With a national lockdown in place until at least 2 December 2020, and government advice to stay at home, now is the time to start planning a winter holiday along the Great West Way. Plan a Christmas break for this December, or an enchanting English staycation for the start of 2021, and you'll have the perfect escape from the everyday to look forward to.
Take a walk through winter landscapes, book a cosy cottage to call your own for a while, explore off-the-beaten track gems and discover the Great West Way's hidden secrets. Get ready for a change of scene and a change of pace as you escape the everyday this Winter; it's time to feel free again! Here on the Great West Way, you can escape from everyday life by diving into the snuggest English staycation imaginable this winter. Pack your best knitwear and a sturdy pair of boots and take a trip along the Great West Way after lockdown is lifted to embrace all the creature comforts of a proper English winter…
Book a snug bolthole to stay in
An isolated country cottage with a thatched roof and cosy kitchen. A grand and historic hotel with plush rooms and sumptuous restaurant. A picturesque narrowboat warmed through by a woodburning stove. The friendliest bed and breakfast you could imagine, with the smell of fresh homemade bread to wake you up in the morning. Choose the perfect cosy base for your winter holiday along the Great West Way from the many, many places to stay along the route. Or, pick somewhere new to stay each night of your trip so you can sample the wide array of choice on offer!
Go for a carriage ride
What could be more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride through the peace and tranquillity of Windsor Great Park? Bring blankets to snuggle down in, and enjoy the winter scenery rolling past. If you’re lucky, it might even snow. Windsor Carriages have been running horse-drawn carriage tours of Windsor for 170 years, so they’ve got plenty of stories to share about the history of the area during your ride.
Head to the pub
Choose a deep armchair next to the fire, order a mulled wine, and settle in for the evening. Whether you’re visiting the Great West Way with friends, family or a loved one, spending time relaxing together in a warm and welcoming pub is the perfect antidote to everyday life. From classic country coaching inns to modern city pubs, the Great West Way has lots of lovely pubs and inns to sample, ideal for any winter’s day.
Relax at the spa
If the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing better than being snug and warm inside – preferably relaxing in the jacuzzi or enjoying a luxurious spa treatment. Let the weight of the world lift from your shoulders at one of the Great West Way’s relaxing spas, ready and waiting to open again with covid-19 safety procedures in place. Take a look at these ten sumptuous spas for more inspiration.
Go walking in a winter wonderland
From the grand vistas of the North Wessex Downs to the Georgian splendour of Bath, there are miles upon miles of beautiful walks to discover along the Great West Way. Add a dusting of sparkling frost on a crisp winter’s morning for a truly breath-taking experience. Kids will love splashing in puddles in their wellies, while you breathe in the fresh air and admire the views.
Explore a Museum
There is a plethora of brilliant museums to enjoy as you travel along the Great West Way this winter, with something to suit every age and interest. Discover incredible flying machines at Aerospace Bristol, or history’s trendiest looks at the Fashion Museum in Bath. Explore the areas where science and art meet at We the Curious in Bristol or uncover the history of farming and the countryside at Reading’s Museum of English Rural Life. Fly a Spitfire simulator at Maidenhead Heritage Centre or step aboard magnificent locomotives at STEAM - the Museum of the Great Western Railway.
Indulge in something tasty
Spend all evening sampling the delights from the menu at a fine-dining restaurant. Take the kids for hot chocolate and cake at one of the Great West Way’s lovely cafes or tearooms. Go on a brewery tour and taste all the different beers made right here on the Great West Way. Sit down for a proper roast dinner on a Sunday lunchtime. Partake of an elegant afternoon tea. With all sorts of delicious delights to enjoy, make sure you sample some of the best food and drink along the Great West Way route during your winter holiday.
We hope we’ve inspired you to start planning a lovely, cosy trip along the Great West Way after lockdown lifts this winter. To kick off your holiday planning, have a look at the many places to stay and things to see and do along the way.
© Great West Way 2022.
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