The Great West Way is home to a range of famous attractions. From London's National Gallery, Stonehenge in Wiltshire and Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. Explore these top attractions whilst you journey along the Great West Way this season.
As well as these iconic landmarks between London and Bristol, don’t miss the magnificent ancient abbeys and medieval cathedrals along the Great West Way. Discover thousands of years of English history amongst these attractions, or step foot inside local museums to learn more about the rich heritage along this route. From wild partying habits of ancient Britons, scandalous dinner parties of 20th Century aristocrats, the incredible stories surrounding prehistoric long barrows or the mysteries of Wiltshire’s White Chalk Horses! There are plenty of interesting attractions to visit along the Great West Way.
Historic Attractions along the Great West Way
The Great West Way is home to some of the most historic attractions in England, offering the perfect experiences to discover more of this country’s history.
Windsor Castle
Located along the east of the Great West Way route is the iconic Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, occupying over 10.5 hectares! It is famously known for being the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years and offers visitors a varied day out, including a visit to the magnificent State Apartments and an opportunity to see St George’s Chapel.
Changing of the Guard in Windsor
With easy access from London via the Elizabeth Line, Windsor is one of the best places to learn more about England’s royal history. Did you know Windsor is the only place outside London where you can watch Changing the Guard, the process where a new Castle guard exchanges duty with the old guard. Usually accompanied by a band, it takes place throughout the year and is one event you can’t miss when travelling the Great West Way!
The Roman Baths, Bath
Located in the heart of the World Heritage City is the Roman Baths. Here, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on site of Britain’s only hot spring! Still flowing with natural hot water today, visitors can experience a walk around the steaming Great Bath where people bathed nearly 2,000 years ago, see the ruins of the Temple of Minerva where Roman worshippers gathered and explore the fascinating museum where you can find out more about those who lived and worked at the Roman Baths.
Family-Friendly Attractions between Bristol and London
If you are planning a family trip along the Great West Way over the school holidays, be sure to visit the many family-friendly attractions between Bristol and London. Aerospace Bristol is the perfect place to let the kids explore Bristol’s Aviation history, as well as step foot inside the famous Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last of the supersonic jets to ever fly!
Longleat, Wiltshire’s Famous Safari Park
Perfect for families travelling along the Great West Way, head to Longleat in Wiltshire, the county’s iconic Safari Park! Explore a world of adventure when meeting the monkey’s and lions along the Drive Through Safari, step inside Jungle Kingdom where you will find giant otters and rainbow lorikeets, and don’t forget to hop on board the Boat Safari for your chance to get up close to the noisy Californian sea lions! Longleat offers the perfect day trip for families visiting Wiltshire along the Great West Way.
The Royal Mint Experience, within easy reach of the Great West Way
If you are extending your Great West Way journey west, why not pop by the Royal Mint Experience in South Wales. All ages can unlock over 1,000 years of history at the UK’s oldest mint as you discover the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making the coins in your pocket!
Stately Homes and Gardens along the Great West Way
Stretching from Bristol to London, there are a range of stately homes, mansions and manors waiting to be explored. Many of them are still lived in today and visitors have the opportunity to explore inside the historic rooms, kitchens and great halls, as well as the surrounding landscapes often featuring well-kept gardens and picturesque arboretums.
A fine example of this is Bowood House and Gardens in Wiltshire, the magnificent family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. This stately home is open between April and November every year and visitors can discover a range of interesting rooms including Robert Adam’s Library and the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774!
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