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You are here: Home > Plan Your Way > Recommendations > Countdown to Christmas along the Great West Way
The festivities have well and truly arrived and this year, 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…
Aerospace Bristol
Aerospace Bristol are ready for the Christmas season with so much to see during your visit. Head to Santa’s Workshop, where the elves will be working hard to prepare for the big day. Fly to the North Pole on a Bristol Freighter and meet Santa himself! Join others for an annual carol service under Concorde later in the month! Plus, there are plenty decorations, cards, and gifts available to buy in the museum shop!
Bath Christmas Market
Head to the World Heritage City of Bath before 10th 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!
The Great West Way is the perfect place to tick off your Christmas list, with plenty of markets and shopping opportunities along route.
Bring Xmas to Life at Mary Shelley’s
Give the ultimate gift experience with a trip to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein! Based in the centre of Bath, this award-winning attraction offers lifelong memories as you embark on an immersive journey back to the 1800s, discovering more on the iconic author, Mary Shelley, and her creation of one of the most influential novels of all time!
Explore the impact Frankenstein had on pop culture as you enter this 300-year-old town house, with plenty of surprises across its 4-floors.
Roman Baths
Step back in time this Christmas with a trip to The Roman Baths. Centrally located in the World Heritage City, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, still flowing with natural hot water today! Walk around the steaming Great Bath, see the ruins of the temple of Minerva, and explore the fascinating museum this season…
Winter Wonderland at American Museum & Gardens
For a creative experience this festive season, head to the Winter Wonderland at American Museum and Gardens! The Georgian Manor House will be festooned with hundreds of beautiful, artisan decorations as well as a stunning 18-foot Nordmann fir tree taking pride in the Central Hall. Frosty gardens welcome you to explore its stunning views with fresh winter walks, the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
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 sees childhood favourites including C.S Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, Cinderella and Winnie the Pooh take centre stage throughout the festive trail.
Windsor Great Park Illuminated
Credit Jenna Foxton
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.
Christmas at Windsor Castle
Pop next door, to the historic Windsor Castle as it puts up a fantastic Christmas display this month! Featuring a 20-foot-high Norway Spruce tree in St George’s Hall, excellently decorated with hundreds of twinkling lights and ornaments, as well as a beautifully laid, 160-foot-long dining table in the Waterloo Chamber!
This year’s Christmas display will also celebrate the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in Britain!
Hobbs of Henley Christmas Party Cruises
Celebrate the festive season in style with a Christmas Party Night onboard the New Orleans, Hobbs of Henley! Set sail along the Thames as you dance the night away with seasonal classics and traditional favourites, played by resident DJ.
Spend the season exploring more of the Great West Way route and beyond, with plenty family-fun attractions and activities within easy reach!
Royal Mint
Located just west of the Great West Way is the Royal Mint, home to over 1,100 years of history displayed through exhibitions, thrilling tours and workshops. Unlock more as you learn more about the UK’s oldest mint, seeing the skill and craftsmanship that go into making the coins in your pocket!
Christmas at Cheddar Gorge
Father Christmas’ elves have been busy setting up their secret workshop inside Gough’s Cave this month! For your chance to see them in action and marvel at the magic, as well as meet the big man himself, head to Cheddar Gorge within easy reach of the Great West Way!
Salisbury Cathedral Twilight Tower Tours
Learn more about the construction of Salisbury’s architectural masterpiece with a unique Twilight Tower Tour of the Cathedral this month. Climb 332 steps to the base of Salisbury’s Spire and experience uninterrupted views of the city’s twinkling lights amidst the night sky. Inside, you’ll find breath-taking scenes of the Cathedral, whilst standing above the 32ft Christmas Tree.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
This Christmas, Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand-new illuminated trail, bringing together a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive fun! Discover heart-shaped arches, glowing tunnels, and colourful cascades as you create unforgettable memories along this after-dark trail!
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!
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