Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

SPRING/SUMMER 2023

TRAVEL MAGAZINE | ISSUE 08

GreatWestWay.co.uk

JOIN THE FUN!

Summer Festivals, Sporting Events,

Picnic Spots, Tea Shops and more...

Follow the paths through England’s idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant

towns, where our best kept secrets from the past meet twenty-first-century hospitality

THERE’S YOU YOU,

THEN THERE’S

20-24 JUNE

ROYAL ASCOT EARLY BOOKING PRICE ENDS MIDNIGHT 31 MARCH*

TICKETS FROM £39, FINE DINING FROM £299+VAT

BOOK AT ASCOT.COM TODAY

*LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE EARLY BOOKING PRICE

WELCOME TO ENGLAND'S

GREAT WEST WAY

Combining expansive countryside

views surrounding Areas of

Outstanding Natural Beauty,

with vibrant cities and thriving

towns, the Great West Way welcomes you

to explore its exciting route this spring and

summer.

This issue has everything from sporting events

(page 56), summer music festivals (page 74) to best days out with

the kids (page 62). Learn about the Great West Way’s vast history

as you visit some of the wonderful museums found along the path

– including brand new exhibitions and events (page 24) and treat

yourself to a hot brew and freshly baked scone at one of the routes

quintessential teashops, (page 40).

Discover star-studded celebrities born along the way from

royalty to internationally acclaimed actors and authors (page 18)

and don’t miss our interview with Graham Dillamore, deputy head

of gardens and estates at Historic Royal Palaces (page 9).

The Great West Way offers a taste of quintessential England

at every turn, and we hope this latest edition with its range of

experiences will help inspire you to make the most of a season full

of unforgettable memories when travelling the route.

Cover Image: Reading on Thames Festival, photo credit

Stuart Turkington. Pictured Above: Summertime in

Jessica

Newbury; Malmesbury Abbey

England’s Great West Way is one of the world’s

premier touring routes, bringing together many of

England’s most famous destinations and attractions

along a corridor between London and Bristol

x

Jessica Way

Editor-in-Chief, Great West Way Travel Magazine

Download our Great West Way map to discover

the hundreds of places to visit, things to do,

sites to see and places to stay along the route:

: GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps


3

CONTENTS

SPRING/SUMMER | Edition 08

DISCOVER OUR WAY

YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

MY GREAT WEST WAY

08 Interview with Great West Way local, Graham

Dillamore, deputy head of gardens and estates at

Historic Royal Palaces, sharing his highlights of living on

the Great West Way

THE WAY FORWARD

12 From the UK’s first CO2-neutral venue on the River

Thames to a brand new dining concept in Bristol and

delicious new artisan gelato in Malmesbury, we take a

look at what’s new and exciting on the route

TOP 10 FAMOUS FACES BORN ALONG THE

18 GREAT WEST WAY

Discover some of our special royalty and internationally

acclaimed actors and authors who were born along the

Great West Way route

WHAT'S NEW AT OUR MUSEUMS

24 We bring you the lowdown on some of the

many wonderful museums with upcoming exhibitions

and events you won't want to miss

PICNIC SPOTS ON THE GREAT WEST WAY

34 The Great West Way offers countless choices

for an al fresco lunch stop, with the opportunity to sit

and enjoy stunning views with a glass of fizz enjoying

delicately cut sandwiches atop a gingham rug. We hope

you enjoy our eight best picnic spots

THE GREAT WEST WAY'S TEA SHOPS

40 From traditional British-style tearooms to modern,

hipster coffeehouses, the vast array of quaint independent

shops along the Great West Way is an absolute delight for

tea aficionados


5

HIGHLIGHTS ON THE WAY

10 BRILLIANT REASONS TO VISIT THE

48 GREAT WEST WAY THIS SUMMER

With 3 of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the

longest cycling and walking tunnel and the largest

public park in the UK, and Britain’s only naturally

warm waters, do you need a better reason to visit –

paragliding above the Wiltshire Downs perhaps?

SPORTING EVENTS ON THE GREAT WEST WAY

56 From cricket to motor racing, rugby to

athletics, mountain biking to rowing, there are plenty

of opportunities to get active or inspire your sporting

break on the Great West Way

TOP TEN DAYS OUT WITH THE KIDS

62 From splish-splashy water parks to wonderfully

wild safari parks there’s plenty of choice along the Great

West Way for family days out

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS

74 Don't miss out on the incredible music festivals

kicking off on the Great West Way this summer. From

dance fests like Glastonbury and Boomtown to groovy

jazz at Cheltenham Jazz Festival

PUBLISHED BY

Contista Media Ltd

Unit 6, Basepoint, Andersons Road,

Southampton, SO14 5FE

contistamedia.co.uk

Brought to you by the Great West Way

GreatWestWay.co.uk/digitaltravelmagazine

REGULAR FEATURES

ARTS, EVENTS AND CULTURAL CALENDAR

82 The Great West Way is known for its many special

events – don't miss our cultural calendar highlights

WAYS TO TRAVEL THE GREAT WEST WAY

88 The route has been designed to be travelled in a

variety of different ways: by road, by rail, on water via the

Kennet and Avon Canal and River Thames, by bike or on foot

GOURMET GUIDE TO FOOD & DRINK

92 There are many ways to enjoy food and drink on the

Great West Way from fine dining and cookery schools to

vineyard tours and quaint tea rooms and cafés

WHERE TO STAY ALONG THE GREAT WEST

104 WAY

Stay overnight on the Great West Way, whether on a

romantic weekend away or a week-long adventure

ISSN: 2632-3540

Image copyright credits: Throughout © GreatWestWay.co.uk

Page 5 © Adam Gasson / ss Great Britain Pages 11/69 © Historic

Royal Palaces Pages 12/20 /21/23/34/38/56 © Shutterstock

Page 14 © SOUTHWORKS CREATIVE LTD Page 16 VisitBritain/

Simon Winnall Pages 24/25/68 © visitlondon.com/Jon Reid Page

27 © MONITOBA.COM / The Historic England Archive, Historic

England Page 28 ©National Trust Images/James Dobson Page 33

©VisitEngland/BathTourismPlus/Colin Hawkins Pages 33/64/83/88

Jon Attenborough Photography Ltd Page 35 ©britainonview/Pawel

Libera Pages 36, 39 © In and Beyond Bath 2015-2022 Pages 42/97

©nicksmithphotography.com Pages 54 /62 /70 © Getty Images/

iStockphoto Page 61 © Ben Rodford Photography Page 64 The Royal

Collection © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Page 65 SS Great Britain

Max McClure Page 66 © Mikael Buck / Legoland Page 82 © ADAGP,

Paris and DACS, London 2023 / photo courtesy of the owner Page 85

© Victor Frankowski/Henley Festival Page 87 © Adrian Sherratt

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.

6 GreatWestWay.co.uk

Book in advance to

avoid disappointment

Explore ancient chambers

and sacred springs in the

heart of Georgian Bath

romanbaths.co.uk

MY GREAT

WEST WAY

Having looked after royal gardens for over 40 years,

Graham Dillamore, deputy head of gardens and estates at

Historic Royal Palaces, is now responsible for some of the

most magnificent palace gardens in the country

Please start by telling us about your journey

in becoming head gardener of the worldfamous

gardens at Hampton Court Palace?

I knew I had to be outdoors no matter what.

Gardening seemed to be something I was

good at and I was happy, relaxed and always

comfortable to be in a Garden. People talk about

Gardens having profound effects on people

and its true. So, when I was 16 years old and at

the very earliest opportunity, I began looking

for a job in gardening where I could also gain

some training. I got rejected a few times but I

kept going and eventually began working as an

apprentice in London’s Royal Parks. Later on in

1985, I became head gardener at Kensington

Palace before going to work for The Royal

Household, where I took on the responsibility of

tending to the then-Prince Charles and Diana,

Princess of Wales’ private garden. Around 5 years

later I made the exciting move to Hampton

Court Palace as the ‘Foreman’ now there’s a

word you don’t hear anymore! My job title

changed a few times and I was given different

roles from time to time but I stayed at Hampton

Court and now here I am, still gardening.

What does your role involve, and what is a

typical day like for you?

My role involves coordinating and overseeing

everything that goes on in the gardens not only

on a day-to-day basis, but also week-to-week,

month-to-month, and year-to-year. I work

closely with a few team leaders and we usually

get to together to talk about what we need to

do that week, what is coming up next and how

we can make things better for our visitors. I

sometimes take the dogs with me - we might

chase off a few geese before our visitors arrive

and it’s time for a cup of tea. We like a lot of

cake with our tea at Hampton Court and that

suits me fine. Its then on to the keyboard and

like any other manager in any other business I

have emails, meetings, invoices and planning to

work on.

Do you work with a wider team and what

achievements are you most proud of?

I head up the Gardens team and our

responsibility is to take care of the formal

gardens around the Palace here at Hampton

Court and at Kensington. We try to create a


9

memorable visitor experience and present the Gardens to

the highest possible standard. I also provide advice and

professional guidance to other lead managers within the

organisation on conservation projects, commercial activity

and strategic development.

There are a number of achievements that I look back

on proudly with my team. Recreating King William III’s Privy

Garden, a magnificent private garden for the Stuart monarch,

to look exactly as it was in 1702 was something very special,

and a real highlight of my career. The transformation of this

formal garden took place in 1995, and is still recognised as

a major milestone with regard to the history and care of

the gardens. It has also been especially rewarding to see the

gardens at Kensington Palace transform over the past fifteen

years, as they have opened up and become more accessible.

I understand you recently oversaw the transformation of

The Sunken Garden at London’s Kensington Palace, which

Diana, Princess of Wales was particularly fond of?

To mark the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess

of Wales, in 2017 we transformed the White Garden in

her memory – a real highlight for me. We then went on to

develop the garden further in 2021 to create a relaxing setting

for the statue of the late Princess. To be a part of that, and to

be there at the moment when the statue was unveiled – gosh,

that was very special.

What do you find most inspiring day-to-day?

I really like gardens with history and heritage. Working in

a garden that has been there for hundreds of years and

following in the footsteps of other gardeners has always been

very appealing to me. I’ve never been the kind of gardener

who wants to change everything, instead I’ve always been

interested in conservation and preserving what we already

have, as well as going back in time to understand what went

on before.

Can you recommend any hidden jewels for visitors to the

gardens to ensure they don't miss?

Yes, the Great Vine! It is a staggering 255 years old and the

largest in the world. In the summer, its grapes are sold in

the palace giftshop, giving visitors the rare opportunity to

try its historic fruit, which was once a favourite of Queen

Victoria, no less. The grapes are a very old variety called Black

Hamburg, they are a really tasty dessert grape. Just imagine

eating fruit from a plant that was planted in 1768. And what

a taste!

What are you most looking forward to for the summer

ahead?

Yes, this springs Tulip Festival. Towards the end of 17th

century, William III and Mary II began importing tulip bulbs

from the Netherlands, and by the time Queen Victoria


IMAGES © HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

opened the gardens to the public in the 1820s, people would

come from miles around to see the palace’s splendid tulip

displays. It became a real destination for a day out, and we

want to celebrate that again. Last winter, the gardening team

worked tirelessly to plant a whopping 110,000 tulip bulbs

throughout the gardens, including some rare and historic

varieties, and in April this year Hampton Court Palace is

hosting a truly glorious tulip festival. We’ve planted the bulbs

in flowerbeds all around the gardens, and each area has a

different theme and story as to why we’ve chosen that bulb

and that colour scheme. We’ve got traditional mass planting

and I am also bringing more tulips into the courtyards as well,

much to the housekeeper’s disdain. I’ve been planting bulbs in

all sorts of things – wheelbarrows, pots, troughs. We want to

offer visitors something a bit different. For example, as part

of the event we will be giving the palace’s famous 14ft wine

fountain a fabulous floral makeover. We’re going to cover it

in tulips, and we’ve gone for deep red wine colours – maroons

and burgundies, even jet black. We’ve also got a tulip variety

called Merlot, and a few rosé colours too.

Are you a city, town or country person?

I think I’m a mixture of all three. I find it humorous that I had

to move away from leafy Hampshire and travel to central

London for my career as a gardener, but the fact remains that

some of the best gardens are in the middle of cities.

What do you think makes the Great West Way special?

The countryside, landscapes and of course the gardens make

the Great West Way special. The further west you travel the

better they get! For me, Stourhead is a particular favourite,

although Longleat is also very special – prior to its current

layout it was a formal Baroque Garden like Hampton Court

Palace. It is fascinating to see how the gardens have changed

if you find an old print. I’d recommend investigating which

private gardens on the Great West Way are open for free as

part of the National Garden Scheme each year.

Please describe your perfect adventure on the Great West

Way?

I think I have an in-built compass in my head that has been

passed down by my father. He used to say “West is always

best!” as we prepared for our camping holidays, and I’ll

always remember camping with Dad during a thunderstorm

at a little place near Marlborough.

Click here to find out more

about becoming a Great

West Way Ambassador

GreatWestWay.co.uk 11

THE WAY FORWARD

A look at the highlights and what’s new on the Great West Way

IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK

The release of Bridgerton Season 3

Season 3 breaks rank with the order of the

novels to focus instead on the fourth Bridgerton

book, Romancing Mister Bridgerton. The story

focuses on the romance between Penelope and

Colin, who have been on our screens throughout

the first two seasons. Expect more of Bath’s

beautiful architecture to feature.


2023 marks the 60th anniversary of

the Bristol Bus Boycott

In 1963, Bristolians chose to boycott the Bristol

Omnibus Company in protest of its refusal to

employ Black or Asian bus crews. The boycott

lasted four months before the company backed

down. Events to mark the boycott will be taking

place across the city.

Malmesbury’s very own Artisan Gelato!

The Cosy Cone in Malmesbury, Wiltshire has opened after

eight months of renovations. The shop in the Triangle sells

a range of delicious flavours of Abygail's Artisan Gelato,

ranging from vanilla and pistachio to dark chocolate sorbet,

Nutella and mint choc chip.

Oceandiva, London

The UK’s first CO2-neutral venue and a stateof-the-art

vessel, Oceandiva on the River

Thames will span three decks and be powered

by renewable energy. When it launches, the

1,500-capacity venue will become the largest

floating events space on the river. Aside from the

glamour, sustainability will remain as the Vessel’s

core focus, with fast-charging shore-based green

electricity and smart technology to support

carbon emission tracking.

Don't miss... Bristol 650

events, where you can join

the celebrations across

the city with Bristol marking

its 650th anniversary of

becoming a city and county

in 2023, and look out for

unicorn sculptures, painted

by Bristol artists on display at

several famous landmarks


13

THE WAY FORWARD

Beckford Canteen Bath

Just opened on Bartlett St just down the road

from its sister restaurant Beckford Bottle Shop,

Beckford Canteen is overseen by George Barson

(Ex River Cottage). The knockout food puts a

modern twist on British favourites and sharing

plates of Wagu beef.

BoxHall Bristol

A brand-new destination dining hub and

event space is coming to Bristol’s Welshback

Waterfront this summer. BoxHall is from the

same team behind BoxPark, the hugely successful

dining and drinking spaces in London. BoxHall is

a new concept offering a food hall with a host of

independent restaurants, street food traders and

pop-ups for all-day dining, live music and events

including art shows, film screenings and gaming.

The Mutton at Hazeley Heath

A short detour from the main Great West Way route

Hampshire’s exciting new family-run pub has opened.

Located in the idyllic village of Hartley Wintney,

the lovingly restored 19th century public house and

former post office will be offering up reimagined pub

classics that champion local producers.


THE WAY FORWARD

Reading Walks Festival

The first Reading Walks Festival launches this

year (10-14 May) with over 40 guided walks

ranging in length from an hour’s gentle walk to

40 km along the St James’ Way. Taking place

across five days, the festival brings to life the

stories, heritage, wildlife and landscapes of

Reading and the surrounding countryside.

5 great ways to... travel the

Great West Way sustainably

1 Travel By Public Transport

The Great Western Railway runs throughout

the route and there's many convenient rail links

2 Explore on Foot or by Bike

Arrive at any of Great West Way’s cities by train,

and get your bearings with a walk or a bike ride

3 Sample Local Produce

Cut down on your food miles with a

delicious meal created with local produce

Ashton Gate stadium, Bristol

Phase one of an exciting 3,626 seater Sports and

Convention Centre next to Ashton Gate Stadium in south

Bristol is now in progress! The Sporting Quarter will provide

a new home for the Bristol Flyers basketball team, there

will be a hotel, shops and a multi-storey car park. The first

phase of the Sporting Quarter development will be the

Sports and Convention Centre alongside the hotel, with

hopes to be on site in late Summer 2023.

4 Discover Exciting Eco Initiatives

As you travel through our cities you will

discover all kinds of exciting eco initiatives

5 Get Back to Nature

If you’re a lover of nature, you’ll be keen to

discover some of the conservation charities

and nature reserves along the Great West Way



THE WAY FORWARD

inster

ern edge of Salisbury Plain, Warminster is a busy market town

rgian buildings and a wide variety of independent shops, cafés,

nd inns. The Lake Pleasure Grounds provide a free splash pad,

a boating lake, children’s playground, putting green, café and

rby, Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve is a lovely mosaic

ws between the Were and Wylye rivers. The surrounding

ides numerous opportunities for walking, cycling and horse

leat – with its historic house, safari park and more – is

Annual events in Warminster include Spring in the Park, a

(May), and Carnival (October).

A bustling market town surrounded by

beautiful countryside and local

attractions such as Longleat and

Stonehenge within easy reach.

Browse the variety of independent

shops and cafes nestled in amongst

historic buildings.

Enjoy the award-winning Warminster

Lake Pleasure Grounds with its free

splash pad, skate park and nature

reserve.

For further information visit our

website www.warminster-tc.gov.uk/

Wonderful Warminster

The ancient market town that packs a postcard-perfect punch

Wilton Windmill (Near Marlborough)

Wilton, Near Marlborough, SN8 3SW T: 01672 870594 E: enquiry@wiltonwindmi l.co.uk

Find out how a Victorian mi ler lived and how the windmi l works. Built in 1821 and set high in the

North Wessex Downs, this is the only working windmi l in Wessex. Picnic area and site accessible

a l year round. Guided tours, refreshments and stone ground flour available during opening times.

Fabulous walking and great views.

Admission: A £5, Ch FREE

Map Ref D5

Wiltshire Towns and

Villages map

Wiltshire's towns and villages

are the perfect places to

connect with the past whilst

enjoying the present. With our

new map you can escape to

Wiltshire and experience the

gentler pace of life on your

Great West Way journey.

s and villages connected by the rail network include

adford on Avon, Chippenham, Dean, Dilton Marsh,

Open: From Easter to end Sep, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 2pm-5pm

www.wiltonwindmill.co.uk www.facebook.com/WiltonWindmill

alisbury, Swindon, Tisbury, Trowbridge and Westbury.

erful Warminster

w.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

ver Pewsey Vale

day or multi-day

& cycling itineraries

the heart of the

rth wessex downs

rink ~ shop ~ stay

sitpewseyvale.co.uk

il ~ spiritual ~ ancient

Wilton Windmill (Near Marlborough)

HERE YOU CAN TOUCH

AND FEEL THE PAST

Waterways, too, were vital to the Wiltshire economy in years gone by

and the Kennet & Avon Canal runs right across the centre of the county.

During the Industrial Revolution it was a key means of transport for goods

and materials. Now it makes a peaceful way to enjoy Wiltshire’s timeless

scenery.

In the east of the county the Canal runs through the lush meadows and

downland of the Vale of Pewsey. This tranquil area makes a great base

for walking, cycling and horse riding. At the heart of the Vale is the village

of Pewsey with its Heritage Centre and statue of Alfred the Great, while

Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill can be visited nearby

The historic market town of Devizes also stands on the Kennet & Avon

Canal, at the top of Caen Hill Locks. Rising 237 feet over two miles, this

continuous flight of 29 locks is one of the longest in the country. Home to

both Wiltshire Museum and Wadworth Brewery, the town has kept its

character, with many small, family-run businesses and a traditional market.

Wiltshire’s history has been thousands of years in the making

and our museums showcase outstanding exhibits of national

importance. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Roman, Norman

and Saxon. These and later civilisations have all left their mark,

bequeathing tangible connections with the past.

The friendly market town of Highworth stands on a hill at the

gateway to the Cotswolds, its picturesque streets and alleyways

lined with bustling shops and places to eat and drink. With its

origins in medieval times, Highworth is particularly noted for its

fine Queen Anne and Georgian architecture. There is a wealth of

history to discover, and a Town Crier to keep you up to date with

what is going on.

Were you to delve into the Domesday Book of 1086 you would

find a listing for Ludgershall, a small town on the eastern

Ludgershall Castle

Map Ref D5

Pewsey Wharf

Museum • Great places

to eat, drink & stay

www.exploremalmesbury.com

www.discovermalmesbury.life

@malmesburylife

www.visit-corsham.co.uk

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

edge of Salisbury Plain. Dating from the late 11th century,

Ludgershall Castle was originally a royal hunting lodge; today

the Castle’s ruins are in the care of English Heritage. From the

castle grounds there are splendid views, and local walks to

nearby Collingbourne Woods.

Swindon was a small market town mentioned in the Domesday

Book. This original settlement is now known as Old Town. Here

you can take time to wander through its quiet courtyards and

alleyways, stroll around the Town Gardens, or enjoy a vibrant mix

of traditional shops, pubs, bars, and cafes. The arrival of the

GWR in 1840 led to great expansion and the creation of the town

as it is today. There’s plenty to keep you busy including shopping

at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a visit to Lydiard House

an elegant Georgian abode set in rolling parkland and you can

also discover the history of the Great Western Railway at STEAM

Museum. There is also a buzzing arts scene with many events

taking place throughout the year at venues including the Wyvern

Theatre, Arts Centre and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Annual events include Swindon Fringe Festival (April) Swindon

Spring Festival of Literature and Arts (May).

The picturesque village of Tisbury has been a settlement for over

2,000 years. With an excellent choice of independent shops and

places to eat and drink, it also makes a superb base for walking,

riding and cycling. Annual events include the Village Fête (June),

Carnival (September) and ‘Tis the Season’ Christmas Fayre. Visit

Old Wardour Castle nearby and the medieval tithe barn at Place

Farm, now home to a stunning centre for the arts.

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

Tickets for many places to visit and things to do in Wiltshire can now be

bought online - just visit visitwiltshire.co.uk/shop

n surrounded by

nd local

ngleat and

y reach.

