Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

WHAT’S NEW AT OUR MUSEUMS <strong>Travel</strong>ling along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> is an incredible experience with so much fascinating history and culture. Here’s a look at some of the many wonderful museums that can be found along the path – including the upcoming exhibitions and events you won't want to miss 24 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk

There are some really big, world-famous attractions along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong>, as well as magnificent ancient abbeys and cathedrals, stately homes, arboretums and nature reserves, interactive art galleries and immersive museums. We take a look at what’s new and exciting for you to see and experiences this summer: LONDON & THE THAMES THE BRITISH MUSEUM, CENTRAL LONDON The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world, and today is home to eight million objects. Here you can discover the vast diversity of human cultures from the dawn of human history to the present. Located in London, at one end of the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route it is a great museum to begin or end your <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> journey. Visit between the 4 May -13 Aug 2023 to see Luxury and power Persia to Greece, an exhibition drawing on dazzling objects from Afghanistan to Greece, exploring the story of luxury as a political tool in the Middle East and southeast Europe from 550–30 BC. THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON Founded in 1824, the National Gallery tells the story of European art, masterpiece by masterpiece. From its home in London’s Trafalgar Square, the gallery collects and cares for more than 2,600 of the world’s greatest paintings, from Renaissance Italy and by the French Impressionists. The National Gallery welcomes groups to explore over 700 years of wall-to-wall masterpieces. Visit to discover the history and stories from their collection which is open all year round, or join them for a one-hour, intimate expert-led tour of their world-renowned collection. STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE AND GARDEN, TWICKENHAM Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture, Strawberry Hill House and Garden was Horace Walpole’s 18th Century masterpiece. The property is breathtaking both inside and out. Be sure to explore its decorated corridors and furnished rooms before settling into the garden café for a light treat. There are often book clubs, heritage and twilight tours, quizes and more - plus you might even like to get involved, volunteering as a sewing bee, choir singer, community gardener or by becoming a member of the book club. WINDSOR & ROYAL BOROUGH MUSEUM, WINDSOR TOWN CENTRE Before leaving behind the Thames-side delights of Henry VIII’s Hampton Court, historic Runnymeade, notorious Cliveden and Royal Windsor, seek out the Windsor & Royal Borough Museum, unassuming but full of interesting exhibits illustrating the thousands of years of the settlement’s existence and Royal patronage. Exhibitions include A Lost Generation from Eton Wick, documenting a whole generation who came of age in the early 20th century and had their lives entirely transformed by the First World War. → <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 25