENHEIM PALACE 20TH NOVEMBER 2020 - 3RD JANUARY 2021

The Heart of the Stars are scattering shards of light across the lawns of Blenheim Palce with a scented fire garden that adorns the Water Terrace. Walk towards dynamic, colour-changing neon tunnels, lakeside reflections and onto a mesmerising place where, beneath the branches of a sprawling tree, softly glows the fairy-fire known as Will-o-the-Wisps. blenheimpalace.com →

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LAND OF LIGHT INDULGENCE AT DUSK

THE ROMAN BATHS

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Visit Bath's iconic Roman bathing place in the evening and walk on the 2000 year-old pavements. Take in the magical atmosphere of the graceful columns and intricate stonework lit by torchlight. All tickets must be pre-booked in advance - please see website for further details and availability.

STARGAZING

WILTSHIRE COUNTRYSIDE

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On a clear evening, there’s nothing better than a spot of stargazing.

Wiltshire being a predominantly rural county lends itself to stargazing with the advantage of less light pollution than more urban areas.

Try Stonehenge, described by the National Trust one of their top stargazing spots in the south west of England, or with minimal street lighting and being surrounded by countryside, the village of Lacock.

Cranborne Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with plans to achieve ‘Dark Sky Status’, and there are plenty of other places that are perfect for enjoying the night skies including Tollard Royal (and the area near to the Larmer Tree Gardens), Broad Chalke and Dinton.

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LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK

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Illuminate your senses in a dazzling land of light, this winter (7th November to 10th January 2021). The Longleat Estate will spring to gleaming life, creating a spellbinding sensory walk of discovery for everyone to enjoy. A myriad of magical light installations will emerge across the Park and its sprawling grounds in seven unique zones. In the Land of Light, you can discover motion-detected splashes of playful colour and movement and immerse yourselves in enveloping blankets of soft, synchronised light and sound.

FULL MOON SPECIAL

MARLBOROUGH DARK SKIES FEST

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A jam-packed programme of events and exhibitions weaving science and art together to celebrate our dark skies is due to take place September/October 2021.

This Marlborough Town Council event is in partnership with North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and will see stargazing Workshops and Solar Astronomy Prof. Chris Lintott, and interactive Planetarium.

PLANETARIUM NIGHTS

WE THE CURIOUS

9 NIGHT SWIMMING

THAMES LIDO

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Book a Late Swim Lido & Dine package and use the pool and spa facilities (outdoor hot tub and saunas) followed by a 2 course a la carte dinner in the poolside restaurant. Swim from 7.30pm, and dine at 9pm.

Re-opening in November, every Thursday night, wander into the giant silver ball at We The Curious, Bristol for your very own evening tour of the known universe.

Enjoy stories of ancient stargazers as you fly to far away galaxies and admire the views from distant and newly discovered planets.

Whether you are an amateur astronomer or completely new to stargazing, you'll be able to escape the everyday and leave inspired to discover the night sky for yourself.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

WILTSHIRE VILLAGES LIGHT UP

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Flicking the switch to turn on the Christmas lights and town decorations is a big event in in many Wiltshire towns and villages, including Trowbridge, Corsham, Marlborough, Warminster, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Swindon and Melksham. Check the websites and get in the festive spirit as Wiltshire lights up with sparkling, glorious Christmas decorations!

RETAIL THERAPY

LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

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The evening is a great opportunity to start or complete your Christmas shopping. Pick up a bargain while also enjoying the festive entertainment and why not treat yourself afterwards with a meal in one of the many restaurants or bars. Try Parkway in Newbury, or The Oracle in Reading.

MOVIE MOMENTS

SALISBURY DRIVE-IN THEATRE

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Get ready for a cinema experience like no other! Enjoy your favourite movies from the comfort of your own car - perfect for social distancing! Drive-In Theatre is showing movies such as Love Actually, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Greatest Showman. Located at the Southern Counties Auctioneers, just 3 miles away from the center of Salisbury accessible from the A3094. Safe family entertainment from the comfort of your own car, with contact less booking, swift entry, spaced out car positioning, a bag of popcorn and your favourite movie makes the perfect evening!

For further inspiration, follow and share: #EscapeTheEveryday

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HOTEL STAYS Hotels across the Great West Way have been working tirelessly to implement new government procedures and guidelines before opening their doors safely once more. Many are now ready to welcome back guests, and there’s an abundance of choice along the route. Here are just some of our favourites...

Words: Samantha Rutherford

THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA Bath

A world of hidden delights awaits your discovery behind the door of No. 16 Royal Crescent at the iconic Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. This Georgian gem has 45 luxurious suites and bedrooms, award winning restaurant, The Dower House, elegant

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champagne and cocktail bar, The Montagu bar, tranquillity spa with 12m relaxation pool and not forgetting the acre of private gardens. Enjoy afternoon tea in the garden, a treatment followed by a swim in the indoor pool, or of course overnight accommodation in one of the sumptuous suites.

Prices from £350 per room, per night: royalcrescent.co.uk

THE MITRE

Hampton Court

One of the UK’s most exciting hotel openings this year, The Mitre is the closest hotel to Hampton Court Palace, located on the bank of the River Thames. As beautiful and impressive as its prestigious location, the hotel is a Grade II-listed property built-in 1665 by order of King Charles II to house some of the King’s Courtiers who could not find accommodation in the Palace. Each of the hotel’s 36 bedrooms and signature suites are unique. Choose from a​​private terrace and jacuzzi, your own courtyard and fire pit, to hand forged copper bath tubs, with views over the River Thames, Hampton Court Palace and or the picturesque internal courtyards. Each room is named after historical references linked to the hotel, ​such as King King Charles II’s wives, The Gardener’s Hut, Penny Farthing, and Catharine Parr Suite.

You might enjoy dining in the 1665 restaurant, a brasserie, boasting a huge outdoor patio terrace for ‘al fresco’ dining at its best, or The Coppernose

restaurant, which takes its name from King Charles II who was nicknamed “Coppernose” after he issued cheap currency. The Mitre even has its own riverside jetty and boat for hire, p ​ erfect​​for a picnic and gentle jaunt along this beautiful stretch of the river. Popular trips include Richmond-Upon-Thames and up to the Tower of London and back. Not to mention the world’s first stand-alone whispering angel hut, perfect for sundowners on the terrace, and a place to watch the boats sail by along the River Thames with a cold glass in hand. Rooms from £200 a night: mitrehamptoncourt.com

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From quintessential cottages and country houses to quirky windmills and lighthouses…

Find your special place along the Great West Way A portfolio of over 550 luxury, self-catering holiday properties in the UK and Ireland.

Call for our brochure 01386 897 959 View the properties ruralretreats.co.uk

12 July to 8 August 2020

From Creative Arts to Science, History and Culture to Life Skills and Wellbeing, Summer School offers learning experiences and entertainment for all ages.

Request a brochure today and discover over 500 courses waiting for you.

01672 892388 | summerschool.co.uk

OLD BELL HOTEL Wiltshire

The Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant is a comfortable, country hotel full of character and charm, reputed to be the oldest purpose built hotel in England (c.1220) and Grade I Listed. The hotel nestles in the beautiful medieval Cotswold town of Malmesbury.

With crackling log fires, cosy corners, squashy sofas, plump duvets, fine linen and fabulous food and wine - this is pure indulgence. oldbellhotel.co.uk

BAILBROOK HOUSE Bath

A unique country house, one of the only two Grade II Listest hotels in the city. It started as a private residence in the early 1790s and retains all the glories of that era, thanks to £10m restoration in 2013. The hotel is set in 20 acres of grounds just minutes from the city centre with free car parking. Perfect for Bath weekend breaks or a day of indulgence away from the hustle and bustle. handpickedhotels.co.uk

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WHATLEY MANOR

The Cotswolds

Whatley Manor is a luxury getaway set in 12 acres of gardens with 26 distinctly different areas. Try Grey’s Brasserie for a leisurely lunch, dinner or chilled glass of wine. Or the innovative tasting menu with specially selected wines by their sommelier in The Dining Room. Discover The Green Room where chefs prepare small plates of expertly crafted food in front of you. Immerse yourself in tranquillity at Aquarias Spa featuring Natra Bissé Pure Air Bubble Suite, or simply cosy up watching a film in their cinema room. Prices from £363.50 per night: whatleymanor.com

CRICKLADE HOUSE HOTEL Wiltshire

Standing in over 30 acres of peaceful, secluded grounds on the edge of the Cotswolds, Cricklade House Hotel offers a traditional, warm and friendly welcome for those in search of tranquility, comfort, good food and wine, with extensive recreational facilities.

This beautiful and dignified country house, built at the turn of the last century, has been tastefully restored and carefully extended.

Perhaps the most impressive addition is the magnificent Victorian-style glass conservatory which runs the full length of the original building, making the most of the hotels elevated position, with wonderful panoramic views over Wiltshire countryside. Prices from £70 per room, per night: crickladehotel.co.uk 96

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REME MUSEUM PRINCE PHILIP BARRACKS, LYNEHAM, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX

ENJOY A FASCINATING DAY EXPLORING THE HISTORY OF THE BRITISH ARMY’S ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS (REME) ▶ the award winning museum has 8 modern, interactive galleries displays include huge armoured vehicles, medals, uniforms and weapons ▶ discover incredible stories; how reme saved volkswagen, why the museum has the brass boots from mussolini’s statue and so many more. ▶ there is a large free car park and the excellent crowns café for refreshments. ▶

WITH EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS

WWW.REMEMUSEUM.ORG.UK | ENQUIRIES@REMEMUSEUM.ORG.UK | 01249894869

Roseate Hotels & Resorts, the uber luxury hospitality brand offers a new spectrum of hospitality with well-appointed luxury rooms & suites, world-class Aheli Spa and unique dining experiences at the European-cuisine inspired fine dining restaurant ‘The Hyde’ (Roseate House London), the award-winning restaurant ‘The Reading Room’ & in house patisserie and boulangerie ‘Roasted by Roseate’(The Roseate Reading) and opulent dining space ‘Henrietta Bar’ (The Roseate Villa Bath).

We have remodeled and enhanced our standard operating procedures to provide greater care and ensure a safe environment to our valued guests. As we plan and prepare to serve you, our new initiatives of ‘care’ will be curated in a way such as to provide our guests unparalleled experience and utmost satisfaction keeping all hygiene and safety standards in place.

ROSEATEHOTELS.C OM | +44 1189 527 770 | #ROSEATEHOTELS | info.tflr@roseateho tels.com

ROSEATE READING Reading

Described as 'The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel' by The Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is also recognised for its artful conception and luxury. The hotel prides itself on it's attention to detail, to the facilities available to make a stay cherished and memorable. roseatehotels.com/reading/ theroseate/

PENNYHILL PARK Surrey

Set in 123 acres of rolling Surrey parkland, this elegant 19th-century manor house features 124 luxury 5-star bedrooms, state-of-the-art bathrooms, one of the UK's best spas and a finedining restaurant. Dating from 1849, the sumptuous rooms at Pennyhill Park have free WiFi, four-poster beds, quality linens and a pillow menu. The beautiful bathrooms have fluffy robes, bespoke toiletries and rain showers.

The award-winning Spa features 8 pools, including the impressive ballroom with underwater music.

Guests can relax in the spa bath, thermal cabins or award-winning treatment rooms. exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park/

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DYNAMIC CITY CULTURE

As everyone else heads for the countryside, dare to be different and set your sights on a city break instead. Take the opportunity to visit and discover the bright lights beyond London at this unusual time when city life will be much, much quieter than usual Words: Katherine Holt

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ISITORS HAVE BEEN travelling the Great West Way, visiting cities and embracing the varied culture at each place, for hundreds of years.

London, of course, needs no introduction. As the country’s capital it may be where you begin your journey.

But just a short train ride west lie some of the most exciting cities in the UK, like Bath and Bristol.

Bristol, the city furthest away on the touring route, is only a 1 hour 45 minute train ride from London. Take your time to enjoy the diversity of each city, with its own artisan produce, independent shops, artists, museums, bars and restaurants.

A twin-city break Bristol to Bath (or Bath to Bristol) is just 12 minutes by train. Your Great West Way City Culture journey could begin simply by hopping on a train at London Paddington to Bath, (1 hour 11 minutes), or you might prefer to fly directly to Bristol airport. From here you could take the Airport Flyer Express Link to Bristol City Centre, Bristol Harbourside, Bristol Temple Meads Station, Bristol Bus Station, or Clifton.

Unlike many a metropolis, in Bath the pace of life is gentle. Or should that be genteel. For Bath is a dignified, fashionable sort of place. It has been since its most famous former resident, Jane Austen’s day. Given that so much of the handsome golden architecture from the Regency period remains, you might wonder if anything has changed. But spend a day here and you’ll realise it’s as contemporary as it is classic.

Given the compact layout of the city, and its UNESCO World Heritage status, a self-guided walking tour is highly recommended. So grab a flat white and a croissant at one of the hip cafés in the centre - Colonna & Small’s perhaps - and take a leisurely stroll to get your bearings.

Without too much ado you should pass sights including The Circus, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, Bath Assembly Rooms and the arc of golden homes synonymous with the city: the Royal Crescent. The latter

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was specifically designed to give city residents the feeling of living in the countryside.

Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at one of Bath’s cafés or a tour of Bath’s culinary delights with Savouring Bath.

There’s a buoyant foodie scene in the city so you won’t be short on options. Amid the selection of vegan Indian wraps, Filipino chicken boxes and modern British salads, you’re bound to find a favourite.

Fully energised, it’s time for some culture. Bath is blessed with some amazing museums. Highlights include the Fashion Museum (where you can dress up), the Jane Austen Centre (where you can meet Mr Darcy) and some very respectable art, design and history museums in the form of The Holburne Museum, Victoria Gallery and No 1 Royal Crescent - a time capsule back to the 1770s.

Some more niche options include Bath Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the American Museum in Britain - the only American folk art museum outside the US is in an elevated position on the outskirts of the city.

If you’re here in the summer, have a torchlit dinner at the Roman Baths. Then, tired and happy, relax back at your hotel.

There are some really interesting places to stay in Bath, ranging from the University of Bath campus in summer, just a short bus ride from the centre, to the literarythemed Tasburgh House where Jane Austen once slept.

As the ‘capital of the Southwest’, Bristol has a very different feel to Bath. In some ways it more closely resembles London, with its distinct, characterful neighbourhoods to explore - from the leafy avenues of Clifton Village to the graffiti-splashed streets of Stokes Croft. Since one of Bristol’s most famous sons is Banksy, start your day with a Bristol Street Art Tour.

Or, better yet, arrive early enough for brunch at one of the Harbourside cafes, and then go on one of the weekend walking tours. Choose between a heritage tour, where

you explore the history of the city, or a street art tour, where you are taken to see a mix of brand new and wellpreserved artworks - including some Banksy originals.

If your legs are in need of a bit of a rest Bristol Insight will show you around their wonderful city from a seat on one of their lovely bright red buses!

You could then take a leisurely stroll around the Regency streets of Clifton Village and visit its stylish boutiques. Or head to Bristol Shopping Quarter and flit between High Street staples and one-off wonders If retro and vintage tickle your fancy then leave some time for exploring the alternative shops of Stokes Croft and Gloucester Road – the latter boasts Europe’s longest street of independent shops!

