Top Ten Unusual Historic Places on the Great West Way

Step back in time as you travel along the Great West Way between Bristol and London. There are thousands of years of history to be discovered as you explore the ancient Roman Baths in Bath, historic castles like Windsor and Berkeley, and grand stately homes from Bowood to Hampton Court Palace. But history along the Great West Way isn't just about these famous historic houses and grand old buildings; there are many more incredible and unexpected historic sites hidden along the route just waiting to be discovered. There are little museums, village churches, working industrial sites, historic monuments and more.

This year, explore these unusual, quirky and fascinating historic sites along the Great West Way...

Whitchurch Silk Mill

Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside alongside the peaceful River Test is the oldest silk mill that is still weaving silk in its original building. Whitchurch Silk Mill is a gem of Britain’s industrial heritage in the centre of the Great West Way. Visitors can explore a beautiful Georgian water mill with impressive Victorian machinery that is still in use today to spin glorious, colourful silks.

The Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum

Motoring enthusiasts will love the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, located near the welcoming and historic Wiltshire town of Calne. Home to a fascinating collection of vintage and classic cars as well as a collection of motorcycles, mopeds and push bikes, the museum makes an interesting and unusual stopping-off point along the Great West Way.

The Merchant's House

You may well have already visited some grand historic houses belonging to England's aristocracy and royalty. But this unusual historic site is something rarer - a chance to visit a 17th century house lived in by a middle-class merchant family. The Merchant's House in Marlborough belonged to Thomas Bayly and was built following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653, featuring wood panelling, brilliant wall paintings and a commanding oak staircase.

Dundas Aqueduct

Elegantly spanning a Somerset valley and surrounded by picturesque green countryside, Dundas Aqueduct carries the Kennet and Avon Canal across both the River Avon and the local railway. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, the aqueduct dates back to 1810 and is an impressive testament to the masterful engineering that allowed the construction of the canal.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre

Maidenhead Heritage Centre explores the history of the Berkshire town of Maidenhead by telling the stories of its river, roads and railway. The centre's spitfire simulator is one of the most unusual historic experiences on the Great West Way. Experience for yourself what it must have been like for a 1940s spitfire pilot in an authentic simulator with replica flight controls and wide screen pilot view.

All Saints' Church, Alton Priors

All Saints Church in the Wiltshire village of Alton Priors may look like a traditional, historic village church, but hides a fascinating secret. Within the church, a mysterious trapdoor conceals a buried stone of the same kind used in the construction of the ancient stone circles at Avebury and Stonehenge. The significance of this buried sarsen stone is unknown. The church itself includes Norman, Medieval and 19th-century elements and there is a yew tree in the churchyard which is said to be 1700 years old.

Wilton Windmill

Visit the only working windmill in the Wessex region. Built in 1821, Wilton Windmill is set high in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. On select days, visitors can enjoy guided tours and refreshments at the windmill, as well as the chance to buy flour ground onsite.

Glenside Hospital Museum

Set within the grounds of the old hospital in East Bristol, Glenside Hospital Museum houses an extensive collection charting the changes in the perception and treatment of mental health from the 1860s to the late 20th century. This important collection paints a vivid picture of the life of patients and staff in the former Glenside Hospital and an insight into historic institutions run for the care of people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

Wellington Arch

At the far East of the Great West Way route, in bustling central London, is Wellington Arch. Originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, the structure later became a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Climb up to the arch's balconies for glorious panoramas over London.

The Museum of English Rural Life

Reading's Museum of English Rural Life is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues. An unexpected treasure waiting to be explored, the MERL contains an astonishing array of items which tell an important part of the history of England, including objects, archives, photographs and books. The museum is also home to a beautiful urban garden and welcoming cafe.

Ready to plan your Great West Way adventure? Take a look at the many other things to see and do as you travel the route, and book your accommodation today!