See & Do

The Great West Way leads to famous places you’ve always dreamed of visiting, as well as those secret spots even some locals have yet to discover. Along the 125-mile route you can immerse yourself in the grand dramas of English history, seek out quirky attractions you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world and happen upon cute little cafés, artisan craft shops and one-of-a-kind festivals and events. 

There are no less than 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore: Kew Gardens, Stonehenge and Avebury, Bath and plus nearby Blenheim Palace - the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

These are matched in magnificence only by 3 Areas of Outstanding National Beauty: The Chilterns, The Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs. From dramatic escarpments and velvety hillsides to quiet, wooded valleys and lively wildflower meadows, each paints its own vision of the English countryside. 

But as much as you want to see the sights, we know there’s also lots you’ll want to do, from epic hiking trips and adrenaline-pumping sports to much more leisurely pursuits, like boat rides and hot air ballooning. Fancy floating over Bristol as the sun rises on the city’s annual International Balloon Fiesta?

There are plenty of unique diversions to suit your particular interests too. Fans of Downton Abbey might want to book in a tour of Highclere Castle, where the much-loved period drama was filmed. While rock fans should keep a look-out for gigs in the woodland at Westonbirt, the national arboretum. And speaking of trees, those who like a challenge should tackle Longleat Hedge Maze - the largest in Britain, made up over 16,000 English yews. 

Of course anyone who tuned in for the recent Royal Wedding will want to walk for themselves the winding streets of Windsor (and Windsor Castle), where the wedding took place. Super fans can even have their own fairytale moment and indulge in a romantic night at Cliveden, where Hollywood actress Megan Markle stayed before marrying Prince Harry. 

Foodies, meanwhile, might treat themselves to a seasonal tasting menu at a top independent restaurant or head out for a wine tasting at an English vineyard - did you know the climate of southern England is ripe for crisp, aromatic sparkling wines? 

Explore below for more wonderful things to see and do, from the iconic to the totally unexpected in Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, The Cotswolds, Berkshire and the East end of the Thames. After all, you never quite know what awaits the curious around the next corner. Discover your way.