Bristol does street food lunches very well. So, depending on what day you’re visiting, some options to try include St Nick’s Market, The Harbourside Market and the Tobacco Factory Market. Vendors inevitably change, but there’ll always be a great mix of global cuisine to try, from Jamaican curried goat to Nepalese momos. You could also check out Cargo, a cool new

container development at Wapping Wharf where you can get delicious bites to grab and go, like chip-stuffed Greek wraps, fresh Indian curry boxes and melty cider and cheese toasties. When you’re suitably stuffed, discover Bristol’s other famous son: Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Although the Victorian engineer may not seem to have much in common with Banksy, he too was a brave pioneer. You can visit one of his most remarkable achievements, the SS Great Britain - the world’s first great ocean liner - and get a feel for how the passengers from steerage to first class experienced long voyages across the Atlantic. Included with your ticket price is the new Being Brunel exhibition, an immersive experience which takes you inside the brain of the man himself.

If you have time, venture up to Clifton Suspension Bridge - another of his projects that, sadly, he didn’t live to see finished. The arts are alive in all their guises in this creative, cutting-edge city. After dinner at one of Bristol’s many independent restaurants, seek some of it out.

Depending on your tastes, you could catch some theatre at the Bristol Old Vic, which is thankfully back →

Pictured top left then clockwise: UNESCO World Heritage status, Bath; The Mild Mild West Mural by graffiti artist Banksy; Stall Street, Bath.

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BY DAY OR NIGHT COME RAIN OR SHINE...

Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters of Bath’s natural thermal Spa. Bathe in the open-air rooftop pool and indoor Minerva Bath, refresh your senses in the multi-sensory Wellness Suite and choose from over 40 spa treatments and packages.

Open daily from 09.00 – 21.30 (pools & Wellness Suite close at 21.00) 01225 33 1234 www.ThermaeBathSpa.com

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and live again following the coronavirus pandemic - this is the oldest continuously open theatre in the Englishspeaking world, even throughout its exciting recent renovations.

You could also enjoy live music, see stand-up comedy or do something thoroughly subversive like go an immersive dining experience in a mystery location.

Local go-tos for experimental entertainment include Old Market Assembly and Tobacco Factory Theatres.

If you have time, venture a little off the Great West Way to find Salisbury, a city that embraces everything arts and culture. Visit Mompesson House, the 18th-century property featured in the all-star film version of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1995).

There’s also Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Museum and Salisbury Cathedral - or pop into the Old Sarum Airfield Museum where you can sit in more aircraft cockpits than anywhere else in the UK! And of course those sacred stones aren’t too far away… If you’re heading north, don’t miss the learned university city of Oxford. Of course, it’s not all lounging around in the the Bodleian Library, pretending to study. Discover some of the city’s more unexpected attractions, like the Pitt Rivers Museum, full of alarming anthropomorphic artefacts, or The Eagle and Child pub, where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien used to meet and swap stories. There’s also bikes, board game cafés and strange sculptures to find - including a curious headless shark.

Please remember that since reopening their doors in light of the current government advice in relation to COVID-19 many attractions mentioned in this article will have new booking and safety procedures in place.

Whilst we are updating information as much as possible, we would advise you to check directly with the relevant venues for the most up to date information.

Pre-booking is almost always essential so please prepare before you visit and abide by Government social distancing guidelines at all times, travelling together safely.

Did you know? Bristol has its own currency, the Bristol Pound, which helps boost local businesses.

You can buy the colourful notes at the Tourist Information Centre on the Harbourside...

Pictured top left then clockwise: Clifton Suspension Bridge; Bristol Harbourside; Brunel’s SS Great Britain Mast; The Oracle, Reading

Or that Reading is the UK’s largest town much thought of as a defacto city? Soak up the energetic atmosphere at The Oracle Shopping Centre, or visit the independent and craft stores in the nearby streets or Harris Arcade

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TIME FOR YOU

Whether you’re keen on keeping fit or prefer taking it easy in a luxury spa, there are some excellent ways to add a wellness element to your Great West Way journey. So remember to take some time out for yourself along the route.

Words: Sarah Caswell

THE ULTIMATE BATH SPA DAY

At the atmospheric Roman Baths you’ll get to see the steamy Great Bath, the cold plunge pool and even have a nosy in the crumbling old changing rooms! You might also bump into a few Romans. The costumed characters who roam the complex, including a soldier and a travelling

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merchant, are based on real characters who frequented the Roman Baths around 2,000 years ago. Enjoy an elegant lunch (or afternoon tea) at The Pump Room, followed by a shot of mineral-rich water from the spa fountain. It may well be good for you, but as you’ll soon discover - it definitely has a distinct taste! There are lots more lovely cafés and

Did you know? Although we’ve discovered a lot about what is in Bath’s famous spring water 42 different minerals including sodium and magnesium to this day no one is quite sure where exactly it originates from.

restaurants around the city too, with some excellent vegan and vegetarian-friendly places such as The Green Rocket and Acorn. Take a daytime or twilight dip at Thermae Bath Spa, followed by one of their indulgent treatments. Watsu, perhaps, where a therapist stretches and guides your body through flowing movements in the warm water. Or the Roman Trilogy, which includes a salty body scrub, a soothing body massage and an invigorating facial.

Continue your pampering with an overnight stay at a luxury spa hotel. You might enjoy The Gainsborough Bath Spa, just a short stroll from Thermae Bath Spa, where you can experience the original thermal springs in natural thermal pools at their award-winning Spa Village, or try No.15 Great Pulteney Street and relax in their luxurious cedar wood hot tub and sauna.

FINDING WELLNESS IN BRISTOL

Bristol is a city that normally makes waves for its edgy art scene, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a wellnessthemed break in the city. You might even find yourself embracing a totally new approach to exercise.

Try for example a stand-up paddleboard lesson with SUP Bristol on Bristol’s Floating Harbour or a swim at Clifton’s Victorian Lido. Later on, once you’ve refuelled at one of the many health-conscious, flexitarian-focused restaurants - No 1 Harbourside, Watershed Café & Bar, Thali Café to name a few - try something totally different.

There’s a class for just about everything, from circus skills workshops to Beyoncé-inspired jazz dance. Not to mention all the yoga and holistic therapies that are hugely popular in Bristol. Wild Wolf’s Yoga, Bristol City Yoga and Bristol Yoga Space are all fairly central.

A SPIRITUAL TRAIL

If the wellness you seek is spiritual, you’ll find plenty of absorbing sacred spaces along the Great West Way. Early travellers between London and Bristol would surely have found comfort in these places, as every journey was a leap of faith that came with the threat of highwaymen and unforeseen hazards.

Some suggest Stonehenge was constructed as a place of healing, and that the smaller bluestones used were dragged all the way from south Wales because they were imbued with healing powers from nearby hot springs.

Or visit one of the almighty cathedrals on or near the Great West Way. There’s the inimitable Bath Abbey, perfect for →

Pictured left then clockwise: Aheli Spa at The Roseate Reading; Spa Village at The Gainsborough Bath Spa; spa at No.15 Great Pulteney Hotel & Spa

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Make memories with your loved ones as you discover England’s only koalas

Book online and save up to 15% plus group discounts are also available

Follow the paths taken by generations of travellers…

Longleat is within easy reach of the Great West Way

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YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY The Great West Way boasts an exciting abundance of new experiences assured to leave you feeling inspirited and rejuvenated... but please check websites as information may have changed or been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

Each year in December visitors gather at Stonehenge early in the morning to mark the Winter solstice and to see the sunrise above the stones. We hope to see you there for sunrise!

pondering higher spiritual planes, as well as Bristol, Wells, Salisbury and Gloucester Cathedrals. Amid those, you’ll also find churches, temples and mosques.

Or why not feel the power of England’s pagan past with a lesserknown wellbeing experience at Stanton Drew? Pagan rituals are held on the four Fire Festivals usually on Saturday 11am for an hour.

Park at the Druid's Arms, upper level, (by kind permission). You don't need to be a pagan to attend, and ritual dress is optional.

HEALTH RETREATS

Find balance in body and mind at a Casterley Barn Wellness Retreat, Pewsey with their series of retreats focusing on self-care and mindful living. Danesfield House Hotel & Spa, Marlow-OnThames offers three, five or seven-day retreats based around healthy eating, conscious movement, bodyweight exercises, personal training, relaxation and yoga.

In Hungerford you could buy a day pass to the Herongate Club and take part in an aerobics class before enjoying a fresh juice from their first-floor lounge café.

LUXURY SPA STAYS

If lounging about in a robe at a nice hotel, with a glass of bubbles in one hand and a magazine in the other sounds like just what you need then try an overnight stay (or three!) at one of the spa hotels along the Great West Way (see p126 for more).

You might enjoy breaking up your journey with a stay at The Roseate Reading where they have recently unveilled a new spa.

If you really want to splash out, make like a princess (or prince) for a spa retreat at Cliveden House Hotel. As well as various enticing pools, flotation experiences and treatments, they offer a Garden Oasis Purifying Experience - a combination of body brushing, massage and reflexology that promises to tease you back to tip top condition.

Moored on the banks of Monkey Island in the historic village of Bray this first-of-its-kind floating luxury spa is the ultimate escape, while on the edge of the Cotswolds, a short detour from the route, both Cricklade House and Woolley Grange Hotel offer spa hotels in scenic locations too.

A Hot Air Balloon Ride

Fancy an adventure? Why not watch the world go by from a different perspective for a while and take flight with Bailey Balloons or Bristol Balloons.

Wild Swimming in The Thames

Take a dip in fresh waters at Cock Marsh near Cookham, where you'll find sandy beaches to paddle out from and clear, clean waters

A Tandem 1300ft Skydive

From the thrill of your first jump, right through to the exhiliration for those who take it to the extreme with Wingsuit flying, this sport has it all!

Climbing an 120-foot Neoclassical Tower Built for Europe's wealthiest manclimbing Beckford Tower, just outside Bath is an experience you won't forget!

Yoga on a Stand Up Paddleboard

Take to the water for a yoga session! Experts SUP Bristol and Original Wild will show you the ropes

Exclusive use of The Cross Baths

You might want to upgrade your Thermae Bath Spa experience for a more intimate open-air thermal bath, located just across the street

Fly an exciting Spitfire flight simulator

One of only two in the UK, and of very few such devices found anywhere in the world can be found and flown at Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Meeting some animals

Visit the big cats, giraffes, zebras, curious monkeys, rhinos and more at Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm or Longleat Safari Park

Taking a road and river adventure

Take a trip through scenic Windsor and enjoy fantastic views of Windsor Castle from the water with Amazing Duck Tours

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MY GREAT WEST WAY

Whether you want to indulge in a splash of Edwardian opulence, down a chilled glass of Britain’s finest fizz or take a ride in a Rolls Royce phantom, these three locals hold the keys Words: Belinda Richardson

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OM NEWEY IS STILL reeling at the success he has had with his Alder Ridge vineyard, eleven years on from its launch. “Times are changing,” he says. “Who would have ever thought they’d find an internationally recognised vineyard along the Great West Way?” Critics said it was too hairbrained and wouldn’t work so Tom set out to prove them wrong and was rewarded with the cat’s whiskers when he went and won silver for his Blanc de Noirs at the International Wine Challenge in 2016 - not bad for his very first vintage.

“Of course we have had our ups and downs, not least, with the challenge of dealing with the ongoing situation of COVID-19, and the weather will no doubt continue to surprise us with its uncertainty. I watch the weather a lot more than I used to but for the time being – and I hate to say this – global warming is working in our favour. The chalky ridge and the flinty topsoil have

many of the key characteristics of the Champagne region, which not only means strong grapes but a beautiful place to live.

Visitors are welcome to come and explore our stunning Southerly facing vineyard over the summer months. We host a series of vineyard tours between June and September - so please book with us for 2021."

(Private tour packages start at £35pp) › alderridge.co.uk Tom's best thing about the Great West Way: It promotes slow travel, which means we get our heads out of our sat navs and take time to appreciate our surroundings on our journey”.

Tom's favourite day out: “A gentle browse – and a spend - in my favourite town Marlborough while I am waiting for my electric car to charge, followed by a wander in Great Bedwyn and lunch at The Three Tuns.” →

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ICHARD ALDHOUS HAS been a car enthusiast all his life. Now a director of Calne’s Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, he started working here as a car parking attendant. “Back then, we were three staff, now we are a grand nine,” he says. “We will never be as big as Beaulieu or Haynes but we don’t want to be, we are quite happy being small but spectacular. We have everything here from the expected to the unexpected, including all those makes you can remember from being a kid, like the Trojan, Morris Minor, Model T Ford, Austin 7s, gleaming Daimlers, a prototype Mini – you name it.”

Refreshingly free from the glitz and the trailer queens, Atwell-Wilson is packed to the rafters with a whacky collection of about 100 everyday classic cars (some available to hire), lorries, motorcycles, mopeds and push bikes from days gone by, set against the backdrop of a 1930s garage. Pretty much all the vehicles are in useable condition rather than being pampered showpieces and poking round them is like taking a casual, rather fun stroll through motoring history.

“I feel as happy as a sandboy living and working here in Calne,” says Richard. “There is so much here to discover.

Calne has always been a place of discovery – first you had Priestley discovering oxygen in Bowood, which in turn led to discovering the process of photosynthesis. Not forgetting the good old pigs and the Wiltshire cure, invented here by the Harris family in the eighteenth century. When we lost the pigs, it is fair to say that Calne had a good 15 years of depression but now we have fallen back in love with ourselves and our community is as strong as any.

At the time of publishing, in order to protect volunteers and visitors, the Museum remained closed. Please check website for further details › atwellwilson.org.uk →

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Richard's best thing about the Great West Way: “I love that it focuses travellers on a route but then guides them north and south of it too, which means they do actually find little gems like us”.

Richard's favourite day out: “Cycling the track from Avebury to Calne and out to Chippenham with a stop off at The Lansdowne Arms on the way and dinner back in Calne at the Italian restaurant (Antica Roma) that’s always booked up”.

Pictured top-left then clockwise: Richard Aldhous, Director of Calne’s AtwellWilson Motor Museum; the museum; The Red Lion Avebury; Cycling on the Great West Way; Calne High Street

M

ARK THWAITES, DIRECTOR at Thames Lido, has come up trumps with his restoration of both Bristol and Reading lidos, leading the charge in the renaissance of some of our finest Edwardian outdoor pools. “Thankfully our lee-dos are not what most people remember as lie-dos from childhood – all floating plasters, empty crisp packets and wagon wheel wrappers, “he says. “These are much more grown up – escapist places to be pampered and well-fed.” With his background in the fitness industry and his half Finnish heritage, Mark and Swedish developer Arne Ringner, have created glamorous outdoor oases, delightfully free of lane ropes, flags and pace clocks, secluded in glass-walled courtyards, with steam gently rising from the ambient 25 degrees C water.

Scandi-style saunas and massage rooms and a chi-chi restaurant complete the picture. Both the Thames and Bristol Lido have re-opened, please see websites for further details › thameslido.com, lidobristol.com

Pictured top then clockwise: Thames Lido; Mark Thwaites, Director at Thames Lido; Bristol Balloon Fiesta

Mark's best thing about the Great West Way: “All the beauty and variety and tranquility you find along the way. Thames Lido has a natural place in this market since unwinding and being calm is at the heart of what we do.”

Mark's favourite day out: “Much as I like Reading, it would have to be in Bristol. For a long time Bristol battled against Bath for tourism but at last Bristol has broken through as a mecca for great music, culture, arts and restaurants – namely our very own at the Bristol lido” Discover new themed itineraries from canal boating to exploring the beautiful great outdoors of the North Wessex Downs on our website: GreatWestWay.co.uk /plan-your-way

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SHOPPING GEMS

From antique stores and independent shops to stylish shopping centres and malls SOUVENIR HUNTING

Shop like the Victorians and go in search of the ultimate memento of your travels. Books by local authors, artworks, traditional crafts and handmade memorabilia.

