Top 10 Arty Attractions on the Great West Way

From gilded galleries to lively community arts centres, there’s always time for art and culture along the Great West Way...

Victoria Art Gallery 
Although not the biggest gallery along the Great West Way, this one in Bath is free, accessible and a treat for all levels of interest. Take a Collection Highlight tour for the best introduction, or delve behind the scenes on one of the Art Store tours to see the paintings, drawings and sculptures that aren’t currently displayed. You’ll also get to see the city through the eyes of different artists over the years, with displays from people such as John Nash who captured the natural beauty of Bath on canvas when he visited in the 1920s.

Design Museum 
If you’re heading west out of the capital, drop by this world-famous museum on contemporary design in Kensington. It’s one of the best places to visit in London. Exhibitions shine a light on everything aesthetic from high fashion to the future of our homes. While it seeks to reflect and understand the ever-evolving parameters of design, staring right into the future, it also pays a colourful homage to past inventions. Like the Anglepoise lamp, for instance - invented by a British car designer in the 1930s and now an office staple.

 

The Gardens at Iford Manor
This Italianate garden at Iford Manor is a destination in itself, with its romantic arrangement of cypresses, pools, statues and columns. But the garden and cloisters are also a dreamlike setting for the Iford Arts summer programme which includes operas, concerts and three different proms. On a sunny evening, there’s little more idyllic than enjoying a posh pre-show picnic on the verdant lawns. 

Theatre Royal Windsor 
If you’re into musical theatre, you’ll love this fun-filled theatre close to Windsor Castle. The programme is always eclectic, and could feature murder-mystery musicals alongside one of the most famous ballets ever made, The Nutcracker. There’s also sing-alongs, stand-up and cinema. At Christmas, it’s a great place to catch that most bizarre, yet highly comedic, of British traditions - the pantomime. Whether it’s Dick Whittington or Snow White, a word of warning: audience participation is expected in these slapstick charades.

The Pound Arts Centre 
The Pound Arts Centre is resounding proof that it’s not just big cities that have rich cultural lives. Based in the historic market town of Corsham, this arts centre is a hub for all things arty. Whatever you’re in to - theatre, exhibitions, live music, cinema, stand-up comedy or creative workshops - you’ll find it thriving here. Make sure you drop into the café bar for a drink, too. If you’re lucky you’ll catch one of their Gypsy Jazz Jam nights (feel free to bring an instrument and join in). 

The Watermill Theatre 
This Berkshire theatre, a converted watermill, looks like an artwork itself with the River Lambourn running by it and weeping willows out front. Inside it’s equally picturesque, with its intimate auditorium and timber-beamed restaurant. The Watermill Theatre is a strong supporter of new and established theatre talent, so you’re sure to see something that’s innovative as well as professional. Recent productions have included a stripped-back look at Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Jerusalem, Jez Butterworth’s alternative portrayal of the English countryside. 

Bristol Old Vic   
The oldest continually-running theatre in the English-speaking world can be found, perhaps unsurprisingly, down cobbled King Street of Bristol. Yet despite its storied, tiered interior, the shows here are as contemporary as they come. Be challenged by modern-day interpretations of Shakespeare classics, hear top thinkers talk and see fresh ideas expressed through dance. A whole cast of famous actors learnt to walk the boards at the Old Vic Theatre School, including Daniel Day-Lewis and Peter O’Toole. Did you know? From autumn 2018 you’ll be able to enjoy a pre-theatre meal in front of the theatre’s original facade at the brand new 1766 Bar & Kitchen. 

Riverhouse Arts Centre 
Right by the River Thames, this Walton-on-Thames arts centre is a top place for theatre, comedy, cinema and literary events. It has a huge programme of live music too, spanning genres such as folk, jazz and classical. As a community hub, you’ll also find some great arts and crafts classes, from jewellery making to beginner’s photography. The Barn Kitchen is popular for its super tasty Big Barn Breakfasts (and amazing cakes).

Katharine House Gallery 
If you’re looking to take some esteemed local art home with you, you’d better visit this Marlborough gallery. It’s a great place to start as it specialises in modern British art - particularly by post-war artists such as Roy Turner Durrant and Sandra Blow - and is also relatively affordable. As well as paintings and ceramics you’ll also find displays of lots of unusual antiques and intriguing collectables, from Roman rings to bronze swords. 

For more ideas of things to do on your Great West Way journey, visit our See & Do and Explore pages.