GET SOCIAL

Share your Wiltshire stories using #timeforwiltshire

independent

d in amongst

Formerly Colston Hall, Bristol’s The Royal Crescent @VisitWiltshire Hotel @visitwiltshire & Spa

Wilton, Near Marlborough, SN8 3SW T: 01672 870594 E: [email protected]

ON AND OFF

VisitWiltshireLtd

VisitWiltshire

ing Warminster

Find out how a Victorian miller lived and how the windmill works. Built in 1821 and set high in the

with its free largest North Wessex Downs, concert this is the only working windmill hall in Wessex. Picnic will area and site accessible open TRACK have not only unveiled their newly

all year round. Guided tours, refreshments and stone ground flour available during opening times.

This Map has been produced by VisitWiltshire.

and nature

Fabulous walking and great views.

EXCITEMENT

The information contained within is correct at time of going to press.

Chippenham

Wiltshire SN14 7EY

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, VisitWiltshire can

Displays and fun for petrolheads of all ages

T 01249 782417

Admission: A £5, Ch FREE

n visit our

in autumn 2023 following a at the West Country’s Home of Motorsport refurbished castlecombecircuit.co.uk designer accept no liability for any suites, errors or omissions. © they

VisitWiltshire.

Open: From Easter to end Sep, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 2pm-5pm

ter-tc.gov.uk/

www.wiltonwindmill.co.uk

www.facebook.com/WiltonWindmill

This Map is also available to download from our website:

visitwiltshire.co.uk/download It can be made available in other formats

upon request.

et town that packs a postcard-perfect £48.8m punch transformation. Bristol are launching exclusive flights for

CC 62x92mm Wilt Living.indd 1 04/01/2023 11:54 Front Cover Photo: Marlborough High Street

Additional Photography: Anna Stowe, English Heritage, Jody Photography,

Neville Stanikk.

TURY,

EK,

SDAY

DAY *

since 1227

ber

Brough to you by

Bristol Beacon, Bristol

visitmarlborough www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

Discover Pewsey Vale

One day or multi-day

walking & cycling itineraries

in the heart of the

north wessex downs

eat ~ drink ~ shop ~ stay

www.visitpewseyvale.co.uk

tranquil ~ spiritual ~ ancient

Ludgershall Castle

HERE YOU CAN TOUCH

AND FEEL THE PAST

Beacon has undergone a complete

refurbishment and redevelopment,

turning the venue into one of

Europe’s best performance and

music learning spaces.

Waterways, too, were vital to the Wiltshire economy in years gone by

and the Kennet & Avon Canal runs right across the centre of the county.

During the Industrial Revolution it was a key means of transport for goods

and materials. Now it makes a peaceful way to enjoy Wiltshire’s timeless

scenery.

In the east of the county the Canal runs through the lush meadows and

downland of the Vale of Pewsey. This tranquil area makes a great base

for walking, cycling and horse riding. At the heart of the Vale is the village

of Pewsey with its Heritage Centre and statue of Alfred the Great, while

Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill can be visited nearby

The historic market town of Devizes also stands on the Kennet & Avon

Canal, at the top of Caen Hill Locks. Rising 237 feet over two miles, this

continuous flight of 29 locks is one of the longest in the country. Home to

both Wiltshire Museum and Wadworth Brewery, the town has kept its

character, with many small, family-run businesses and a traditional market.

Wiltshire’s history has been thousands of years in the making

and our museums showcase outstanding exhibits of national

importance. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Roman, Norman

and Saxon. These and later civilisations have all left their mark,

bequeathing tangible connections with the past.

The friendly market town of Highworth stands on a hill at the

gateway to the Cotswolds, its picturesque streets and alleyways

lined with bustling shops and places to eat and drink. With its

origins in medieval times, Highworth is particularly noted for its

fine Queen Anne and Georgian architecture. There is a wealth of

history to discover, and a Town Crier to keep you up to date with

what is going on.

Were you to delve into the Domesday Book of 1086 you would

find a listing for Ludgershall, a small town on the eastern

ON AND OFF

TRACK

EXCITEMENT

Chippenham

Displays and fun for petrolheads of all ages

at the West Country’s Home of Motorsport

CC 62x92mm Wilt Living.indd 1 04/01/2023 11:54

Historic Abbey • Walks •

Unique shops • Arts •

Museum • Great places

to eat, drink & stay

www.exploremalmesbury.com

www.discovermalmesbury.life

@malmesburylife

For more inspiration go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/what’s-on

Historic Abbey • Walks • Guests who take to the skies can

Unique shops • Arts •

Pewsey Wharf

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Avebury

hotel gardens.

www.visit-corsham.co.uk

edge of Salisbury Plain. Dating from the late 11th century,

Ludgershall Castle was originally a royal hunting lodge; today

the Castle’s ruins are in the care of English Heritage. From the

castle grounds there are splendid views, and local walks to

nearby Collingbourne Woods.

Swindon was a small market town mentioned in the Domesday

Book. This original settlement is now known as Old Town. Here

you can take time to wander through its quiet courtyards and

alleyways, stroll around the Town Gardens, or enjoy a vibrant mix

of traditional shops, pubs, bars, and cafes. The arrival of the

GWR in 1840 led to great expansion and the creation of the town

as it is today. There’s plenty to keep you busy including shopping

at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a visit to Lydiard House

an elegant Georgian abode set in rolling parkland and you can

also discover the history of the Great Western Railway at STEAM

Museum. There is also a buzzing arts scene with many events

taking place throughout the year at venues including the Wyvern

Theatre, Arts Centre and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Annual events include Swindon Fringe Festival (April) Swindon

Spring Festival of Literature and Arts (May).

The picturesque village of Tisbury has been a settlement for over

2,000 years. With an excellent choice of independent shops and

places to eat and drink, it also makes a superb base for walking,

riding and cycling. Annual events include the Village Fête (June),

Carnival (September) and ‘Tis the Season’ Christmas Fayre. Visit

Old Wardour Castle nearby and the medieval tithe barn at Place

Farm, now home to a stunning centre for the arts.

Royal Crescent, Bath

MADE IN WILTSHIRE

Many Wiltshire towns owe their modern-day prosperity to the production of

woollen broadcloth in centuries past. With the exception of Wilton Carpets,

the textile industry is long gone, but outstanding examples of industrial

architecture remain. Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds is the charming

honey-coloured gem of Bradford on Avon, renowned for its stylish shops

and restaurants. Evidence of its textile heritage can be found in the 19th

century cloth mills flanking the river bank, and former weavers’ cottages lining

the hill above. Visit the Saxon Church, the 14th century Tithe Barn and the

ancient Town Bridge. Then take a relaxing narrowboat trip on the Kennet &

Avon Canal. With events taking place all year round you can take part in the

Walking Festival (September), check out the Food & Drink Festival (June) or

enjoy an outstanding performance at Wiltshire Music Centre. Alex Moulton

Charitable Trust (The Hall) is a hidden gem in central Bradford on Avon.

Historically significant for its connection to the industrial trade, it has had a

variety of purposes including that of a family home, a storage space for wool,

accommodation for factory workers, and an officer’s mess.

Just outside Bradford on Avon is Iford Manor Gardens, featuring romantic

Italianate terraces cut into the hillside, evokes an Edwardian version of

Tuscany.

Thanks to the wool trade and the quarrying of golden Bath stone, Corsham

developed from Saxon

origins into a prosperous

town. The historic High

Street is lined with

properties from the

16th, 17th and 18th

centuries, many of which

are now home to quirky,

independent shops.

Taste of Corsham Food Festival

You’ll find a choice of

characterful places to

eat and drink, as well as

Bradford on Avon

Bath Abbey is moving from past to

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY, STEEPED IN LEGEND

Wiltshire has been a special place for a very long time and our World

Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. On a misty morning at Avebury

you can understand the appeal this sacred place held for our ancestors. Here,

a massive outer bank and ditch surround the world’s largest prehistoric stone

circle which, in turn, encloses two smaller stone circles and part of the village.

Just a few miles away, set in the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex

Downs, lies the market town of Marlborough. Today, this handsome former

staging post has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town. The wide High

Street is lined with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality

shops, pubs and restaurants, and there are plenty of riverside parks and green

spaces to enjoy. The town’s busy events calendar includes the ever-popular

Marlborough College Summer School (July-August) and colourful Music

and Literature Festivals (September). Don’t miss The Merchant’s House,

a glorious restoration dating from 1653.

If you stand on Salisbury Plain at sunrise or sunset it’s easy to see why the

ancient Britons believed Stonehenge was special. Even today, visitors from

around the world make the pilgrimage here to marvel at one of the most iconic

wonders in the world. Among its many unique features is its orientation on

the rising and setting sun, but why it was built in this way remains a mystery

to this day.

Marlborough

Wiltshire SN14 7EY

T 01249 782417

castlecombecircuit.co.uk

two in the hotel's own balloon.

Avebury

enjoy an afternoon tea afterwards,

while sipping champagne in the

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

Tickets for many places to visit and things to do in Wiltshire can now be

GET SOCIAL

Share your Wiltshire stories using #timeforwiltshire

It’s time for

WILTSHIRE

@VisitWiltshire @visitwiltshire

VisitWiltshireLtd VisitWiltshire

This Map has been produced by VisitWiltshire.

The information contained within it correct at the time of going to press.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, VisitWiltshire can

accept no liability for any errors or omissions. © VisitWiltshire.

This Map is also available to download from our website:

visitwiltshire.co.uk/download It can be made available in other formats

upon request.

MADE IN WILTSHIRE

Many Wiltshire towns owe their modern-day prosperity to the production of

woollen broadcloth in centuries past. With the exception of Wilton Carpets,

the textile industry is long gone, but outstanding examples of industrial

architecture remain. Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds is the charming

honey-coloured gem of Bradford on Avon, renowned for its stylish shops

visitwiltshire.co.uk

and restaurants. Evidence of its textile heritage can be found in the 19th

century cloth mills flanking the river bank, and former weavers’ cottages lining

the hill above. Visit the Saxon Church, the 14th century Tithe Barn and the

ancient Town Bridge. Then take a relaxing narrowboat trip on the Kennet &

Avon Canal. With events taking place all year round you can take part in the

Walking Festival (September), check out the Food & Drink Festival (June) or

enjoy an outstanding performance at Wiltshire Music Centre. Alex Moulton

Charitable Trust (The Hall) is a hidden gem in central Bradford on Avon.

Historically significant for its connection to the industrial trade, it has had a

variety of purposes including that of a family home, a storage space for wool,

accommodation for factory workers, and an officer’s mess.

Just outside Bradford on Avon is Iford Manor Gardens, featuring romantic

Italianate terraces cut into the hillside, evokes an Edwardian version of

Tuscany.

Thanks to the wool trade and the quarrying of golden Bath stone, Corsham

developed from Saxon

origins into a prosperous

town. The historic High

Street is lined with

properties from the

16th, 17th and 18th

centuries, many of which

are now home to quirky,

independent shops.

Taste of Corsham Food Festival

Front Cover Photo: Marlborough High Street

Additional Photography: Anna Stowe, English Heritage, Jody Photography,

Neville Stanikk.

For more inspiration go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/what’s-on

You’ll find a choice of

characterful places to

eat and drink, as well as

Towns and Villages Map

attractions including the

350-year-old Almshouses

and stately Corsham

Court. Popular events

include the Walking

and Taste of Corsham

Festivals (June) and

the Peacock Arts Trail

(October) while

#timeforwiltshire

The Pound arts centre

is a thriving venue with

a year-round programme

of performances, exhibitions and films. In recent years the town has

achieved fame thanks to its starring role – as Truro – in the first series

of BBC One’s Poldark.

Trowbridge

Trowbridge – Wiltshire’s county town and a Magna Carta baron town –

has a history of weaving dating back over 1,000 years. The result is a rich

architectural legacy ranging from the late-16th to the mid-19th century.

Trowbridge Museum contains a fascinating collection relating to West

Country woollen cloth production, including working looms. Today Trowbridge

also boasts many independent retailers, quality markets, an Odeon cinema

and family restaurants, as well as a vibrant heritage and arts scene. Annual

highlights include the Active Festival (July), Country Fayre (September) and

Carnival Procession (October).

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY, STEEPED IN LEGEND

Wiltshire has been a special place for a very long time and our World

Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. On a misty morning at Avebury

you can understand the appeal this sacred place held for our ancestors. Here,

a massive outer bank and ditch surround the world’s largest prehistoric stone

circle which, in turn, encloses two smaller stone circles and part of the village.

Just a few miles away, set in the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex

Downs, lies the market town of Marlborough. Today, this handsome former

staging post has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town. The wide High

Street is lined with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality

shops, pubs and restaurants, and there are plenty of riverside parks and green

spaces to enjoy. The town’s busy events calendar includes the ever-popular

Marlborough College Summer School (July-August) and colourful Music

and Literature Festivals (September). Don’t miss The Merchant’s House,

a glorious restoration dating from 1653.

If you stand on Salisbury Plain at sunrise or sunset it’s easy to see why the

ancient Britons believed Stonehenge was special. Even today, visitors from

around the world make the pilgrimage here to marvel at one of the most iconic

wonders in the world. Among its many unique features is its orientation on

the rising and setting sun, but why it was built in this way remains a mystery

to this day.

Marlborough

Nestling in a loop of the

meandering River Avon is the

small town of Amesbury, just

three miles from Stonehenge

and close to the Neolithic sites of

Durrington Walls and Woodhenge.

Amesbury has a history dating

back to 8,820BC. Imagine what

life would have been like all those

thousands of years ago… think of

the stories this place has to tell…

then find out more at Amesbury History Centre (opening in 2023). The grave

of the Amesbury Archer – an early Bronze Age man – was discovered here in

2002. Today visitors can enjoy a range of events, including the Carnival (June),

Scarecrow Trail (September) and Christmas Market (December).

Nestling in a loop of the

meandering River Avon is the

small town of Amesbury, just

three miles from Stonehenge

and close to the Neolithic sites of

Durrington Walls and Woodhenge.

Amesbury has a history dating

back to 8,820BC. Imagine what

life would have been like all those Stonehenge

thousands of years ago… think of

the stories this place has to tell…

then find out more at Amesbury History Centre (opening in 2023). The grave

of the Amesbury Archer – an early Bronze Age man – was discovered here in

2002. Today visitors can enjoy a range of events, including the Carnival (June),

Scarecrow Trail (September) and Christmas Market (December).

Stonehenge

It’s time for

WILTSHIRE

Towns and Villages Map

visitwiltshire.co.uk #timeforwiltshire

Footprint Project, Bath

Bradford on Avon

attractions including the

350-year-old Almshouses

and future stately Corsham thanks to a pioneering £21

Court. Popular events

include the Walking

and Taste of Corsham

million Festivals (June) and investment project, Footprint.

the Peacock Arts Trail

(October) while

The Pound arts centre

is a thriving The venue with Abbey’s Trowbridge collapsing floor, a

a year-round programme

of performances, exhibitions and films. In recent years the town has

achieved fame thanks to its starring role – as Truro – in the first series

of BBC

precious

One’s Poldark.

part of Bath's Georgian

Trowbridge – Wiltshire’s county town and a Magna Carta baron town –

has a history of weaving dating back over 1,000 years. The result is a rich

architectural heritage legacy ranging from the has late-16th to the not mid-19th century. only been saved

Trowbridge Museum contains a fascinating collection relating to West

Country woollen cloth production, including working looms. Today Trowbridge

also boasts many independent retailers, quality markets, an Odeon cinema

and family from restaurants, as collapse well as a vibrant heritage and arts but scene. Annual given an ecofriendly

underfloor heating system

highlights include the Active Festival (July), Country Fayre (September) and

Carnival Procession (October).

powered by Bath’s famous hot spring

waters. There's also a brand-new

learning space, a newly refurbished

Abbey shop and song school for the

Abbey’s choirs to rehearse.

Stay in the know

Click here to sign

up to our monthly

e-newsletter

bought online - just visit visitwiltshire.co.uk/shop


Britain’s

Greatest

Palace

Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

UNESCO World Heritage Site

blenheimpalace.com

[email protected]

SEE WHAT’S ON

Registered charity number 1166164

TOP TEN

FAMOUS

FACES

BORN ALONG

THE GREAT WEST WAY

The Great West Way is a popular area for celebrities to reside in.

George Clooney has a mansion in Sonning, Orlando Bloom lived

in Henley on Thames where Phillip Schofield is still a resident,

Terry Pratchett lived in Wiltshire... there’s just too many to list.

What makes the Great West Way even better is our

star-studded ties who were born along the way from

royalty to internationally acclaimed actors and authors



19

KATE WINSLET

Famous for her portrayal of Rose in Titanic amongst

other big titles, Kate Winslet is a Reading girl at heart. Born in the

town in 1975, Kate grew up in West Berkshire where her parents

still live today, and went to school in Redroofs Theatre School

in Maidenhead. Kate has also appeared in the Divergent films,

Finding Neverland, The Reader and Steve Jobs. She has been

commemorated by the town with a recycling lorry named after her

called ‘Kate Binslet’, a name suggest by local people who recognise

her as a local treasure.

CARY GRANT

Born in 1904 in Horfield, Bristol, Cary Grant moved to

the US and became a Broadway actor and later on, signed to

Paramount Pictures. Grant was the first actor to be asked to play

James Bond on screen but turned it down, however the bond

franchise did use 3 other Bristolians – Caroline Bliss, Samantha

Bond and Naomie Harris as Miss Moneypenny. You will find a

life-sized statue of Cary Grant in Millennium Square in Bristol and

street art to commemorate him on Gloucester Road.

BILL BAILEY

Bill Bailey is a British comedian, musician, actor

and author born in Bath in 1965. He spent most of his

childhood growing up in Keynsham between Bath and

Bristol. Bill’s works include Never Mind the Buzzcocks, a

global tour of Bewilderness, multiple appearances in QI

and Have I Got News for You. Bill often returns to the

area performing at gigs and was awarded an honorary

doctorate from the University of Bath in 2018.

KATE HUMBLE

Famous on Britain’s television screens for her

love of nature and wildlife, Kate Humble is Great West

Way born and bred. Born in Wimbledon in 1968, Kate

grew up around Bray spending most of her time outdoors

with horses and in the countryside. She attended school

in Reading and then married husband Ludo Graham, a

television producer, in Newbury in 1992. Kate has filmed

many programs along the Great West Way including

Animal Park with Ben Fogle at Longleat.


THE DUCHESS OF

CAMBRIDGE

The Great West Way is familiar with

England’s royalty particularly with King

Charles residing in the Cotswolds and

Henry VIII’s former home Hampton

Court Palace on the River Thames. The

Duchess of Cambridge is no exception

as she is a Great West Way resident

through and through. She was born in

Reading in 1982 and lived in Bucklebury

near Newbury where her family still live.

Catherine attended Marlborough College

in Wiltshire whilst she was growing up, as

did HRH Princess Eugenie.

MARY BERRY

The baking phenomenon that is

Mary Berry is another lady who is Great

West Way through and through. Born

in Bath is 1935, Mary moved to France

to train at The Cordon Bleu in Paris and

then returned to the Great West Way

to live in Henley on Thames. Mary has

received may accolades in her time but

our favourite ones include Freedom of the

City of Bath and an Honorary Graduate of

Bath Spa University.

IMAGES © SHUTTERSTOCK / STEVE VAS / FEATUREFLASH

MICHAEL BOND

Michael Bond, the author of the

international sensation Paddington Bear

was born in Newbury in 1926 and moved

to Reading as a young child. The story

of a bear from deepest darkest Peru was

first published in 1958 and since then has

sold a staggering 35 million copies, been

translated into over 40 languages and later

turned into a television series and a film.

JANE SEYMOUR

Jane Seymour was the ‘fairest of

all the king’s wives’ as she became Henry

VIII’s wife on 30th May 1536. She gave

the king a long awaited son but sadly died

from ‘childbed fever’. Born at Wolfhall in

Marlborough, Jane grew up in Wiltshire

then moved to Hampton Court Palace

to be with the King. After her death, she

was the only one of Henry’s 6 wives to be

given a queen’s funeral, and you can find

her buried next to him at Windsor Castle. →



‘Bristol girl Maisie

Williams nightclub

of choice in Bristol

is Motion and if she

was going to the

theatre anywhere

in the city, her top

choice is Bedminster.’

J.K ROWLING

The famous author of the Harry Potter series injects an

element of mystery into the Great West Way. Born in Yate on the

outskirts of Bristol in 1965, she used elements of the Great West

Way to inspire her writing and the settings for scenes in the movies.

Locations used during filming include Lacock Abbey which stood in

as Hogwarts and Professor Snape’s classroom during potion class

for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and

the Chamber of Secrets. Virginia Water outside Windsor was used to

portray Hogwart’s Lake in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

and Harry Potter of the Goblet of Fire. You can take a look at other

locations used in our recommendation – The Best: Places to pretend

you’re Harry Potter.

FIRST PAGE: KATE WINSLET. PREVIOUS PAGE LEFT TO

RIGHT: KATE WINSLET; BILL BAILEY; MARY BERRY AND

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE. THIS PAGE LEFT TO RIGHT:

MAISIE WILLIAMS; J.K ROWLING.

MAISIE WILLIAMS

Bristol girl Maisie Williams shot to fame for her role as Ayra

Stark in Games of Thrones. Born in the city in 1997, Maisie grew up in

Clutton and attended Bath Dance College studying performing arts. As

well as Game of Thrones, Maisie has gone on to appear in Doctor Who

with 4 guest appearances. Her nightclub of choice in Bristol is Motion

and if she was going to the theatre anywhere in the city, her top choice

is Bedminster.


23

WHAT’S NEW AT OUR

MUSEUMS

Travelling along the Great West Way 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


There are some really big, world-famous attractions

along the Great West Way, 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 Great West Way route it is a great museum to

begin or end your Great West Way 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. →


25

TURNER’S HOUSE, TWICKENHAM

Sandycombe Lodge was where J.M.W. Turner went as his

retreat away from the London art world. The architecture of

this little building is quirky, reflecting Turner’s own designs but

also the influence of his good friend, John Soane. Many rich

stories have emerged during research into the years Turner

spent at Sandycombe, such as those relating to the Napoleonic

wars. Visit the museum to see the beautiful etchings from his

Liber Studiorum on display, several of them of them responding

to those troubled years when England was under threat of

invasion, along with beautifully crafted models of ships,

variations on those which Turner had here.

THE HISTORY ON WHEELS MUSEUM, ETON WICK,

WINDSOR

You will find an absorbing, privately-owned collection of civilian

and military motor vehicles and militaria at The History on

Wheels Museum. As a bonus, there’s also an all-encompassing

exhibition of Princess Diana memorabilia, painstakingly

assembled and, reputedly, second only to the Althorp

collection. Plus don’t miss the Air Raid Shelter from 1943.