You’ll find independent bookshops, such as the award-winning Hungerford Bookshop at the heart of the historic town, stores and pop-up boutiques such as We Make Bristol in Westbury-on-Trym, which only stocks products by local artists and designers, hidden in all corners of the Great West Way. Bath is a fantastic shopping destination for independents - whether you’re into antique jewellery, antiquarian books, bohemian interiors or fine cheeses, you can take home some really unique finds. Head to Milsom Place to discover a fantastic mix of both famous names and breakthrough brands.

Don’t dismiss the gift shops at top tourist attractions or tourist information offices either. Stonehenge gift shop, for instance, sells striking lino prints of the stones by local artist Caroline Day. Or pop into The Mill Shop following your visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill for exclusive silk gifts that have been woven right there at the Mill.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO In line with the latest guidance from the Government The way we all shop is going to feel different for a while due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Please expect one-way systems, signage to help guide you while you shop, hand sanitiser stations and enhanced cleaning procedures around the centres. Face coverings are compulsory throughout the centres, including in all stores. Shops and car parks will only accept card or contactless payments. Please respect the need to social distance, and avoid shopping in large groups.

Look for shops in unexpected locations, too. St Peter’s Church in Marlborough is now home to a craft shop selling all sorts of cute, colourful gifts. Or visit for their twice-weekly market, located on the High Street - one of the widest in the UK and lined on both sides with characterful old buildings housing an array of chic cafés and independent shops.

In Bristol, the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter is a hidden-away haven for one-offs including musical instruments, herbal remedies and fine spirits. There’s also some marvellous markets selling everything from local crafts to artisan delicacies. Check out the Charter Market in Salisbury on Tuesdays and Saturdays or St Nick’s Market in Bristol, every day except Sunday.

Did you know? Bath has its own Gift Card that is accepted across the city in shops and restaurants, hotels and bars, museums and manicurists. The best of Bath in one little card! To find out more visit bathgiftcard.com

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Pictured top left then clockwise: The Oracle, Reading; visitors to Bath; Marlborough High Street; Henley on Thames

DESIGNER FASHION

The Great West Way is proud to be home to one of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, or a short detour from the route, Clarks Village, Somerset are great places to pick up discounted top name brands like Hobbs, Jack Wills, Molton Brown, North Face and Osprey.

Then there’s Kilver Court Designer Village, a short distance south of Bath, where as well as fashion there are luxurious lifestyle brands like Liberty London, known for its iconic floral prints, plus a gorgeous garden to explore.

For a truly personalised service, and exclusive couture clothing, visit one of the posh boutiques along the touring route. Fluidity in Henley-on-Thames attracts high flyers near and far and is rumoured to be former Prime Minister Theresa May’s favourite.

For jewellery, consider getting a bespoke piece made by a local jeweller. Goldsmith Paul Newton in Malmesbury crafts exquisite pendants, earrings and rings set with dazzling jewels (good to know if you’re thinking of making a proposal while you’re away!). Or for sensational silver jewellery, go to Tundra Jewellers in Devizes, or visit Deacons Jewellers in Swindon.

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A SEASON OF SURPRISES Somerset Outlet Shopping; discover up to 60% off gifts, fashion and more.

VINTAGE, ART & ANTIQUES

There’s no better way to buy a piece of art than direct from the artist - and at Reading’s art events, including Whiteknights Studio Trail, Caversham Arts Trail, and Artline art market, you can do just that.

Or why not head to Previous, a wildly eclectic vintage shop (and café) located on Corsham High Street, for one-off homewares and quirky retro items. Then wander across the road to explore Paul Martin from BBC’s Flog It! antiques shop - The Table Gallery.

If you’re mainly in the market for antiques, you’re sure to stumble upon more rare finds in Marlborough, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon, Marlow and Tetbury.

Head to Pewsey and call in at Crystal Clear – a gemstone

of a shop, located on the High Street, and be charmed by unique natural crystal jewellery, crop circle artwork, crystals and minerals, and hand made gifts. There’s also the delightful McNeill Gallery, located in market place, and a leading contemporary gallery, or try Woodborough Yard, full of independent shops, workshops and cafés.

For original artworks you can’t beat Turville Studios located in the picturesque village of Turville, the filming locations for Midsomer Murders, Vicar of Dibley, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and most recently Killing Eve. If you’re happy to travel a short distance north of the Great West Way, you should definitely have a rummage at Antiques on High, an Oxford institution where you’ll find original oil paintings to adorable writing desks. →

Pictured top left then clockwise: Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury; McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon; McNeill Gallery; Shopping at The Oracle, Reading

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Back in the beautiful city of Bath, their Vintage & Antiques Market, held on the last Sunday of every month at Green Park Station, has a good mix of everything - mid-century furnishings, jazzy retro frocks and one-of-a-kind antiques.

While Vintage to Vogue can style you in top quality fashion, from the 1900s onwards, then have it tailored specifically to your shape. Very dapper! And there are exceptional restaurants to stop and refuel wherever the need takes you - keep an eye out for The Circus, Acorn and The Olive Tree at The Queensberry Hotel.

Nearby Bristol is known for its alternative outlook, making it a go-to place for vintage and offbeat fashion finds.

Established in 1743 St Nicholas Market is the oldest and best loved market in Bristol, famous for some of the best food in the city, or head to Stokes Croft and adjoining Gloucester Road - the longest street of independent shops in the UK.

There you’ll discover artfully-curated charity shops alongside intriguing second-hand stores (with lots of hip cafes in between for when you need a coffee break).

Love tea? Learn all about the art of tea blending and tea tasting at a Bird & Blend Tea Masterclass.

Good to know: If you’re a guy or gal who likes Americana, Uncle Sam’s on Park Street is the best place to find a pair of cowboy boots or classic Levis you can cherish forever.

SUSTAINABLE FASHION

Try and catch one of the Duck Pond markets, which take place regularly in various scenic locations not far from London such as Henley-on-Thames and Chalfont St Giles.

Their ethos is local, ethical and sustainable, so you can feel good about supporting the planet as well as local businesses when you buy.

Pictured top left then clockwise: Signage while shopping in Bath; St Nicholas Market, Bristol; Shopping at Corsham street market

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IN THE KNOW There’s much to explore at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon – let us show you around

Discover over 90 coveted designer labels and iconic brands like Ted Baker, Reiss, Levi’s, Molton Brown and many more. The best bit?

They’re all up to 60% less than the RRP.

1. ICONIC BRANDS VISIT US Find out why we’re Wiltshire’s premier shopping destination, just 50 minutes drive from Bath and Bristol.

Find us off the M4 motorway, junction 16.

Visit us online to discover our latest opening times and any additional measures in place to help plan your trip.

2. A GREAT LOCATION

3. DINE & UNWIND

Housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building, the centre was once home to the bustling workshops of Great Western Railway Works and boasts original brick arches and features.

Take some time out to relax and unwind at our great range of restaurants and cafés including popular favourites like including popular favourites like Wagamama, Giraffe, Five Guys and Starbucks.

swindondesigneroutlet.com

CULINARY DELIGHTS

The Great West Way is home to some of England’s best foodie experiences

T

HERE’S A TANTALISING buffet of food and drink experiences along the Great West Way. Discover award-winning high-end restaurants and cosy, traditional pubs, with a galaxy of Michelin stars and plenty of local food heroes serving up everything from vegetables hand grown in the kitchen garden to just-baked homemade cakes.

7 OF THE FINEST RESTAURANTS HAND AND FLOWERS, MARLOW

The first pub to achieve two Michelin stars, a relaxed place to settle in for some proper English dishes, including a fabulous Sunday roast. Chef Tom Kerridge serves up sophisticated yet familiar dishes – think half roast chicken with oak gravy and pork belly with roasted pineapple and chorizo mayonnaise. › thehandandflowers.co.uk

SINDHU RESTAURANT BY ATUL KOCHHAR, MARLOW

Overlooking the banks of the River Thames in beautiful Marlow, Sindhu restaurant by twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar offers contemporary Indian cuisine featuring vibrant flavours, subtle blends of spices and incredible aromas. Located in The Compleat Angler Hotel, a stone’s throw from Marlow station. › sindhurestaurant.co.uk

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN, BATH

Clayton’s Kitchen is a perennial favourite for local foodies and discerning travellers. Robert Clayton, the restaurant’s Chef Patron, creates uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase the freshest and very best ingredients. He is inspired by Mediterranean and modern French cuisine.

Robert ensures that every dish is prepared, cooked and presented to perfection. › claytonskitchen.com

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Pictured above then clockwise: Koffmann & Mr. White’s English and French Brasserie, Bath; Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Wiltshire; Dessert at The Fat Duck, Bray; Hand and Flowers, Wycombe; Dessert at Hand and Flowers, Wycombe

THE FAT DUCK, BRAY

The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa has recently been awarded their second Michelin star, just two years after earning their first. Executive Chef, Niall Keating, who previously worked around the world at some of the finest Michelin starred restaurants was awarded a coveted Michelin star in less than a year of joining Whatley Manor. Niall draws inspiration from many different cuisines, including Korean, Japanese and classic French. Niall’s cuisine is very much ‘of the moment’. › whatleymanor.com

CASAMIA, BRISTOL

An impressive Grade II listed former Victorian hospital on the harbour-side, overlooking Bathurst Basin, at Casamia the menu of seasonal dishes, from Wiltshire rainbow trout to Spanish winter truffle, are regularly changing, and are presented to you at your table by the chefs themselves.

Vaulted arches give this innovative restaurant a light, airy feel and the state-of-the-art open kitchen acts as the focal point. › casamiarestaurant.co.uk

KOFFMANN & MR. WHITE’S ENGLISH AND FRENCH BRASSERIE, BATH

WEST BERKSHIRE BREWERY

Bath Farmers’ Market Green Park Station, every Sat

of The Great West Way runs through some so it’s no England’s most fertile agricultural land, markets surprise that you’ll find regular farmers’ for fresh along the route. Check out these markets local food and drink, direct from the producers.

THE THE DOWER HOUSE RESTAURANT, (B4) ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL & SPA 16 Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS, 01225 823333, royalcrescent.co.uk both This formal but friendly restaurant serves á la carte tasting menus (one is vegetarian) and cuisine. dishes, with a focus on seasonal British gardens, The dining room overlooks the hotel’s where you can dine al fresco in summer.

PLUM + SPILT MILK, GREAT NORTHERN HOTEL (M3) gnhlondon.com RICK STEIN, MARLBOROUGH (E4) rickstein.com/eat-with-us/marlborough

THE DISPENSARY, NO 15 GREAT PULTENEY (B4) no15greatpulteney.co.uk

THE OLD BELL HOTEL (C3) Malmesbury, SN16 0BW, 01666 822344 • oldbellhotel.co.uk to The Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant is reputed and be the oldest purpose-built hotel in England uses fresh, Grade 1 listed. The Refectory and Bar by a local and seasonal produce accompanied wide selection of drinks.

CLOISTERS RESTAURANT, BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL (C4) handpickedhotels.co.uk DAN MOON AT THE GAINSBOROUGH RESTAURANT (B4) thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

CEDAR AT THE LANGLEY (K3) thelangley.com CLAYTON’S KITCHEN (B4) claytonskitchen.com

THE MOONRAKER HOTEL (C4) moonrakerhotel.com

AT THE MONKEY ISLAND BRASSERIE MONKEY ISLAND ESTATE (J3) monkeyislandestate.co.uk

THE BRASSERIE AT SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN HOTEL (K3) sirchristopherwren.co.uk

1st Sat of Wiltshire Farmers’ Market Devizes, of month; month; Royal Wootton Bassett 4th Sat Salisbury 1st & 3rd Wed of month

the You’ll find many of the restaurants along our Great West Way are dining rooms within their Ambassador hotels, many of which source also You’ll ingredients from small local producers.

Rick Stein, find several celebrity chefs including There’s Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White. you. also plenty of different cuisines to tempt AT BEAU’S BAR AND RESTAURANT DONNINGTON GROVE HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB (G4) donnington-grove.com

Trowbridge Weaver’s Market 2nd Saturday the month (not winter)

Sat & Sun Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Designer Swindon Farmers’ Market Swindon Outlet, every Sun 3rd Sun Thames Valley Farmers’ Market Ascot, Reading 1st of month; Newbury, 1st Sun of month; of month & 3rd Sat of month; Windsor, 1st Sat of

MARVELLOUS FOOD MARKETS

THE

AND KOFFMANN & MR WHITE’S ENGLISH FRENCH BRASSERIE (B4) mpwrestaurants.co.uk THE MARCO PIERRE WHITE RESTAURANT AT THE CASTLE HOTEL (K3) castlehotelwindsor.com

DINING RESTAURANTS

THE NEWBURY ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD

BRISTOL BEER FACTORY

of the south The chalk soils and temperate climate varieties, are pretty perfect for crisp, white, bubbly awards. and English wines are winning international wine producers Take a vineyard tour with one of the on the Great West Way.

ALDWICK ESTATE VINEYARD (A4) 01934 864404 • aldwickestate.co.uk

WADWORTH DRINK AND EAT, STAY ON THE GRE AT WES T WAY

visitbristol.co.uk/beer beer Bristol is one of the UK’s leading craft destinations and is brimming with brilliant the breweries – there are more than 20 in city and surrounding countryside. Quench your thirst in tap rooms, fantastic beer the shops and traditional pubs, or follow lead of the local tour guides at Bristol Brewery Tours or Bristol Hoppers.

MOOR BEER

FARM SHO

A’BECKETT’S VINEYARD (D5) 01380 816669 • abecketts.co.uk ALDER RIDGE VINEYARD (F4) 01488 686770 • alderridge.co.uk

ENGLISH WINE

SHOP CHOLDERTON CHARLIE’S FARM (E5) Choldertoncharliesfarm.com/farm-shop

COBBS FARM HUNGERFORDSHOP & KITCHEN, (F4) Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerf 01488 686770 ord RG17 0SP, • cobbsfarmshop This excellen s.co.uk t the surround farm shop sells produce ing from rhubarb in springfarm. Expect asparagu s and while autumn and soft fruits in summer The café uses means squash and pumpkin , the same produce . and serves breakfas where possible ts and lunches Wiltshire cured including Down the road ham and homemade quiche. find another in Englefield, Reading you Cobbs Farm a whole host Shop & Kitchen will of local produce with .

BLACK SWAN, blackswandeviz DEVIZES (D4) es.co.uk

BUTTLE FARM (D4) buttlefarm.co.uk

CROWN, TOLLDO thecrowntolldow WN (B3) n.co.uk

COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN, ENGLEFIELD (H4) cobbsfarmshops.co.uk ROVES FARM SHOP (E3) Rovesfarm.co.uk/farmshop

COBBS FARM SHOP & KITCHEN, HUNGERFORD (F4) 0SP, Cobbs Farm, Bath Rd, Hungerford RG17 01488 686770 • cobbsfarmshops.co.uk from This excellent farm shop sells produce and the surrounding farm. Expect asparagus rhubarb in spring and soft fruits in summer, while autumn means squash and pumpkin. possible The café uses the same produce where and serves breakfasts and lunches including quiche.

