Things to Do along the Great West Way this Autumn

Between London and Bristol, there are a range of events and activities to look forward to this Autumn. From Longleat’s annual Icons of the Sky display in Wiltshire, to Bath’s regency-themed Jane Austen Festival, make the most of the Autumn season with a journey along the Great West Way.

Explore colourful gardens showcasing a rich glow of reds and golds, vibrant cities celebrating the festivities and warm afternoons by the fire inside traditional English pubs, the list goes on! Find out what’s on this Autumn along the Great West Way below.

What’s On between Bristol and London this Autumn

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Icons of the Sky, Longleat

Icons of the Sky is taking flight this season at Longleat! This anticipated festival sees 3 days of breath-taking flying displays and balloon launches. For 2025, Longleat will be commemorating 80 years since VE Day and the end of World War 2 with Supermarine Spitfire features every day, plus The Royal Air Force will be bringing the world-famous RAF Falcons mass parachute team and Tutor T MK1 aerobatic trainer to the sky!

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.

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

After a sell-out few 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.

This years’ theme, 'Parasomnia', focuses around a twisted journey through waking terror where the lines between reality and nightmares are erased. Those who dare to enter will experience the psychological paranoia of total darkness, confinement and an assault on all the senses as they venture over five floors of torment, whilst encountering hellish characters that tap into your most deep-seated fears…

What’s On for Christmas along the Great West Way

Starting from November each year are a range of festive events to get visitors excited for the Christmas season! From light switch ons in towns like Windsor and Marlborough, to stately garden festive trails including Longleat, RHS Wisley and Blenheim Palace.

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 event! Showcasing an incredible series of displays both inside and reflecting outside the Cathedral, this event is one not to miss along the Great West Way.

Bath Christmas Market

Start your Christmas shopping early, with a visit to Bath’s Christmas Markets this season! Explore hundreds of 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! This year, Bath Christmas Market will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a series of very special bonus activities!

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 celebrates the Christmas season with a new theme, ‘British Icons’.

Meet fan-favourite characters from Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, Wallace & Gromit and more while you journey to some of the UK’s most famous landmarks, marvel at native wildlife and sights - all spectacularly reimagined in lantern form.

RHS Garden Wisley Glow

Discover the magic of Christmas as you explore Glow winter illuminations at RHS Garden Wisley. With a trail that’s more magical than ever before, see plants and landscapes come to life to reveal hidden wonders, where every path leads to a new discovery, and nothing is what it seems.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Within easy reach of the Great West Way, be sure to head to Blenheim Palace this festive season. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season. This year, Blenheim invites you to enjoy a special Christmas experience and soak in the joy of the season with your loved ones.

Inside the Palace, join many others for an adventure through the State rooms at The Palace of Oz, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, follow the road of yellow brick sprinkled with Christmas magic. Look out for Toto, The Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Witches, Munchkins and more, as you journey to the Land of Oz and discover the Emerald City where Dorothy awaits.

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…