BERKSHIRE

MAIDENHEAD HERITAGE CENTRE, MAIDENHEAD

At the Maidenhead Heritage Centre you can both trace the

two thousand years of the town’s history and, unforgettably

for enthusiasts of all ages, ‘fly’ in a WWII Spitfire simulator.

In its permanent and temporary exhibitions, Maidenhead

Heritage Centre tells the story of the town and its

relationships to older nearby villages and towns (there was

a Roman villa at Cox Green and Cookham and Bray were

recorded in the Domesday Book).

READING MUSEUM, READING

The Reading Museum is full of fascinating regional history

and artefacts, a 70-metre long, woven replica of the famous

Bayeux Tapestry and the Huntley & Palmer exhibition,

reflecting on the 150 years of local biscuit manufacture.

Highlight for 2023 is the Discovering Untold Histories

exhibition showing until 10 June 2023. Created by

communities participating in Reading's High Street Heritage

Action Zone, this display showcases some of their creative

collaborations, telling the story of how local people and

artists are responding to the vibrant everyday life, rich cultural

diversity and fascinating untold stories of our streets.

THE MUSEUM OF ENGLISH RURAL LIFE, READING

The Museum of English Rural Life is where agriculture, through

the ages, is brilliantly brought to life with interactive exhibits

as well as comprehensive displays of implements, machinery

and vehicles, and the Abbey Galleries are a great introduction

to exploring the ruins of Reading Abbey and finding out more

about Henry I, England’s last ‘unfound’ king. Don’t miss the

Country Crafts Weekend 3 June - 4 June 2023 where you can

explore the museum and see demonstrations of rural, rare and

disappearing crafts demonstrated by their volunteers.

WEST BERKSHIRE MUSEUM, NEWBURY

The West Berkshire Museum is a treasure trove of information

and exhibits illustrating the origins of the county and its

people. Housed in two of Newbury’s best loved historic

buildings - the 17th century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/

Corn Stores in the Wharf. The permanent exhibition ‘Lives and

Landscapes’ tells the story of West Berkshire. The second floor

galleries host a series of special exhibitions so there is always

something new to see along with a year round program of

events and family activities.

STEAM, SWINDON

Moving forward in time, the history of 19th and 20th-century

steam railways is retold at STEAM, the Museum of the Great

Western Railway. Be sure not to miss the Swindon Railway


Festival returning to STEAM on the 9 and 10 September 2023.

Here you can experience the amazing detail of over 20 of

the UK’s finest model railway layouts that will be uniquely

displayed alongside iconic Swindon-built locomotives. You’ll

also see new special exhibitions, unique trade stands and

modelling demos.

SHAW HOUSE, NEWBURY

Shaw House was built by a Newbury clothier in 1581 and

retains much of its original Tudor architecture - it is one of

the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England. Over

the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action

during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and

schooled generations of local children. The House offers a year

round programme of events and family activities including the

Spring Food and Craft Fair on the 2 April 2023. Visit on this

day and you can explore the house and browse over 60 stalls

offering artisan food, drink and locally produced crafts, giving

you the perfect opportunity to shop for unique gifts and treats.

THE RIVER & ROWING MUSEUM, HENLEY ON THAMES

This stunning museum is situated in the picturesque town of

Henley on Thames and housed in an award-winning building,

designed by the acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield.

Located on the banks of the river, the museum explores

the River Thames, the international sport of rowing and the

town of Henley. The Museum hosts a lively programme of

temporary and visiting exhibitions, working with partners such

as the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A and the Hayward

Gallery in London. The constantly evolving calendar of

temporary art and photography exhibitions and a year-round

calendar of nature trails, craft workshops and family days,

ensures there is always something new to see and do.

WILTSHIRE

STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY, SALISBURY

Starting with the world-famous, it could be argued that a trip

along the Great West Way isn’t complete without visiting the

world-famous Stonehenge. And, new for 2023 is the Circles of

Stone: Stonehenge and Prehistoric Japan exhibition. Standing

impressively amongst the Salisbury Plain, this prehistoric

monument welcomes visitors from all around the globe and

has done for centuries. For a more personal experience of the

monstrous stones visit between the months of December and

August to see them up close with a Stone Circle Experience.

Available outside regular visiting hours, here you will get the

unique opportunity to capture the fascinating statues within a

much quieter setting. Plus, don’t miss the nearby secret stones

of Avebury - 4,000 years of history you never knew existed.

WILTSHIRE MUSEUM, DEVIZES

Negotiating the pretty lanes of the Vale of Pewsey brings the

happy traveller to Devizes, home of the Wiltshire Museum,

telling the 500,000 years story of the county through its

award-winning galleries, exhibits, high-quality graphics and

striking reconstructions. Take part in a day course of Stone

Carving with Andrew Ziminski on Saturday 27 May and

23 September 2023. This one-day workshop is perfect for

beginners looking to pick up the basic skills required to carve

stone. The Bath stone used is easy to carve, and you will be

able to take it home with you. Take some time here to also

stop in at the independent craft brewers, Wadworth Brewery.

CROP CIRCLE EXHIBITION & INFORMATION CENTRE,

VALE OF PEWSEY, WILTSHIRE

If you have ever wanted to learn about crop circles or to

meet crop circle enthusiasts to share thoughts with then The

Crop Circle Exhibition & Information Centre based at the

Honeystreet Mill Café in the Vale of Pewsey is the place to go.

The multi-media exhibition, which was initially created for →


27

the Wiltshire Museum, features key facts about the crop circle

phenomenon and mixes it with stunning photography. At the

attached Crop Circle Information Centre, be sure to read the

latest up-to-date crop circle reports and visit between 15 June

- 15 August 2023 to enjoy a personal guided exhibition Tour &

High Tea.

TROWBRIDGE MUSEUM, TROWBRIDGE

In Wiltshire’s county town, 1000 years of the town’s history

comes to life at the Trowbridge Museum, which recently

underwent a multi-million-pound expansion, which saw the

museum double in size for its re-opening! The museum offers

an insight into the rich textile-related heritage in the heart of

the town including how Trowbridge was shaped by the scale

of production and quality of its West of England woollen cloth

and became the county town of Wiltshire. Visit before the 29

April 2023 to see the In Focus Photography Showcase of work

by award winning photographers Sheri O’Reilly, Sue McDine

and Roy McDine.

FOX TALBOT MUSEUM AT LACOCK, LACOCK VILLAGE

In the picture-perfect village of Lacock you will find National

Trust’s Lacock Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum and Village.

Here, in 1835, William Fox Talbot created the world’s first

photographic negative, and so it is only proper that the

Museum of Photography is established here. New for 2023

the Fox Talbot Museum is holding Mandy Barker's Plastic Soup:

Photography Exhibition until 23 April 2023 where the work of

award-winning photographer, Mandy Barker, created to raise

awareness of marine plastic pollution will be on display. You

might also enjoy combining your trip to the nearby market

town of Corsham, home to two more museums, a moving

historical experience in the original 17th century Corsham

Schoolroom and Almshouse and The Pound Arts Centre, a

North Wiltshire hub for the performing and visual arts.

THE CROFTON BEAM ENGINES, MARLBOROUGH

Discover a pair of remarkable survivors from the early days

of the Industrial Revolution. The Crofton Beam Engines were

built over 200 years ago to maintain water levels in the nearby

Kennet & Avon Canal and, amazingly, those great steam

engines are still in working order, doing the job for which they

were designed!

BOSCOMBE DOWN AVIATION COLLECTION, OLD

SARUM, SALISBURY

If historic aeroplanes are a ‘must-see’ for you or your children,

you need look no further than the Boscombe Down Aviation

Collection, where cockpits are mostly open, and you can sit in

and use the controls. Exhibits of national importance including

the unique Sea Harrier XZ 457 and the rare Comit C Mk 2

Sagittarius, and the museum is proud to have the most fast jet

cockpits available to sit in than anywhere else in the UK.

REME MUSEUM, CHIPPENHAM

Since its formation in 1942, the Corps of Royal Electrical and

Mechanical Engineers has been the driving force of the British

Army and the inspiring story of the unit is told at the REME

Museum through its collections of armoured vehicles and

weaponry and child-friendly interactive displays. Don’t miss

Wartime Britain between the 13-14 May 2023 - an amazing

weekend exploring the vehicles, weapons and military life

experienced by many during World War II.


Private day tours from Bath in a luxury vehicle with Matt

For tours & prices go to galahadtours.co.uk

Tour buses

depart regularly

from

Salisbury

City Centre

& Salisbury

Railway Station

experience the

magical & mysterious

with our

onboard commentary

as we guide you through the glorious landscape.

Available in 10 languages

Photo- English Heritage

Tickets can be

bought from

the driver with

cash

or

contactless

or

download

the Salisbury Reds

app

seasonal prices apply

as set by English

Heritage

thestonehengetour.info

CHIPPENHAM MUSEUM & HERITAGE CENTRE,

CHIPPENHAM

Set in an immaculate 18th-century townhouse and relating

the story of the town’s development since the prehistoric era

Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre is well worth a visit

when exploring the charming Georgian town of Chippenham.

ATWELL-WILSON MOTOR MUSEUM, CALNE

From unique classic cars and motorcycles to the rarer gems

of vintage racecars, visitors can expect an assortment of

remarkable vehicles that are simply oozing with nostalgia. It'll

be a chance to marvel at some truly remarkable relics from

motoring's illustrious past. Plus, don’t miss their annual Classic

Vehicle Show on the 9 July 2023.

BATH AND BRISTOL

AMERICAN MUSEUM & GARDENS, BATH

Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding

views over the Limpley Stoke Valley on the edge of Bath

next to the University, the American Museum takes you on

a journey through American history, with its remarkable

collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only

museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was

founded to bring American history and cultures to the people

of Britain and Europe. Each year, special temporary exhibitions

are on display in their Exhibition Gallery. Don’t miss America In

Crisis showing from 11 March – 4 July 2023, a major American

photography exhibition exploring social change in the US

through the lens of a diverse group of artists. This captivating

exhibition features over 80 photographs by 39 top American

artists, from the 1960s till today.

THE HOLBURNE MUSEUM, BATH

There’s a superb collection of fine and decorative arts to

be viewed at the Grade 1-listed The Holburne Museum,

who describe themselves as 'Changing Lives through Art',

by bringing the enjoyment of art to people of all ages and

from every walk of life. The Holburne was founded in 1882

with the gift of Sir William Holburne’s collection of 16th and

17th century Italian and Dutch paintings, silver, sculpture,

furniture, porcelain and diverse objets d’art of national

and international significance. That founding gift has been

augmented with a collection of 18th century paintings by

such artists as Gainsborough, Lawrence, Ramsay, Stubbs

and Zoffany. Set within the historic Sydney Pleasure

Gardens, The Holburne has secured a national reputation

as an outstanding museum which holds critically acclaimed

exhibitions. Don’t miss exhibitions for 2023 include a new

major exhibition looking at the role of portraiture in the

process of marriage in the Renaissance of Northern and

Southern Europe, Painted Love: Renaissance Marriage

Portraits at The Holburne, from 26 May – 1 October 2023

JANE AUSTEN CENTRE, BATH

Celebrating Bath’s most famous resident, The Jane Austen

Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and

explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane

Austen’s life and writing. ‘Live’ Guides, costume, film, superb

giftshop and an authentic period atmosphere await you,

and don't forget to visit the Regency themed Tea Rooms on

the 2nd floor for a pot of real leaf tea and a slice of home

made cake with splendid rooftop views over the city. Plus

don't miss the Jane Austen Festival taking place from the

8-17 September 2023 - Ten wonderful days of celebrating all

things Austen in the beautiful city of Bath. →


NO.1 ROYAL CRESCENT, BATH

Take a look beyond the Crescent's famous Palladian facade

and see what life was like for the wealthy and their servants

in eighteenth-century Bath with a wander inside No. 1 Royal

Crescent. Built between 1767 and 1774 to the designs of the

architect John Wood the Younger, the Royal Crescent is justly

considered one of the finest achievements of eighteenthcentury

urban architecture, and represents the highest point

of Palladian architecture in Bath. No. 1 was the first house

to be built in the Crescent, and originally provided luxury

accommodation for the aristocratic visitors who came to

take the waters and enjoy the social season. Each room is an

exquisite example of Georgian interior design with authentic

furniture, paintings, textiles and carpets.

MUSEUM OF EAST ASIAN ART, BATH

Incongruously placed just a stone’s throw from two of Bath’s

iconic attractions, The Circus and The Royal Crescent, the

Museum of East Asian Art is a hidden gem of a museum,

and the only museum in the UK solely dedicate to arts and

culture from East and South East Asia, with a collection of

over 2,000 objects. Spread over three floors of a converted

Grade II listed Georgian townhouse, the Museum is a

sanctuary of tranquillity in a busting World Heritage city:

ceremonial jade objects as luminous today as they were over

thousands of years ago sit alongside imperial household

items, Ming vases, bronze Buddhas, Chinese Blue and White

porcelain and other artefacts representing over 7,000

years of artistry and craftsmanship. Don’t miss Artists’

Reinventions: War, Revolution and the Art of New China on

the 4 May 2023. This illustrated talk highlights the career

transformations of some great wartime printmakers, from

the late 1930s, into the 1990s.

MARY SHELLEY’S HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, BATH

In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote the world’s first science fiction

novel, Frankenstein, whilst resident in Bath. This new museum

is a world-first visitor attraction to explore the dark world

of Mary Shelley, bluring the lines between museum and

immersive visitor experience. The attraction is set in a Grade

II listed property, extending over four atmospheric floors

including a dank foreboding basement. One of the floors is

dedicated to uncovering her history and tragic life events and,

confront the formidable 8ft monster recreated exactly as Mary

imagined. Plus, don’t miss attempting to flee to your safety

with a nail-biting Victor’s Lair Escape Room experience.

VICTORIA ART GALLERY, PETER BROWN: BATH, BRISTOL

AND BEYOND

Aesthete’s will ove popping their head into the Victoria Art

Gallery in the centre of Bath. Don’t miss exhibitions for 2023

include Capturing Life: A Century of the New English Art Club

at Victoria Art Gallery from 21 January – 11 April 2023. The

exhibition showcases work by past and present members of

the New English Art Club, an elected society of contemporary

painters inspired by the visual world.

ROMAN BATHS, BATH

Bath was founded upon natural hot springs with the

steaming water playing a key role throughout its history.

Lying in the heart of the city the Roman Baths were

constructed around 70 AD as a grand bathing and socialising

complex. It is now one of the best preserved Roman remains

in the world. 1,170,000 litres of steaming spring water


eaching 46 °C still fill the bathing site every single day. The

Romans believed that this was the mystical work of the Gods

but we now know that the water source, which comes from

the King’s Spring, fell as rain water around 10,000 BC. Visit

The Great Bath, the magnificent epicentre to the complex

and walk on the ancient pavements as the Romans did 2,000

years ago. The Great Bath that lies below street level can also

be viewed from the Terrace, which is adorned with statues

and shadowed by the great Abbey. Other chambers to

explore include the remains of the ancient heated rooms and

changing rooms as well as tepid and plunge pools.

BRISTOL MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY, BRISTOL

2023 marks the 200th year of Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

and the bi-centenary of their forerunner, The Bristol Institution

for the Advancement of Science, Literature and the Arts. 200

years of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will be celebrated by

bringing together amazing objects and stories from their

collections through a series of themed seasons throughout the

year. As well as displays and interventions, the programme will

feature a number of high-profile events highlighting significant

objects and milestones in the museum’s history.

AEROSPACE BRISTOL, BRISTOL

Aerospace Bristol tells the incredible story of Bristol’s amazing

aviation achievements and offers the chance to step aboard

Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets

ever to fly. Learn about the earliest days of powered flight,

through to today’s cutting-edge aerospace technology. There's

aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, engines and

interactive exhibits for all ages. The highlight of your day will

surely be the iconic Concorde, the world's fastest passenger

jet, where you can the step aboard inside, glimpse into the

cockpit, and walk through the passenger cabin.

WE THE CURIOUS, BRISTOL’S HARBOURSIDE

Due to a fire in April 2022 We the Curious has been closed,

however, the museum is hoping to re-open in 2023/2024.

Once it does there will be all sorts of different experiences and

exhibits for you to interact with, and experiments you can take

part in – a science centre and interactive space where everyone

can ask questions, play and test ideas out together. You will

lose yourself in over 200 hands-on exhibits, science shows and

activities and don’t miss contributing to scientific research and

journey to the stars in the UK’s first 3D Planetarium.

NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM, GLOUCESTER

Housed in the old Llanthony Warehouse in the heart of what

once was the bustling Gloucester Docks, the museum charts

the 200-year history of the docks and the Gloucester and

Sharpness Canal. The Grade II listed grain warehouse has

been renovated with fun, interactive exhibits, café and a

lovely tea room with a fantastic selection of picnic benches,

funded by the Friends of the National Waterways Museum.

Plus, during the spring and summer season, 45-minute boat

trips are available along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal

on Queen Boadicea II, a Dunkirk Little Ship.


about the museums on



33


EIGHT

PICNIC SPOTS

ON THE GREAT WEST WAY

The Great West Way offers countless choices for an al fresco

lunch stop, with the opportunity to sit and enjoy stunning views

with a glass of fizz enjoying delicately cut sandwiches atop a

gingham rug. We hope you enjoy our eight best picnic spots for

experiencing that most English of pastimes in some of the

most scenic, historic and evocative places in England.

Words | Jules Mittra

1

WINDSOR’S GREAT PARK

Starting at the eastern end of the Great West

Way, and with the iconic Windsor Castle as a

backdrop, Windsor’s Great Park is essentially the

extensive grounds that make up King Charles’

back garden. And, in a coronation year, there can be few

better choices for a picnic stop in 2023. The grounds

are beautifully maintained, and as with all grand English

estates, are made up of various elements and features

making this a great place to spend a day or part thereof.

The best spot for a picnic however, is at the top of the

‘Long Walk’ – a wide, grassy avenue guarded by trees,

that leads right up to the castle. →


35

2

RICHMOND RIVERSIDE, PARK IN

RICHMOND

Richmond Riverside is an open space that overlooks the

River Thames in the centre of Richmond Town Centre.

With many seats and terraced lawns, and in close

proximity to bars, restaurants and cafes, this is an ideal place

to relax on a summer day or evening. Watch the boats sail pass,

people watch while enjoying your picnic. Afterwards why not hire

a canoe or if you are feeling more adventurous go paddleboarding

under the oldest bridge, Richmond Bridge that spans the River

Thames.

3

THE KENNET AND AVON CANAL

The bucolic Kennet and Avon Canal opened in 1810 to

provide the cities of Bristol and London with a costeffective

method of transporting large quantities of

goods between England’s two largest ports at the

time. The canal winds through exquisite countryside, providing

numerous idyllic picnic stops as well as incredible walking routes

with some amazing pubs on the way. With so many spots

too choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite, but at least one

contender would have to include the stretch around the villages of

Great and Little Bedwyn. Set in classic English countryside, dotted

with small yet striking settlements, sitting alongside the canal’s

banks, it’s easy to imagine oneself transported back to a bygone

time, well before the frenetic pace of the modern world was even

a thought.

4

LACOCK

The village of Lacock is iconic in its own right. A

medieval village set in the very southernmost part of the

Cotswolds, the village has been owned, maintained and

preserved by the National Trust since the 1950s. Having

featured in countless TV shows and films, including Harry Potter,

as well as almost every period drama you care to name over the

last 30 years, Lacock, and it’s grand house, Lacock Abbey, attracts

large numbers of visitors keen to connect with the past and the

screen. Head east to the footpaths that follow the River Avon as

it winds its way alongside the village and house, and you’ll not

only escape from any crowds present, but discover some stunning

picnicking and paddling spots with views across to the historic

house beyond.


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.


37

6

WILTON WINDMILL,

WILTSHIRE

Set high above the village

of Wilton, Wilton Windmill

has the most fantastic views.

The grounds are open all year round

and there are picnic tables you can

use or of course you can have a picnic

blanket on the grass. Plenty of space

for playing games!

It's ideal for families with children

or those with dogs as the site is very

secure with a fence all the way round.

And the views are just breathtaking.


7

SILCHESTER ROMAN CITY, HAMPSHIRE

West of London, beyond the belt of satellite towns that

orbit the capital, lies the relatively unknown remains of

Silchester. This walled Roman city flourished during the

Roman occupation of Britain from the 1st century on, but

was abandoned in the 5th or 6th centuries, once the Romans left.

Unlike other Roman cities, it was never reoccupied, and much of

the Roman walls, along with an evocative amphitheatre remain.

Walk along the walls to find your ideal picnic spot, then sit down

to enjoy the tranquil ambiance as sheep or cattle gently graze in

within the grounds of the once great city.


8

DYRHAM PARK, NEAR BATH

The grand country house of Dyrham Park sits nestled in a

valley just north of Bath. Built in the Baroque style in the

late 18th century, the house is managed by the National

Trust and preserved as it would have looked in the 19th

century. The grounds are just as alluring as the house however,

and its deer park spreads along the edge of the escarpment that

defines the western boundary of the Cotswolds, providing views

down to the city of Bristol sprawled out in the distance, and across

the Severn Estuary to the hills of Wales beyond. The view alone

would be worth a picnic stop, but sitting amongst the well tended,

undulating estate grounds make it utterly irresistible.

9

AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE AND ITS

SURROUNDS

The World Heritage site of Avebury is one of the most

remarkable prehistoric wonders of ancient Britain. Set

just off the King’s Road linking Bristol to London (the

modern A4), Avebury and adjacent prehistoric remnants combine

to provide some of the most fascinating and inspiring prehistoric

remains anywhere in northern Europe. Climb atop the giant

earthen banks carved out using deer antlers 5000 years ago and

set your picnic down overlooking the stones and picturesque

village that has encroached into the circle over the centuries. Or,

make your way to Kennett Long Barrow, a large, prehistoric burial

chamber that rests on a nearby hill overlooking the prehistoric,

pyramid-like, Silbury Hill, in the valley below, to commune with

the ancients over pimms and sausage rolls.

10

CLIFTON DOWN, BRISTOL

Ending our list at the western end of the Great

West Way, in Bristol, is this gem of a spot. Sitting

atop the eastern edge of the Avon gorge, this

stunning park was established in the 1800s to

provide the well-to-do of nearby Clifton with a space to ‘take the

airs’. Clifton, a suburb of the the city of Bristol below, became the

residential district of choice for merchants and slave traders in the

18th century as Britain’s trade empire and its wealth exploded.