Wiltshire cured ham and homemade you will Down the road in Englefield, Reading with find another Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen a whole host of local produce.

CROWN, TOLLDOWN (B3) thecrowntolldown.co.uk

GEORGE INN, georgeinnnsp.coNORTON ST PHILIP (C5) .uk

BLACK SWAN, DEVIZES (D4) blackswandevizes.co.uk

BIRD IN HAND, KNOWL HILL (J3) birdinhand.co.uk

BARS AND

PS

One of the greatest pleasure through the English countryss of a drive at a farm shop café for a cup ide is stopping tasty local produce of tea . You’ll happen and some as you travel upon them along the Great West Way.

BRISTOL

WEST BERKSH The Old Dairy, IRE BREWERY (G3) Frilsham Farm, 0XT, 01635 Yattendon 767090 RG18 A menu of homema • wbbrew.com de pizzas, burgers soak up the beers in the Taproom of and salads brewhouse. this You’ll have views into the modern one side and brewery out over the on the other.

Berkshire countrys on ide

BEAR, DEVIZE thebearhoteldeS (D4) vizes.co.uk BIRD IN HAND, birdinhand.co.uk KNOWL HILL (J3)

(C5) GEORGE INN, NORTON ST PHILIP georgeinnnsp.co.uk

BUTTLE FARM buttlefarm.co.u(D4) k CHOLD ERTON CHARLIE’S (E5) FARM SHOP Choldertonchar liesfarm.com/fa rm-shop

ENGLISH WIN

E

The chalk soils and tempera are pretty perfect te climate of the south for crisp, white, and English bubbly wines Take a vineyard are winning internat varieties, ional awards. on the Great tour with one of the wine produce West Way. rs

MOOR BEER BRISTOL BEER

COBBS FAR ENGLEFIELD cobbsfarmsho ROVES FARM Rovesfarm.co.

WADWORTH EAT, DRINK AND STAY ON THE GREAT WEST WAY

FARM SHOPS

George Inn, Norton St Philip, Bath,

THE DINING ROOM, WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA (C3) Easton Grey, Malmesbury SN16 0RB, 01666 822888 • whatleymanor.com the kitchen of A Michelin-starred tasting menu from in this friendly executive chef Niall Keating is served charcuterie but formal dining room. There’s often a creative linefrom the manor to start, followed by up of modern British dishes.

Enjoy great food from pub classics to

RED LION FREEHOUSE (E5) East Chisenbury, Pewsey SN9 6AQ, 01980 671124 • redlionfreehouse.com it holds a Thatched country pub with food so good ham, egg and Michelin star. There’s pub grub such as menu which chips as well as the more refined main in season. changes daily and focuses on what’s

k

Bear Hotel, Devizes, Wiltshire

Black Swan, Devizes, Wiltshire

Try beers brewed with passion

Bird in Hand, Knowl Hill, Reading,

THE HAND AND FLOWERS (J3) 126 West St, Marlow SL7 2BP THE FAT DUCK (J3) High St, Bray SL6 2AQ

food and If you can, time your visit for one of the West Way. drink-focused events along the Great Great Bath Some of the bigger ones include the Food and Feast, Bristol Food Connections, Longleat Festival.

Music Festival and the Great British Food alongside There are also hundreds of smaller events, in market weekly produce and street food markets You might even towns throughout the touring route.

Races! stumble upon Chippenham’s Pancake (C4) BRADFORD ON AVON FOOD FESTIVAL May Victory Field, Bradford on Avon, 30 scrumptiousfoodfestivals.co.uk local artisan One-day event featuring food stalls from professional producers, cookery demonstrations by chefs and a children’s activity area.

(A4) BRISTOL FOOD CONNECTIONS s.com Bristol, June • bristolfoodconnection two weeks, A citywide line-up of events over almost boat including talks on food and health, lunchtime trips and cooking demonstrations.

THE COFFEE HOUSE PROJECT (A4) The Passenger Shed, Bristol, September thecoffeehouseproject.co.uk local, artisan Bristol’s first coffee festival celebrates retailers over roasters and independent food and drink two days.

DEVIZES BEER FESTIVAL (D4) The Wharf, Devizes, July • camra.org.uk than more Long-running one-day beer festival with Live 100 real ales and ciders served up canalside. music too.

COBBS FARM SHOP

a special treat

Crown Inn, Tolldown, Dyrham, Somerset

WHATLEY MANOR

CULINARY DELIGHTS IN MICHELIN STARRED RESTAURANTS

FABULOUS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVALS

Somerset

Wadworth Brewery, Devizes, Wiltshire

EAT, DRINK & STAY WITH ® ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY

then you’re If its award-winning you’re looking for chefs in for a treat. There are numerous celebrity pubs such as along the route and top-notch country of the best The Red Lion Freehouse. Listed are some restaurants.

(C5) LONGLEAT FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL Longleat, Warminster 4 and 5 July

One of the greatest pleasures of a drive through the English countryside is stopping some at a farm shop café for a cup of tea and them tasty local produce. You’ll happen upon as you travel along the Great West Way.

Bristol Airport’s cafes, bars and restaurants day, stay open until the final flight of the off, with so you can fuel up before you take down meal. anything from a tasty snack to a sit with rooftop Our pick is Cabin Bar - premium bar beers terrace. The Cabin, offers fine wine, craft environment and locally sourced food in a relaxing with – and includes a stylish outdoor terrace retractable roof.

FOOD ON THE MOVE

longleat.co.uk 2020 for a Join Longleat on the 4th and 5th July your taste harmonious festival sure to tantalise stalls, buds. You’ll enjoy diverse food and drink live music demonstrations by celebrity chefs, plus stage with from an array of artists taking to the day’s line-up Longleat House as the backdrop; each will be announced closer to the event.

BRIS TOL

visitbris tol.co.u k/beer Bristol is one of the UK’s destinations leading craft and is brimmin beer breweries – g with brilliant there city and surround are more than 20 in the ing countrys your thirst in ide. Quench tap rooms, fantastic beer shops and tradition al pubs, or follow lead of the local the Brewery Tours tour guides at Bristol or Bristol Hoppers .

BEAR, DEVIZES (D4) thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk

by train Enjoy dining while travelling the route pass. with our Great West Way Discoverer produce Great Western Railway serve delicious classic from their at-seat trolley service, from snacks and sweet treats, to tasty sandwiches drinks, and wraps. Plus, a great range of soft journey. beers, and wines to accompany your

Corsham, June • corsham.gov.uk food Full-day celebration of Corsham’s local lining the producers, with food and drink stalls High Street, live music and a silent disco.

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EAT READING (H4) June Broad St and Market Place, Reading, livingreading.co.uk best foodie Two-day festival showcasing Reading’s businesses, featuring live cookery demonstrations, and a popstreet food tastings, cocktail mixology up street café.

GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Englefield, Reading (H4), June and Westonbirt House (C3), August greatbritishfoodfestival.com and This touring festival brings artisan producers or three street food vendors together over two activities. days and includes plenty of child-friendly (F4) HUNGERFORD FOOD FESTIVAL October Hungerford Town Hall and High St, hungerfordfoodfestival.com talks Full-day event featuring street food stalls, is a key and live cooking demos. Sustainability theme.

J3) PUB IN THE PARK (BATH B4 / MARLOW Bath, Marlow, May and Royal Victoria Park, June • pubintheparkuk.com tastings, Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge combines and music chef demonstrations, masterclasses garden’ over from top live acts in his ‘ultimate pub three lively days.

THE SURREY FOOD FESTIVAL (L3) Old Deer Park, Richmond, April surreyfoodfestival.com and A weekend of foodie fun, with talks, tastings line-up demos in the marquee and an extensive and a kids’ of food and drink stalls, plus live music zone.

TASTE OF CORSHAM (C4)

(D4) DEVIZES FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Devizes, September-October devizesfoodanddrinkfestival.info drink Week-long celebration of local food and Market products, including a food market in the a goat farm Place and visits to producers including and vineyard.

EAT! FOOD FESTIVAL HENLEY (H3) Henley on Thames, June • eatfoodfest.co.uk of events A fortnight of feasting, with a line-up film that includes tastings, chef demonstrations, with screenings and the finale Riverside Fiesta street food and a floating gin bar.

TEA

THE PUMP A proper English ROOM RESTAU Roman Baths, a hot beverage afternoon tea is far RANT (B4) more romanbaths.coBath BA1 1LZ 01225 itself, not to . In fact, it can be a whole than just 444477 mention a thoroug .uk/pum meal An elegant while away hly pleasant in space at the p-room-restaurant an afternoo way to Roman Baths range of teas n. where a is There is always to the full tieredserved, from the smaller cream tea stand of treats. by the pot and tea, of course. Usually this is served made from through a strainer tea leaves, poured THE ROSEA into a bone TE cake stand china cup. A is the most roseatehotels.c(H4) tiered tradition accompanying om/reading/th al way to eroseate jam and cream,food: sandwiches, scones serve the ROSEATE HOUSE in that order, and cakes. Most people served with roseatehotels.c (L3) but om/london/ros places will keep since many of the mosteat them eatehouse replenish ing THE ROSEA upmarket switch back each level, you TE and forth for roseatehotels.cVILLA BATH (B4) could hours. om/bath/thero Afternoon tea seatevilla THE ROYAL century when was invented in England, CRESCENT in the 19th 16 Royal Crescen HOTEL & SPA (around 8pm) the fashion for having (B4) dinner 01225 823333 t, Bath BA1 2LS and made the took hold among the upper later • royalcrescent. gap between classes Take a se lon

Market, Bristol Farmers’ Market St Nicholas every Wed

To discover more, visit GreatWestWay.co.u

Meet our working shire horses

AFTERNOON

CRICKLADE HOUSE HOTEL cricklad ehotel.c (E2) o.uk THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS thebridgetearo (C4) oms.co.uk NO 15 GREAT no15greatpultePULTENEY (B4) ney.co.uk

BREWERIES

THE BATH BREW thebathbrewho HOUSE (B4) use.com

WADWORTH BREWERY Northgate (D4) Brewery, Devizes 01380 723361 SN10 1JW, Stately red-brick• wadworth.co.uk brewery in producing a range of real Devizes town centre, distributed ales including 6X. for a taste and Call in to the Harness the widely Room the Brewseu don’t leave without checking Bar m. out

PUBS SERVI Beer has been NG REAL ALES of years – a brewed in England for thousands fermented mixture malt and yeast. of water, hops, HELEN BROWN invented here, Althoug h beer itself helenbrownings ING’S ROYAL OAK wasn’t (E3) own unique the English have develop organic.co.uk/ro style which ed their yal-oak/ you’ll find in is THE NEWBU other countriequite unlike what RY s. thenewburypub (G4) This is called ‘real .co.uk 1970s by CAMRA ale’, a name first coined in the (the Campaig THE to describe PRINCE STREET traditional draught n for Real Ale) SOCIAL (B4) princestreetsoci contain live cask beers that yeast. al.com the yeast continui Real ale is a living product, QUEENS ARMS, served – generally ng to ferment until the beer is queensarmseast EAST GARSTON pump mounted from a traditional (F4) hand-pull garston.co.uk bags of flavour on the bar. This gives real ale and a natural THE ROYAL that is very different from light carbonation OAK YATTEN royaloakyatten lagers and highly the more ubiquito DON (G3) don.co.uk the large internat carbonated beers produce us ional brewers. d by THE ROYAL WINDSOR You’ll find real theroyalwindso PUB (K3) the Great Westale in almost all pubs r.co.uk along Way. It comes varieties including in THE SWAN IPA (India Pale numerous mild, stout, BRADFORD Ale), bitter, theswanbradford porter and golden.

ON AVON vary significa (C4) .co.uk Flavours can ntly afraid to request within varieties, so don’t be THREE TUNS a taste first – and always for what’s local.

FREEHOUSE tunsfreehouse.c ask (F4) om These are some THE WHITE ale along the of the best places to drink real HORSE INN Great West whitehorse-com Way. (D4) ptonbassett.co. uk

TEA ROOMS

BATH ARTISANS MARKET

W W W.WA D W O R T H .C O.U K

Experience an classic decor authentic Afternoon Tea of in the with historic the Drawing Room. Appoint features, original ed contemporary artwork spot to view furnishings, this is the and perfect our while enjoying landscaped gardens and lake our contemp orary afternoo n tea.

ABBEY HOTEL abbeyhotelbat (B4) h.co.uk APEX HOTEL apexhotels.co.(B4) uk BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL handpickedhote (B4) ls.co.uk/bailbro okhouse BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA Calne, Wiltshi & GOLF RESORT (D4) bowood.org/bore SN11 9PQ 01249 822228 Finger sandwic wood-hotel-resort served in the hes, scones and colourfu Shelburne Restaura l cakes Library. Fire nt, Bar and in winter.

ERIES

FOOD & DRINK TOURS & TASTINGS

All rights reserved.

ART HERE.

BEER & BREW

Sun of month Maidenhead Farmers’ Market 2nd Market Malmesbury Artisan and Farmers’ every Fri of month Newbury Farmers’ Market 1st Sun

West Way are registered trade marks.

-drink GreatWes tWay.co.uk/food-and ST

With so many great places to savour along the Great West Way, from thatched pubs to beamed tearooms in ancient market towns to quaint villages, you might find you first need one of our food maps GreatWestWay.co.uk/ explore/maps

THE NEWBU 137 BARTHO RY 5HB, 01635 LOMEW ST, NEWBURY 49000 • thenew RG14 The Newbur y offers an excitingburypub.co.uk menu and fantastic British à la carte atmosphere. home of 137 It is also the Gin, Lumber’s Bartholowhere multi-award winning mew Gin is distilled.

Landlord Pete’s Newbury and vision is at the heart of to the stunning137, from the distinctive The branding décor.

SAVOURING BATH (B4) savouringbath.com

Great West Way and England’s Great

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

TASTE HERE.

THE LANGLE Y (K3) thelangley.com

SHELBURNE RESTAURANT, BOWOOD HOTEL, SPA & GOLF RESORT (D4) 822228 Derry Hill, Calne SN11 9PQ, 01249 bowood.org/bowood-hotel-resort has The classy restaurant at this luxury hotel and glorious views of the estate from its windows on lamb loin hearty dishes such as guinea fowl and and vegan its menu. There’s also a full vegetarian roasts. menu and excellent traditional Sunday

slice of quinte ssential Englan agricultural d is home to land, some of fruits and vegeta and with that comes excellent local the country’s best breweries experi bles to fine wines. Farms produce, from fresh rear animals veggies. While ment with craft beers, and nurture and kitchen pubs and restau gardens cultiva crops, and family-run rants select te seasonal tea rooms whip the best of it all for their up fresh cakes All of this adds menus, daily. up to one very farm shops, tasty journe internationa y along the Great l cuisine, Miche cookery school lin starred restau West Way. From s and more take a look rants, tours, at our pick tasting of the best places to visit. s,

(F4) THE HARROW AT LITTLE BEDWYN theharrowatlittlebedwyn.com

Great Wes Bristol, pass t Way roams between ing through London and some of Engl idyllic coun trysi and’ ancient mark de and weaving a path s mos t et town to way from quaint villa to beamed ge, thatched tearoom. pub This

GUYERS HOUSE HOTEL & RESTAURANT (C4) guyershouse.com

Great places to savour alo ng the Great West Way. The

THAMES LIDO (H4) thameslido.com THAMES RIVERCRUISE (H4) thamesrivercruise.co.uk VAUGHAN’S KITCHEN (D4) vaughanskitchen.co.uk WILTON WINDMILL (F4) wiltonwindmill.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Market, Bristol Street Food Market St Nicholas every Tue & Fri month Corsham Farmers’ Market 3rd Sat of Quay, Harbourside Street Food Market Broad Bristol, every Wed & Thur Thur & Henley Farmers’ Market 2nd Sat, 4th 5th Sun of month

(C4) THE SWAN BRADFORD ON AVON theswanbradford.co.uk WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL (C4) woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

HEYWORTH RESTAURANT, HENLEY GREENLAND’S HOTEL (H3) hospitalityuor.co.uk

A delightful English and French all day dining city centre brasserie created by culinary legends Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White. The menu is homage to their 36 yearold friendship; a culinary combination of the chefs’ personal favourites, careers and homelands. Set within Bath's historic Abbey Hotel, the restaurant boasts an idyllic and classic setting. › mpwrestaurants.co.uk →

food Join one of the Great West Way’s best the local experiences to really get to grips with try homegrown cuisine. There are plenty of places to along the tipples. Beer, wine and gin are all made vineyard or Great West Way. You can take a brewery, experience like a distillery tour, try a hands-on foodie cookery school, or take a city food tour.

