Countdown to Christmas along the Great West Way

The festivities have well and truly arrived, and this year and even more magic awaits along the Great West Way! From Traditional Christmas Markets to stunning lights trails, crisp winter walks to long lasting memories with family, embark on your own journey this season and countdown to Christmas along the Great West Way.

Festive Experiences along the Great West Way

Stretching from London to Bristol, the Great West Way is home to a range of festive experiences this Christmas season. From traditional ice skating at Hampton Court Palace, to carol singing in cosy towns, there’s plenty to enjoy for the whole family.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Experience a regal day out a short distance from central London with an evening of ice skating surrounded by the iconic landmark of Hampton Court Palace. Indulge in some family fun when skating around the magical scenes where King Henry VIII once walked, surrounded by beautiful greenery, captivating fairy lights and a warm festive experience!

Credit Image Royal Collection Enterprises Ltd 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

Christmas at Windsor Castle

This Winter, enjoy Christmas at Windsor Castle as you explore the State Apartments decorated for the festive season with a magnificent centrepiece, a 6-metre-high tree in St George’s Hall, taken from Windsor Great Park. The tree will be dressed with hundreds of twinkling lights and ornaments but the decorations don’t stop there! In the Waterloo Chamber, a 160-foot-long dining table will be laid with porcelain tableware from the Garter Service, celebrating the 675^th anniversary of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Britain!

The Christmas Orchestra at Bath Abbey

Following a run of sold-out shows last year, Christmas Orchestra returns to Bath Abbey! This concert is performed live by a 16-piece chamber orchestra, supported by full sound production and a stunning lighting show. Audiences will experience uplifting nostalgia through compositions from favourite Christmas films, sing-a-long classics and much more!

Christmas Markets along the Great West Way

The Great West Way is the perfect place to tick off your shopping list, with plenty of Christmas markets and shopping opportunities along route.

Bath Christmas Market

Head to the World Heritage City of Bath before 14^th December for your chance to experience the city’s iconic Christmas Market. Featuring over 200 twinkling chalets, explore an array of food and beverage stands, intertwined with plenty of artisan and clothing stalls, each presenting hand crafted and locally made gifts for the festive season!

Blenheim Palace Christmas Market

Located within easy reach of the Great West Way is the magnificent Blenheim Palace. Enjoy a unique Christmas Market experience as you wonder the iconic grounds this season. Shoppers and foodies can escape the bustle of The High Street and stock-up on festive goodies at the celebrated Christmas Market in The Great Court. The seasonal village of wooden chalets offers everything from inspired Christmas gift ideas to tasty treats.

Festive Light Trails between London and Bristol

Venture along the Great West Way and explore incredible light displays as famous landmarks decorate for the festive season.

Longleat Festival of Light

The UK’s original, biggest, and most exciting lantern festival is back and more spectacular this year! Longleat’s Festival of Light  presents British Icons with Wallace & Gromit and friends including Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run and much more. Journey to some of the UK’s most famous landmarks, native wildlife and sights all reimagined in lantern form.

Credit Jenna Foxton

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

One of many light trails along the Great West Way, Windsor Great Park welcomes you to another year of fantastic displays with its captivating illuminated woodland experience. Prepare to be wowed by stunning water features, breath-taking projections, and dazzling lights all around as you explore the iconic grounds.

Cosy Places to Stay along the Great West Way

Extend your visit this Christmas with a range of accommodation along the Great West Way route…

Whatley Manor

Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, surrounding by 12-acres of stunning gardens is Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, the ideal location for a couple’s retreat this festive season. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at their two-rosette restaurant, Greys, or an incredible dinner at The Dining Room, their Michelin star restaurant! Unwind at The Aquarias Spa and enjoy a range of calming treatments including their Floatation Pods!

Exclusive Collection

With 5 properties located along the Great West Way, Exclusive Collection welcomes you to relax this season. Beautifully situated in some of the most picturesque destinations on route, each country house features everything from spas, a golf club, cookery school and classic English pubs!