The suburb, set atop a hill close to town, but not in it, allowed its

occupants the space and elegance to enjoy the good life without

becoming caught up in the squalor and unpleasantness of the port

below. Today, Clifton Down affords views of the river and gorge,

as well as Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic Clifton Suspension

Bridge, the first suspension bridge in the world, and is framed by

stunning Georgian architecture along its other sides making it a

remarkable spot for a picnic in a remarkable city.


39

THE GREAT WEST WAY'S

TEA SHOPS

The Great West Way is an absolute delight for tea aficionados.

From traditional British-style tearooms to modern, hipster

coffeehouses, the vast array of quaint independent shops

along the Great West Way is certain not to disappoint

A

great way to experience the sights and sounds

of the Great West Way is to take a tour of its

many delightful tea shops. Whether you are

looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy

evening hangout, these establishments offer something

for everyone. From traditional Victorian tearooms with

freshly baked scones to modern cafés serving locally

sourced artisanal teas, these fabulous tea shops will

definitely satisfy your cravings.

One such example is the charming 7 Flowers &

Tea in central Reading, located on Cross Street. With

its homey atmosphere and colourful interior, one can

quickly immerse themselves in a delightful afternoon

tea session here, sharing a pot of speciality tea and a

scrummy cake, while taking in the tranquil atmosphere

and fresh floral aroma.

Those who prefer their cuppa with a side of artsy

vibes should check out the Total Health Cafe on Eastcott

Hill. This is an eclectic cafe and art gallery serving freshly

baked pastries and cakes, freshly roasted coffee, teas

and plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free food

options. There’s an incredibly friendly atmosphere and

plenty of seating options, including a garden courtyard

– perfect for those sunny summer days when you want

to soak up some sun whilst sipping your brew. They hold

art classes for adults and kids and for those looking for

something a bit different, they even sell CBD cookies

and chocolates, and stock a large range of CBD retail

products including balms, oils, vapes and even bath

bombs! If you’re in the mood for a spot of retail therapy

head to the nearby Designer Outlet Swindon give your

legs a rest at the wildly modern SOHO Coffee Co.

On the way out of London you’ll pass through

Richmond, which has all the cosmopolitan kudos of

the capital but in a more serene setting. Vegan and

vegetarian café Tide Tables is the epitome of this

gratifying fusion. Hidden under an arch of Richmond

Bridge, it leads out onto a garden with superlative views

of the River Thames. For something more traditional, →


Newens Maids of Honour charts its beginnings back to

the early 18th century. It still sells its eponymous tarts -

apparently first made by Anne Boleyn for King Henry VIII

when she was a Maid of Honour. The cheese-curd-filled

puff pastry treats go down very well indeed with a hot

pot of tea.

Set in a unique grade II listed building by the Kennet

& Avon waterway in The Wharf, Newbury, The Teashop

by the Canal is a must-visit, blending the warmth of

Italian culture, with fine and splendid rituals of English

Cream Teas. There is plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy

the view, and watch The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

boat trips on their lovely canal boat 'Jubilee' leaving

from the wharf next door.

Head north towards Lechlade and the River Thames

and enjoy a hot beverage at The Tearoom of Kelmscott

Manor, the iconic Grade I listed country home of poet

William Morris. The Tearoom is in an attractive old

stable barn adjacent to a tranquil tea lawn with plenty

of seating.

‘Bradford on Avon is a very pretty town making it a

perfect cuppa-lovers rest stop, with its canalside cafés

and eccentric tea rooms.’


Further west, Bradford on Avon is a very pretty town making it a

perfect cuppa-lovers rest stop, with its canalside cafés and eccentric

tea rooms. There are some lovely options along the towpath, ideal if

you’re mid-hike or bike ride and want something as you go. On a sunny

day sit outside the Canal Trust Café with a made-in-the-West-Country

Marshfield Farm ice cream (try the salted caramel). On a less sunny

day, treat yourself to a marshmallow-topped hot chocolate at the

quirky, curios-filled café The Lock Inn. You’ll find lots of options amid the

alleyways in town, too, including Mr Salvat’s Coffee Room which, down

to the quill used to take your order, is happily ensconced in the 17th

century.

The Bridge Tea Rooms, meanwhile, are an ode to the Victorian era

complete with costumed staff. If you’re visiting with the kids, Woolley

Grange Hotel keeps everyone happy, serving both children’s and

champagne teas.

Walking the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath you’ll arrive in Pewsey.

A quiet, mystical sort of place with its own Wiltshire White Horse.

Stop for a cup of tea, and you’re bound to have some illuminating →


43

conversations. The Apple Cart Café is a warm, welcoming place on the High Street,

while The Charlton Cat has a seriously tasty selection of cakes (try the rhubarb and

custard) and an outdoor courtyard with fabulous countryside views. And make sure you

pop into Marshalls Bakery to sample their legendary Wiltshire Lardy Cake.

Thanks to its handy location on the route from London to Bristol, the ancient town

of Marlborough has always attracted tired travellers (and their thirsty horses) in need of

a pick-me-up. Today it continues to cater to passing visitors with all sorts of interesting

cafés. The Polly Tea Rooms is perhaps the most well-known. First opened in 1912, it has

been ranked one of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in the UK by The Telegraph.

It’s also had some very high-profile visitors over the years, from John Betjeman to

the Duchess of Cambridge, who used to pop in with her friends while a student at

Marlborough College. Go all out with Polly’s Luxury High Tea, which is everything you’d

imagined afternoon tea could be.

Add a touch of romance to your tea break in beautiful Bath. Have a dreamy Tea

with Mr. Darcy or perhaps some Crawfords Crumpets at The Regency Tea Room, part

of the Jane Austen Centre. Or try some of the city’s famous Bath Buns at Sally Lunn’s -

soft, sweet rolls created by a Frenchwoman attempting to create a treat reminiscent of

the brioche she missed from home. For a more contemporary experience, there are lots

of speciality coffee shops frequented by hip locals - Colonna & Small’s, Society Café

and Picnic Coffee are current favourites.


One of the newest tea shops to open in Bath is

Sweet Little Things tea room and bakery, centrally

located, just next to Southgate. Hard to miss, the café's

'instagrammable' window is bedecked with pink flowers,

and is decorated inside with even more blooms, making

for lots of aesthetically pleasing corners perfect in which

to sit with a coffee and slice of cake. Take your pick from

their extensive menu, including brunch options such as

pancakes with a variety of toppings and acai smoothie

bowls, quiches and toasted sandwiches for lunch,

afternoon tea options ranging from classic to prosecco

and gin, and plenty of hot drinks, from coffee to their

own signature pink hot chocolates.

This atmospheric village of Castle Combe is a

destination in itself but also makes a lovely stop-off

point for a cup of tea as you explore the velvety hills of

the Cotswolds. The Old Stables, with its super spacious

lawn, is popular among cyclists and ramblers looking for

a place to stretch out and rest. Well-behaved pups are

very welcome too. Elsewhere, Sweetapples Teashop is

another perfect stop for cyclists located in the centre of

the beautiful historic Cotswold village of Marshfield.

Goring-on-Thames and Streatley are two places

that sit on opposite sides of the River Thames, scenically

linked by a bridge where many like to stop and soak

up the view. Both have some wonderful tea options.

Pierreponts Café is a favourite, serving up both a Goring

and a Streatley themed afternoon tea. The Village

Chocolate Cafe has a warm, community feel and was

a favourite of the late pop star George Michael, who

had a house nearby. Try The Royal Goring Cream Tea

- a traditional high tea with hearty scones, strawberry

jam and clouds of rich clotted cream and over on the

Streatley side, by the water, The Swan and its Boathouse

Deli & Cafe.

Head to the charming Wiltshire town of Malmesbury

on the edge of the Cotswolds for a relaxed break. This

lovely town has plenty of welcoming cafes, alongside

many independent shops and the stunning 12th

Century Abbey. For a sumptuous, 3-tiered afternoon tea

experience, the magnificent Whatley Manor is the →


45

place to go. Nearby, Westonbirt, the National Arboretum

is a lovely option; a magical garden of trees where you

can recharge your batteries amongst the greenery before

enjoying a refreshing cuppa at the cafe.

For a truly unique tea break, stop at Avebury, which

has the unusual honour of being the only village within

a prehistoric stone circle. There are several places to

pause here, as you explore the largest stone circle in the

world. The Coach House café is right in the middle of all

the action, perfect for a quick cuppa and an energising

flapjack, while Avebury Manor tea room is more of a

sit-down-and-savour affair, where nothing but a full

cream tea will do. Avebury is also a fine spot for a picnic

if you want to sit outside and behold the mysteries of

the stones. Over at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, you

can try Wiltshire’s very own blend of tea made by The

Wiltshire Tea Company.

Due to Hungerford’s relatively central location along

the Great West Way, it’s an especially convenient place

to stop and replenish your energy. The Tutti Pole is a cosy

hideaway for a cup of tea and a toasted teacake. While

the health-conscious café, Elaine, serves up colourful

salads and green juices. Then there’s Honesty Hungerford,

a bright and breezy space with onsite parking. Cobbs

Farm Shop and Kitchen is also nice to visit if you’d like

to sample some fresh, seasonal produce after your cup

of tea or coffee. It also has a pleasing garden terrace -

and a log burner inside for chilly days. Or why not treat

yourself and someone special to an Afternoon Tea at the

Peppermill Town House Hotel restaurant? Afternoon

Tea includes a traditional selection of finger sandwiches,

home-baked scones, colourful cakes and pâtisserie,

accompanied by freshly brewed tea or coffee and the

option to add some fizz to your afternoon tea with a glass

of Botter Prosecco or Collet Champagne to make the

occasion sparkle.

Not far from the Great West Way, amid the natural

splendour of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty, you’ll find Tetbury. With its cobbled steps,

listed buildings and elegant spire, the small town is

an enchanting place to spend some time. Café 53 has

a secret garden, and is close to the Prince of Wales’s


Highgrove Shop where you can buy organic teas, including his own blend

of black tea. Meanwhile, Hobbs House Bakery is great for a coffee and a

sourdough sandwich.

These are just some of the many delightful tea spots on the Great

West Way, there are plenty more family-run establishments serving

traditional varieties to modern cafes selling novelty infusions and exotic

oolong blends to discover, so be sure to brew yourself some nostalgia

and include these heavenly tea shops into your next journey.

Click here to find out more about

exploring the cafes and tea rooms

on the Great West Way


47

TEN BRILLIANT REASONS TO VISIT

THE GREAT WEST

WAY THIS SUMMER

Experience a range of exciting adventures when you

embark on a Great West Way journey in 2023

1

GET ON YOUR BIKE!

From family-friendly woodland paths to long distance

routes, the Great West Way offers a wealth of landscapes

for you to embark on your own cycling adventure. Whether

you have your own bike or are looking to hire, there are

plenty of places to help you make the most of your journey. Escape

to the rural parts of our touring route to capture picturesque views

from one of 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way

to explore quintessential England at its prime!

Even our cities are two-wheel friendly, for example in

Bath there's the relatively new Two Tunnel path to discover.

This is a mostly flat walking and cycling route that gives you a

wonderful view of Bath's Georgian crescents before it leaves the

city behind. The path is a four-mile stretch of disused railway

line running through the Linear Park on the south side, to the

disused Devonshire tunnel at Bloomfield. The railway closed as a

through route in 1966 and physical work started on the new path

at Devonshire tunnel in 2010. The Two Tunnels route eventually

opened in 2013. Once out of the Devonshire tunnel you emerge

into a deep, wooded valley as the route leaves Lyncombe Vale and

heads underground into Combe Down Tunnel, and then over the

renovated Tucking Mill viaduct. At over one mile long, the Combe

Down tunnel is the longest cycling and walking tunnel in Britain and

features an interactive light and sound installation.


2

SPEND A DAY EXPLORING

WINDSOR AND THE RIVER

THAMES

At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor Great

Park is the largest public park in the whole

of the UK. From ancient forests to formal gardens, as

well as the spectacular Virginia Water, there’s plenty

to discover. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest

inhabited castle in the world and welcomes visitors

from all around the world each year! Discover the

state apartments, furnished with some of the greatest

works from the Royal Collection, or explore St George’s

Chapel, one of the most beautiful buildings in England.

Embark on a river cruise with Thames Rivercruise this

year and discover the picture-perfect surroundings

as you meander along the river Thames to stunning

destinations including Henley, Sonning and Streatley. →


49

Did you know?

The Great West Way

route passes through

three Areas of

Outstanding Natural

Beauty. In London,

the southern section

of The Chilterns’

324-miles makes a

great start to the

route, The Wiltshire

White Horses and

the White Horse at

Uffington will be a

joy to spot ambling

in the North Wessex

Downs, or start your

tour from Bath and

follow The Cotswold

Way north, for 102

more, glorious miles.

3

PARAGLIDING OVER THE WESTBURY

WHITE HORSE

Imagine running as fast as your legs will carry you and

then jumping straight off a hillside. In Wiltshire you can

do just that, on a paragliding session above the beautiful

Wiltshire Downs. Conditions here are perfect for paragliding, with

reliable thermals above the undulating hills, and taking a tandem

flight with an instructor is the closest thing to flying like a bird you

can experience. You don’t even need to learn how to operate the

controls if you don’t want to, though taking the reins while mid-air

is the real thrill.

4

EXPERIENCE BRITAIN’S ONLY

NATURALLY WARM WATERS

The city of Bath was founded upon natural hot springs

which have continued to play a key role throughout its

history. Be sure to visit Thermae Bath Spa in the heart of

the city, where you can experience Britain’s only naturally warm

waters. Relax in the indoor Minerva Bath or enjoy breathtaking

views of the city from the open-air rooftop pool. →


BEST DAY OUT IN BATH

americanmuseum.org

SPECTACULAR GARDENS • EXHIBITIONS • MUSEUM & SHOP

AMERICAN GARDEN DELI • EXCITING EVENTS

5

DINE AT A FLOATING RESTAURANT

ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY

If you're looking for a unique experience, why not

consider dining on one of the Great West Way's floating

restaurants? From the Glass Room, which offers incredible

views over the picturesque Thames, to the Grain Barge, located on

Bristol's iconic Floating Harbour – you can savour a selection of

dishes whilst sailing along. You could also try Thames Rivercruise

for its popular afternoon tea cruises through Henley and Sonning

up to Goring and Streatley. Whichever one you choose, it'll be sure

to provide an unparalleled dining experience!

6

EXPLORE SALISBURY’S CATHEDRAL

Standing within the medieval city for over 800 years,

Salisbury Cathedral offers worship, welcome and

hospitality to all its visitors. Telling the tale of defiance

dating back to the early 13th Century and with a Spire

stretching to 404ft, Salisbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of its

time. Capture the true height when embarking on a behindthe-scenes

tour of the ancient roof spaces and base of the spire

where you will find incredible views of the city and surrounding

countryside.


7

EXPLORE NEWBURY ON FOOT

AND GLIDING THE WATERWAYS

Alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, the

largest town in West Berkshire, Newbury, has

a bustling high street with many interesting

shops, which include unique stores such as familyrun

department store Camp Hopson. Once you have

investigated by foot why not step onto a paddleboard

with a qualified Wild Paddle Berkshire instructor to

enjoy the picturesque views from the water, setting off

from Newbury lock. →


53

8

CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CLIMB THE

HUGE MAINMAST ON BRUNEL’S SS

GREAT BRITAIN

If you’re feeling brave this year, why not step into the

shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the huge mainmast

of Brunel’s SS Great Britain! Secure yourself in the harness

provided before heading up the rigging to a viewing platform,

26 metres from ground level. Challenge yourself even further by

stepping out onto the main yard, 9 metres across from the ship

below. Once you’re up there, be sure to take in the incredible views

of Bristol’s harbour.

IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

9

TAKE PART IN THE KENNET & AVON

CANAL RACE

Run the Great West Way in this non-stop 145 mile race

takes you from London into the heart of Bristol. The

race route follows easy to navigate canal, river and

railway paths. Competitors receive comprehensive maps of the

entire route which passes through some of the best of English

countryside. On the way runners descend the magnificent Caen

Hill flight of 29 locks, a drop of 237 feet in 2 miles, one of the

Seven Wonders of the Waterways and well worth seeing.

10

SWING

THROUGH THE TREES AT

SWINLEY FOREST

Make like a monkey at Go Ape where the Tree Top

Adventure high ropes course runs for 704 metres

(770yds) through the tall trees of Swinley Forest,

reaching stomach-churning heights of up to 13 metres (42ft)

above the forest floor. Strap on a harness (you can’t fall off) and

test that head for heights as you cross gaps several metres wide on

challenging crossings made up of swinging logs and rope bridges

– you’ll even get to fly like Tarzan on a rope swing. Each stage

ends with a zip wire – the longest is 160 metres (175yds) – and

a massive smile. See if you can make it all the way to black, the

most challenging stage of the course.


EVENTS 2023

It’s a bumper year for Events in Malmesbury, so be sure to visit www.discovermalmesbury.life/events

for details of these and even more events!

April 7 to 9 - Easter at Malmesbury Abbey

April 22 - St George’s Day celebration

May 6 to 8 - King Charles III Coronation

May 27 to 29 - St Aldhelm’s Fair

July - Arts Festival (4 weekends)

July - Malmesbury in Bloom

27 to 30 July - WOMAD Festival

August 6 - Carnival Open Gardens

August 20 - Carnival Petticoat Lane

August 28 - Carnival Music in the Cloisters

September 2 - Carnival Procession

September 23 & 24 - Flying Monk Arts Trail

October 14 to 21 - Wessex Week

December 1 - Late Night Xmas Shopping

Plus walks, talks, family trails, art competitions, Abbey events, gallery exhibitions, craft fairs, markets, heritage days, cinema, wine tastings, cocktail

masterclasses, Malmesbury Live Arts – www.malmesbury-live-arts.org.uk Stay in touch here www.discovermalmesbury.life/events

For more information contact:

[email protected]

Malmesbury Town Council

Charter 880ad

@malmesburylife

Step back in time with a traditional horse

drawn boat trip or self-drive traditional narrow boat

hire on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire

Plus, new for 2023... Delightful Shepherds Hut!

Sitting pretty on a 10-acre Berkshire field near

Newbury, our Shepherds Hut offers cosy accommodation,

beautifully kitted out with stylish furnishings and a

wood burner to keep warm on cooler days


SPORTING EVENTS


The Great West Way is bustling with activity this Spring and Summer, with

some of the best sporting events on offer. From cricket to motor racing,

rugby to athletics, mountain biking to rowing. And as well as all these

special spectator experiences, there are plenty of opportunities to get

active yourself too. Here are a few ideas to inspire your sporting break

Football in England is not just a game but a national

obsession. Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s hard not

to get swept away by the atmosphere at a good match.

See what all the fuss is about at a game in Bristol,

which has multiple teams.

Catch a nerve-racking game of scrums and tries watching

Bath Rugby play at The Rec by the River Avon. The team’s

been going strong for more than 150 years, making it one of

the oldest teams in the world – and enjoy the 2023 Guinness

Six Nations England matches at Twickenham Stadium.

If you prefer your sport a little less boisterous, you could

go and see the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, located

in Bristol to the north of the City Centre. They are proud

to be hosting both England Men and England Women's

international matches at the Seat Unique Stadium in 2023!

The Women’s Ashes Series (12 July 2023) is a highlyanticipated

home Ashes series with England Women taking

on Australia – two of the world's best teams going head-tohead.

England Men return to the Seat Unique Stadium 26

September 2023 to play Ireland. The mouth-watering fixture

is part of a three-match series which represents the last

chance for Jos Buttler's side to fine-tune their skills ahead of

their ODI World Cup title defence in October 2023.

You can also get ready for an action-packed match of

stumps and boundaries at Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

They will be hosting four international fixtures in 2023;

Australia, Ireland and New Zealand will face England,

including matches that form part of both the men’s and

women’s Ashes Series.

If you like high-octane sport, you can watch petrol heads

tackle high-speed laps and time trials, as well as experience

a white-knuckle passenger ride with a pro driver at the

wheel at Castle Combe Circuit, incongruously located in

‘the prettiest village in England’. Experience the thrill of

the engine roar as professionals battle it out on the circuit

throughout the 2023 race season. →


57

‘At the UIPM Modern Pentathlon and Laser Run World

Championships not only do they compete in the five traditional

events – fencing, swimming, equestrian showjumping, running

and shooting – but there's a thrilling laser run finale.’

Pick a date in the calendar such as May Day Madness (1 May

2023), the Summer Spectacular Race Weekend (10-11 June

2023) and Carnival Race Day (15 July 2023). It will be a day

of exhilarating high-speed action!

Athletics fans will be delighted to hear the University of

Bath is hosting the 2023 UIPM Modern Pentathlon and Laser

Run World Championships (a Paris 2024 Olympic qualifying

event), between 21-29 August 2023. The UIPM Modern

Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships are the

pinnacle of modern pentathlon competitions, showcasing

the amazing athleticism and courage of participants

from all over the world. Not only do they compete in the

five traditional events – fencing, swimming, equestrian

showjumping, running and shooting – but also in a thrilling

laser run finale, where athletes battle it out on an obstacle

course that combines elements of each sport into one

exhilarating challenge. It's truly remarkable to witness these

incredible athletes push themselves to their physical and

mental limits as they strive for greatness! Spectators can

expect to be taken on a captivating journey full of suspense

and emotion as champions are crowned.

Cyclists will love the annual Cotswolds 200 race taking

place on 1st September 2023. Cheer participants on from the

startline in Bath, or perhaps take part, joining them on the

epic ride yourself. The route heads north into the stunning

Cotswolds AONB, which as many mountain bikers know, is a

wonderful area to ride – created with the purpose of linking

the many fun descents this area offers. There are incredibly

over twenty-five significant downhill sections on this route

which of course means a lot of uphill too! The 200-mile

route covers the full length of The Cotswolds area there and

back. This isn’t a regular ‘there n back’ route, however – the


eturn leg is on an entirely different route, you have been

warned! Riding through Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire,

Worcestershire, Warwickshire and back again, the many

highlights will include some of the best mountain biking

trails found in England. Not only is the riding superb, but the

views from The Cotswolds escarpment are also fantastic too

– especially looking west across The Severn Valley towards

The Black Mountains and The Malvern Hills.

There’s also the UKCE Wiltshire Classic cycling event

taking place on 18 March 2023. The route starts from

Salisbury Racecourse in Wiltshire, and crisscrosses through

the rolling countryside of Cranborne Chase AONB, an area

rich in history, passing through numerous Saxon villages

including Rockbourne, which is home to an Ancient Roman

villa dating as far back as the Iron Age to the 5th century.