AROUND AND ABOUT BATH (B4) aroundandaboutbath.com (G5) BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY distillery.bombaysapphire.com

Berkshire

Businesses have been working hard to make sure everything is safe for both staff and visitors.

Things may look slightly different, so please be patient as we all get used to new ways of doing things.

Websites and businesses will be displaying new certification, including the Nationallyrecognised "We're Good to Go" mark to demonstrate the measures they have in place to protect us all from COVID-19.

LIDO BRISTOL (A4) lidobristol.com

Protect yourself and others

THE DINING ROOM, WHATLEY MANOR HOTEL & SPA, MALMESBURY

BRISTOL PACKET BOAT TRIPS (A4) bristolpacket.co.uk FRENCH BROTHERS (K3) frenchbrothers.co.uk HOBBS OF HENLEY (H3) hobbsofhenley.com

VISIT SAFELY

A simply superlative restaurant from highly regarded English chef Heston Blumenthal. Awarded three Michelin stars for its creative menu, which takes guests on a sensory journey to the seaside and begins before you even arrive, with a phone consultation. Expect to be dazzled – and to be talking about it for years. Bookings essential, and well in advance. › thefatduck.co.uk

FACTORY

A’BECKETT’S 01380 816669V • ALDER RIDGE 01488 686770 V • ALDWICK ESTAT 01934 864404 •

& CAFÉS

AEROSPACE NATIONAL TRUST SEASON Hayes Way, BRISTOL CAFÉ (B3) DRINKING AL EATING Patchway, AND SHOPP , Bristol, BS34 aerospacebristo Did you know ING 5BZ l.org/cafe Refuel in the restaurants that 187 of National Trust’s café whilst and tea-room cafés, on Bristol. This Food for Life s light and airy a visit to Aerospace Served Here have received the range of light café serves recognises that Award? The a award locally sourcedmeals, snacks and drinks. delicious is ethically and they serve fresh, local Produce is where possible food sustaina ble are seven Nationa . produced. Therethat THE BRIDGE the Great West l Trust places you can TEA ROOMS thebridgetearoo find on Way and eight (C4) within easy more which ms.co.uk reach of it, so GARDEN CAFÉ afternoon tea, if you’re looking are a picnic or a for an holburne.org AT THE HOLBURNE back there should food MUSEUM (C4) be somethi hamper to take tastebuds. ng to tempt HONEYSTREET your honeystreetmill BOATS AND CAFÉ (E4) AVEBURY, cafe.co.uk MARLB The New Circles OROUG H (E4) SPRING’S CAFÉ Avebury Manor Restaurant Thermae Bath AND RESTAURANT (B4) Coach House Tearoom 01225 331234Spa, Bath, BA1 1SJ Café Whilst enjoying • thermaebathspa.com DYRHAM PARK, a relaxing Spa, time to your GLOUCESTERS be sure to add The Tea-roo spa session extra HIRE (B3) m and Tea so you can enjoy tea or a tasty Garden meal at your afternoon PRIOR PARK, leisure.

THE TUTTI The Tea Shed BATH (C4) POLE (F4) thetuttipole.co. uk TYNTESFIELD, BRISTOL (A4) WESTONBIRT, Cow Barn Restaur THE NATION ant Westonbirt, Tetbury, Glouces AL ARBORETUM 0300 067 4890 (C3) tershire, GL8 • Forestryengland 8QS The Westonb Kennet and .uk/Wes tonbirt irt Avon prepared hot Restaurant offers tasty, with cafés along Canal Trust work in and cold refreshm freshly partnership prepared and ents. Food is Devizes, Crofton the canal at Bradford cooked on Avon, onsite, whilst is from Hobbs so you can be Beam Engines and Newbur the Shipton Mill House Bakery and made fresh bread whenever you sure of some tasty refreshm y, flour from nearby using visit. For more ents Long Newnto local cafés see katrust. informat n.

WINDSOR org.uk/attractio ion on their CASTLE UNDER ns OPENING CROFT CAFÉ ALDERMASTON 2020 (K3) – rct.uk/visit/win katrust.org.uk/a TEA ROOMS (H4) ttractions Royal Collectio dsor-castle n Trust is in CAN p

MARVELLOUS

FOOD MAR

The Great West England’s most Way runs through some surprise that fertile agricultural land, of you’ll along the route. find regular farmers’ so it’s no local food and Check out these marketsmarkets drink, direct for fresh from the produce Bath Farmers rs. ’ Market Green every Sat Park Station, Bristol Farmers ’ Market St every Wed Nicholas Market, Bristol Street every Tue & Food Market St Nicholas Fri Market, Corsham Farmers ’ Market 3rd Sat of month Harbourside Bristol, every Street Food Market Broad Wed & Thur Quay, Henley Farmers 5th Sun of month’ Market 2nd Sat, 4th Thur & Maidenhead Farmers’ Market 2nd Sun of Malmesbury month Artisan and every Fri Farmers’ Market Newbury Farmers ’ Market 1st Sun of month

FOOD & DRIN

Join one of

t

K TOURS &

KETS

Richmond Duck Pond Markets every Swindon Farmers Sat & Sun ’ Market Swindon Outlet, every Designer Sun Thames Valley Farmers’ Market of month; Newbur Ascot, 3rd Sun y, 1st Sun & 3rd Sat of month; Windsorof month; Reading 1st , 1st Sat of month Trowbridge Weaver’s Market the month (not 2nd Saturday winter) of Wiltshire Farmers ’ Market Devizes, month; Royal 1st Salisbury 1st Wootton Bassett 4th Sat Sat of & 3rd Wed of month; of month

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BATH ARTISAN

S MARKET

DINING REST

AURANTS

You’ll find many of the restaura Great West nts along the Way are dining Ambassador hotels, many rooms within our ingredients of which source from small their local find several celebrity chefs producers. You’ll also Pierre Koffman including Rick n and Marco Stein, also plenty Pierre White. of different cuisines to tempt There’s BEAU’S BAR you.

AND RESTAU DONNINGTON RANT GROVE HOTEL AT COUNTRY & CLUB donnington-gro (G4) ve.com THE BRASSE WREN HOTELRIE AT SIR CHRISTOPHER sirchristopherw(K3) ren.co.uk CEDAR AT THE thelangley.com LANGLEY (K3)

CLAYTON’S KITCHEN (B4) claytonskitchen .com CLOISTERS RESTAURANT, BAILBROOK HOUSE HOTEL handpickedhote (C4) ls.co.uk DAN MOON RESTAURANTAT THE GAINSBOROUG H thegainsboroug (B4)

KOFFMANN & MR WHITE FRENCH BRASSE mpwres taurant RIE (B4) s.co.uk THE MARCO PIERRE WHIT AT THE CASTLE castlehotelwind HOTEL (K3 sor.com THE MONKE Y ISLAND MONKEY ISLAND BRA monkeyislandes ESTATE (J tate.co.uk THE MOON RAKER HOTEL moonrakerhote (C l.com

THE OLD BELL Malmesbury, HOTEL (C3) SN16 0BW, 01666 822344 • oldb

FEELING THIRSTY? OKTOBERFEST SWINDON IN OCTOBER AND BRISTOL CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL IN SEPTEMBER ARE BOTH GREAT FUN.

PUBS, BREWERIES AND DISTILLERY TOURS

Village pubs along the route are a great place to head for tasting British food traditions passed down generations, such as Sunday roasts and Friday fish and chips, or simply bread, cheese and pickles, known as the ‘ploughman’s lunch’.

Gastropubs offer newer cuisines and often their restaurants are recognised with a Michelin star or two. And there are also plenty of homegrown tipples to try too. Beer, wine and gin are all made along the Great West Way. Take a brewery, vineyard or distillery tour or just pull up a stool at the village pub and see what’s on tap.

The Three Tuns Freehouse, Great Bedwyn is Sawdays “Most Authentic Pub” 2018/19. The Michelin starred Red Lion Freehouse, Pewsey offers private dining with a window into the kitchen to watch the team prep. Pigs, pies, pints and pillows is supplied by Helen Browning's Royal Oak, Bishopstone, set in the middle of an organic farm. Take lunch on a Friday and sample the fish menu at award-winning The Queen’s Arms, East Garston. The Swan, Bradford on Avon offers both Pub Classics or its Thai Chilli

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Restaurant. The Crown & Anchor, set at the foot of the North Wessex Downs has recently reopened following a three year refurbishment. Serving Royals and residents alike, be sure to pop into the Royal Windsor pub with spectacular views of Windsor Castle, specialising in handmade liquor and premium craft beers, including a house-brewed Royal Windsor Pint. You could plan your visit with a stay at The Royal Oak, Yattendon, a country inn with traditional British food, to coincide with a drinks festival, and taste their very own gin distilled on the premises in ‘Harry’ their still.

There's also a'Beckett's Vineyard making english sparkling and still wines along with cider and apple juice from their vineyard near Devizes in Wiltshire. Or try The West Berkshire Brewery at Yattendon and Wadworth Brewery at Devizes, offering tours and tasting of their award-winning ales. You might also enjoy Wadworth's 'Eat, Drink, Stay' trail from their Brewery in Devizes, to their four pubs along the route - The Bear and The Black Swan in Devizes, The Crown in Tolldown, and The George Inn in Bath.

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Whitchurch is at the forefront of the English gin resurgence while the Newbury pub is host to Newbury’s first ever gin distillery thanks to a working micro distillery and private dining room open all year for tastings. →

Pictured top-left then clockwise: Red Lion Freehouse; The West Berkshire Brewery at Yattendon; Crown & Anchor, Ham, Wiltshire; The Royal Oak, Yattendon

GIN MAKING Explore the magic of gin-making. We are reinstalling an appreciation for gin-making through a fun, hands-on experience. Enjoy tasting, distilling, and creating your very own bespoke gin blend.

The Newbury is an imposing grade II listed gastro pub in the centre of Newbury. It is a multi-award winning venue which prides itself on its exciting British a la carte menu, a great selection of ales, extensive wine list & fabulous service.

UNEXPECTED READING

CAFÉS, LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEAS

While travelling the Great West Way you are never too far away from a café or farm shop for lunches, afternoon tea or a drink at the end of the day. Drive through the North Wessex Downs AONB to Cobbs Farm Shop for lunch and enjoy a glass of wine from their vineyard, Alder Ridge, Hungerford.

For those heading to Bath, stop off at the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon. Double winner of the UK Tea Guild's 'Top Tea Place', and one of the UK's finest spots for afternoon tea with a list of regal afternoon teas including the Queen Victoria. A Hansel and Gretel-style exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms, filled with homely trinkets, hefty wooden beams and the soft chink of fine bone china.

Clayton’s Kitchen in Bath serves seasonal British fine dining in a traditionally appointed 4-storey Georgian townhouse.

In Bristol visit Prince Street Social, a welcoming modern-style British Brasserie located in the centre, or stop for lunch alongside the picturesque harbourside at Spoke & Stringer for a delicious home-made Shakshuka, or at Stokes Croft Restaurant for a quirky Pieminister Pie; everyone from Kate Moss to the Queen has tried one. The Tutti Pole, Hungerford is a tea shop and family restaurant and was originally the place where ‘Tutti Poles’ were made for an historic local ceremony, still continued today.

At Whatley Manor, Nr Malmesbury traditional afternoon tea is served with a glass of Champagne Deutz. Other places for indulgent afternoon teas include The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa and The Abbey Hotel, Bath, The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury, Monkey Island Estate, Bray or The Langley, Near Windsor. Or why not take tea by the Kennet & Avon Canal, there’s plenty of choice including the Aldermaston Tea Room, Canal Trust Café, Honeystreet Mill Café, The Engineman’s Rest Café, The Tea Shop by the Canal and the Wharf Tea Rooms.

Or for a unique culinary experience in Devizes, book yourself a place on one of Vaughan's Kitchen Cookery School Masterclasses.

Pictured top-left then clockwise: Afternoon Tea at Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa; Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon; Cobbs Farm shop & Kitchen, Hungerford; hot chocolates being served at Wharf Tea Rooms, Devizes

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WHERE TO STAY

The Great West Way offers plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay

W

HETHER YOU PREFER the excitement of a buzzing city or a more rural countryside retreat, from a stylish boutique hotel, to a cool gastro pub – there’s always a great place to stay along the Great West Way. From 5-star city hotels, country house hotels, to boutique bed and breakfasts, to camping and glamping retreats, we hope you will find what is right for you.

IN THE CITY

Starting your Great West Way journey from London?

You might enjoy a stay at Roseate House London just a short walk from Hyde Park.

Roseate Hotels has two further luxury boutique hotels along the Great West Way; The Roseate Reading, described by the Evening Standard as ‘UK’s Sexiest Townhouse Hotel’; and located in the centre of Bath The Roseate Villa Bath. Stopping at Reading? The Bird In Hand Hotel, at Knowl Hill, recently acquired by Wiltshire brewer Wadworth, is a delightful 14th Century Inn with a history that spans 600 years.

In Bath you are spoiled for choice of luxury hotels, but it could be claimed, none quite as grand and spectacular as The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Built between 1767 and 1775 this is a fine example of Georgian architecture, located in the most famous crescent in the world.

Effortlessly combining AA Five Red Star service, an award-winning Spa and beautiful gardens.

In the heart of Bath, Abbey Hotel Bath is an experiential art-driven hotel, for people seeking true Bathonian encounters - inspired by the city’s most celebrated icons - it blends the new with the old, the refined with the comfortable and the local with the worldly. Guests are immersed in rich history, architectural beauty, regional artistry and craftsmanship.

Built in 1739, the building composed part of John Wood’s vision for Bath - essentially the playground for the pleasure-loving visitors of the Georgian haute monde.

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GreatWestWay.co.uk

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings, centred around the natural thermal, mineralrich waters. Dukes Hotel, occupies two magnificent Georgian Townhouses on Great Pulteney Street, or try the Apex Hotel, Bath’s largest hotel, close to Thermae Bath Spa. Bailbrook House Hotel is a Grade II listed hotel, also in the city, set in 20 acres - here you can enjoy the historic Cloisters restaurant or contemporary dining in The Conservatory.

