Spring along the Great West Way is full of colourful countryside, warm nature walks and adorable wildlife. With plenty to explore between Bristol and London, be sure to start your adventure this season…
There’s no better way to enjoy the Spring sunshine than floating along the Kennet and Avon Canal by narrowboat. Stretching from Reading to Bristol, this famous canal combines picturesque views with historic towns and is the perfect way to travel along the Great West Way this Spring!
Explore more of the Great West Way with a Rivercruise this Spring!
Thames Rivercruise
Explore the eastern parts of the route with a unique experience with Thames Rivercruise this season! With scheduled river trips running every weekend and bank holiday from April to October, there’s plenty to see as you meander your way along the famous river, passing through some of the most stunning destinations.
Bristol Packet Boat Trips
Offering harbour tours and river cruises from April to December, Bristol Packet Boat Trips takes you on a journey along the river Avon as you learn more about the city’s fascinating history.
Be sure to book an Avon Gorge Cruise this season for your chance to experience a thrilling tour through the harbour and into the Junction Lock where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Gorge and the famous Brunel’s Suspension Bridge!
The Great West Way is filled with forests, protected parkland and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, each home to a range of exciting wildlife! This season, be sure to spot some of Britain’s famous animals as they wonder the flourishing fields and colourful landscapes.
Want to get a little closer to these adorable creatures? Then head to one of Great West Way’s many animal attractions!
Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park
Located just outside of Swindon in Wiltshire, Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park looks after a great number of interesting wildlife. Explore its Butterfly World and learn more about the tropics of Wiltshire as you discover beautiful butterflies and interesting insects. Meet Meerkats, Otters, and Wallabies at the Zoo, before heading to the Farm Park for your chance to get up close and personal to pigs, goats, sheep and even alpacas!
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm
Continue your animal adventure in Wiltshire by visiting Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm. Located just outside of Salisbury city, this Rare Breed Survival Trust registered farm offers a quality day out for all ages! With the excitement of Spring, here is your chance to cuddle with some of the cutest baby farm animals including piglets, rabbits, lambs, ducks and more!
WWT London Wetland Centre
About 5-miles out of London city centre is a world full of interesting wildlife. Opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2000, The WWT London Wetland Centre offers a vast, 105-acre landscape for both humankind and the natural world to explore! With lakes, reedbeds and wet grasslands, this nature reserve is home to a variety of animals. Head to one of the centre’s 6 hides where you will be able to observe the wildlife including an array of birds and the much-loved Asian short-clawed otters!
Rich in history, the Great West Way is home to a vast number of stately homes and gardens. This season, be sure to explore beautifully decorated rooms before wondering through stunning parkland!
Hampton Court Palace
Located just outside of Kingston upon Thames is Hampton Court Palace, once the home of England’s infamous King Henry VIII. Be transported from Tudor England to the late 17th Century as you venture through the royal grounds, before exploring 60-acres of riverside and landscaped gardens. Complete with sparkling fountains and over 200,000 flowers.
Planning a visit to Hampton Court Palace this season? Why not experience the UK’s biggest display of planted tulips at the Tulip Festival from April 14th – May 1st! Celebrate the start of Spring as over 110,000 bulbs surround the palace with rich colour.
Bowood House and Gardens
Open from April 1st is Wiltshire’s best, Bowood House and Gardens. Home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, this 18th Century stately home displays a wide collection of family heirlooms and art within its historic walls. Surrounding Bowood house is 100-acres of pleasure grounds, formal gardens, and exquisite terraces, all set in the middle of Capability’ Brown’s grade 1 park.
Throughout the season, be sure to experience Bowood’s new Private Walled Garden tours, exploring the very best flowers in bloom, from wisteria to roses!
It’s that time of year when forests erupt in deep purple as brightly coloured bluebells grow all around. Explore more of the Great West Way landscape as you venture through carpets of the vibrant flower through the months of April and May. Here’s where they can be spotted on route.
There’s nothing more British that a traditional Afternoon Tea in the sunshine! Here, you can enjoy a taste of quintessential England as you delve into deliciously baked scones, sandwiches, and pastries!
Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace
Located within easy reach of the Great West Way, Blenheim Palace invites you to experience royal life with their very own High Tea. Set in the beautiful home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, enjoy fresh delights made from locally sourced ingredients. The perfect Spring treat!
There’s nothing more stunning than Spring flowers reflecting on sparkling waters this season. Head out on an adventure to some of Great West Way’s best lakeside walks…
Cotswold Water Park
Just north of the main touring route is Cotswold Water Park. Here you will find a vast collection of over 150 lakes, all set across the stunning countryside of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire. While some are used for leisurely activities, most are designated nature reserves and home to some incredible wildlife! As you enjoy stunning lakeside reflections, be sure to spot local residents such as water voles, otters and ducks, as well as plenty of birds that nest in the nearby trees!
Stourhead National Trust
Located on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, Stourhead welcomes you to explore its breath-taking, 18th Century landscape garden. With its main walking route following along a spectacular lake in the centre, be sure to capture stunning views all around. Famously known for its rich autumn colour, frequent visitors will tell you that a visit during Springtime is equally magnificent!
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