There’s a strong horse riding heritage running through

the Great West Way, and many tracks where you can watch

races and put money on your favourite horses. Ascot is of

course the most famous, hosting Royal Ascot on 22 June

2023. There are many other racecourses in the region too,

including those at Newbury, Windsor and Bath. And don’t

miss Barbury International Horse Trials in July, set against the

beautiful backdrop of the Marlborough Downs.

Henley-on-Thames is world-renowned for Henley Royal

Regatta, which takes place from 27 June-2 July.

You’ll find various other rowing events throughout the

year along the River Thames like Henley Women’s Regatta,

Marley Regatta (now at Dorney Lake near Eton) and Marlow

Town Regatta - a great one for kids with its family fun day,

Dragon Boat Festival and dog show.

If you’re inspired to have a go yourself, there are multiple

companies along the touring route offering horse riding and

rowing experiences. Explore Salisbury Plain on horseback, →


59

This Way for

a Journey

Through Time

The Great West Way weaves through

the timeless county of Wiltshire.

The Ancient Briton, Romans, Normans and

Saxons have all left their mark.

Now it’s time for you to follow in

their footsteps.

It’s Time for Wiltshire

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk

stopping for a nice cup of tea and a biscuit

while you take in the scenery (see Salisbury

Plain Safaris). Or for an unforgettable time

on the water, have a gold, silver or bronze

rowing session in Henley-on-Thames with

Olympic rower Toby Garbett.

For something a little different, be

sure not to miss the World Shin-Kicking

Championships, 2nd June 2023, at the

Cotswold Olimpick Games in Chipping

Campden, just a short detour off the Great

West Way route. You might also like to

sign-up yourself for an event, there’s the

traditional King of the Hill games – this

involves a series of challenges including

jumping as far as possible from a standstill,

Spurning the Barre (an old English version

of the Scottish tossing the caber), Hammer

Throw and Putting the Shot. There’s also Tug

‘O War, a former Olympic sport, and back

in 2023 after a few years’ absence running

races.

For sporting matches you won’t be able

to experience live on the Great West Way,

including the 2023 Women’s FIFA World

Cup (taking place 20 July to 20 August

2023 in Australia & New Zealand), head to

Clifton sports bar Racks, a favourite Bristol

hangout for watching live sport – or soak up

the atmosphere at the Ashton Gate Stadium

Sports Bar – the biggest indoor pub screen

in the UK!

Did you know?

In 1971, Mollie

Gerrard became

the first woman

president of Bath

Rugby, and indeed

any rugby club

There are plans for a

new Rugby stadium

in Bath, with an

exceptional design

due to be completed

by 2025


TOP 10 DAYS OUT

WITH THE KIDS

There’s plenty of choice along the Great West Way for family

days out, from splish-splashy water parks to wonderfully wild

safari parks. Here’s a look at some of the best attractions for some

unforgettable family fun

1

LONGLEAT, WARMINSTER,

WILTSHIRE

At Longleat, a little south of the Great

West Way, you can take your little

lions on a wild drive through a safari

park. From the madness of the monkey drivethrough

to the awe-inspiring sight of real-life

rhinos in the Big Game Park – it’s sure to be a

lasting memory. Buckle them in to see their

faces light up over those enigmatic macaques,

who aren’t shy, so make sure you wind up the

windows – unless you want an extra cheeky

monkey in the backseat. Elsewhere there

are lions, tigers, a pack of wolves, zebras,

ostriches and much more. For those that

want to get hands-on with the animals, there

are various feeding opportunities – extend a

branch off the pier for the giraffe, hand-feed

deer from your car window, throw fish to the

sea lions from the boat on the lake, hold cups

of nectar for rainbow lorikeets. Cute!

MAIN IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCK


63

2

WINDSOR CASTLE,

WINDSOR BERKSHIRE

A castle always goes down well

with children excited to explore the

turrets and to look out at the view,

feeling like a king or queen. Windsor Castle

is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in

the world. It has been the family home of

British royalty for almost 1,000 years. Visit

the magnificent State Apartments and St

George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful

ecclesiastical buildings in England. The

Castle's State Apartments are furnished with

some of the greatest works from the Royal

Collection including paintings by Holbein,

Rubens and Van Dyck.


3

BRUNEL’S SS

GREAT BRITAIN,

BRISTOL

Step on board an

extraordinary iconic

steamship – Brunel’s SS Great

Britain is the world’s first great

ocean liner, and the brainchild

of the most famous honorary

Bristolian, Isambard Kingdom

Brunel. Rescued from rust

and wreckage in 1970, and

since lovingly restored to her

Victorian hey-day, a visit to the

ss Great Britain allows you to

step back in time and explore

true stories from the opulent

First-Class to the cramped and

quarrelsome Steerage.

Each kitchen and cabin, dining

room and doctor’s surgery

emanates authentic sounds and

smells which bring the ship and

its history to life.

You can even step

‘underwater’ for a unique and

magnificent view of the ship

below the beautiful glass sea.


65

4

LEGOLAND,

WINDSOR

Of all the wow-worthy family

attractions, there are a few big

ones you should be aware of,

and Legoland is one of them. The

colourful block-built land dreams are made

of. This is probably one all kids everywhere

will enjoy. In fact, it may well bring back

happy memories for adults, too. You can

visit just for the day to explore the amazing

attractions, from Miniland – a lego replica of

the world – to a Lego reef where you can build

your own digital fish. There are some great

rides sure to ramp up excitement too, like

the Pirate Falls Treasure Quest, the Spinning

Spider and the Vikings’ River Splash. You

can also stay overnight in one of the resort’s

fantastical hotels – check out The Castle with

its fairytale-themed rooms.


5

AVON VALLEY

ADVENTURE AND

WILDLIFE PARK

Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife

Park is full of farmyard favourites

including a zoo, children's playground, mini

train and go-karts. Make your visit extra

special with a VIP Animal Encounter and

watch the delight on your little ones' faces

as they get up close with the meerkats and

ponies. The Raptor encounter is a ‘roarsome’

experience for any velociraptor fan! Plus don’t

miss their end-of-season family water fight!


67

6

KEW GARDENS,

RICHMOND, SURREY

For an unforgettable horticultural

experience, make a beeline for Kew

Gardens. For a quick and easy way

to see the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site

and save the children’s legs, hop aboard the

Kew Explorer Land Train, which will whizz you

around 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.


7

HAMPTON

COURT PALACE,

RICHMOND

UPON THAMES

Kids will love a day

out at Hampton Court Palace

during their five-day joust in

the gardens which takes places

between the 2-6 August 2023.

Hampton Court Palace is one of

Britain’s most famous buildings,

and a surviving Tudor treasure

that was at the centre of court

and political life for over two

hundred years. Built to house

monarchs, their courtiers and an

army of servants, and designed

to impress powerful visitors,

this vast complex of buildings

contains over a thousand rooms

and is set within many acres of

stunning gardens and parkland.


69

8

COTSWOLD WATER PARK

The term ‘water park’ doesn’t convey

the magnitude of this place, a short

detour from the Great West Way –

it’s a complete holiday destination

with lots of lovely lakeside accommodation

ranging from camping to swish self-catering

villas. The park encompasses a whopping

150 lakes – and there’s even a beach, not

quite what you’d expect in the Cotswolds

countryside! There’s plenty to keep kids and

grown-ups busy including archery, fishing,

golf, horse riding, kayaking, wakeboarding,

bird watching and lovely off road cycle

routes. In fact, National Cycle Route 45 going

right through the Cotswold Water Park, on its

way from Salisbury to Cirencester. And when

you’re not picnicking on cheese and pickle

sandwiches by one of the lakes, there are

family-friendly places to eat and drink.


IMAGE © GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO

9

WESTONBIRT

ARBORETUM

Just north of the Great West Way, Westonbirt

is well set up for young naturalists. The nice

clear paths and Treetop Walkway make

arboretum adventures easy, whatever the

season and there are 15,000 different species of trees

from around the globe. Keep an eye out for special

events and activities, too. Spring and summer are

natural highlights, with a confetti of pink blossoms

bound to put a bounce in your tiny tot’s steps.

Did you know...

There is access to all

on the Great West

Way with accessible

accommodation and

accessible things to

do along the route.

Click here to find

out more


71

10

NOAHS ARK ZOO,

BRISTOL

Visit Janu the elephant and over

100 species of big zoo animals,

including giraffe, lions, rhinos,

tigers and spectacled bears at this familyowned

zoo set on a working farm in 100 acres

of beautiful, peaceful countryside. Founded by

Anthony and Christina Bush, who have lived

and worked here together as dairy farmers

since 1962 when the original Moat House

Farm was part of the Tyntesfield Estate. Get

hands-on with giant tortoises, bottle-feeding

lambs and up close to the farm animals and

exotic animals, including llamas, camels

and wallabies. The children will also love the

tractor rides and playing in the hay barn!

Click here to book experiences!

Now is the perfect time to plan

your escape through real England on an

adventure along the Great West Way...


Against the backdrop

of a renowned collection

experience critically acclaimed

exhibitions of historical and

contemporary art, lectures,

concerts, workshops and

events or indulge in our

Garden Café.

DON’T MISS

Alberta Whittle: Dipping below a waxing

moon, the dance claims us for release

Until 8 May 2023

Painted Love: Renaissance Marriage Portraits

26 May to 1 October 2023

Michael Simpson: Drawing towards Painting

6 May to 17 September 2023

Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery

14 July 2023 George to 7 Shaw January 2024

A Corner of a Foreign Field

‘Without Hands’ The Art of Sarah Biffin

Édouard Vuillard

29 September 2023 to 14 January 2024

The Poetry of the Everyday

Gwen John:

Lauren

Art

Child

and Life in London and Paris

27 October The 2023 Art of to Illustration 14 April 2024

2019 HIGHLIGHTS

Against Rembrandt

the backdrop of a renowned collection

experience A Life critically in Print acclaimed exhibitions

of historical Henri and Matisse contemporary art, lectures,

concerts, Master workshops of Line and events or indulge in

our Garden Café

Great Great Pulteney Pulteney Street, Street, Bath Bath BA2 BA2 4DB 4DB

www.holburne.org

Experience the new

menus by Executive Chef

Ricki Weston and his team

Bursting with flavour. Choose either the

Michelin-starred restaurant ‘The Dining Room’,

or Grey’s Brasserie.

Enjoy a one-night break with dinner in

Grey’s Brasserie from £449.

Or the Michelin star experience with

dinner in The Dining Room from £784.

Book online whatleymanor.com

or call reservations on 01666 822 888

Escape to the Cotswolds this Summer

Food bursts with flavour. Choose either the Michelin starred restaurant ‘The Dining Room’, or for a more relaxed experience

Grey’s Brasserie. Unwind in Aquarias Spa, and take a leisurely stroll around the 12 acres of English country gardens.

Whatley Manor welcomes children from the age of 12 and is dog friendly.

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa Easton Grey Malmesbury SN16 0RB

whatleymanor.com


SUMMER MUSIC

FESTIVALS


Don't miss out on the incredible music festivals kicking off on the

Great West Way this summer. From dance fests like Glastonbury and

Boomtown to groovy jazz at Cheltenham Jazz Festival and folk legends

at End of the Road, you won't want to miss these festival gems...


75

APRIL 2023

SWINDON JAZZ & SOUL

FESTIVAL

15 APRIL 2023

Following the success of the

last two years the Swindon

Jazz & Soul Festival is back

for its third consecutive

performance in 2023 - and

it is an absolute mustvisit

for anyone who loves

to get their groove on! It

offers a tremendous variety

of musical performances

and, the lineup changes

every year, so there's

always something new to

discover. Be sure to mark

your calendar now – with

last year’s acts featuring

British Jazz award winners,

and established soul

acts. Headliners included

international swing kings

from Ray Gelato and the

Giants, to The Soul Strutters

and Jonny Henderson.

BRISTOL FOLK FESTIVAL,

BRISTOL CATHEDRAL AND

ST GEORGE’S, BRISTOL

28-30 APRIL 2023

For nearly 50 years, Bristol

Folk Festival has been

enlivening this picturesque

city with its vibrant beats

and diverse sounds from

around the world. From

melodic folk tunes to

rowdy bluegrass, there’s

an exceptional line-up for

2023 that includes Lady

Maisery, The Eliza Carthy

Trio, Fay Hield, Angeline

Morrison and Nick Hart. The

opening night is on Friday

at Bristol Cathedral, College

Green, while St George’s,

Bristol forms the heart of

the festival over the rest

of the weekend, with the

nearby Bristol Folk House

hosting dance sessions and

upbeat sets. Keep your eyes

peeled for dance, singrounds,

sessions and live

interviews.

CHELTENHAM

JAZZ FESTIVAL,

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

26 APRIL-1 MAY 2023

Within easy reach of the

Great West Way you

can enjoy 6 days of live

music from international

stars at the Cheltenham

Jazz Festival, one of the

country’s best-loved jazz

festivals!

Featuring a bevvy of

talented jazz musicians,

the Cheltenham Jazz

Festival 2023 is sure to be


an exhilarating experience

with boisterous bluesy

improvisations to sultry

swing sounds. Adding to the

auditory stimulation, visuals

and theatricals abound

with stylishly dressed

performers, stunning light

displays and captivating

dance numbers.

MAY 2023

BATH FESTIVAL, VARIOUS

VENUES ACROSS THE

CITY

12-21 MAY 2023

Bath Festival is one of

the most renowned

music festivals in the

country, with a storied

history and an unbeatable

atmosphere. From rock

to pop to classical, Bath

Festival ensures an array

of music and celebrates

books too - whether you're

an aficionado, bookworm

or simply looking to

experience some great

tunes. You'll be able to

witness amazing live

performances in unique

venues like hot air balloons,

historic Georgian mansions,

and open-air events under

the stars.

THE LECHLADE FESTIVAL,

LECHLADE, THE

COTSWOLDS

26-28 MAY 2023

Set in the beautiful

Cotswolds, a short detour

from the Great West Way

route, this multi-day

event is an unforgettable

experience and a must-see

for any music lover. From

live acts ranging from folk

to rock, there's something

to suit everyone’s taste.

The atmosphere is lively yet

welcoming, with delicious

food and drinks available

to enjoy while soaking up

the melodious sounds.

Venture into the beautiful

surrounding countryside

and explore serene riverside

paths - blissful tranquillity

perfect for soaking up

some much-needed

downtime. Then end

your day with a party

under starlit skies; with

such prodigal panache,

it promises to be one

heckuva razzle-dazzle

weekend!

DOT TO DOT,

BRISTOL, VARIOUS

VENUES ACROSS THE

CITY

27 MAY 2023

Dot to Dot has been

known to bring

the hottest new

emerging artists to the

spotlight, previously

spotting the talents

of The xx, Ed Sheeran

and Florence + The

Machine. The lineup

for 2023 includes

Yard Act, Alvvays, Beka,

Cryalot, Finn Foxell, High

Vis, Kofi Stone, Opus Kink,

and Yunè Pinku - and if

you’ve not heard of them

yet, the chances are they

will go on to be famous

around the globe. See them

first at this award-winning,

metropolitan festival.

LOVE SAVES THE DAY,

ASHTON COURT ESTATE,

BRISTOL

27-28 MAY 2023

Championing local acts as

well as attracting worldclass

artists, Love Saves

the Day is back in May.

Acts are to be announced,

but previous years have

seen the likes of Chase and

Status, Bicep and Kurupt FM

take to its stages.

CHIPPENHAM FOLK

FESTIVAL, CHIPPENHAM,

WILTSHIRE

26-29 MAY 2023

2023 marks 50 years of

the amazing Chippenham

Folk Festival – a community

celebration of folk music,

song, dance and arts. From

local talent to renowned

artists, this vibrant music

event provides a feast

for every musical palate,

whether that’s traditional

folk or cutting-edge

contemporary sounds.

And with its inclusive

atmosphere and charmingly

bucolic surroundings,

visitors often feel as though

they've stepped into

another world – one filled

with artistry, conviviality

and delight. →


77

JUNE 2023

FORSET LIVE,

WESTONBIRT, THE

NATIONAL ARBORETUM,

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

8-11 JUNE 2023

Held in beautiful forest

locations, Forest Live is a

major live music series of

summer concerts across the

country. At Westonbirt you

have everything required for

a great night out, a relaxed

atmosphere, spectacular

backdrops and great music

from artists including Jack

Savoretti and Tom Grennan.

PUB IN THE PARK, ROYAL

VICTORIA PARK, BATH

16-18 JUNE 2023

Bath's Royal Victoria Park

is the perfect setting

for Pub in the Park, an

unforgettable musical

extravaganza where you

can enjoy toe-tapping tunes

against an idyllic backdrop

of stunning scenery. With

a plethora of top-notch

acts gracing the stage

and delectable food from

some of the UK's leading

chefs, the atmosphere will

be electric with vendors

hawking their wares and

families picnicking on the

grassy knolls. Its vibrant

energy is palpable and

captivating. Witness

up-and-coming talent or

throwback classics from

renowned artists – it’s truly

an idyllic way to spend an

afternoon.

GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL,

PILTON, SOMERSET

21-25 JUNE 2023

It is set to be as special

as ever this year with

Elton John headlining,

for what will be the final

UK show of his last-ever

tour. The Glastonbury

Festival is renowned for

its kaleidoscope of vibrant

music, art and cultural

experiences. From the

thundering basslines of

the Pyramid Stage to

the eclectic array of acts

performing at Shangri-

La, every year presents a

bewitching atmosphere.

But it's not just the music

and performances that

make this event so alluring

– there's also a palpable

camaraderie between

attendees that can't be

replicated anywhere else.

People come from near

and far to revel in this

ephemeral escapade,

forming lasting friendships

with those they share

their experiences with. To

immerse yourself in the

captivating spectacle of

Glastonbury is truly an

incomparable experience.

BRISTOL SOUNDS,

BRISTOL HARBOURSIDE

21-25 JUNE 2023

Another iconic set of dates

for Bristol live music, set

on the Harbourside is

Bristol Sounds in June.

Jacob Collier, James, and

The Levellers have been

announced so far, with

more hotly anticipated acts

to be confirmed soon.

WRDEUP FESTIVAL,

HIGHWORTH, WILTSHIRE

30 JUNE - 1 JULY 2023

Music lovers rejoice!

WrdeUppers will be able

to “Rock the Rec” again

in their own unique style

in 2023. Kicking off on

Friday evening as a warmup

before the one-day

festival with music and

entertainment. With bands

playing across multiple

stages throughout the day,

festivalgoers will be able

to hear a mix of sounds.

For those who prefer more

than just music, there'll also

be plenty of activities and

entertainment happening

at WrdeUp; from face

painting to impromptu

performances. There's even

a special kids' area where

younger guests can have

their own little slice of

festival heaven.

JULY 2023

CHELTENHAM MUSIC

FESTIVAL

8-15 JULY 2023

Cheltenham Music Festival

brings eight days of

performances and events by

leading international artists,

new talent and innovators.

Celebrating the very best

contemporary composition

alongside a feast of popular

classics. Celebrated since

its inception in 1945 for

championing new music,

Cheltenham Music Festival

is all about high-calibre

performances, magnificent

venues and a huge variety

of music – from symphonic

grandeur to the intimacy of

chamber music, and from

sublime choral experiences


to brand new musical

adventures. With excursions

into world music, film,

dance, the visual arts and

the spoken word, it’s a

musically-centred cultural

banquet that has few equals

in the UK.

THE BRISTOL HARBOUR

FESTIVAL, BRISTOL

HARBOUR

15-16 JULY 2023

A distinctive and

unmissable spectacle, the

Bristol Harbour Festival

is a renowned event in

the cultural calendar of

Britain's beautiful port city.

Taking place annually since

1971, this music festival

brings together thrilling

performances from around

the world against the

stunning backdrop of the

historic harbour. From live

bands to DJs and buskers on

every corner, expect reggae,

jazz, hip-hop, folk, rock and

electronic. It's easy to see

why the Bristol Harbour

Festival has become such

a beloved tradition for

locals and tourists alike,

aside from musical acts,

the festival also features

theatrical shows, street art

installations, interactive

activities and educational

talks from renowned

speakers. What makes

the experience even more

special is the inclusive

atmosphere created by its

organisers. All visitors are

encouraged to get involved,

with many donning

traditional costumes to

celebrate their culture

alongside others.

WOMAD FESTIVAL,

MALMESBURY, WILTSHIRE

27-30 JULY 2023

WOMAD is a cacophony of

music, art, and culture that

makes for an unforgettable

experience. Every year

the festival invites locals

and visitors from around

the world to indulge in

its unique blend of artists

and genres - from reggae

and folk, to drum and bass

and hip hop. Alongside

live performances, there

are workshops and familyfriendly

activities too.

You'll hear stories being

told, rhythms resounding,

melodies meandering, and

beats bouncing off each

other. Get ready to explore

new cultures, be inspired

by creative expression,

and have your taste buds

tantalised by delicious food.

→


79

READIPOP FESTIVAL,

CHRISTCHURCH

MEADOWS, READING

JULY 2023 DATES YET TO

BE CONFIRMED

Celebrating its 6th

anniversary this Summer

this new festival takes

place by the banks

of the River Thames

in Christchurch

Meadows. This

vibrant event has

been a mainstay

of the local

community and

is showing no

signs of slowing

down! From

obscure local acts

to internationally

renowned headliners,

the lineup always

offers something fresh

and exciting. The venue

itself is top notch too;

sprawling grounds with

plenty of shade provide a

pleasant setting for all day

dancing and merriment.

Even when the sun isn't

shining, the undying

energy of the crowd keeps

things pumping until late

into the night. Previously

featuring stars and charttoppers

including The Orb,

Sleeper, Audio Bullys and

Cassetteboy.

LARMER TREE FESTIVAL,

CRANBORNE CHASE,

DORSET

JULY 2023 DATES YET TO

BE CONFIRMED

Larmer Tree Festival is an

annual music extravaganza

held in the rolling hills of

Dorset, just a short detour

from the Great West Way.

It's a unique experience,

combining diverse musical

genres, delicious food

and drink and plenty of

activities for adults and

children alike. There is a

vibrant atmosphere with

folk singers to DJs playing

eclectic beats, there's

something for everyone

to enjoy. The main arena

features headliners that

attract crowds from all

around, while smaller stages

showcase up-and-coming

artists with local and

international flavour. What

really sets Larmer Tree apart

is its combination of artistry

and entertainment; it has

a variety of quirky stalls

selling handmade crafts,

street performers capturing

attention, colourful parades

and interactive workshops -

it’s a utopia of both culture

and fun!

AUGUST 2023

WILDERNESS FESTIVAL,

CORNBURY PARK,

OXFORDSHIRE

3-6 AUGUST 2023

Not far from the Great

West Way, the Wilderness

Festival is a magical event

held in the Oxfordshire

countryside every summer.

