There’s something so utterly romantic about watching the sunrise or sunset, whether that’s with friends, family or strangers, you all come together peacefully to watch one of the wonders of the world. We have put together a list of places you should explore along the Great West Way that are worth the early start or late evening to experience something special.
Inner Circle Tour at Stonehenge
During an inner circle tour of Stonehenge, the sunrise is magical. There’s only you and a handful of people waiting for the infamous first glimpse of the sun up close behind the stones. During the Summer Solstice, which marks the start of the astronomical Summer and the longest day of the year, the sun can be seen rising in between the Heel Stone and is the ultimate experience leaving you in awe of the ancient monument and its importance in Neolithic history. It’s believed the stones were set up the way they are to monitor the alignment and movement of the sun to go inside with the seasons, and it important for daily tasks such as knowing when to grow their crops for food.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Hanging over the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge and the parkland on the East side of the bridge are a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise or sunset. Watch the sun ascend or descend on the city of Bristol as you look out over Spike Island, Bedminster and Redcliffe.
Cherhill Downs
Park in the layby heading East out of Cherhill in Wiltshire on the A4 and take a walk up to the top of the Cherhill Downs, past the Cherhill White Horse and up to the Lansdowne Monument. Once you are at the top, you are rewarded with views than span all the way along the horizon across Calne, Chippenham, Lyneham and Sandy Lane. Watch the sky light up with colour over the open landscape for a panoramic view of the sunrise or the sunset.
Virginia Water
Virginia Water lake, in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, has a woodland shoreline with water that glistens in the sunlight. Surrounding the lake are ancient monuments, beautiful waterfalls and vast viewpoints which are popular locations to watch the sun appear or disappear. Combined with an abundance of nature, the area is popular with nature photographers as a sunny capture with a glimpse of nature creates a beautiful image.
Bath Skyline Walk
During your stay in Bath on your Great West Way adventure, head out of the city and take the 3-mile circular route along the Bath Skyline Walk. Managed the National Trust, this walk allows you to take in a birds-eye view of the city. On a wintery morning when the mist is rising over the River Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal, the sunrise is quite mysterious and makes for a wonderful photography moment.
Bushy Park
Bushy Park is one of the eight Royal Parks in London and covers an area of nearly 2000 acres near Hampton Court Palace. With herds of roaming fallow and red deer and the Longford River, there are plenty of places to catch the sunrise or the sunset. A great place to catch it is the Leg of Mutton Pond on the North East side of the park.
Cheddar Gorge
In easy reach of the Great West Way, Cheddar Gorge is Britain’s largest gorge covering a depth of 137 metres and a total of 3 miles. At the top, the views span over the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cheddar Reservoir. As the sun reflects off the rocky formation and off Cheddar Reservoir, the sunset lights up the sky and gives you an overwhelming sense of freedom. It’s well worth the hike believe us.
Caen Hill Locks
Caen Hill Locks is one of the longest continuous lock flights in Britain made up on 29 locks over 2 miles near Devizes. Sitting on a bench at the bottom facing the locks allows you to watch the sunrise in the East to the sunset in the West. Even if you’re out early on a morning walk or an evening stroll, stopping here to watch the position of the sun is a must. The reflection of colours in the water is certainly spectacular, and if you’re treated to candyfloss skies be sure to get a picture to capture the moment.
Combe Gibbet
Combe Gibbet may have a grisly history but the view is quite breath-taking and unique. Once you’re at the top standing beneath a replica of the gallows used to hang murderers George Broomham and Dorothy Newman in 1676, you’re greeted to a view of 4 counties: Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Watch the sunrise or sunset from this high point over downland, farmland and hillsides, and take in the eerie atmosphere of this historic location.
Richmond Hill
Towards the East end of the route in Richmond upon Thames, Richmond Hill is the only landscape in England to be protected by an Act of Parliament which was passed in 1902 to protect the view. The area inspired paintings by local painter JMW Turner and you can visit his home, Turner’s House, nearby in Twickenham. The sunrise and sunset overlooking the River Thames and historical Thames meadows is one of a kind. To watch the sunset, settle down with a glass of prosecco and good company to watch the sun go down over London.
For more ideas of things to do along the Great West Way and spectacular view points, take a look at our other Top 10s and Recommendations.
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