23 Reasons to Visit the Great West Way in 2023

As we near the end of 2022, there’s still plenty to enjoy in the new year! Experience a range of exciting adventures when you embark on a Great West Way journey in 2023!

Bristol and Bath

Travel to the western parts of the Great West Way route and be welcomed by an abundance of character when visiting Bristol and Bath this new year! With both cities offering a perfect blend of history and contemporary culture, explore the busy streets that thrive with a range of fascinating experiences…

1.Bristol Street Art Tours

Start your visit with a tour of Bristol’s incredible art scene, discovering streets of colour as you explore the city’s creative culture. Learn more about the life and work of Bristol’s own, Banksy, and find out about the stories behind some of Bristol’s most fascinating paintings.

2.Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Refresh at the Bristol Craft Beer Festival as many others join in a celebration of brewing culture this Summer! Featuring a variety of beers from the best of both local and international, make the most of live music and entertainment as you enjoy quality refreshments with friends.

3.Bristol Tandem Hire

Tour the Bristol city with friends by making the most of Bristol Tandem Hire this year! Follow one of the carefully chosen routes and explore the incredible city streets with ease…

4.Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol tells the incredible story of the city’s amazing aviation achievements. Here you will find aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, engines, and plenty of interactive exhibits for all ages! Step on board the Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets to ever fly at Aerospace Bristol! 

5.The Jane Austen Centre Bath

Once home to Jane Austen, Bath has naturally played a starring role in the films inspired by her books. This year, be sure to pop by The Jane Austen Centre, a permanent exhibition showcasing the city’s most famous resident. Explore how living in Bath impacted the life and writing of the magnificent author.

6.Prior Park Landscape Garden

Explore National Trust’s Prior Park Landscape Garden in Bath and discover one of only four Palladian bridges of its design in the world! Capture more of the city's stunning views which surround the beautiful and intimate 18th-century grounds.

7.Roman Baths

Experience Bath’s natural hot springs in the heart of the city this year! Constructed around 70 AD, the Roman Baths have continued to play a key role throughout its history.

Wiltshire

Located along the centre of the Great West Way route is the fascinating county of Wiltshire. Embark on a historical journey this year by visiting incredible landmarks and picturesque towns…

8.The Bridge Tea Rooms

Step inside The Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon for a quintessentially English treat! Offering the very best when it comes to British Afternoon Tea, relax amongst a cosy setting as you tuck into homemade cakes, pastries, and other light meals.

9.Bradford on Avon Food and Drink Festival

Enjoy a family day out at Bradford on Avon’s Food and Drink Festival this June! Enjoy a dynamic celebration of the South West’s most delicious selection of food and drink across the weekend as well as live music, workshops and more!

10.Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock

Visit the Fox Talbot Museum next to Lacock Abbey and explore the history of photography from William Henry Fox Talbot, the gentleman-scientist whose discoveries paved the way for 20^th Century photography.

credit image: English Heritage

11.Circles of Stone: Prehistoric Japan

Open until September, be sure to visit the new exhibition at Stonehenge; Circles of Stone: Stonehenge and Prehistoric Japan. Celebrating the rich culture through a number of exquisite objects, some seen for the first time outside of Japan. Discover the story of Japanese settlements and stone circles of the middle and late Jomon periods, roughly the same time when Stonehenge was built and used!

12.Marlborough Big and Little Mop Fair

Head to Marlborough in Wiltshire for the town’s much anticipated Big and Little Mop Fair this Autumn. With a week of fun activities and rides throughout the town, it’s the perfect event for families of all ages!

13.Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Just over the border of Wiltshire is the incredible Westonbirt National Arboretum! Walk amongst the trees at Westonbirt’s Treetop Walkway before exploring more of the 600-acre Arboretum. Discover a range of colourful landscapes filled with incredible trees around every corner!

14. Explore the Caen Hill Lock’s in Devizes

Passing through some of the loveliest scenery is the Kennet and Avon Canal. Running from the River Thames to the River Avon and following the Great West Way, enjoy breath-taking views whilst enjoying a peaceful journey by narrowboat. This year, head to Caen Hill Lock Flight, one of the most spectacular, famous, and considered one of the wonders of the waterways.

There is always an easy way to travel along the Great West Way route! Whether you choose to relax along the Kennet and Avon Canal by narrowboat or hop on to one of the many Great Western Railway train stops on route, start your journey along the Great West Way this new year! Check out the Great West Way Discoverer Pass for more details on transport.

Berkshire

Continue your journey to the Eastern parts of the Great West Way and enjoy a whole range of exciting experiences…

15.Thames Rivercruise

Embark on a river cruise this year and discover the picture-perfect surroundings as you meander along the river Thames. Explore some of the most stunning destinations by boat including Henley, Sonning and Streatley.

16.Royal Windsor Horse Show

Attend the UK’s largest outdoor premier show at Royal Windsor Horse Show this Spring! Taking place in the Private grounds of Windsor Castle, experience a host of incredible events from the International Show Jumping and Shetland Pony Grand National, to the Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix!

credit image: Doug Harding

17.Windsor Great Park

At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor Great Park is the largest public park in the whole of the UK! From ancient forest to formal gardens, as well as the spectacular Virginia Water, there’s plenty to discover!

18.Windsor Castle

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.

19.Royal Ascot

Join many other this June by dressing up and placing your bets at the annual Royal Ascot! Experience all elements from the racing, pageantry, and fine dining as you experience a highlight of the summer social season! It’s a must attend event when travelling along the Great West Way!

20.Hobbs of Henley Boat Trips

Open from April to September, discover the beautiful town of Henley and its surrounding riverside towns along the Thames as you enjoy a unique boat tour this year! Hobbs of Henley offer public cruises or self-drive and chauffeur-driven days out.

21.Strawberry Hill House and Garden, Twickenham

Step foot into Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, Britain’s finest example of Georgian Gothic revival architecture! Horace Walpole’s 18^th Century masterpiece is breath-taking inside and out. Be sure to explore its decorated corridors and furnished rooms before settling into the garden café for a light treat.

Within Easy Reach

Extend your journey by travelling further to exciting destinations, still within easy reach of the Great West Way!

22.Cheltenham Jazz Festival, Gloucestershire

Enjoy 6 days of live music from international stars at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival this Spring! Featuring the finest talent, there’s plenty fun to be had at one of the country’s best-loved jazz festivals!

23.Cotswold Water Park

Within easy reach of the Great West Way, make the most of a fun day out on the water at Cotswold Water Park! With a whole host of activities to enjoy including sailing, paddle boarding and water skiing, it’s the perfect adventure retreat for all ages!