It's an oasis of eclectic

music, inspired talks and

discussions, luxurious feasts

and activities for all ages.

From enlightening panel

debates to lively disco

dances, there's something

unique and captivating

around every corner. With

its diverse lineup of acts

and attractions, Wilderness

Festival offers something

truly special – it feels like

being lost in a land of

enchantment. In the 2023

line-up, you can get excited

to see world-class acts

including The Chemical

Brothers, Fat Boy Slim and

Sugarbabes.

BOOMTOWN, THE TWIN

TRAIL, MATTERLEY ESTATE

NEAR WINCHESTER,

HAMPSHIRE

9-13 AUGUST

A short stretch from

the Great West Way,

Boomtown 2023, is set to

be an electrifying music

festival that will bring

together some of the best

musicians from around the

world. With a diverse range

of genres from punk to jazz

and renowned artists like

Cardi B and The Strokes, it's

sure to please any music

fan. For those who want

to experience something

truly unique, there'll be

immersive performances

and interactive activities in

the Boomtronix area - this

year's most cutting-edge

spot for electronic music.

And if you're looking to

take a break from the

action, look no further than

the campgrounds where

attendees can relax by fire

pits or catch up on their

favourite podcasts while

exploring nearby trails.


REWIND FESTIVAL,

TEMPLE ISLAND

MEADOWS, HENLEY-ON-

THAMES

18-20 AUGUST 2023

Rewind Festival Henley-on-

Thames is the perfect place

to revel in nostalgia and

recapture those glorious

sounds of the 80s and

beyond. From petulant

pop classics to new-wave

anthems, this annual event

provides a melodious oasis

for those seeking musical

euphoria. There are plenty

of awesomely iconic acts

- including Boy George &

Culture Club, Bananarama

and Duran Duran. It's the

perfect opportunity to don

your brightest neon, party

like it's 1985, and relive

those special memories of

a bygone era. The eclectic

lineup features over forty

artists performing across

four stages, plus, every

day starts off with an

invigorating yoga session so

you can get limber before

grooving along to the sweet

sounds of synthpop. Step

into the time machine and

prepare yourself for the

ultimate nostalgia trip.

END OF THE ROAD,

LARMER TREE GARDENS,

TOLLARD ROYAL,

WILTSHIRE

31 AUGUST-3 SEPTEMBER

2023

Larmer Tree Gardens is

the perfect place for an

epic End of the World

Festival! Nothing quite

compares to a day spent

enjoying amazing music

and performances in

this stunningly beautiful

location. With its lush

trees, rolling hills, and

idyllic views, Larmer Tree

Gardens offers visitors a

unique experience that's

sure to be remembered.

The festival features top

musical acts from around

the world, and you'll

definitely find something

to please everyone's taste.

From up-and-coming indie

bands to household names,

the lineup has something

for everyone. Plus, with

plenty of food stands and

craft beer gardens, it's

easy to have a great time

all day long. This festival

also includes plenty of

activities like workshops,

interactive experiences,

art installations and more.

So you can discover new

things while having lots of

fun! There's even a special

area devoted to kids, so

they won't miss out on the

festivities either.

SEPTEMBER 2023

FORWARDS FESTIVAL,

BRISTOL

SEPTEMBER 2023 DATES

YET TO BE CONFIRMED

After its hugely successful

inaugural event in 2022

on Clifton Downs (with

acts such as Little Simz,

Self Esteem, Chemical

Brothers and Charlie XCX)

FORWARDS festival is

returning in 2023 to bring

together music, social

action initiatives, discussion

and debate to inspire

positive change.

OCTOBER 2023

CALNE MUSIC AND ARTS

FESTIVAL

OCTOBER 2023 DATES

YET TO BE CONFIRMED

Calne Music and Arts

Festival (CMAF) is a

community celebration of

music and the arts, which

takes place during a ten-day

period at the beginning

of October each year. The

Festival aims not only to

provide entertainment

for the people of Calne

and surrounding villages

but also to promote

local musical and artistic

talent. The Festival was

inaugurated in 1974 and has

grown substantially over

the years, showcasing some

exceptional talent, whilst

reaching a wide crosssection

of the community.


and keep up-to-date with

festivals and events on the

Great West Way


81

Arts and Events

Cultural Calendar

As well as its natural scenery, cultural scene and lovely locals, the

Great West Way is known for its many festivals and events

MARCH/APRIL

10

APRIL

Howard’s Day at Castle Combe

Easter Monday is the traditional start

to the motor racing season at Castle

Combe circuit, marked by this race

25 March 2023 – 13

August 2023

After Impressionism:

Inventing Modern Art,

National Gallery, London

Spring’s art season

explodes with this

colour-drenched modern

art show. Spanning 1884

to 1914, there's iconic

works by Cézanne, Van

Gogh and other French

masters alongside equally

avant garde paintings by

artists from Barcelona

to Berlin

15-16

APRIL

Newbury Garden Show,

Newbury Showground

Celebrate the very best of

gardening home and lifestyle

7-10

APRIL

The Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

The world’s longest non-stop canoe

race, 125 miles, following the Kennet

& Avon Canal and The Thames


MAY

11-14

MAY

Royal Windsor Horse Show,

Windsor, Berkshire

Join the royal razzamatazz

at the Royal Windsor Horse

Show, where royals attend

and compete. Watch show

jumping and don’t miss

the military spectaculars

as the Household Cavalry

performs to music

27-29

MAY

Blenheim Palace Food

Festival

A gastronomic

weekend guaranteed

to satisfy your taste

buds and indulge

your passion for great

food and drink with a

host of top chefs and

producers

28-29

MAY

Highclere Country Show

For some half-term fun

head to the estate better

known as Downton

Abbey. Highclere Castle

hosts one of England’s

best country shows, The

Highclere Show, with

falconry, gundog displays

and the chance to have a

go at clay shooting


83

Arts and Events Cultural Calendar

JUNE/JULY

15-16

JULY

Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol

The Bristol Harbour Festival, the city’s

prime, maritime event attracting around

250,000 visitors each year, returns in

July 2023 with its popular mix of attractions.

There's a world-class circus and

on-water activities, music, family

entertainment, food stalls and of course,

the many ships which come into the

harbour for the event

20-24 JUNE

Royal Ascot, Berkshire

Arguably England’s most famous – and

grandest – horse racing event, with four

days of races each kicked off by a royal

carriage parade. Revered across the

globe, Royal Ascot plays host to the

finest horse racing, spectacular fashion

and delicious food and drink. Steeped in

elegance, the atmosphere found across

the Royal Meeting's five-days creates the

perfect canvas for a drama that cannot

be written


JULY 8Bath Carnival, Bath

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

JUNE

Malmesbury in Bloom

There's a competition as

floral displays enhance

the beautiful town of

Malmesbury

27

JUNE

UNTIL 2 JULY

Henley Royal Regatta, Henley

Established in 1839, this annual

regatta attracts rowing crews

from around the world

2-11

JUNE

North Wessex Downs Walking Festival

A celebration of the stunning

landscapes, gorgeous scenery and

top-class walking country AONB

8-17 June

Hampton Court Palace

Festival

Two weeks of top artists

including Grace Jones,

Kaiser Chiefs, Björn Again

and Rick Astley


85

THE ONLY MOTOR MUSEUM IN WILTSHIRE!

■ 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 (closed)

www.atwellwilson.org.uk

EXPLORE THE GREAT WEST WAY ®

WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE

Chauffeur driven tours with a Blue Badge Guide

HEATHER NEWMAN

HEART OF ENGLAND

IAN NEWMAN

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

www.bbhtours.co.uk | [email protected] | 01985 840049

Arts and Events Cultural Calendar

JULY/AUGUST

JULY

1Battle Proms Picnic

Concert

The Battle Proms is a

quintessentially British

open-air picnic concert:

the perfect opportunity

to celebrate the summer

in style, in a stunning

setting at Blenheim

Palace!

11-12

AUGUST

Highworth Art & Literature Festival

Talks and workshops by authors

such as Jasper Fforde, fringe events

and an art exhibition

27

AUGUST

The Joust! Berkeley Castle

Knights and horses combine for

medieval Jousting displays, filled with

sword swinging, gut punching thrills

11-13 August

Bristol International

Balloon Fiesta, Bristol

The jam-packed fiesta

returns with over 100 hot

air balloons, live music,

food and activities in the

grounds of the Ashton

Court Estate

Find out more

Click here to stay

up-to-date with our

festivals and events


87

Ways to travel the

Great West Way

It’s fun to travel under your own steam. Welcome to a journey

through time – an adventure across England by car, rail, boat, foot, bike

or a combination of all. Start planning your journey of discovery here...


BY BIKE AND FOOT

Hiring a bike and cycling along the canal, countryside

paths and trails, taking a walk through picturesque

villages and visiting our three Areas of Outstanding

Natural Beauty and three UNESCO World Heritage

sites by foot is a beautifully scenic experience.

Whether you’re up for a lengthy hike in the

Cotswolds, a cycle ride racing down the 13.7km (8.5

miles) steeply twisting Swinley Red trail with its

berms, drops and white-knuckle descents, or just

fancy a potter around some village antique shops,

walking and cycling is a wonderful way to explore.

You can cycle the entire length of the Great West

Way via National Cycle Route 4, which links up

regional cycle routes such as the Thames Valley Cycle

Route and the Kennet & Avon Cycle Route.

The National Trails website gives details of longdistance

walking trails along the route: The Cotswold

Way, The Ridgeway and the Thames Path.

Go to Sustrans for more (shorter) cycle routes on the

National Cycle Network, in and around the touring

route. There are also some excellent routes along the

Wiltshire Cycleway, including a picturesque 15.3k

between Corsham and Bradford on Avon.

Be sure to read the Information Points page to find

out where to pick up local maps and walking trails.

Plus, download our Great West Way map before you

set off.

Did you know? Bristol was officially Britain’s first

cycling city. Join the locals with a ride on a

pay-as-you-go YoBike, hire a tandem or go on a

Cycle the City tour of Bristol's best landmarks.

BY BOAT AND ON WATER

The Kennet & Avon Canal is a wonderful way to

travel along part of the Great West Way. This ribbon

of beauty and history stretches between Reading and

Bristol and is looked after by the Canal & River Trust.

Slow down and enjoy all 87 miles of the Kennet

& Avon Canal as part of your Great West Way

adventure, using our Kennet & Avon Canal map.

Hire a boat or hop on a barge tour for the ultimate

experience in slow travel. Multiple companies

operate along the River Thames and the Kennet &

Avon Canal. Visit Thames and The Kennet & Avon

Canal Trust are useful places to start.

You can canoe, kayak or book one of the numerous

boat trips. Passing through countryside, market

towns and picturesque villages, the canal offers an

abundance of natural beauty, fascinating wildlife,

outstanding canal structures, fabulous vistas and

heritage galore. The lazy pop pop pop of the engine

while you travel slowly through attractive towns like

Hungerford, quaint villages such as Wootton Rivers

and architectural masterpieces like Bath.

Of course, the famous Caen Hill Lock Flight in

Devizes is a real wow – look up from the bottom of

the 16 locks that form the main ‘staircase’ – now

that’s one way to get boats to travel uphill.

Take a look at our Marina page for hire boats and

boat tours and find details of river transport options

in the capital on the Transport for London website.

Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II reopened the

Kennet & Avon Canal in 1990 after a passionate

band of volunteers gave it an impressive revamp.


89

Ways to travel the Great West Way

BY CAR

A road trip adventure along the Great West Way

allows you to linger as long as you want in each

destination, and even venture off on a complete

tangent if the mood takes you – take a look at our

suggested itineraries to help you make a start.

The main road between London and Bristol is the A4

Great West Road, based on an ancient horse track

and later, one of King Charles I’s Great Roads, which

facilitated the establishment of the British postal

service – The Royal Mail.

The A4 cuts a fairly direct path between the two

cities, allowing you to travel the distance in less than

2 hours 30 minutes if you wanted to. Of course, if

you’re travelling by car, half the pleasure is being

able to pull off and explore whenever you like.

Wherever you decide to base yourself along the

touring route, there’ll also be charming country lanes

and winding rural roads to enjoy. Jump in the car and

see where you end up.

You may find the AA’s Route Planner tool useful for

planning your road trip. Also, our pages on car hire

and travel tips could be of interest – especially if this

is your first time driving in the UK.

If you want to hire a car for your Great West Way

adventure, you’ll find plenty of car hire companies

in just the places you’d expect – airports, larger train

stations, cities and towns, for example Auto Europe

and Practical Car & Van Rental.

Did you know? The first mail coach was introduced

between Bristol and London in 1784.

BY TRAIN

Making tracks on the Great West Way can point you

at endless amounts of history and fun facts to be

discovered along its length from London to Bristol. In

one go the journey is just 1hr 40min, but by stopping

off you can explore the route in your own time

turning it into a holiday adventure of a lifetime.

Relax and journey along the Great West Way using

the Great West Way Discoverer pass. It includes

unlimited Off-Peak train travel from London

Paddington with Great Western Railway along the

route to Bristol Temple Meads via Reading and

Swindon, or Newbury and Pewsey, with options

to branch off towards Salisbury via Westbury (or

London Waterloo to Salisbury with South Western

Railway). It also includes unlimited travel on listed

bus services along the routes. The rail route is

marked on the map with a green line. Choose from

an East, West or Global one-day or seven-day ticket

to enjoy your Great West Way adventure.

You can purchase the Great West Way Discoverer

pass online at GWR.com or from your local station.

They come in the form of a standard orange ticket,

clearly showing the route you have purchased

and whether it is valid for one day or seven. If you

are travelling from overseas, international passes

(similar to a BritRail pass) can be purchased online

at ACPRail.com or via your travel agent, where

discounted international rates apply and with no offpeak

travel time restrictions.

Did you know? The Great Western Railway runs

along the full distance of the Great West Way

– from London’s Paddington station to Bristol

Temple Meads.


BY BUS AND COACH

If you’d rather someone else was driving, or aren’t able

to drive, the extensive bus and coach services along the

Great West Way will come as a relief. They can also be a

very cost effective choice, useful for budget travel.

There are multiple coach services between London and

Bristol by companies including National Express, Megabus,

Stagecoach and Eurolines. Once you’ve reached your

destination, you can access various local bus services -

some travelling to fairly remote rural locations. Download

the Tootbus app and enjoy hop-on hop-off flexibility in

Bath and Windsor.

DISCOVER OUR THREE AREAS

OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL

BEAUTY ON THE ROUTE

North Wessex Downs

Marvel at the prehistoric stones of

Stonehenge and Avebury, the Wiltshire

White Horses and the White Horse

at Uffington. Take time to visit

Highclere Castle, where Downton

Abbey was filmed, and get lost in the

mysterious hillforts, neolithic burial

mounds and genteel country houses.

The Chilterns

Characterised by neat farmland,

ancient woodland and chalk downland.

The Chilterns is a haven for wildlife

including red kites. Explore the

fabulous trails of The Ridgeway and

the Chiltern Way Circular passing

sparkling-clear chalk streams.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds Way starts in Bath

and follows north for 102 miles,

to the well-to-do market town of

Chipping Campden. Explore Corsham,

Castle Combe and Dyrham Park,

or just take in the views: gentle

hills, sweeping valleys and summer

wildflower meadows dotted with

warm limestone homes. This is

England at its prettiest.


91

Gourmet Guide to

Food and Drink

From the wild creativity of Bristol’s street food scene, to the glamour of

London’s high profile restaurants, there’s a tantalising buffet of food and

drink experiences along the Great West Way.


Michelin Starred and Fine Dining

Sit down to a meal of gastronomical delights at one

of the award-winning fine-dining establishments

along the Great West Way. Sample sumptuous

tasting menus created by Michelin-starred chefs,

innovative dishes featuring local produce, and

traditional English delicacies cooked to perfection.

The Vineyard, Stockcross, Berkshire

Not only is The Vineyard a luxury five-star hotel

and spa, it also has a fine dining restaurant and

30,000-bottle wine cellar. Head chef Robby Jenks is

at the helm of this 3AA Rosette restaurant. Diners can

choose from an à la carte or tasting menu where they

can enjoy dishes such as veal sweetbread ravioli with

pumpkin seeds in a pumpkin and brown butter sauce

or roast brill, brassicas, caper berries and almond.

Stockcross, Newbury

Bulrush, Bristol

One of the recent additions to the Michelin Guide,

Bristol-based restaurant Bulrush is certainly on many

a foodie’s ‘must visit’ list. Chef Proprietor George

Livesey’s imaginative and well-balanced menu is

chock-full of seasonal ingredients which are either

organic or have been foraged.

21 Cotham Rd S, Bristol

THE PIG-near Bath

You don't have to be staying at THE-PIG-near Bath

to book a table at their impressive Kitchen Garden

restaurant. Home to quite a few four-legged and

feathered friends, it is the farm to fork experience

that has made the PIGs so successful. THE-PIG-near

Bath rear their our own chickens and pigs for eggs

and pork meaning they can be sure of their quality

and provenance, ensuring they lead happy lives.

Hunstrete, Pensford, Bath

Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath

Located in the renowned Queensberry Hotel, Olive

Tree is a 3 AA Rosette restaurant in the heart of the

beautiful city of Bath. It is a contemporary British

restaurant offering informal fine dining under the

direction of award-winning head chef, Chris Cleghorn.

This is the only restaurant in the city to be awarded a

Michelin Star. Chris’ menu is quintessentially British

with Mediterranean influences.

4-7 Russell St, Bath

The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire

If you love theatre, Heston Blumenthal’s renowned

eatery in Bray offers the perfect destination, serving

innovative modern British cuisine in the most

spectacular of settings. Heston has previously been

described as the ‘Willy Wonka of British gastronomy’

and diners who would like to eat at his three-Michelinstarred

wonderland pay £325 up front for a ‘ticket’ –

providing them with access to the 17-courses on offer

that showcase his multi sensory cuisine.

High St, Bray

The Dining Room, Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Michelin’s European Young Chef of the Year Niall

Keating showcases his skills as Executive Chef at this

one Michelin star dining room restaurant at Whatley

Manor Hotel. Serving seasonal British produce

influenced by his world wide travels.

Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, Easton Grey,

Malmesbury, Wiltshire

Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons,

South Oxfordshire

Described as ‘Oxfordshire heritage meets French

flair’, Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin-starred chic

restaurant has earned itself a global reputation


93

Gourmet Guide to Food and Drink

for fine gastronomy and creative cooking. Diners

continue to be charmed by both the setting

(country-house luxe) and the delicious treats on

offer which includes the likes of spiced monkfish,

ravioli of pumpkin and smoked trout amongst others.

Church Road, Great Milton, South Oxfordshire

The Miller of Mansfield, Berkshire

Despite its intriguing name, the Miller of Mansfield

is situated in the sweet village of Goring-on-Thames.

This 18th-century country pub has been given a

contemporary twist and can be defined as ‘Modern

European’ which has earned two AA Rosettes

and offers refined modern British dishes from the

freshest seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

High Street, Goring on Thames, Reading

The Harrow at Little Bedwyn, Nr. Marlborough

Owned and run by Sue and Roger Jones, this Michelin

Star gem has received worldwide accolades for its

food and has also been critically acclaimed for its

900 bin Wine List. Offering three menus, to include

an eight course evening gourmet which changes daily

to reflect the best seasonal ingredients.

Little Bedwyn, Nr. Marlborough, Wiltshire

The Hand and Flowers, Marlow

The Hand and Flowers is the only pub in the UK

with two Michelin stars and with celebrated chef

Tom Kerridge at the helm it is easy to see why. The

restaurant has a rustic feel which is complemented

by the refined British cuisine on offer.

126 West St, Marlow

Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

Chef André Garrett’s innovative dishes, meticulous

preparation and elaborate finishes showcase his

exquisitely crafted creation. Produce is locally sourced

and is highly seasonal – guests can choose between an

à la carte menu or an eight-course tasting menu.

Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Berkshire

Paco Tapas, Bristol

An ever changing menu combining traditional tapas

with personal interpretations from Michelin starred

Chef Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Staying true to the

vibrant and comforting flavours of his heritage, with

jamón ready to carve, padrón peppers roasting over

the wood fire and sherry straight from the barrel.

3a Lower Guinea Street, Bristol BS1 6FU

Queens Arms, East Garston, Berkshire

Perfectly placed as a stop-over destination within

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This award

winning, pub, restaurant and hotel (with its own

private lodge) serves seasonal British cuisine.

East Garston, Berkshire

The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire

Bray is the place for foodies to be! The Waterside Inn

which is under the leadership of chef patron Alain

Roux has held three Michelin stars for over thirty

years. Expect the most exquisite Classic French

cooking coupled with the most impeccable service.

Ferry Rd, Bray, Berkshire

Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury

Husband and wife team, Guy and Brittany Manning

modestly describe themselves as “just a couple

of chefs working to create a place with real soul”.

Sourcing from the best possible producers, talent and

hard work has earned the duo, and their team, one

Michelin star status and a restaurant “where the food

has personality, the surroundings are relaxed and the

hospitality is warm and sincere”.

East Chisenbury, Pewsey, Wiltshire


THREE MICHELIN-STARRED

RESTAURANTS

The Great West Way is the only place

where you can experience all five of the

UK's Three Michelin Starred restaurants.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Royal Hospital Road, London

gordonramsayrestaurants.com/

restaurant-gordon-ramsay

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester

Park Lane, London

alainducasse-dorchester.com

Sketch – the Lecture Room & Library

9 Conduit Street, London

sketch.london/the-lecture-room

The Waterside Inn

Ferry Rd, Bray

waterside-inn.co.uk

Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck

High Street, Bray

thefatduck.co.uk

MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS

The Dining Room, Whatley Manor

Easton Grey, Malmesbury

whatleymanor.com

Red Lion Freehouse

East Chisenbury, Pewsey

redlionfreehouse.com


95


Dining Restaurants

You’ll find many of the restaurants along the

Great West Way are dining rooms within our

Ambassador hotels. You’ll also find several celebrity

chefs including Rick Stein, Pierre Koffmann and

Marco Pierre White.

Abbey Hotel Kitchen, The Abbey Hotel Bath

Under the helm of Head Chef Marcus Bradley, Abbey

Hotel Kitchen is in the perfect central Bath location.

