Things to Do along the Great West Way this Autumn

Autumn along the Great West Way has never been prettier. With colourful gardens showcasing a rich glow of reds and golds, special offers on cosy stays, vibrant cities celebrating the festivities, warm afternoons by the fire inside traditional English pubs, the list goes on! Between London and Bristol, there are a range of events and activities to welcome the new season…

Avon Gorge Cruise with Bristol Packet Boat Trips

Start in the characterful city of Bristol for a breath-taking journey along the Avon Gorge with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. Offering spectacular views of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, a historic landmark often regarded as the ‘ornament of Bristol’, take in the incredible autumn colour as you head downstream towards the channel.

Heritage Open Day at Kelmscott Manor

Join Kelmscott Manor as they hold their very first Heritage Open Day this year! With a theme of ‘Creativity Unwrapped’ enjoy a range of activities from workshops to creative trails, whilst also exploring the Manor House for free!

Down at the Abbey, Reading Abbey Quarter

Head to Reading Abbey Quarter for a weekend of musical entertainment as you experience Down at the Abbey, an independent music festival featuring two stages of thrilling live music, alongside award-winning craft beers and the finest selection of gourmet street food, all set in the 900 year old ruins.

Sky Safari at Longleat

This September, be sure to head to Longleat in Wiltshire for their annual Sky Safari event! Marvel at the skies as a spectacular host of hot air balloons fly over the Longleat estate, the biggest annual gathering of balloons in the UK! Led by the famous lion shaped balloon, spot other marvellous animals including koalas, parrots, cheetahs and more! In the early evening Autumn glow, the stunning glow of balloons put on a show, firing their burners to an amazing musical soundtrack!

Walks and Talks Guided Tours at Stourhead

Discover the story of Stourhead and its stunning landscape garden this season. Showcasing one of the most incredible displays of autumn colour, head on a journey with one of the knowledgeable volunteers, along the original route taken by the Hoare family and their guests. Learn about the history of this fascinating estate as you pass temples, grottoes, lakes, and trees of red and gold!

The Jane Austen Festival, Bath

Taking place every September is the popular Jane Austen Festival in Bath! Featuring an exciting programme of immersive Regency-themed experiences, guided tours, concerts, and fun activities including fencing, croquet and more. Be sure to join others in the spectacular Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, a highlight to the festival starting at The Holburne Museum and passing famous historic landmarks across the city.

Brick America – An Adventure in Lego Bricks at American Museum and Gardens

Taking place until the end of the year is Brick America, the adventure of Lego Bricks at American Museum and Gardens! Discover famous buildings, cityscapes, and vehicles, as well as models inspired by famous movies and history, plus much more. Get hands on with exciting build stations on site for your chance to be part of the Brick America Hall of Fame gallery!

Saturday Evening Sundowner Cruise with Thames Rivercruise

This season, embark on a journey along the River Thames with French Brothers Boat Trips. Running from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead, experience some of the most breath-taking views of surrounding landmarks, including incredible scenes of Windsor Castle. A tour with French Brothers is the perfect way to start your autumn adventure along the east route of the Great West Way.

Cheddar Gorge Cliff Top Walk

Located within easy reach of the Great West Way is the famous Cheddar Gorge and is a destination not to be missed when travelling towards Bristol this season! The perfect location to stretch your legs, embark on a cliff top walk and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding Somerset landscape. This 3-mile route takes you up one side of the gorge and back down the other, rewarding you with some of the finest scenery whilst being surrounded by a diverse and captivating habitat, with pretty flowers and interesting wildlife.

Windsor Festival

Each year, the world’s finest musicians, artists and local performers entertain and delight festival goers in celebration of Windsor’s special place as a Royal town, inspiring the next generation of artistic talent and creativity. This year, Windsor Festival features a strong programme for families and children, including Opera Magic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a ballet production of Alice and Wonderland!

FilmBath

Head to the World Heritage City of Bath this October for the annual FilmBath Festival. Screening the best new and upcoming films from around the world with a stimulating and eclectic programme of films, workshops, and events across the city.

After Dark: Nights to Die for at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

After a sell-out couple of years, After Dark: Nights to Die for returns to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein this Halloween! Expect an even more horrifying, immersive experience with extreme psychological terrors set to take place across the 300-year-old town house.

Centring around a young girl believed to have been persecuted 200 years ago, encounter Demonic beings, resurrected by satanic rituals as they play out terrifying childhood games of her cruel past. Will you navigate your way to freedom this Halloween?

Art in the Garden, Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park

Returning for the 6^th year, Art in the Garden showcases a marvellous display of eye-catching sculptures. From September to October, explore the stunning 35-acre grounds of The Savill Garden and discover a range of displays, all inspired by the natural world and showcasing varying styles, subjects, and sustainable materials.

Autumn Staycation at Pettifers Hotel, Malmesbury

Stay 3 nights Bed & Full Cotswold breakfasts Fri/Sat/Sun throughout October and November for just £125 per person! Indulge in the fantastic Autumn colours along the Great West Way this season. Simply use the code GWW23 when booking directly through the hotel (subject to availability). More information here.

Christmas Festivities along the Great West Way

Sarum Lights Illuminating Art, Salisbury Cathedral

Start the beginning of the festive season along the Great West Way with a trip to Wiltshire’s Salisbury Cathedral this November! Marvel as light and sound surrounds the Medieval landmark during the spectacular Sarum Lights: Illuminating Art event! Showcasing an incredible series of displays both inside and reflecting outside the Cathedral, this event explores art across the centuries, from the drama of Baroque to the flamboyancy of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Art Deco period.

Bath Christmas Market

Start your Christmas shopping early, with a visit to Bath’s Christmas Markets this season! Explore over 170 stalls all spread out across the city’s Georgian streets, featuring a range of festive treats, all uniquely crafted for the perfect gift. Browse through stocking fillers, sweet bites, decorations and more!

The Festival of Light at Longleat

Head to Longleat from November, and experience the UK’s original, biggest, and most exciting lantern festival! This year, the Festival of Light is more extraordinary than ever with a magical trail that explores childhood stories including Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, Winnie the Pooh and more! Continue your festive adventure with the Enchanted Christmas Tree show and Santa Train…

The After Dark Illuminated Trail Sparkling in the Great Outdoors, Blenheim Palace

Within easy reach of the Great West Way, be sure to head to Blenheim Palace this festive season. Firmly positioned as one of the highlights of the UK festive calendar, the After Dark Illuminated Trail in the Great Outdoors welcomes you to explore the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens with over a million light displays and seasonal sounds guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer! Discover glistening tunnels, dancing lakeside reflections and flickering flames along the way, whilst enjoying tasty treats from local independent street food vendors.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Continue your journey east for yet another spectacular light display within the grounds of Windsor Great Park! Prepare to be captivated as woodland and water come alive with dazzling lights, breath-taking projections, and flood-lit fountains. Join family and friends for the perfect night out, surrounded by new installations and returning favourites, Windsor Great Park Illuminated promises a magical evening like no other.

Embark on your own Great West Way journey this season and enjoy all the delights that Autumn brings across the route…