Desire your own holiday home? The Apartment Bath is an award-winning two-bedroom luxury property in a fantastic central location, or try Bath Apartment Breaks. For a selection of independently owned holiday properties search online with the help of Stay in Bath, Tucking Mill Holidays in Bath and Bath Area Self Catering. For an elegant and vivacious new boutique townhouse hotel located on the grandest street in Bath head to No. 15 Great Pulteney.

GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE Coronavirus Safety

If you develop Covid-19 symptoms whilst on holiday, please arrange a test using your holiday address. You can order a test from www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. You MUST notify your accommodation provider immediately.

If you are contacted by Test & Trace whilst on holiday you MUST notify your accommodation provider immediately that you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and asked to self-isolate. If you are well enough to return home by private transportation then please do so and self-isolate at home. Do not use public transport.

BEFORE YOU BOOK Coronavirus Changes

Hotel information may have changed or been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please check websites for the latest information on new booking procedures and safety requirements and visit responsibly.

Accommodation in Bristol is as colourful and varied as the city itself. From a city centre hostel attached to a vintage bowling alley to a luxurious lodge in the grounds of a zoo, you’ll find somewhere special to suit you. The city’s distinct neighbourhoods each offer different experiences, so it depends what type of trip you’re hoping for…

For something unconventional, check into one of Brooks Guesthouse’s rooftop airstreams for a spot of urban glamping in the Old City. Right next to St Nicholas’ Market, you’ll be in prime position for perusing local craft stalls and tucking into the delicious street food it’s renowned for, from sausage baps to falafel wraps.

If it’s dining, drinking and nightlife you’re after, check out Rock & Bowl Motel right in the city centre, The Bristol Wing, a boutique hostel in the Grade II listed old Police Headquarters, or The Full Moon - a backpacker hostel adjoining the lively Attic Bar in arty, alternative Stokes Croft.

If you would prefer somewhere more serene, close to University of Bristol Botanic Garden, opt for somewhere in Clifton. Although it has a village feel, independent shops, cosmopolitan restaurants and the iconic Suspension Bridge are all within walking distance.

Number Thirty Eight, a boutique hotel in a refurbished Georgian merchant’s house, is in prime position. Relax in a room with a roll top bath or soak up panoramic park views. Alternatively, go for a really wild stay at Bristol Zoo Gardens. The Lodge is a super stylish apartment with safari-themed rooms and a private terrace looking onto the zoo’s glorious gardens.

And if you’re just in Bristol for a flying visit - where could be more convenient than Hampton By Hilton Bristol Airport?

IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Sitting proudly next to the 12th Century Abbey in the centre of the historic, vibrant and charming Wiltshire market town of Malmesbury, England’s oldest hotel The Old Bell Hotel has recently been restored to the height of elegance, glamour and English charm. Beechfield House also in Wiltshire, is a stunning 4 AA red star, 2 AA rosette, relaxed country house hotel offering a truly opulent place to stay. Or try The Manor House, a 14th Century luxury hotel and golf club in Castle Combe, part of the Exclusive Collection along with Pennyhill Park, surrey and Royal Berkshire, on the outskirts of Ascot. Or for a lovely, secluded and unique cottage on a working farm head to Cliffe Farm Dairy with beautiful views of the steep chalk escarpment leading up to Salisbury Plain.

Another gorgeous countryside retreat is the five-star Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, in the Southern Cotswolds set in 12 acres of gardens. If you are travelling with children Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon → Pictured top-left then clockwise: The Gainsborough Bath Spa; Brooks Guesthouse, Bristol, rooftop airstreams; new bedrooms at The Abbey Hotel; swimming pool at Beechfield House.

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is a beautiful Jacobean manor house on the edge of the Cotswolds offering a very warm welcome to families.

Or try The Langley, Buckinghamshire - the former country estate of the third Duke of Marlborough has a wonderful spa, exceptional dining and Capability Brown designed gardens.

Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant, Corsham is a traditional country house with an award-winning restaurant.

If you’re looking to stay somewhere quieter, away from the hustle and bustle, with farm-fresh produce on the table, and a ‘home from home’ feel, then a cosy countryside B&B or selfcatering cottage make a great option.

The Coachmans Self-Catering Holiday Cottage is an idyllic retreat in the heart of Steeple Ashton - a delightful quintessential village, with award-winning village shop, magnificent church, and beautiful historic architecture spanning 700 years, set amidst beautiful Wiltshire countryside. For an opulent and elegant stay close to the North Wessex Downs, Heritage Luxury B&B is perfectly placed on the Great West Way in Calne.

Kingsbury @ No 8 is a boutique-hotel style B&B close to the centre of Marlborough’s historic high street. Stay here and dine at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Lloran House and enjoy a menu that features some of Rick’s most iconic seafood dishes like Indonesian seafood curry, Dover sole a la meunière and turbot hollandaise.

Or you could try The White Horse Inn, Calne, a traditional country pub in the Wiltshire countryside with two AA Rosette restaurant and Gold award Bed & Breakfast accommodation.

Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Club, Newbury is set in 500 acres of countryside and offers countryside pursuits such as fishing and clay pigeon shooting, while just

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a short drive away, in the picturesque farming village of Hampstead Norreys, are Manor Farm Courtyard Holiday Cottages luxuriously-appointed self-catering cottages.

Church Farm Country Cottages offer self-catering cottages on a working sheep farm between Bath and Bradford on Avon with an indoor heated pool.

Cumberwell Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon, have converted an old Tythe Barn into luxurious self-catering cottages. Or try Beanhill Farm B&B, Chippenham - located on a farm with prize-winning cattle and sheep. Lorne House, near Corsham, the childhood home of Thomas the Tank Engine author, Reverend W.V. Awdry, is today a large Victorian villa with elegant charm. Stay as a B&B guest, or hire the entire house.

You might enjoy having your own private Manor House wing? Try Sheephouse Manor Cottages, situated between Maidenhead and Cookham. → Pictured top-left then clockwise: The Langley; Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant; Lorne House B&B

Experience Wiltshire at its Best!

Adult-only Glamping in a glorious part of rural England

CLOSED Due to Covid-19

For reopening updates please check website

Totteridge Farm Camping Pods Pewsey

- BOUTIQUE BED & BREAKFAST -

+44 (0)7917 573407 www.totteridge-farm.website

Wiltshire

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- USEFUL INFORMATION -

Avalon Lodge Bed & Breakfast, Devizes has countryside views and south facing balconies, free ranging hens and ducks and two rescue donkeys.

There are also many pubs offering B&B in great locations, such as Troutbeck Guesthouse, East Chisenbury for boutique accommodation by the River Avon and the nearby Red Lion for food. The Royal Oak, Yattendon is a traditional English country pub with Michelin rated food, luxurious bedrooms, award-winning real ales, log fires and a walled garden.

The Queens Arms, East Garston, is an award-winning pub, restaurant and hotel with large bar and log fire, dining room and covered terrace and garden.

Or try Helen Browning’s Royal Oak, Bishopstone, a dining pub with rooms in the middle of an organic farm on the edge of the Wiltshire Downs.

CAMPING & GLAMPING

For those who really want to get in touch with their surroundings The Camping and Caravanning Club with sites

in Salisbury, Walton on Thames, Cheddar Mendip Heights, Devizes and Chertsey is a great option - as is The Chilterns View, Wallingford's Luxury lodge accommodation in the village of Ewelme, South Oxfordshire, overlooking the beautiful Chilterns Hills.

Mill Farm takes luxury camping to a whole new level with their high end luxury accommodation, set on their organic farm in the heart of the glorious Wiltshire countryside.

Or head to The Farm Camp, an off grid, eco-friendly, luxury campsite near Bath offering plenty of activities.

Totteridge Farm in the heart of the Vale of Pewsey, is an adult-only campsite with five glamping pods and spectacular views from the hills on either side of the Vale.

Buttle Farm, Compton Bassett, has stunning barn conversions on a rare breed pig farm and runs charcuterie experiences. While Shillingridge offer Luxury Glamping Safari Lodges, nestled in the Chiltern Hills by the stunning riverside town of Marlow on Thames in Buckinghamshire. → Pictured top-left then clockwise: Avalon Lodge Bed & Breakfast; Mill Farm; Helen Browning’s Royal Oak

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Pictured top-left then clockwise: Canal boats on the river; Henley Greenlands Hotel; Honeystreet Boats

ON OR BY THE WATER

On the River Thames, Henley Greenlands Hotel, once home to the WH Smith family, is set within the 30 acre Henley Business School estate in the Oxfordshire countryside, while Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and Spa is a 4-star comprising several characterful buildings clustered around a historic cobbled street by Eton Bridge and Windsor Castle, with a gym, spa treatments, outdoor whirlpool and sauna.

The stunning hotel is located right on the River Thames, within easy walking distance of Windsor’s restaurants, shops and attractions including Windsor Castle. The world-famous Eton College is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, just over Eton Bridge and down the High Street. Also in Windsor, both Castle Hotel MGallery and Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa offer spectacular views of the Thames and Windsor Castle.

Thought boats were just for day trips? Well, along the Great West Way you can sleep on them too. You’ll never forget waking up on the water, peering through portholes at passing ducks as you prepare to rise and shine.

Canal boat hire in England is easy to organise and incredibly rewarding, enabling you to fully experience the

pleasures of the wildlife-rich waterways, including such delights as Caen Hill Locks and Bathampton. The Canal and River Trust can give you all the information you need about how to take to the waters. Along the River Thames and the Kennet & Avon Canal you can hire your own boldly painted boat and take the journey at your own pace.

Consider a boating holiday on a self-drive barge or motor cruiser, or for a more relaxing break a river cruise on a hotel boat. Honeystreet Boats provides friendly canal boat holidays on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Sally Narrowboats, in the Bradford on Avon Marina, is great to cruise to Bath in a westerly direction and Reading in the east. Hobbs of Henley has 2 luxury Linnsen motor cruisers to cruise from Henley to Oxford or Henley to Reading. While Bruce Boats at Great Bedwyn Wharf, Kennet & Avon Canal, offers canal holidays for older people and Devizes Marina Village offer selfcatering lodges with hot tubs and fantastic views.

Or for somewhere where there’s quite literally water, water everywhere, visit the Cotswold Water Park, just a short detour off the route, and enjoy 40 square miles, with more than 150 lakes set in beautiful countryside.

Fun fact: People who like observing England’s canal life from the sidelines are affectionately called ‘gongoozlers’.

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Visit Chippenham

Visit and stay in Chippenham as part of your Great West Way® journey of discovery.

Find out more at GreatWestWay.co.uk www.chippenham.gov.uk

Open all day for breakfast, afternoon tea, freeze shakes and dinner.

Bite Me Burger, No 7 Kingsbury Street, Marlborough.

Tel: 01672 514776

www.bitemeburger.com

JOIN THE FUN!

From confetti battles to book festivals, canoe races to country shows and big-ticket exhibitions Words: Samantha Rutherford

BE PREPARED Coronavirus Changes

Event information may have changed or been cancelled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

While we have tried to bring you the most up-to-date information available when publishing please confirm details with event organisers.

Check websites for the latest information on new booking procedures, event timings and safety requirements.

Be Curious. Be Responsible.

Pictured left-right: Pub in the Park, Marlow and The Bradford on Avon annual Duck Race

** Please note that many events along the Great West Way are in the process of planning in light of the current government advice in relation to COVID-19. Whilst we are endeavouring to keep all information up to date, we would advise you to check directly with the relevant venue for the most up to date information. **

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2021 JAN / FEB / MARCH 2021

Celebration of light, Bristol FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021 This illuminating new annual event will celebrate the creative talents of local, national and international designers and collaborators in a playful outdoor gallery of light installations that will bring vivid colour to Bristol city centre's public spaces at a traditionally quiet and dark time of the year. îvisitbristol.co.uk

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Cecily Brown Art Exhibition at Blenheim Palace SEPTEMBER 2020-JANUARY 2021 Made up entirely of new works inspired by the Palace’s collection, this is a major solo exhibition by acclaimed British Artist Cecily Brown. The exhibition of new work has been created in response to the Palace’s history as an English country estate and as the home to successive generations of the SpencerChurchill family and their collection of paintings, tapestries and decorative arts. îblenheimpalace.com

Wonder FEBRUARY 2021 A new year-round programme and festival of children’s book events in Bath, Bristol and beyond that will capture imaginations and inspire future storytellers. Wonder’s aim is to not only bring some of the biggest selling children’s authors and illustrators on the planet to our cities, but also to celebrate emerging talent, offer workshops and to bring the magic of stories into creative spaces that spark kids’ imagination. îvisitbath.co.uk

APRIL / MAY / JUNE 2021 Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race APRIL 2021 This is the world’s longest non-stop canoe race, which starts in Devizes, following the Kennet & Avon Canal and joining The Thames, finishing just downstream of Westminster Bridge, opposite the Houses of Parliament, a total distance of 125 miles, 77 portages. îdwrace.co.uk Howard’s Day at Castle Combe Circuit, APRIL 2021 Easter Monday is the traditional start to the motor racing season at Castle Combe Circuit and is marked by this popular race day. îcastlecombecircuit.co.uk The Bradford on Avon Duck Race, APRIL 2021 At this the famous annual Duck Race over a 1000 ducks are launched into the river from the Town Bridge, where Rowing Club kayakers wait at the finish line to retrieve the lucky winners of many amazing prizes to be won! îbradfordonavontowncouncil.gov.uk The Bath Festival MAY 2021 Having recently celebrated its 70th birthday, this 10-day festival celebrates music and literature, bringing prominent writers, musicians and cultural figures to the city. îbathfestivals.org.uk

The North Wessex Downs Walking Festival, JUNE 2021 Featuring over 20 guided walks across the North Wessex Downs AONB and giving everyone an opportunity to explore this stunning landscape in the company of friendly and knowledgeable guides. înorthwessexdowns.org.uk/walkingfestival.html

Highclere Country Show MAY 2021 The estate better known as Downton Abbey, Highclere hosts one of England’s best country shows, with falconry, gundog displays and the chance to have a go at clay shooting. îhighclerecountryshow.co.uk

Calne Summer Carnival JUNE 2021 The Calne Summer Carnival draws in over 5000 visitors to its historic town centre, with activities from live music to street entertainers, food stalls to local crafters, and the marvellous carnival procession. îcalne.gov.uk

The Little Welly Obstacle Course & Festival, Henley on Thames, JUNE 2021 Let your kids Go Wild, Get Muddy and enjoy tackling the 3km landscaped course with over 30 big obstacles – involving water, foam and of course plenty of MUD! îthelittlewelly.co.uk Royal Ascot JUNE 2021 Arguably England’s most famous – and grandest – horse racing event, with five days of races each kicked off by a royal carriage parade.

