Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

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

5 COMBE GIBBET, THE NORTH WESSEX DOWNS This hilltop location provides stunning views of the North Wessex Downs countryside for miles around, and is an ideal picnic stop. The name refers to a gibbet erected on the site in 1676 to hang two locals, George Broomham and Dorothy Newman. The two were having an affair and were hanged for murdering Broomham's wife Martha, and their son Robert, after the two discovered the lovers together on the downs. The gibbet was erected there for the execution as a warning to others, and a replica gibbet has remained there ever since. Ignoring its dark past, the spot offers incredible views in all directions, and is as popular with hang-gliders and para-gliders today as well as walkers and beauty lovers. <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 37