How to Have a Thoroughly English 2020 Staycation on the Great West Way

2020 is the year of the staycation. Happily for those of us who live in England, there are plenty of wonderful things to see right here on our doorstep in the “green and pleasant land”. Along the Great West Way between London and Bristol, you’ll find an incredible array of things to do during your 2020 staycation, showcasing the very best that England has to offer. That’s right - there’s a reason that people come from all over the world to enjoy an English summer holiday!

So enjoy the classic charms that draw people to England for their holidays with these thoroughly English things to do during your 2020 staycation along the Great West Way…

See those Famous English Sights

The Great West Way covers the tract of England between Bristol and London. And these 125 miles are simply packed with famous sights and important British landmarks. Along the route you’ll find Windsor Castle (the oldest inhabited castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen), Bristol’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, the incredible Roman Baths in the World Heritage city of Bath, and the utterly magnificent Hampton Court Palace. And within easy reach of the Great West Way route you can also visit iconic Stonehenge, Blenheim Palace, and Salisbury Cathedral. If you live in England but haven’t seen all these iconic sights yet – now is the time to do so!

Sample the Tastes of England

You might not have left the country, but if you're on staycation you're on holiday. And that means it's time to treat yourself! How about a traditional afternoon tea featuring sandwiches, scones and cakes? There are lots to choose from on the Great West Way – but the picture-perfect Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon is a good place to start. Or enjoy another truly English institution when you sit down for a cool pint or a glass of Pimms in the beer garden at one of our many welcoming pubs. You can also see where classic English gin Bombay Sapphire is created with a guided tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill. Or, if you prefer a pint, take a tour of a real working brewery with Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre or West Berkshire Brewery. Feeling peckish? Find out more about traditional English food and drink on the Great West Way.

Soak Up Quintessential English Charm

Walk amongst the fine Georgian building and impressive architecture of Bath, or explore the sleepy cottage-lined streets of a small Berkshire village to really steep yourself in traditional English charm. Along the Great West Way you’ll find some lovely historic market towns and picturesque villages – like pretty Steeple Ashton in Wiltshire with its green, pub and pretty houses. This is the picture-perfect England we normally only get to see in period dramas. Why not hire a classic car from Vintage Classics to explore in style?

Enjoy English Landscapes

From the rolling green hills of the Berkshire Downs to the dramatic cliffsides of the Avon Gorge, plus sleepy canals, deer-filled parkland, ancient forest, and peaceful nature reserves... did you know that you can discover all of this just outside London and Bristol? The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a good place to begin exploring English landscapes on the Great West Way, with 668 square miles of nature-rich countryside. Towards the West of the route, head to one of the nature reserves run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (like Lower Moor, Jones's Mill, and Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve) or take a walk along the peaceful Kennet & Avon Canal. And if you prefer something slightly more domesticated, why not take a look around some pretty English gardens? The National Garden Scheme offer a peek inside different private gardens every week, while the Hidden Gardens of Bath tours let you see some of this city’s prettiest outdoor spaces whilst enjoying a traditional English afternoon tea.

Walk though England’s History

We’re sure you’ll learn a lot about England’s history as you explore the Great West Way. Take a look around one of the many National Trust Properties along the route to step back in time and see how the great and good of the land once lived. Or, pop in to the Merchant's House in Marlborough to see what life was like for a 17^th-century Middle-Class family. Hop aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol to step back in time and explore true stories from the past – from opulent First-Class to the cramped and quarrelsome Steerage. Discover the life and times of one of England’s most famous artists at Turner’s House, or the world of one of our most beloved authors at the Jane Austen Centre in Bath. Finally, head to hidden gem the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading and discover an important part of the history of England with collections dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.

Spend the Night Amongst English Charm

Exploring impossibly pretty villages and admiring rolling, green countryside is hard work – you’ll need somewhere comfortable to stay during your trip along the Great West Way. You can either pick a base for the whole trip, or stop somewhere new each night. Either way, there are lots of accommodation options to choose from which fit the “traditionally English” bill. The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury is reputed to be the oldest purpose-built hotel in England, and simply oozes historic character and Cotswolds charm. Just down the road is sophisticated Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, a grown-up getaway in the heart of the Cotswolds. In Bath, you can stay in an iconic location at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, set in one of the most recognisable spots in this beautiful city. Or why not take a look at self-catering options to find yourself a pretty English cottage to call your own for a week – or even a narrowboat! Finally, consider another traditionally-English accommodation option and book to stay in a bed and breakfast – where you’ll enjoy a friendly welcome and a cooked English breakfast in the morning.

Have we inspired you to enjoy a traditionally English staycation this year? If so, its time to take a look at our advice on planning your Great West Way trip, find somewhere to stay, and start thinking about things to see and do along the way.