This is your chance to wave at the Queen and to wear a fabulous hat! îascot.co.uk →

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JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 Henley Royal Regatta JULY 2021 Established in 1839, this annual regatta attracts rowing crews from around the world to its five days of head to head knockout competitions and is regarded as an integral part of the English social season. îhrr.co.uk Kew the Music JULY 2021 Kew Gardens hosts five nights of laidback picnic concerts, from big names in every genre of music from pop and rock to classical and jazz. Headliners include Craig David, Beverley Knight and Jools Holland. îkewthemusic.org Bristol Harbour Festival JULY 2021 Bristol’s largest annual event fills the harbour from the SS Great Britain to the city centre with tall ships, music stages, dance areas and food markets. Expect water displays and circus acts too. îbristolharbourfestival.co.uk Royal International Air Tattoo, Fairford JULY 2021 Few events can rival the intensity, drama, and spectacle on offer at one of the world's greatest airshows. Over 300 aircraft typically take part in the flypasts and aerial acrobatics. îairtattoo.com WOMAD, Malmesbury JULY 2021 Global fiesta of music, dance, art and food that started in Charlton Park, Malmesbury and has since taken the party to more than 27 countries worldwide including Australia, Chile and Spain. îwomad.co.uk

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Marlborough College Summer School JULY-AUGUST 2021 Established in 1974, this annual event is one of Europe’s largest multi-generational learning experiences; its popularity underpinned by the phrase “something for everyone”. The College’s historic grounds are conveniently located to enjoy Marlborough’s famous High Street and host over 500 courses encompassing the creative arts, history, science, body and mind, life skills, sport and country pursuits..! îsummerschool.co.uk Bath Carnival JULY 2021 Bath’s biggest party features a procession of more than 1,000 dancers and musicians through the city plus plenty of world music on the sound systems and at Party in the Park in Sydney Gardens. îbathcarnival.co.uk Bristol Pride JULY 2021 Bristol Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBT+ community. A series of events that take place across Bristol ranging from theatre, comedy, dance and their award winning film festival, Queer Vision. An incredible 40,000 took part in their 10th-anniversary celebrations last year! îbristolpride.co.uk Malmesbury Carnival & Festival JULY-SEPTEMBER 2021 Malmesbury Carnival been going for over 100 years! The Carnival is now a whole month of events. It changes every year, with events ranging from open gardens to open mic, bands to beer festivals, high jinks to history talks, wine tasting to wine bluffing and of course the Carnival Parade! îmalmesburycarnival.co.uk

Pictured left-right: Marlborough High Street; fun at Devizes Festival; and Jane Austen Festival, Bath

Festival of British Eventing, Gatcombe Park AUGUST 2021 Held at the spectacular home of the Princess Royal and her family, incorporating the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships, as well as the Amateur Championship, The Corinthian Cup. îfestivalofbritisheventing.com Bristol International Balloon Fiesta AUGUST 2021 Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons brings colour to the sky above Bristol with twice-daily mass balloon launches and the chance to take a ride yourself. îbristolballoonfiesta.co.uk Pewsey Carnival SEPTEMBER 2021 A fortnight of madcap events and music, leading up to the finale which is the fabulous Carnival Procession – one of the oldest carnivals in the country. îpewsey-carnival.org.uk The Colour Rush and Confetti Battle, Devizes SEPTEMBER 2021 Nobody knows why it started but Devizes’ Confetti Battle is surely the most fun you can have with torn up bits of coloured paper. Get stuck into the battle in the marketplace and stay for the fireworks! îdocadevizes.org.uk Jane Austen Festival, Bath SEPTEMBER 2021 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of The Jane Austen Festival. Get your top hats, bonnets and lace out for this 10-day celebration of all things Austen to include a costumed Promenade through the city, and the Regency Costumed Masked Ball, with dancing in the Pump Room of the Roman Baths. îjaneaustenfestivalbath.co.uk

Heritage Open Days SEPTEMBER 2021 This national event sees normally hidden and closed places throw their doors open to the public. Highlights along the Great West Way include Reading Synagogue, Sevington Victorian School in Wiltshire and the RollsRoyce Heritage Trust in Bristol - with many more besides! îheritageopendays.org.uk Mini Action Day, Castle Combe Circuit SEPTEMBER 2021 Things go pocket-sized for Mini Action Day – the UK’s oldest, best and only track-based Mini event.

Prepare to marvel at the hundreds of both old and new examples of this iconic car that make the venue their home for the day. îminiactionday.co.uk Henley Literary Festival SEPTEMBER – 4 OCTOBER 2021 Bringing together punters and pundits from far and wide, last year’s line-up included Theresa May, Sir Alastair Cook, Kate Atkinson and Mary Berry, so expect an equally diverse and stellar line up for 2020. îhenleyliteraryfestival.co.uk Cliveden Literary Festival SEPTEMBER 2021 Cliveden House has been at the centre of British political, royal and literary life since it was first built, and in the 1960s became notorious as the setting for the Profumo Affair that brought down a government and changed Britain forever. Today Cliveden’s annual literary festival attracts writers from the world. îclivedenliteraryfestival.org →

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5 JULY 2020 TO 3 JANUARY 2021

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- SHOP - EAT - DRINK A warm welcome awaits you in Calne! Look no further and discover Calne’s Heritage Quarter with two hours free parking in the Church Street Car Park, and explore what Calne has to offer with a host of options to eat, drink and stay.

- WALK - DISCOVER - UNWIND Discover Calne’s Heritage Quarter

Calne Town Council

Discover more at

VisitCalne.co.uk

Calne Town Crier Mark Wylie

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY! VIRTUAL EVENTS 2020 This is the Tale that River Told Team London Bridge A jaunt through time along one of the most famous stretches of the River Thames. The stretch of water between London Bridge and Tower Bridge holds many stories and treasures. From a Bronze Age burial mound, to Frost Fairs to the development of law and order in London.

Wed 23rd Sep 2020, 1pm - 2pm Free tickets booked via Eventbrite, the event will stream live via Zoom. thamesfestivaltrust.org/whats-on

Pictured: Windsor high street at Christmas

OCTOBER / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 LEGOLAND Fireworks Spectacular NOVEMBER 2021 Make your visit to Legoland even more magical by timing it to coincide with the annual fireworks spectacular, part of the theme park’s spooky Halloween season. îlegoland.co.uk Cary Grant Comes Home Festival NOVEMBER 2021 Bristol puts on a weekend of events celebrating the life and work of one of the city’s most famous sons: the Hollywood actor and style icon Cary Grant.

Cary Comes Home for the Weekend Festival is a celebration of Cary Grant’s Bristol roots, with the aim to develop new audiences for his films and recreate the much loved golden age of cinema-going. îcarycomeshome.co.uk Hobbs of Henley Christmas Party Nights DECEMBER 2021 Celebrate the start of the festive season in style by setting sail with Hobbs of Henley on a Thames Christmas Party Cruise. Guests are handed a welcome drink on arrival, enjoy a 3 course meal and spend the rest of the night dancing away to their resident DJ. îhobbsofhenley.com/christmas-party-nights

Henley Literary Festival Online The Festival will take place online this year from Saturday 26 September – Sunday 4 October, 2020.

They also hold one-off events throughout the year so check their What’s On page regularly for details. henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk

Christmas at Kew LATE NOVEMBER 2020 -EARLY JANUARY 2021 A show-stopping trail of festive light installations. More than a million teeny glittering lights are installed along the route with a fantastic light show grand finale at the iconic Temperate House, plus enjoy festive treats such as spiced cider and toasted marshmallows. îkew.org Windsor On Ice DECEMBER 2021 Alexandra Gardens plays host to two ice rinks – one indoor and one outdoor. You’ll also find the UK’s biggest dodgem, Bungees, Twister, Race-o-Rama, the Waltzer, the Toy ride, Mini planes, Helicopters and Santa's Sleigh roller coaster! îwindsoronice.com Bath Christmas Market DECEMBER 2021 One of the country’s biggest Christmas markets, consisting of 180 stalls, set amongst Bath’s Georgian streets, the market sells hand-made ceramics, glassware, jewellery and local produce should be back for 2021 and is a must visit. îbathchristmasmarket.co.uk To discover more events on the Great West Way visit GreatWestWay.co.uk /see-and-do/festivals-and-events

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AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

Luxury for the curious An elegant and vivacious boutique townhouse hotel and spa on the very grandest street in Bath, No.15 Great Pulteney is well known for its curious collections, warm hosting and unique personality.

bathgiftcard.com

Enjoy your gift card across Bath Food & Drink • Health & Beauty Museums & Galleries • Hotels & Shops

15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4BR

The best of Bath in one little card

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01225 807015 no15greatpulteney.co.uk

11/02/2019 16:36

THE ONLY MOTOR MUSEUM IN WILTSHIRE!

Stay in a Jacobean manor on your Great West Way journey!

HOTEL | SPA | RESTAU RANT

■ A small, friendly museum just off the A4 in Calne ■ 100+ exhibits - many are vehicles from the 1920s onwards ■ Apr-Oct (Tues-Sun11-5) Nov, Feb-March (Thurs-Sun 11-4) Dec-Jan (Sat-Sun 11-4)

www.atwellwilson.org.uk

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk Woolley Green, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1TX

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

Family Days at Stonor House • Play Park • Park & Gardens

Stonor Park Henley-on-Thames RG9 6HF www.stonor.com

EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST WAY® WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE Chauffeur driven tours with a Blue Badge Guide

www.bbhtours.co.uk | hello@bbhtours.co.uk | 01985 840049

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

AWARD WINNING SMALL GROUP DAY TOURS FROM BATH STONEHENGE

* COTSWOLDS * GLASTONBURY

Tel +44(0)7990 505970 | www.madmaxtours.co.uk

THE BRIDGE TEA ROOMS

ONE OF THE FINEST SPOTS FOR AFTERNOON TEA Step back in time to the glorious Victorian era, double winner UK’s ‘Top Tea Place’, and one of the finest spots for afternoon tea. Based in a former blacksmith’s cottage the Hansel & Gretel-style exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms.

A wonderful and atmospheric venue for groups.

From morning tea or coffee, mini Cream Tea to an extended visit for Empire Full Afternoon Teas.

Honeystreet Mill Café

THE FRIENDLY CANALSIDE CAFÉ

Homemade · Freshly Made · Locally Sourced Breakfast · Light lunch · Afternoon Tea Snacks · Drinks · Wine, Beer and Cider

OPEN Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 10am-5pm

www.honeystreetmillcafe.co.uk 01672 851155

24a Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1BY

+44 (0)1225 865537 www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk

Honeystreet Mill, Honeystreet Village, Pewsey Vale, Wiltshire, SN9 5PS

Queens Where? Windsor, Henley, Reading, Kennet and Avon Canal, River Thames, Chiltern Hills, North Wessex Downs How? Waterways trips, town and countryside walking tours, coach tours, themed tours Who? Graham Horn, GREAT WEST WAY® Ambassador, experienced Blue Badge Guide, local knowledge Contact me to enhance your GREAT WEST WAY® tour • www.tours2order.com • graham@tours2order.com

Self Drive Classic Car Hire Based in Wiltshire with

Vintage Classics

■ Classic Car Rental ■ Classic Car Tours

SEE WILTSHIRE, THE COTSWOLDS & WEST COUNTRY WHILST DRIVING AN ICONIC CLASSIC CAR! BOOKINGS MUST BE MADE AT LEAST 7 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF HIRE BOOKING LINE: 01225 703377

View our fine range of classics online: www.vintage-classics.co.uk

HOTEL • PUB • RESTAURANT • PRIVATE ROOMS • GARDEN

Perfect place for long, lazy weekends!

Daily Telegraph East Garston • Berkshire • RG17 7ET Tel: 01488 648 757 info@queensarmseastgarston.co.uk www.queensarmseastgarston.co.uk 3 miles off J14 of M4 (Hungerford & Lambourn)

TOUR & EXPLORE with Anne Bartlett

Anne is an experienced Cotswold based Blue Badge Tourist Guide and Tour Director who provides a friendly, professional guiding service for groups exploring the Great West Way. Email: anne@tourandexplore.com tourandexplore.com Ambassador for The Great West Way

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

STAY STAY MEET MEET DINE DINE CELEBRATE CELEBRATE

HENLEY GREENLANDS HOTEL

100 100 bed bed hotel hotel afternoon afternoon tea tea riverside restaurant fine dining riverside restaurant fine dining weddings weddings meeting meeting & & conference conference rooms rooms private jetty private jetty www.hospitalityuor.co.uk/henley-greenlands-hotel www.hospitalityuor.co.uk/henley-greenlands-hotel

Greenlands Greenlands Henley-on-Thames Henley-on-Thames Oxfordshire Oxfordshire RG9 RG9 3AU 3AU

Over 147 years of River and Boating Service

Over 150 years of River and Boating Service Over 147 years andBoating Boating Service Over 147 yearsof ofRiver River and Service

A great family day out come rain or shine!

Over 147 years of River and Boating Service

Luxury Passenger Boat Charter Luxury Passenger Boat Charter Self SelfDrive Drive Adventure Adventure Luxury Passenger Charter Luxury Holidays LuxuryBoating BoatingBoat Holidays Luxury Passenger Boat Charter Self Drive Adventure River Trips River Trips Luxury Boating Holidays Self Drive Adventure Moorings and and Storage Moorings River TripsStorage Luxury Boating Holidays Edwardian Chauffeured Launches Moorings and Storage Edwardian Chauffeured Launches River Trips Edwardian Chauffeured Launches

www.rovesfarm.co.uk

For bookings and enquiries please contact Hobbs of Henley

Moorings andcontact Storage on bookings 01491 572035 or boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk For bookings and enquiries please contact Hobbs of Henley For and enquiries please Hobbs of Henley on 572035 01491 572035 boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk onEdwardian 01491 ororboats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk Chauffeured Launches For bookings and enquiries please contact Hobbs of Henley on1 01491 572035 or boats@hobbsofhenley.co.uk 27/06/2017 27/06/2017 14:13 0617006 A5 0617006 1pp.inddA5 1pp.indd 1 0617006 A5 1pp.indd 1

Sevenhampton, Swindon, Wilts, SN6 7QG 14:13

27/06/2017 14:13

01793 763939

AT T H E H E A R T O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

The Tutti Pole Tea Shop Hungerford Breakfasts, Morning Coffee, Sunday Roasts, Luncheons, Snacks Cream Teas & Afternoon teas.

D I D C OT R A I LWAY C E N T R E Explore the Living Museum of the Great Western Railway

now open

but with reduced RG170DN Tel: 01488 682515 hours due to Covid-19 please Traditional Family Run Tea Shop check website for A Delicious www.thetuttipole.co.uk Stop Along the Great West Way details

 20 former GWR steam locomotives, including 2 replica broad gauge (7 ft) locomotives, 40+ GWR coaches, 50+ GWR wagons, a working turntable, with demonstrations on steam days, a railway-themed playpark and a small relics museum.

GET OFF THE BEATEN TRACK VISIT THE VALE OF PEWSEY IN WILTSHIRE

 Original (working) GWR locomotive shed, & many other original GWR buildings and infrastructure.  Special events include Day Out With Thomas (and to meet Father Christmas), special gala events and also non-railway related themed events.

PHONE OR SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF STEAMDAYS AND OTHER EVENTS

OPEN EVERY WEEKEND DIDCOT, Oxfordshire, England, OX11 7NJ TEL: 01235 817200 E-MAIL: info@didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk

TRANQUIL SPIRITUAL ANCIENT

Entrance at Didcot Parkway rail station signed from M4 (junction 13) & A34

WWW.VISITPEWSEYVALE.CO.UK

LEARN TO SKYDIVE TANDEM SKYDIVE, ACCELERATED FREE FALL & FIRST JUMP COURSES Skydiving vouchers — from Tandem to Solo Simply the best gift for every occasion!