This relaxing and vibrant space offers high energy,

attentive service and delicious fresh food and drinks

abbeyhotelbath.co.uk

The Orange Artichoke, Apex Hotel, Bath

Perfectly placed in the heart of Bath, you’ll never

be far from the action when you eat at The Orange

Artichoke. Allow them to curb your cravings with

locally sourced food, drink and delicious delicacies in

contemporary, chic surroundings.

apexhotels.co.uk

Beau’s Bar and Restaurant at Donnington

Grove Hotel & Country Club

Set amidst beautiful parkland with the River

Lambourn winding through the grounds, this

Newbury restaurant has large picture windows to

make the most of the picturesque river views.

donnington-grove.com

The Brasserie at Sir Christopher Wren Hotel

With glorious river views and a stunning bar and

terrace, The Brasserie offers upscale dining in the

heart of Windsor. Large windows let you watch boats

and swans glide down the Thames as you enjoy the

delicious all day menu and fine wines.

sirchristopherwren.co.uk

Cedar at the Langley

Dining experiences here are inspired by the bountiful

English countryside. Savour delicious cuisine in

our elevated restaurant overlooking the grounds,

featuring sumptuous meals crafted with natural

ingredients.

marriott.com

Clayton’s Kitchen

Uncomplicated dishes that explore and showcase

the freshest and very best ingredients. Chef Patron,

Robert Clayton ensures that every dish is prepared,

cooked and presented to perfection.

claytonskitchen.com

Cloisters Restaurant, Bailbrook House Hotel

Tucked away in the historic mansion is Cloisters

restaurant where the heritage of this country house

hotel in Bath really comes into its own, with original

archways made from traditional Bath stone.

handpickedhotels.co.uk

Cricklade House & Spa

The chefs at Crickdale are passionate about using

great local produce and change their menu monthly.

Enjoy a three course meal, a traditional Sunday Roast

or Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, homemade

scones with jam and cream and a selection of cakes.

crickladehotel.co.uk

The Gainsborough Brasserie

The Restaurant with its Georgian architecture,

original artwork and impressive wine wall is open to

hotel guests and non-residents. Enjoy contemporary

British cuisine inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients

in a stylish and relaxed environment.

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk


UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCES

There are many ways to sample the best

local cuisine on the Great West Way,

from city tours and hands-on cookery

classes to nostalgic river cruising.

FOOD & DRINK TOURS

A Taste of England

atasteofenglandtours.com

Around and about Bath

alainducasse-dorchester.com

Savouring Bath

savouringbath.com

COOKERY SCHOOLS

Vaughan’s Kitchen

White Horse Business Centre, Devizes

vaughanskitchen.co.uk

RIVER CRUISE DINING

Hobbs of Henley

hobbsofhenley.com

Bristol Packet Boat Trips

bristolpacket.co.uk

Thames Rivercruise

thamesrivercruise.co.uk

French Brothers

frenchbrothers.co.uk


97


The Restaurant, No 15 Great Pulteney

Open for a show-stopping supper or lovely lunch

while you’re exploring the city of Bath. Seasonal

local meat, fresh fruit and veg are sourced from

Buxton Butchers and family-run grocers, Lovejoys,

and as for bread and baked goodies, there’s nowhere

better than beloved Bath institution, Bertinet Bakery.

guesthousehotels.co.uk

The Dower House Restaurant, The Royal

Crescent Hotel & Spa

Award winning dishes are created with passion and

served with pride by award-winning Head Chef

Martin Blake and his team.

royalcrescent.co.uk

Guyers House Hotel & Restaurant, Chippenham

Set in a lovely old house with its own kitchen garden

and orchard the pretty dining room restaurant offers

a menu of finely cooked modern British cuisine.

guyershouse.com

Heyworth Restaurant, Henley

Greenland’s Hotel

Here you can enjoy an evening meal prepared by

passionate chefs with menus designed using seasonal

produce and locally sourced ingredients.

hospitalityuor.co.uk

Windsor & Eton Brewery, Leaf

at The Castle Hotel

From comforting classics to light bites and

delectable vegan options, British artisan cheeses and

local beers visit Leaf, serves dishes made from the

finest locally sourced produce with a wide-ranging,

modern menu.

castlehotelwindsor.com/dining/

The Moonraker Hotel Brasserie

Like the seasons, menus change as Xavier and his

team use fresh local produce to create and showcase

some old-fashioned classics, putting the hotel

Brasserie firmly on the culinary map. They have a

walled garden used as the setting for their smokery

which they use to smoke their meat and fish.

moonrakerhotel.com

The Old Bell Hotel, Saints & Sinners

Home to some of the most delicious food in the

Cotswolds serveing a menu of dishes made from

deliciously fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The Old Bell Hotel is a Grade I listed hotel, rumoured

to be England’s oldest hotel, located next door to

Malmesbury Abbey.

oldbellhotel.co.uk

Plum + Spilt Milk, Great Northern Hotel

An award-winning restaurant in the heart of King's

Cross, offering a beautiful seasonal modern-British

menu, with locally sourced ingredients. In an elegant

yet cosy atmosphere, surrounded by the views of

King’s Cross and St Pancras.

plumandspiltmilk.com

Rick Stein, Marlborough

Rick Stein’s Marlborough restaurant brings a taste

of Cornwall to the Great West Way. Located on

Marlborough High Street, serving a combination

of classic seafood dishes, excellent wines and with

plenty of coastal charm.

rickstein.com

The Roseate Hotels, London, Reading and Bath

All three of The Roseate Hotels, Roseate House in

London, near Hyde Park, The Roseate in Reading and


VINEYARD TOURS

Discover crisp, white, award-winning

bubbly varieties

Alder Ridge Vineyard

Between Hungerford and Marlborough

alderridge.co.uk

Aldwick Estate Vineyard

Nestled beneath the famous Mendip Hills

aldwickestate.co.uk

Bluestone Vineyards at Cholderton

Rare Breeds Farm

10 acre on-site boutique vineyard on the

McConnell family farm in Wiltshire

bluestonevineyards.co.uk

BREWERY TOURS

Enjoy wine tastings, taprooms and tours

Bristol Brewery Tours

Mardyke Wharf, Bristol

bristolbrewerytours.com

Bristol Hoppers

Walking Tours of Bristol's Craft Beer Scene

bristolhoppers.co.uk

The Bath Brew House

14 James Street West, Bath

thebathbrewhouse.com

Wadworth Brewery

Northgate Brewery, Devizes, Wiltshire

wadworth.co.uk

West Berkshire Brewery

The Old Dairy, Yattendon

wbbrew.com


99


The Roseate Villa in Bath, located in a quiet corner of

the city, offer exceptional dining in their restaurants.

roseatehotels.com

Shelburne Restaurant, Bowood Hotel, Spa &

Golf Resort

Laid-back, countryside dining with picture perfect

views. The Two AA Rosette Shelburne Restaurant

serves delicious food from seasonal menus every day.

From long, lazy lunches to romantic moments over

cocktails, you will enjoy a range of mouth-watering

dishes prepared with passion and served with flair.

bowood.org

The Swan Bradford On Avon

Locally sourced produce, beautifully prepared and

cooked to perfection.Open for breakfast, lunch,

dinner, Sunday carvery, coffee, or a light snack and a

glass of wine or pint of local ale.

theswanbradford.co.uk

Woolley Grange Hotel

With so many ingredients plucked from their own

kitchen garden, it’s more about wheelbarrow yards

than food miles at Woolley Grange. Visit for fine

dining or family dining.

woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

Mark’s Bar, Riverside Hotel, Salisbury

Mark’s Bar is truly a fabulous place to enjoy a

relaxing drink, lunch or dinner with friends. Opening

out on to a terrace overlooking the river and

Salisbury Cathedral, on a summers day, it certainly

will be the place to be - with a great choice of wines,

Champagnes, premium spirits and cocktails.

riversidesalisbury.co.uk/salisbury-food-and-drink/

Pubs and Inns

From traditional thatched village inns to modern

gastropubs with spacious beer gardens perfect for

families to enjoy the summer sunshine

Red Lion Freehouse

East Chisenbury, Pewsey


The Bear Hotel, Devizes

2-3 The Market Pl, Devizes

thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk

The Black Swan in Devizes

The Market Place, Devizes

blackswandevizes.co.uk

The Bird in Hand, Knowl Hill

Bath Road, Knowl Hill, Reading

butcombe.com

Crown & Anchor Inn

Ham, Wiltshire

crownandanchorham.co.uk

The Crown, Tolldown

Toll Down Way, Dyrham, Chippenham

butcombe.com

The George Inn, Norton St Philip

High Street, Norton St Philip, Bath

butcombe.com

West Berkshire Brewery Taproom and Kitchen

The Old Dairy Frilsham Farm, Yattendon

wbbrew.com


BARS AND PUBS SERVING REAL ALES

Helen Browning’s Royal Oak

Cues Ln, Bishopstone, Swindon

helenbrowningsorganic.co.uk

The Newbury

137 Bartholomew St, Newbury

thenewburypub.co.uk

The Prince Street Social

Crown House, 37-41 Prince St, Bristol

princestreetsocial.com

Queens Arms, East Garston

Newbury Rd, East Garston, Hungerford

queensarmseastgarston.co.uk

The Royal Oak Yattendon

The Square, Yattendon RG18 0UG

royaloakyattendon.co.uk

The Royal Windsor Pub

Datchet Rd, Windsor

theroyalwindsor.co.uk

The Swan Bradford On Avon

1 Church St, Bradford-on-Avon

theswanbradford.co.uk

Three Tuns Freehouse

1 High St, Great Bedwyn, Marlborough

tunsfreehouse.com


101


Tea Rooms & Cafés

Whether it’s a quick cuppa with breakfast or a

full-blown afternoon tea with dainty sandwiches,

indulgent cakes and tasty scones, you'll find plenty

of lovely cafes and tea rooms to enjoy along the

Great West Way.

The Six Bells Walborough

Traditional Tea Rooms in a lovely setting by the

Kennet & Avon Canal. Leaf tea, cream teas, apple pie,

canalman's lunch, whippy ice cream and more.

facebook.com/aldermastontearooms

Canal Trust Café

A beautiful tea rooms and licensed cafe situated in

Bradford on Avon along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

with lovely gardens and delicious food and cakes.

facebook.com/Canal-Trust-Cafe

Tea Shop by the Canal

Set in a unique grade II listed building by the Kennet

& Avon Canal, blending the warmth of Italian culture,

with fine and splendid rituals of English Cream Teas.

teashopbythecanal.co.uk

The Bridge Tea Rooms

Housed in a former blacksmith's cottage dating

from 1502, this quintessentially English tea room

offers the very best in traditionally British afternoon

tea. With delicate bone china, the finest leaf teas,

and friendly staff in Victorian costumes serving

homemade cakes, pastries and sandwiches.

thebridgetearooms.co.uk

Honeystreet Mill Cafe

Situated in Pewsey Vale, Honeystreet Mill Cafe offers

a range of delicious fresh and local food open for

breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. Treat yourself to

a chilled glass of prosecco on the terrace, and watch

the world go by Wiltshire-style.

honeystreetboats.co.uk

Spring's Café and Restaurant

Located at Thermae Bath Spa, Springs Café and

Restaurant combines beautiful Georgian architecture

with classic, contemporary style. Throughout the day

and evening, spa users can enjoy delicious dishes and

interesting drinks from an extensive menu.

thermaebathspa.com/springs-cafe-and-restaurant

The Tutti Pole

A family run restaurant close to the Kennet & Avon

Canal in a grade ll listed building, serving quality

homemade food and luxury afternoon teas.

thetuttipole.co.uk

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

During your visit to Westonbirt The National

Arboretum stop off at the restaurant for freshly

prepared hot and cold refreshments including soups,

sandwiches, savoury snacks, cakes and pastries.

forestryengland.uk/westonbirt/restaurant

Windsor Castle Undercroft Café

The first café for visitors to Windsor Castle has

opened in Edward III’s medieval Undercroft, which

for centuries served as the Castle’s main wine cellar

and is one of the oldest surviving spaces in the

1,000-year-old royal residence.

windsor.gov.uk/food-and-drink

Lido Spa & Restaurant, Bristol Lido

Spanish and Mediterranean menus, open kitchen

with hot blazing Italian clay oven and bespoke

charcoal grill by the grade 2 listed outdoor pool.

lidobristol.com/restaurant-and-tapas-bar


BEST PLACES FOR AFTERNOON TEA

Abbey Hotel, Bath

North Parade, Bath


Cricklade House

Common Hill, Cricklade, Swindon



Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon

thebridgetearooms.co.uk

No15 Great Pulteney, Bath

15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath

guesthousehotels.co.uk

The Pump Room Restaurant

Searcys at the Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath

thepumproombath.co.uk

The Roseate Hotel, Reading

26 The Forbury, Reading

roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

16 Royal Crescent, Bath

royalcrescent.co.uk

Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa

Easton Grey, Malmesbury

whatleymanor.com


103

Where to Stay on


Staying overnight on the Great West Way makes for a wonderful trip,

whether on a romantic weekend away or a week-long adventure

BATH

Abbey Hotel, Bath

Abbey Hotel is located perfectly central in the city of

Bath, making it an ideal place to stay to when exploring

the city. Independantly owned, this unique hotel offers

an intriguing blend of stylish comfort, vibrant and

eccentric contemporary art, and historic character.


Dukes Hotel

One of Bath’s most prestigious streets, this beautiful,

boutique, guest house stands on Great Pulteney

Street. Whether it is the high ceilings, sash windows

or hand crafted Sanitan bathroom suites, each room

uniquely reflects an era of Georgian elegance and charm.

dukesbath.co.uk

The Apartment Bath

From Nespresso to Nintendo, The Apartment, Bath

is a two-bedroom apartment in central Bath on

Widcombe Parade, and the perfect home from home

for guests exploring the Great West Way.

apartmentbath.com

The Roseate Villa Bath

The Roseate Villa Bath occupies a quiet corner of

the city, overlooking the tranquil Henrietta Park.

Encompassing two characterful converted Victorian

houses, the Villa offers 21 rooms with exclusive

features. The Villa also has a private garden where

you can relax and enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea.

roseatehotels.com/bath/theroseatevilla/

Tucking Mill, Bath Apartments and Cottages

Family owned range of award-winning luxurious

properties including three cottages at Tucking Mill

with outstanding views, and two apartments just 10

minutes’ walk from Bath city centre.

bathselfcatering.net

YMCA Bath Hostel

YMCA Bath Hostel is a city centre hostel with all

the attractions located within walking distance;

The Roman Baths, Royal Crescent, Bath Rugby

Ground, The Circus and Bath Abbey to name a few.

Affordable, clean accommodation ideal for families,

couples, and backpackers on a budget.

ymcabath.org.uk

Bath Apartment Breaks

Two luxurious self-catering apartments in Bath, each

perfect for four guests. One apartment is on the

ground floor and has its own sun-trap patio area with

outside seating, whilst the other is on the first floor

and has two small balconies off the living area.

bathapartmentbreaks.co.uk

Bath Area Self Catering

High quality, luxury self-catering holiday cottages

and apartments in Bath and the surrounding areas

of Somerset, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. These

properties are ideal for exploring the Western part

of the Great West Way including Wiltshire, the

Cotswolds, Bath and Bristol

bathselfcatering.com


No.15 Great Pulteney


To be found at the heart of Bath’s

fashionable society, No.15 Great

Pulteney is an elegant and vivacious

townhouse hotel on the very grandest

street in Bath. Comprising 40 bedrooms,

a cocktail bar, restaurant and boutique

spa, No.15 exudes understated

sophistication and luxury.

guesthousehotels.co.uk/no-15-bath

Brooks Guesthouse B&B

Brooks Guesthouse Bath is an award winning four

star boutique guesthouse in Bath city centre with 22

uniquely furnished bedrooms with an eclectic mix of

antiques, modern pieces and designer wallpapers.

brooksguesthouse.com

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Where dapper country house hotel meets hospitality

with imagination, charm and spirit, surrounded by

private gardens and set in glorious, rural Wiltshire.

You might also enjoy a visit to sister hotels , The Bird

& Homewood

bishopstrowhotel.com


105

Abbey Hotel, Bath

The Gainsborough Bath Spa

The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two historic

buildings with Georgian and Victorian facades in

the heart of Bath. Named after the artist Thomas

Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is welcoming and

elegant. there are 99 berooms and suites with views

across the city to surrounding countryside.

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Hampton by Hilton Bath City

Located in the heart of Bath, Hampton by Hilton

Bath City is less than 10 minutes from dozens of

parks, museums, and historic sites, just a quarter

mile from the Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa,

and half-mile from Bath Spa Railway Station.

hilton.com/en/hotels

BERKSHIRE

Royal Berkshire – Exclusive Collection

Royal Berkshire is a country house located in the

heart of Ascot, perfect for overnight stays, with 66

luxury bedrooms. The grounds are charming, perfect

for a wedding location or event, with a private walled

garden and a beautiful fountain plaza.

exclusive.co.uk/royal-berkshire

BRISTOL

Brooks Guesthouse B&B and Rooftop Retro

Rocket Caravans, Bristol

A boutique contemporary guesthouse situated

smack bang in the heart of Bristol's old town next

to St Nicholas Market and just a short stroll to the

vibrant Harbourside.

The caravans are British built and capturing the

glamour of the timeless vintage aluminium design

with all the lux of a modern hotel room and beautiful

rooftop views of Bristol City Centre.

brooksguesthousebristol.com

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport

This is the ultimate hotel in terms of design, comfort

and convenience, being on the doorstep of Bristol

Airport – the only hotel within walking distance of

the terminal. Spend a day exploring Noah's Ark Zoo

Farm, Cheddar Caves and Gorge or Cabot Tower.

Relax at the restaurant and bar, and enjoy free hot

breakfast and free WiFi.

hilton.com

The Bristol Wing part of YMCA

The Bristol Wing is a boutique hostel in Bristol city


centre in the Grade II listed old Police Headquarters.

Since the first lockdown it has been repurposed and

provided a safe place for people at risk of homelessness

– it is now being fully refurbished with plans to re-open

Spring 2023. Located only a short walk from some of

the best bits of Bristol including Bristol’s harbourside,

Bristol Shopping Quarter and the Old City.

thebristolwing.co.uk

CASTLE COMBE

The Manor House – Exclusive Collection

This 14th century luxury hotel and golf club is

perfect for romantic nights away, with Michelin

starred dining and a dedicated gin bar. Head into the

picturesque village of Castle Combe or play a round

at the championship 18-hole golf course. Situated in

365 acres of rich parkland and widely regarded as a

real hidden golfing gem in the Cotswolds.

exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house

CHEDDAR (WITHIN EASY REACH)

Cheddar Camping and Caravanning Club Site

From its lofty position near Priddy, the highest

village in the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Club Site is

surrounded by spectacular landscapes, great for

walking, cycling, caving and rock climbing. Less than

five miles from the campsite is Cheddar Gorge, one

of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks.

Explore its extraordinary subterranean stalactite

show caves and spectacular panoramic views.

campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

CHERTSEY

Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Perched on the banks of the River Thames, this lovely

campsite has a rural feel. Walkers will enjoy the Thames

Path Nature Trail – a long-distance towpath trail that

starts in the Cotswolds and meanders through Chertsey

towards the heart of London. It’s a peaceful and scenic

trail that’s ideal for people of all ages and abilities.


Mill Farm Glamping

Enjoy the best of the beautiful British countryside

from the comfort of a luxurious canvas lodge on this

family-run, organic farm. Meet the ducks, dairy cattle

and donkeys. Have fun on Farmer Joe's organic farm

SOUTH WILTSHIRE

Pythouse Kitchen Garden

You’ve heard of restaurants with rooms – now we

bring you the restaurant with a glamping village.

Six bell tents and a cosy shepherds’ hut sit in an

orchard near this lunchtime-only restaurant.

They share showers, a cocktail area, kitchen and

dining area.

pythousekitchengarden.co.uk

tour. Walk, ride, paddle, fish – or just soak up the sun

and the tranquil scenery. It all adds up to a unique

break that you will treasure for a lifetime.

millfarmglamping.co.uk

HENLEY ON THAMES

The Greenlands Hotel

Set within the 30-acre Henley Business School estate

in the Oxfordshire countryside, this magnificent Grade

II Listed Building is steeped in history dating as far

back as 1480. There are 100 bedrooms including eight

luxury balcony rooms with views across the Chiltern

Valley and the grounds leading to the River Thames.

There's a fitness centre, tennis courts, giant lawn chess

and footpaths leading into the Chiltern Hills. Located

less than three miles from the centre of Henley-on-

Thames home to the famous annual Henley Royal

Regatta, five miles from the riverside Georgian market

town of Marlow and a short car journey to Windsor

and Oxford.

hospitalityuor.co.uk/accommodation


107

WILTSHIRE, MALMESBURY


Whatley Manor is a grown-up getaway in the

heart of the Cotswolds set in 12 acres of gardens.

Try Grey’s Brasserie for a leisurely lunch, dinner

or chilled glass of wine. Or the innovative tasting

menu with specially selected wines in The Dining

Room. There's also The Green Room where chefs

prepare small plates of expertly crafted food in

front of you, Aquarias Spa and even a cinema.

whatleymanor.com

NEWBURY

Donnington Grove Hotel & Country Club

Donnington Grove, a three star country-house hotel

in Newbury, is situated in 500 acres of beautiful

grounds that include an 18 hole championship golf

course, beauty and treatment rooms at Avalon

Retreat, Clay Shooting and the New Beau's Bar

and Restaurant. It is a fascinating destination with

more than a whiff of English decadence. Built in

'Strawberry Hill Gothic' style, this 250 year old,

charming building has a unique heritage.


The Chequers Hotel

This former 18th Century Coaching Inn comprises

56 bedrooms and an intimate restaurant serving

modern British and European cuisine. Situated

within distance of outstanding natural beauty and

attractions from the grounds and Castle of Highclere

Castle (Downton Abbey), to sports events at the

Newbury Racecourse.


HUNGERFORD

Herongate Apartments

A collection of four purpose built self serviced/

serviced apartments conveniently located just

minutes walk from Hungerford High Street and the

beautiful Kennet & Avon Canal. The apartments are

situated next door to Herongate Club and all guests

over the age of 16 years can enjoy complimentary

access to the gym and pool there.

herongateservicedapartments.com

LONDON

Roseate House London

Located on a street steeped in history with stunning

views over leafy Westbourne Terrace. John Constable,

son of the famous landscape artist, once lived here,

and Oscar Wilde married at St James’ Church opposite.

