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Take an unforgettable journey along the Great West Way®

Places to stop along the Great West Way®

Soak in the history of one of Britain’s most historic routes. Explore great palaces, discover ancient castles and imbibe prehistoric Stonehenge. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stop along the Great West Way...
Hampton, England

Lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court Maze.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Fluffly dog, wagging it's tongue, sitting on grass
Windsor, England

Walk through 1,000 years of history at Windsor Castle, exploring its opulent state rooms and superb royal artefacts.

Photo by: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Visitors with ice cream, Windsor Castle
Cliveden, England

Explore a stately home that doubles as a luxury hotel.

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel
Henley-on-Thames, England

Explore the town famed for its festival and the Henley Royal Regatta.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Rowers, wearing striped shorts, carrying racing shell
Woodstock, England

Britain’s greatest palace is in the Cotswolds – the magnificent Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Winston Churchill.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Location: Blenheim Palace

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery
Highclere, England

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind
Salisbury, England

Spy the world-famous mysterious prehistoric monument that continues to puzzle us all.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Stephen Spraggon

Large stone pillars arranged in circle on grass. Sunset
Bristol, England

Discover the soaring gothic architecture and exquisite stained-glass windows of this city-centre landmark.

Photo by: Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko

Location: Bristol

A woman and child walking outside Bristol Cathedral
Lacock, England

A quirky country pile on the site of a former 13th-century nunnery and the set for Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.

Photo by: ayshee5_

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire

Destinations along the Great West Way®

Unmissable experiences on the Great West Way®

Come and see 100 balloons take to the sky at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.

Find out more about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Colourful hot air balloons over floating above countryside
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Royal Ascot

17th - 21st June 2025

This world-famous horse-racing event in June heralds the start of the summer social calendar.

Discover Royal Ascot

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping
Royal Ascot

Join in the fun at the Hampton Court Palace Festival, which takes place in June and is a series of music concerts from top artists in the Tudor courtyard of the historic palace.

Find out more about Hampton Court Palace Festival

Photo by: Joshua Atkins

Crowds watching Elbow at Hampton Court Palace Festival
Hampton Court Palace Festival

Jane Austen Festival

12th - 21st September 2025

Bath is one of Britain’s most scenic cities, and a wonderful place to imbibe all things Jane Austen Festival.

Find out more about the Jane Austen Festival

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath

Visitors and staff in period costume outside The Jane Austen Centre, Bath, Somerset, England
Jane Austen Festival

Visit one or all of Cheltenham’s four internationally acclaimed festivals.

Discover Cheltenham's four festivals

Photo by: no3photography

Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Festivals

Watch history in the making at this, Briton’s biggest history-only festival

Discover more about Chalke Valley History Festival

Photo by: chalkevalleyhistoryfestival

Chalke Valley History Festival
Chalke Valley History Festival

Henley Festival

9th - 13th July 2025

This week-long black-tie event includes performances from a range of musical genres from pop to jazz and classical, combining fine-dining and lots of fine champagne.

Discover more about Henley Festival

Photo by: @henleyfestival

Crowd enjoys music at Henley Festival
Henley Festival

Kew the Music

10th - 13th July 2025

If you could pick one of the greatest places to host a music festival, it would be at Kew

Find out more about Kew the Music

Photo by: kewthemusic

Crowd of people enjoy an evening concert at Kew Gardens.
Kew the Music

Windsor Festival

13th - 30th September 2025

This vibrant cultural celebration includes classical music concerts, guided tours and talks by famous authors.

Be inspired by Windsor Festival

Photo by: The Crown Estate

Location: Windsor, England

An orchestra performing on stage as part of Windsor Festival
Windsor Festival

Bath Fringe Festival

23rd May - 8th June 2025

Entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

Get tickets for Bath Fringe Festival

Photo by: Paul Blackmore/Bath Fringe

A dog and a performer in a mouse costume as part of Bath Fringe Festival
Bath Fringe Festival

Books and music take centre stage – with author talks, live concerts, novel signings and more.