FLY FROM BATH, BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE AND SOMERSET! WWW.BRISTOLBALLOONS.CO.UK

OPENING ONE DAY, ONE HOURS JUMP, ONE AMAZING ADVENTURE! OPENING HOURS Monday: Closed OPENING HOURS

Monday: Closed Tuesday - Saturday:

SKYDIVE NETHERAVON

Tuesday - Saturday:

Monday: Closed

11am—11pm

11am—11pm

Tuesday - Saturday:

11am—11pm Food served

Near Hungerford Marlborough Real Ale & and Craft Beers

12 noon— 2.30pm Food served 12 noon— 2.30pm & & 6pm — 9.30pm 6pm — 9.30pm Home

Ale & Beers &Craft Private Dining Real AleRestaurant &Real Craft Beers Restaurant & Private Dining

Delicious Food Locally Sourced

Food Locally Sourced Freshly Prepared RestaurantDelicious & &Private Dining

Sunday:

& Freshly Prepared

Sunday: 12 noon—6pm 12 noon—6pm Food served 12 noon—3pm Food served 12 noon—3pm

8 Luxurious en-suite Bedrooms

8 Luxurious en-suite Bedrooms Delicious Food Locally Sourced Walker, Cyclist and Dog Friendly Walker, Prepared Cyclist and Dog Friendly & Freshly

info@crownandanchorham.co.uk info@crownandanchorham.co.uk

info@crownandanchorham.co.uk 8 Luxurious en-suite Bedrooms 01488 50 30 40

01488 01488 50 3050 40 30 40

crownandanchorham.co.uk crownandanchorham.co.uk

Military discount on Tandems & Courses on request Learn with the best!

Sunday:

12 noon—6pm T: 01980 670734 www.netheravon.com E: coursesmanager@netheravon.com Food served noon—3pm Airfield12Camp, Netheravon, Wiltshire, SP4 9SF

www.crownandanchorham.co.uk Walker, Cyclist and Dog Friendly

info@crownandanchorham.co.uk

Food served 12 noon— 2.30pm Home of the ARMY PARACHUTE ASSOCIATION & of the Red Devils with some of the best Military Instructors anywhere 6pm — 9.30pm

01488 50 30 40

crownandanchorham.co.uk

W I T H I N E A S Y R E AC H O F T H E G R E AT W E S T WAY

Inspiring a passion for traditional weaving in Britain’s oldest working silk mill, in beautiful, rural Hampshire

Explore the home of Bombay Sapphire in the heart of Hampshire

BOOK YOUR GIN EXPERIENCE TODAY: DISTILLERY.BOMBAYSAPPHIRE.COM Accessible by train and shuttle bus from Overton and Micheldever Stations.

www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Bombay Sapphire Distillery | Whitchurch | Hampshire HELLO@BOMBAYSAPPHIRE.COM | 01256 890090

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE

THE BISHOP'S PALACE

FIND FIND YOUR YOUR HAPPY HAPPY PLACE PLACE

THEBISHOP'S BISHOP'S PALACE PALACE THE GARDENS, WELLS WELLS &&GARDENS, 01749 988 111111 01749 988 WWW.BISHOPSPALACE.ORG.UK SOMERSET WWW.BISHOPSPALACE.ORG.UK SOMERSET

Tarr Farm Inn Tarr Steps, Dulverton, Exmoor, TA22 9PY Telephone: +44 (0)1643 851507 Email: enquiries@tarrfarm.co.uk

www.tarrfarm.co.uk

THANK YOU TO THANK YOUTHOSE TO OUR AMBASSADORS WHO HELPED US ALONG THE WAY Title Ambassadors Bristol Airport Canal & River Trust Great Western Railway National Trust

Gateway Ambassadors Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site REME Museum, Lyneham A Taste of England Devizes Marina River & Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames a’Beckett’s Vineyard, Devizes Devizes Marina Day Devizes Boat Hire RomanPrior BathPark Private Hire Garden Title Ambassadors Gateway Ambassadors Marina Landscape Abbey Hotel, Bath Devizes Wharf Tea room The Rose of Hungerford Devizes Marina Day Boat Hire Queens Arms, East Garston BristolThe Airport Abbey Hotel Devizes Wharf Tea room Abbey Quarter, Reading Didcot Railway Centre RoseateReading HouseMuseum London, Tyburnia Canal & River Trust The Abbey Quarter Donnington Grove, Newbury Didcot Railway Centre The Red Lion East, Chisenbury Active England The Roseate Reading Great Western Railway a’Beckett’s Vineyard Donnington Grove REME Museum Destination Ambassadors Alder Ridge Vineyard, Hungerford DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon The Roseate Villa Bath Trust Active England DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon River & Rowing Museum Bath Business Improvement District National Aldermaston Tea Rooms, ReadingAldermaston Tea Rooms, Dukes Hotel, Bath Dyrham Park Roves Farm, Sevenhampton Roseate House London Bradford on Avon Town Aldwick Estate, Bristol Dyrham Park, Chippenham Royal Berkshire, Sunninghill Visitor Centre, & Shop The Engineman’s Rest Café The Roseate Villa, Bath Destination Ambassadors Calne Town Alison Howell’s Foottrails The Engineman’s Rest Café, The Royal Yattendon Aldwick Estate The FarmCrofton Camp TheOak, Roseate Reading Chippenham Town French Brothers RoseWindsor of Hungerford Bath Business Improvement District All Saints Church, Alton Priors Alison Howell’s Foottrails Fashion Museum, Bath The Royal Pub Corsham Town Alton Priors Church French Brothers, Windsor Glenside Hospital Museum Roves Farm and Caravanning Club Site Bradford on Avon Town American Museum & Garden, Bath Salisbury Camping Apex Hotel, Bath Great Northern Hotel Royal Oak, Yattendon Calne Town Cotswolds Tourism The Apartment Bath The Gainsborough Bath Spa Salisbury Cathedral Arnos Vale Cemetery Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport Salisbury Cathedral Chippenham Town Devizes Town Apex Hotel, Bath The George Inn, Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum Tours Around and About Bath Hampton Court Palace Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum Tours Corsham Henley on Thames Town Apsley House, London Norton St Philip Sally Narrowboats, Bradford on Avon Aspley House Harrow at Little Bedwyn Salters Steamers Cotswolds Tourism Hungerford Town ArnosBristol Vale Cemetery, Bristol Corsham SaltersSavouring Steamers,Bath Reading Atwell-Wilson Motor Guyers MuseumHouse Hotel,Helen Browning’s Royal Oak Destination Malmesbury Town Avalon Lodge Bed andHampton Breakfast by Hilton Henley Shaw House DevizesAround Town and About Bath Bristol Greenlands Airport Hotel Shaw House Marlborough Town Avebury Landscape Wiltshire Heritage & Breakfast SkydiveManor Netheravon HenleyAtwell-Wilson on Thames Motor Museum, Calne Hampton Court Palace, EastBed Molesey Sheephouse Cottages, Maidenhead Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park Royal Hobbs of Henley Stonor Park Hungerford Town Marlow Town Avalon Lodge Bed and Breakfast, Avon Devizes Helen Browning’s Oak, Bishopstone Sir Christopher Wren Hotel & Spa, Windsor Bailey Balloons The Holburne Museum South West Heritage Tours Malmesbury Town North Wessex Downs AONB Avebury Landscape Henley Greenlands Hotel SkydiveSouth Netheravon Bainton Bikes Holiday Inn, Salisbury - Stonehenge Western Railway Marlborough Town Reading UK Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol Henley Rowing Association South Western Railway Barbara McLellan Honey Street Boats & Café Stourhead Marlow Royal Borough of Bailbrook House Hotel, Bath Heritage Bed & Breakfast, Calne Stay inSUP BathBristol The Barn Theatre Hungerford Wharf and Kintbury North Wessex Downs AONB Windsor & Maidenhead Barrington Court Manor Gardens The Swan, Avon Heritage Site Reading UK Balloons, Bristol Bailey Herongate Fitness &Iford Wellbeing, Hungerford Stonehenge and Bradford Aveburyon World Steeple Ashton Village Swinley Bike Hub Royal Borough ofTheatre, Windsor & The Barn Cirencester Bath Apartment Breaks The Hidden GardensInspirock of Bath Stonehenge Landscape The Bath Brew HouseHobbs of Henley Jane Austen Centre Lido on Thames Maidenhead Heritage Site Barrington Court, Ilminster StonorThames Park, Henley Bath Bus Company Kenavon Venture Thames Rivercruise Stonehenge & Avebury WHS Swindon Town Bath Apartment Breaks The Holburne Museum, Bath Stourhead, Stourton Bath Self Catering Koffmann & Mr. Whites Three Tuns Freehouse Swindon Town Tourism South East Bath Area Self Catering – Stonehenge Strawberry Hill House Beanhill Farm B&B Holiday Inn, Salisbury English and French Brasserie Tintinhull Garden & Garden, Tourism South East Trowbridge Town BathTown Bus Company Honey Street Mill Café Twickenham Berkeley Castle Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Totteridge Farm Trowbridge Vale of Pewsey Hotel, Museum and village Tour and Explore Vale ofBeanhill Pewsey Farm B&B, Chippenham Best Western Plus Angel Hotel Novotel Reading Centre Sulis Guides Visit Bath Chippenham Tours 2 Order Visit Bath The Bear Hotel, Devizes Hungerford Wharf The Langley The Swan Hotel, Bradford on Avon Bombay Sapphire Iford Manor Gardens, Lido Bristol on Avon Rail Partnership Visit Thames Visit Bristol Berkeley Castle Bradford SwinleyTransWilts Bike HubCommunity Swinley Forest’s Trail Centre, Bozedown Alpacas Lytes Cary Manor Troutbeck Visit Newbury Visit Thames Best Western Plus Angel Hotel, Chippenham The Jane Austen Centre, Bath Hotel & Spa Bath Bracknell Bristol Blue Glass Macdonald Tucking Mill Self catering Visit Richmond VisitNewbury The Bird in Hand, Knowl Hill The Kingsbury @ No.8, Marlborough Teashop

By Pole The Canal, Newbury Bristol Cathedral Maidenhead Heritage Centre Tutti VisitWiltshire VisitRichmond The Black Swan Hotel, Devizes Bristol Community Ferry Koffmann English French ThamesTyntesfield Lido, Reading Boats & Mr White’s Manor Farm B&B VisitWiltshire Bristol Packet Boats Brasserie, Bath Marlborough College Summer School of Bristol Botanic Garden Blenheim Palace, Woodstock ThamesUniversity Rivercruise, Reading Designated Attraction The Matthew Of and Bristol Vaughan’s KitchenGreat Bedwyn & Hotel Ambassadors Bombay Sapphire, Whitchurch Bristol Tandem Hire Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum Village Three Tuns Freehouse, Bristol Zoo Gardens Vintage Classics Designated Attraction Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Salisbury The Langley, Slough Meadowbank House Tintinhull Garden Brooks Guest House B&B, Bath Merchants House The Watermill Theatre Aerospace Bristol & Hotel Ambassadors Bozedown Alpacas, Reading Totteridge Farm Camping Pods, Pewsey Bruce Branch Boats Liberty Car Tours, Bath Mompesson House Wellington Arch Alder Ridge Vineyard Aerospace Bristol The Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford on AvonSS Great Britain Lido Spa & Restaurant, Bristol House Tour and Explore Brunel’s Montacute West Berkshire Museum Bowood House & Gardens Bowood House & Garden, Calne Bristol Glass Lytes Cary Manor The Museum of English Rural Life Tours 2We Order Buttle Farm The Curious Cheddar GorgeBlue & Caves Cheddar Gorge & Caves MVCentre Jubilee Whitchurch Silk MillRail Partner McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Swindon Canal Trust Café Bristol Cathedral Maidenhead Heritage TransWilts Community Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen, Newark Park Thatcham Wiltshire Stonehenge FashionBristol Museum Bath Community Ferry Boats Castle Combe Circuit Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages, Troutbeck Guestlandscape, House, East Chisenbury Cheddar Gorge The Newbury Pub Museum Longleat Hungerford Bristol Packet Boats The Manor House, Castle Combe TuckingWiltshire Mill View, Midford The Chilterns View Newbury Racecourse Wiltshire Music Centre The Roman Baths Longleat, Warminster Bristol Tandem Hire Summer School Turner’sWiltshire House,Wildlife Twickenham Chippenham Museum Marlborough College No. 1 Royal Crescent Trust, Blakehill Farm Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, The Bristol Wing The Tutti Pole, Hungerford and Heritage Centre The Matthew of Bristol Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Lower Moor Stonehenge Swindon Britain’s Best Heritage Tours Merchant’s House, Tyntesfield, Wraxall Church Farm CountryThe Cottages The Marlborough Old Bell, Malmesbury Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Jones’s Mill Thermae Bath Spa The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury Old Chapel Woolley GrangeBotanic Hotel Garden Wadworth Brewery & House Tours B&B, Bath Clifton Suspension Bridge Brooks Guest Mill Farm Glamping,The Poulshot University of Bristol The Roman Baths, Bath & Visitor Centre Old Sarum West Berkshire Brewery Brooks Guest House B&B, Bristol Mompesson House, Salisbury Vaughan’s Kitchen, Devizes Oldbury Tours Westonbirt, The National Arboretum The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bruce Branch Boats, MarlboroughCobbs Farm Shop Monkey Island Estate, Bray Vintage Classics, Melksham Compass Holidays Parkway Shopping, Newbury Whatley Manor Bath Brunel’s Visit Hillbrush, Mere Windsor Castle SS Great Britain, Bristol The Courts Garden Montacute House Pound Arts Stonehenge Buttle Farm, Compton Bassett Cricklade Hotel Museum of East Asian Art, Bath Waddesdon Manor Practical Car and Motorhome Thermae Bath Spa, Bath Canal Trust Café, Life, Reading Walton on Thames Camping and Crofton Beam EnginesThe Museum of English hire,Rural Chippenham Wadworth Brewery & Tours, Devizes Cumberwell Country Cottages Prince Street Social Bradford on Avon MV Barbara McLellan, Bradford on Avon Caravanning Club Site West Berkshire Brewery, Yattendon Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham MV Jubilee, Newbury The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor Westonbirt, The National Castle Hotel, Windsor MV Kenavon Venture, Devizes The Wave, Bristol Arboretum, Tetbury Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site National Garden Scheme We The Curious, Bristol Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, Cheddar Gorge Newark Park, Ozleworth Wellington Arch, London Discover more about our Ambassadors at: GreatWestWay.co.uk Malmesbury Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site The Newbury Pub West Berkshire Museum, Newbury Windsor Castle The Chilterns View, Wallingford Newbury Racecourse Whitchurch Silk Mill Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath White Horse Inn, Compton Bassett Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Salisbury No.15 Great Pulteney, Bath Wilton Windmill Church Farm Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall Wiltshire Museum, Devizes Clayton’s Kitchen, Bath Old Sarum, Salisbury Wiltshire Music Centre, Bradford on Avon Cliffe Farm Dairy, West Lavington Oldbury Tours Windsor Carriages Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Original Wild, Bath Windsor Duck Tours Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen, Englefield Parkway Shopping Centre, Newbury Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford on Avon Compass Holidays, Cheltenham Pennyhill Park, Bagshot WWT Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney The Pound Arts Centre, Corsham Swindon The Courts Garden, Trowbridge Practical Car & Van Hire, Chippenham WWT Jones’s Mill at the Vera Jeans Reserve, Cricklade House Hotel, Swindon The Prince Street Social, Bristol Pewsey Discover more about Crofton Beam Engines, Crofton Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath WWT London Wetland Centre, Barnes The Crown & Anchor, Ham The Queens Arms Hotel, East Garston WWT Lower Moor Farm our Ambassadors at: The Crown, Tolldown Reading Museum Wyvern Theatre, Swindon GreatWestWay.co.uk Cumberwell Country Cottages, Bradford on Avon Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury YMCA, Bath

WHICH WAY NEXT? Be Curious. Be Responsible.

Begin your next adventure at GreatWestWay.co.uk