The hotel comprises of three restored, mid-19th

century, Grade II listed townhouses originally built

in 1842 which still retain the grace and charm of the

original Victorian architecture.

roseatehotels.com

OXFORDSHIRE

The Chilterns View

The Chilterns View offers luxury lodge

accommodation overlooking the beautiful Chiltern

Hills. Guests love the privacy and seclusion of these

lodges with wonderful south-facing views and hot

tubs. Sit around the fire pit with a glass of fizz to

watch the sun set over the hills, and in the daytime

you can relax by the pond or take a walk to one of

the many fine pubs and eateries in the area.

thechilternsview.co.uk

READING

Hilton Reading

Ideally located off junction 11 of the M4, the

Hilton Hotel in Reading offers a warm and inviting

atmosphere. Bedrooms feature air conditioning,

wired and wireless Internet access, laptop safes, mini

bar, on-demand movies, a spacious workdesk and

famous Hilton Serenity bed system. Access to the

24-hour LivingWell Health Club is included.

hilton.com


Whately Manor Hotel & Spa, Malmesbury

Novotel Reading Centre

Perfectly suited in the heart of the town. Many of

Reading's best restaurants, bars and shops are just

a stone's throw from the hotel, and you are close

to Windsor and Oxford, and family attractions like

Legoland, Reading Museum, Reading Abbey Ruins

and Forbury Gardens Public Park. Reading train

station is a two-minute walk away and Thames

Valley Park is just a shuttle bus away.

all.accor.com/hotel

The Roseate 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.

roseatehotels.com/reading/theroseate

SURREY

Pennyhill Park – Exclusive Collection

There are only a few places able to offer such a

diverse range of experiences as Pennyhill Park.

Set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside with a host

of individual experiences, they offer exceptional

overnight breaks, Michelin starred dining, bespoke

weddings, distinctive meetings and events, family

celebrations and an award-winning spa. There are

two award-winning restaurants, The Ascot Bar, and

The Spa including a state-of-the-art fitness suite,

treatment rooms, nail bar, hot tubs and indoor and

outdoor pools.

exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park

Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning

Club Site

Tucked away in rural Surrey, you’d hardly know

Walton on Thames Club Site is just half an hour from

Central London. For a hearty dose of adrenaline,

head to the much-loved theme parks of Thorpe Park,

Chessington World of Adventures, and Legoland,

where kids (and big kids too) can go wild on wacky

rides and looping rollercoasters. For something a little

more sedate, head to Hampton Court Palace, once


109

The Kingsbury @ No7 & No8, Marlborough

the palatial home of King Henry VIII and his six wives,

to experience Royal life by exploring the splendid

interiors and wandering around the magnificent estate

with its rich variety of gardens and plants.


WEST BERKSHIRE

The Queens Arms Hotel

The Queens Arms is an award-winning hotel, pub and

restaurant with its own private lodge.

Situated in the beautiful village of East Garston,

between London and the West Country yet in the

heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The

Queens Arms features 12 bespoke bedrooms, a large

friendly bar with log fire that leads into the dining

room, a south facing patio and a large enclosed

garden. Children and dogs welcome.

queensarmseastgarston.co.uk

WILTSHIRE, SALISBURY (WITHIN EASY REACH)

Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Within easy reach of some of the most famous sites

in England. The historic centre of Salisbury, known

as ‘the city in the countryside’, is an easy two mile

walk from the campsite and offers many must-see

attractions including the famous cathedral.


The Merchant’s House Hotel, Salisbury

37 newly and beautifully refurbished en suite

rooms located in the city centre. A must visit is The

Merchant’s Bar with open fire and wonderful choice

of wines, beers and spirits.

themerchantshousehotel.co.uk

Riverside Hotel, Salisbury

Set in beautiful grounds leading down to the River

Nadder and just a short stroll from the historic

Salisbury city centre, this charming and newly

renovated hotel consists of 38 beautifully restored

bedrooms, some that enjoy stunning views over

the river to Salisbury Cathedral. In 2022 the hotel

and grounds underwent a major yet sympathetic


efurbishment to restore and bring back to life

this charming contemporary manor house hotel –

previously it was the Grasmere House Hotel. Built

in the 1800s by the Wort family the Riverside Hotel

was one of the first houses built in Harnham.

riversidesalisbury.co.uk

WILTSHIRE, BRADFORD ON AVON

Church Farm Country Cottages

Enjoy a rural location on a working sheep farm

staying in award-winning single storey cottages and

barn conversions with exposed beams and vaulted

ceilings. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural

Beauty you can enjoy walking and cycling from your

doorstep or it is a short journey to Bradford on Avon,

Longleat and the World Heritage City of Bath.

churchfarmcottages.com

WILTSHIRE, MARLBOROUGH

The Kingsbury @ No7 & No8

Boutique hotel come Airbnb with modern,

keyless entry system allowing you to come

and go as you please. All rooms have been

lovingly and individually designed to offer

quality, comfort and style, for you to relax and

enjoy your stay. Fun dining concept including

fabulous afternoon teas and cocktail making in

the restaurant (book in advance).

thekingsbury.co.uk

Cumberwell Country Cottages

Set in a peaceful, rural location, these seven unique,

luxurious and spacious self-catering cottages are set

in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside on the edge

of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just five

miles from the World Heritage city of Bath and one

mile from the Saxon town of Bradford on Avon.

cumberwellcountrycottages.com

Timbrells Yard

Timbrells Yard is a stylishly revamped riverside inn

at the heart of beautiful Bradford-on-Avon. It has

award-winning food and 17 super stylish bedrooms.

Grade II listed, it is family and dog-friendly, and has a

wonderful terrace on the banks of the River Avon.

timbrellsyard.com


Surrounded by 14 acres of stunning grounds, Woolley

Grange is a Jacobean manor house offering a warm

welcome to families, with award-winning children's

facilities, a beautiful spa, and great food using

fresh produce from the walled kitchen garden. For

a stargazing evening stay in one of the new Luxury

Glamping Suites, you also have access to the historic

hotel and its facilities, including heated indoor and

outdoor swimming pools, spa, OFSTED-registered

childcare and The Hideout Pizza Cafe.

woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

WILTSHIRE, CHIPPENHAM

Best Western Plus Angel Hotel, Chippenham

This 400-year-old coaching inn has been

sympathetically extended to include a gym, indoor

pool, courtyard garden and bedroom wing. The

addition of a stylish new brasserie, bar and lounge

create the ideal surroundings to relax. A perfect

base for enjoying motor racing at Castle Combe, the

Badminton Horse Trials, Longleat Safari Park and

Swindon designer shopping village.

angel-hotel-chippenham.com

WILTSHIRE, DEVIZES

Cliffe Farm Dairy

Self-catering accommodation in the heart of

Wiltshire; ideal for families looking for that quiet

escape. A secluded and unique cottage on a working

farm. This special place offers uninterrupted views

and wonderful walking opportunities.

cliffefarmdairy.co.uk


111

WILTSHIRE, BRADFORD-ON-AVON

Rowley Cottage at Iford Manor

Surrounded by nature in the beautiful Iford

Valley and set within the Grade 1 listed

Iford Manor Gardens, this luxury, self-catering

period cottage is in an idyllic setting. Recently

renovated, with three en-suite bedrooms,

sleeping six it is the perfect base to explore

from. Just 15 minutes from Bath.

ifordmanor.co.uk/stay

WILTSHIRE, MALMESBURY

The Old Bell Hotel

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 and is 75 yards from the famous Abbey

House Gardens with over 2000 roses.

With crackling log fires, cosy corners, squashy sofas,

plump duvets, fine linen and fabulous food and wine

– this is pure indulgence.

oldbellhotel.co.uk

Pettifers Hotel

Pettifers Hotel is the perfect spot to relax, unwind

and explore. You've got the fabulous Cotswold Water

Park, Highgrove, Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury,

Malmesbury and Cirencester all on the door step –

perfect for family stays and mini breaks, plus they are

super dog friendly too so no need to leave your four

legged friends behind!

pettifershotel.co.uk

Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site

This peaceful campsite beside the Kennet & Avon

Canal is perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring

the region’s many historic attractions.

Head out on a scenic walk to the historic market

town of Devizes along the towpath, passing the Caen

Hill flight of 29 locks – one of the longest continuous

flight of locks in the country, rising 237 feet over

two miles. In the bustling market town of Devizes,

visit the Wiltshire Museum with its award-winning

galleries and ancient gold collection, pop into the

Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Museum to learn more

about the local waterways.

Head to Wadworth’s Brewery to take a tour and

sample ales at the visitor centre, and see the famous

shire horses making deliveries. If you fancy stretching

your legs, take the five-mile circular walk from

Devizes to Roundway Hill, taking in stretches of the

Kennet & Avon Canal, with opportunities to take

longer walks by joining the Mid Wilts Way, Wessex

Ridgeway or the White Horse Trail.


WILTSHIRE, SALISBURY

Holiday Inn, Salisbury – Stonehenge

This modern friendly hotel has over 100 air

conditioned bedrooms and is the nearest hotel

to Stonehenge, offering a stylish, contemporary

gateway to the Great West Way and to the

picturesque county of Wiltshire and beyond.

Enjoy easy access to the colourful landscape of sights

and attractions dotting the English countryside.

hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk

WILTSHIRE, SWINDON

Cricklade House Hotel

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. 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 hotel's elevated position,


Rowley Cottage at Iford Manor, Bradford-on-Avon

with wonderful panoramic views over the Wiltshire

countryside. The ideal location for exploring the

wonders Wiltshire and the surrounding area have to

offer – with brilliant links to both the M4 and M5 and

through to Oxford.


DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon

West of Swindon, this relaxing hotel is an excellent

base for touring the beautiful Great West Way

countryside including the Wiltshire Downs and

the Cotswolds, visiting pretty villages such as

Chippenham and Marlborough, and, for a truly

memorable experience, you'll find the World

Heritage Site of Avebury nearby too.

The accommodation comprises 171 bedrooms with

61 Deluxe rooms and eight Suites and for food and

drink head to The Larder Restaurant and Bar.

hilton.com

Village Hotel Swindon

A great spot for exploring Wiltshire’s many beauty

spots with the world-famous Cotswolds a short drive

north and the breathtaking North Wessex Downs to

your south. The hotel has everything you need for

a great stay including a swimming pool and buzzing

Pub & Grill and even a Starbucks coffee shop.

hilton.com

Rose & Crown Inn, Ashbury

Located in a charming ‘off the beaten track’ village at

the foot of the rolling countryside of the Lambourn

Downs and historic sites of the Vale of the White

Horse. This village inn boasts an exceptional menu

and very comfortable rooms. It has a unique

atmosphere and very much reflects the gentle pace

of a friendly and welcoming ‘unspoiled’ village inn.

roseandcrownatashbury.co.uk

WILTSHIRE, VALE OF PEWSEY

Totteridge Farm Camping Pods

Totteridge Farm Camping Pods offer a wonderful

English countryside experience, for those who

want to be close to nature without giving up home

comforts. Step out of your timber lodge into the

fresh calm of a rural Wiltshire morning, explore the

towns, villages and trails of the Vale of Pewsey, or sit

out under the stars around a wood fire with a glass


113

Discover the

best of England

Adventures into authentic

England for the curious &

discerning

inandbeyondbath.com

The Great West Way caters to the desires of

all travellers, with its mix of quirky glamping

and camping sites, pretty countryside B&Bs,

cool city hotels, traditional village pubs and

even fancy castles and stately homes

of farm-grown English wine. There are five luxury

log pods in total, and they are exclusively for adults

(for ages 18 and above), with fantastic views over

the Pewsey Vale, and with the home comforts of a

hot shower and a King Size bed in a double-glazed,

underfloor-heated. There is plenty of choice for

walking, cycling or even kayaking, with many dog

friendly pubs nearby. Come home to your own firepit,

spectacular sunsets and dark skies. There is also an

all-weather shelter and BBQ area.

totteridge-farm.website/camping-and-holidays

Troutbeck Guest House

The Red Lion Freehouse and Troutbeck Guest House

at East Chisenbury have gained quite a reputation

for providing the best of Wiltshire's food, drink

and accommodation in a truly beautiful setting.

The thatched pub now holds a Michelin star for

its outstanding food, but has never changed its

relaxed, distinctively 'pubby' atmosphere. If there

were any improvements to be made to the Red

Lion experience, it could only be the addition of a

cozy, classy guest house to go back to after a lovely

meal. In December 2012 the Red Lion opened a

newly converted bungalow to its loyal following – a

gorgeously polished accommodation sat right on the

bank of the River Avon.


HAMPSHIRE

Lainston House – Exclusive Collection

Lainston House is a 17th century luxury hotel,

offering luxurious stays, award-winning dining,

bespoke meetings and memorable weddings. It is

also home to the Season cookery school with awardwinning

chefs and renowned external experts.

Tucked away in 63 acres of rural Hampshire

countryside, you can enjoy both a remote and

Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages

Luxuriously-appointed self-catering cottages

situated in glorious Berkshire countryside.

These 17th century former barns and stables,

renovated by the Betts family farm, provide

everything you need for a luxurious stay on the

Great West Way and with a village community

shop and café next door for fresh food.

stayatmanorfarm.co.uk

relaxing escape in the country or a more activity

filled getaway with lots to do on site, as well as so

many attractions on your doorstep. Individually

designed rooms and suites with beautiful walks and

bike rides in the grounds, inspiring cookery classes

in Season and delicious dining in The Avenue or

their brand new restaurant, The Wellhouse. Not to

mention outstanding afternoon teas in the drawing

room and casual dining in The Cedar Bar. Head out

to explore local attractions, with the historic city of

Winchester, Bombay Sapphire distillery, Marwell Zoo

and Paultons Park all within 15 miles.

exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house

Plan your complete trip

One of the most exciting ways to

travel the Great West Way is to

stop somewhere new each night.


115

*Standard network charges apply. Calls from mobiles may be higher.

Prepare before you go

There’s nothing like a good map to make you feel like a true adventurer

This Way for a Journey of Discovery

Download our 'This Way for a Journey of Discovery'

map of the Great West Way, and get a sense for

the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. Will you

venture out to explore the mysteries of the North

Wessex Downs? Make a summer solstice pilgrimage

to Stonehenge? Or set off to photograph the pretty

villages of the Cotswolds?

Great West Way routes

Great West Way routes

included – WEST included – EAST

Train routes

Train routes

Food and Drink Map

• Bristol Temple Meads – • London Paddington-Swindon

Swindon (via Bath Spa and

(via Didcot or Westbury)

Chippenham)

• London Waterloo-Westbury via

• Bristol Temple Meads –

Salisbury using GWR or SWR

Salisbury via Westbury

services

Food lovers can download • Chippenham-Trowbridge our food via and drink More map information

• Thames Valley branch lines for

Melksham

east of Reading (except

• Westbury-Pewsey

services to Guildford)

Bus route

Bus route

an overview of the incredible

• X5 Salisbury, Amesbury,

culinary delights

[email protected]

available

• X2 and X32 beween Oxford

Pewsey, Marlborough,

and Wantage via Didcot

Swindon (Salisbury Reds)

Parkway (Thames Travel,

• 49 Trans-Wilts-Express,

Connector)

Swindon, Trowbridge,

• X38/X39 & X40, Reading,

GWR.com/contact

along the route, featuring local (Stagecoach West) breweries, Henley, Wallingford, Oxford Michelin

• 55 Swindon-Royal Wootton

(Thames Travel, River Rapids)

Basset-Chippenham

• X5 Salisbury, Amesbury,

(Stagecoach West GOLD)

Pewsey, Marlborough,

Follow us: @GWRHelp

• S6 Swindon-Faringdon-

Swindon (Salisbury Reds)

starred dining, farmers' markets, Oxford (Stagecoach West afternoon • Green Line services 702 tea, food

GOLD)

and 703 between Heathrow,

Like us: facebook.com/GWRUK

• 80/81 Swindon-Marlborough Windsor and LEGOLAND

(Stagecoach West)

Windsor Resort

• All First West of England • Reading Buses services,

and drink festivals, quaint country services (except Bristol Flyer) excluding pubs Greenwave, and more.

Kennections, football and

special event services

Discounts on the following

services:

• Open Top Oxford

03457 000 125* (open 0600-2300 daily)

Don’t miss out on our latest offers,

special deals and news. Register at

GWR.com/signup

• A railcard discount is given on

the Reading RailAir Coach

Kennet & Avon Canal map Great West Way routes included – GLOBAL


All routes included in East and West regions

Take a look at our Kennet & Avon Canal map to find

out about travelling along the beautiful and historic

canal that stretches between Reading and Bristol.

Looked after by the Canal & River Trust, you can

explore the towpath by foot or bike – or float gently

along on a narrowboat, canoe or kayak.

Of course, while these maps will steer you towards

incredible attractions, beautiful landscapes and top

places to stay, eat and drink – you are ultimately

your own tour guide. Please do 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.

Great West Way ®

Discoverer pass

Click here to book online

with prices from just £27.50

Great West Way Discoverer Pass

Tickets for the Great Western

Railway can be bought from

ticket offices at stations along

the route but for cheaper tickets

and no queues we recommend

buying in advance. There are

three Great West Way Discoverer

routes available, (East, West or

global) giving you the opportunity

to explore your chosen area in

one-day instalments or over the

duration of a week.

Click here to download the

Great West Way Discoverer Pass

Click here to download

This Way for a Journey of Discovery


Food and Drink Map


Kennet & Avon Canal map


THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO’VE HELPED

US ALONG THE WAY...

Aerospace Bristol

Alder Ridge Vineyard

Aldermaston Tea Rooms, Visitor

Centre, & Shop

Aldwick Estate

All Saints Church

American Museum & Garden

Apex Hotel

Apsley House

Ascot Racecourse

Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum

Auto Europe

Avebury

Bailey Balloons

Barrington Court

Bath Apartment Breaks

Bath Area Self Catering

Bath Bus Company

Bath Insider Tours

Berkeley Castle

Best Western Plus Angel Hotel

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve

Blenheim Palace

Bluestone Vineyard

Bombay Sapphire

Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Bowood House & Garden

Bozedown Alpacas

Bradford on Avon Town

Bristol Airport

Bristol Cathedral

Bristol Community Ferry Boats

Bristol Packet Boats

Bristol Tandem Hire

Britains Best Heritage Tours

British Museum

Brooks Guest House Bath

Brooks Guest House Bristol

Bruce Branch Boats

Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Calne Town

Canal & River Trust

Canal Trust Café

Castle Combe Circuit

Cheddar Camping and Caravanning

Club Site

Cheddar Caves

Cheddar Gorge

Chippenham Museum and Heritage

Centre

Chippenham Town

Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm

Church Farm Country Cottages

Clayton’s Kitchen

Cliffe Farm Dairy

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen

Corsham Town

Cotswold Water Park

Cricklade House Hotel

Crofton Beam Engines

Crop Circle Visitors Centre & Exhibition

Crown & Anchor

Cumberwell Country Cottages

Devizes Camping and Caravanning

Club Site

Devizes Town

Devizes Wharf Tea Room

Donnington Grove Hotel & Country

Club

DoubleTree by Hilton, Swindon

Dukes Hotel

Dyrham Park

Exclusive Collection

Fashion Museum Bath

First Travel Solutions

Fisherton Mill

French Brothers

Galahad Tours

Great Western Railway

Great West Way Official Tour

Operators

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton by Hilton Bath City

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport

Henley Greenlands Hotel

Henley Rowing Association

Henley on Thames

Herongate Apartments

Hilton Reading

Hobbs of Henley

Holiday Inn, Salisbury - Stonehenge

Honey Street Boats

Hungerford Town

Iford Manor Gardens

Jones’s Mill at The Vera Jeans Reserve

Kelmscott Manor

Kennet & Avon Trade Association

Kennet Horse Boat Company

Lacock Abbey, Fox Talbot Museum &

Village

Lainston House

Live Escape Salisbury

WWT London Wetland Centre

Longleat

Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve

Lytes Cary Manor

Mad Max Tours

Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Malmesbury Town

Manor Farm Courtyard Cottages

Marlborough College Summer School

Marlborough Town

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet

Swindon

Merchants House

Mill Farm Glamping

Mompesson House

Monkey Island Estate

Montacute House

Museum of East Asian Art

MV Barbara McLellan

MV Jubilee

National Garden Scheme

National Trust

National Waterways Museum

Newark Park, Ozleworth

Newbury Racecourse

No. 1 Royal Crescent


North Wessex Downs AONB

Novotel Reading Centre

Old Sarum

Oldbury Tours

Original Wild

Parkway Shopping Centre

Pennyhill Park

Pettifers Freehouse Hotel

Pewsey Vale of Tourism Partnership

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Reading Museum

Reading UK

Red Lion Freehouse

REME Museum

River & Rowing Museum

Rose & Crown Inn

Roseate House London

Royal Berkshire, Sunninghill

Royal Borough of Windsor &

Maidenhead

Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury, Stonehenge and Sarum

Tours

Sally Narrowboats

Savouring Bath

Shaw House

Skydive Netheravon

South Western Railway

St Peter’s Church

Stay in Bath

Stasher

Steeple Ashton

Stonehenge

Stourhead

Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Studley Grange

Sulis Guides

Swindon Village Hotel

Teashop by the Canal

Thames Lido

Thames Rivercruise

The Abbey Quarter


The Bristol Wing/YMCA

The Castle Inn & Bakers Cottage

The Chequers Hotel

The Courts Garden

The Crown & Anchor

The Gainsborough Bath Spa

The Guild Wiltshire

The Holburne Museum

The Jane Austen Centre

The Kennet & Avon Canal Trust

The Kingsbury @ No.8

The Manor House

The Merchant’s House

The Merchants House Hotel

The Museum of English Rural Life

The National Gallery

The Old Bell Hotel

The Pound Arts Centre

The Queens Arms Hotel

The Riverside

The Roman Baths

The Rose of Hungerford

The Roseate Reading

The Roseate Villa Bath

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

The Royal Windsor Pub

The Stonehenge Tour

The Swan Hotel

The Tutti Pole

The Watermill Theatre

The Wave

Thermae Bath Spa

Timbrells Yard

Tintinhull Garden

Totteridge Farm Camping Pods

Tour and Explore

Tourism South East

Tours 2 Order

TransWilts Community Rail

Troutbeck Guest House

Trowbridge Town

Tucking Mill View

Turner’s House

Tyntesfield, Wraxall

University Of Bristol Botanic Gardens

Vaughan’s Kitchen

Vintage Classics

VisitBritain/VisitEngland

Visit Gloucestershire

Visit Highworth

Visit Newbury

Visit Thames

Visit West - Bath

Visit West - Bristol

VisitWiltshire

We The Curious

Wellington Arch

West Berkshire Museum

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum


Whitchurch Silk Mill

Wilton Shopping Village - The Guild

White Horse Inn

Wilton Windmill

Wiltshire Museum

Wiltshire Stonehenge landscape

Windsor Carriages

Windsor Castle, Royal Collection

Trust

Windsor Duck Tours


Wyvern Theatre

YMCA Bath Group

Discover more about our Ambassadors at: GreatWestWay.co.uk

Begin your next adventure at


#EscapetheEveryday

DISCOVER

YOUR WAY

Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?