Activities along the Great West Way

There are so many different activities to experience when travelling along the Great West Way. From picturesque walks in Castle Combe, to water sports activities in Bath. With 3 National Landscapes encompassing the Great West Way, as well as the River Thames, the Kennet and Avon Canal and plenty of walking and cycling paths between London and Bristol, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to staying active on the Great West Way. Not only this, but there are plenty of unique activities like cooking schools and arts and craft workshops if you are looking for a more relaxing way to spend the day.

Things to Do Along the Great West Way Route

Stretching from London to Bristol, visitors can enjoy a variety of things to do when travelling along the Great West Way. Make the most of nature on your doorstep with plenty of outdoor adventure activities including hiking, horse riding or even sky diving for the adrenaline junkies!

Why not explore the North Wessex Downs National Landscape where you can find a range of historic towns and villages including Pewsey, Marlborough and Avebury. A must see when exploring this Naitonal Landscape are Wiltshire’s iconic White Horses, carved into the rolling hills. With a few accessible by walking trails, it’s the perfect way to encompass a bit of history into your visit along the Great West Way. Pop into local towns and villages 

Family-Friendly Activities on the Great West Way

If you are travelling with children, there are a range of exciting, family-friendly activities on the Great West Way. Head to the city of Bristol and enjoy scenic bike riding with Bristol Tandem Hire or explore the World Heritage City of Bath with sightseeing on board Bath Open Top Tours.

A range of top attractions on the Great West Way also offer plenty of activities to take part in when visiting. Longleat in Wiltshire welcomes you onboard their exciting boat safari to see the sea lions and gorillas, National Trust properties between Bristol and London offers the perfect family day out with child-friendly activities also taking place during half term and school holidays.

Walking and Cycling Activities Across the Great West Way

With hundreds of hiking and cycling trails between London and Bristol, the Great West Way is the perfect destination to stay active all year round!

Thames Path Walks

Stretch your legs along the Thames Path, a national trail following the River Thames from London to its source in the Cotswolds! Here, you will find riverside towns including Henley on Thames and Reading, before heading further into the English countryside, home of picturesque nature reserves and idyllic villages paused in time. Enjoy walks in Castle Combe, Lacock and other parts of the picturesque Cotswolds before continuing your walking adventure along the Kennet and Avon Canal, which stretches all the way to Bristol!

Cycling Routes on the Great West Way

If you are looking for a faster way to explore the Great West Way, there are plenty of cycling tracks to explore. You’ll soon discover that the UK is cycling crazy, with no trouble finding bike hire across the route. There are also bicycle-friendly places to stay along the route, with safe places to store your bike if you are looking for an overnight cycling getaway! From family-friendly woodland paths to long distance cycle routes and downhill mountain bike trails, the Great West Way offers plenty of options for your next cycling holiday.

Water-Based Activities on Rivers and Canals

The Great West Way is home to an abundance of scenic waterways, including the River Thames, Kennet and Avon Canal and even nature reserve lakes, all offering various water sports activities including canoeing, kayaking, canal boat riding, stand-up paddle boarding and much more.

Original Wild, Bath

See the World Heritage City of Bath from a different angle when joining Original Wild on a day of water sports on the River Avon. Offering high-quality adventure experiences, join family, friends, or colleagues as you set off by paddleboard or kayak.