Read all about the Bath Festival

Photo by: Nick Spratling/The Bath Festival

A talk on stage at The Bath Festival
The Bath Festival

Featuring a star-studded line-up of singers and drag cabaret – plus an awe-inspiring protest march through the city.

Explore Bristol Pride

Photo by: Bristol Pride

Peppermint at Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride

A whole weekend of entertainment, with circus, music, dance and more – all for absolutely free!

Explore Bristol Harbour Festival

Photo by: Paul Box/Bristol Harbour Festival

Location: Bristol, England

A man riding a jetstream of water into the air as part of Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol Harbour Festival

Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer?

More about Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Photo by: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

A group of people enjoying some drinks at Bristol Craft Beer Festival
Bristol Craft Beer Festival

The opulent Cliveden House hosts this star-studded annual gathering of celebrated writers and authors.

Read more about Cliveden Literary Festival

Photo by: National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole. All rights reserved

The Parterre at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Cliveden Literary Festival

Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’ – a place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Discover Wake the Tiger

Photo by: Wake The Tiger

An art exhibit in Wake The Tiger, a new art theme park crossover in Bristol
Wake the Tiger

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

This outdoor activity centre is packed with challenges – so grab your mates and get stuck in.

Seize the day at Adventure Bristol

Photo by: Adventure Bristol

A group of people posing in front of a target at an axe throwing range in Bristol
Adventure Bristol

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Follow the Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Photo by: VisitWest

A group of people cycling along a path in Bristol
Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Take a stroll on the famous Long Walk, or go deer spotting in the meadows and woodlands, all with great views of Windsor Castle.

Discover Windsor Great Park

Photo by: gpmum01

A couple walking towards Windsor Castle on the Long Walk in the Great Park
Windsor Great Park

Book paddleboarding and kayaking tours of Bath, plus raft building, code-breaking, climbing and abseiling.

What’s on at Original Wild

Photo by: Original Wild

Two people paddleboarding down a river in the centre of Bath
Original Wild

Enjoy the lighter side of Bath on this comedy-packed walking tour, with street theatre and stunts galore.

More about Bizarre Bath

Photo by: Bizarre Bath

A performer standing on a speaker speaking to a crowd as part of Bizarre Bath
Bizarre Bath

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Take one of Britain’s most beautiful walks, on the Cotswold Way National Trail, from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Discover the Cotswold Way National Trail

Photo by: vivlee123

The Cotswold Way Walking Trail
Cotswold Way National Trail

Where else do rhinos roam on the lawn of a stately home? The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the best attractions in the Cotswolds.

Go wild at the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Photo by: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Location: Burford, Oxfordshire

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Toot toot! These classic cars and motorcycles reveal the 20th century’s rich motoring history.

Tour the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Photo by: Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection/ Cotswolds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the Water, Gloucestershire
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Is it a bus, or a boat? This amphibious vehicle offers unique and family-friendly tours.

Take a Windsor Duck Tour

Photo by: Alamy

Location: Wales

A Windsor Duck Tours amphibious vehicle drives past Windsor Castle.
Windsor Duck Tours

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

More about Oxford Kayak Tours

Photo by: Oxford Kayak Tours

A man steering a kayak down a river in Oxford
Oxford Kayak Tours

Dating back to 1683, the Ashmolean is packed to the rafters with art, natural history and photography.

Discover the Ashmolean Museum

Photo by: Ashmolean Museum

Winter-an evening at a museum
Ashmolean Museum

Delve into Bristol’s history at this locally focused museum, discovering the human stories behind its most pivotal moments.

What’s on at M Shed

Photo by: Quentin Lake Photography

A range of exhibits inside the M Shed in Bristol
M Shed

Exploring with an expert local guide, you’ll be immersed in the city’s sights, sounds and stories.

Join a walking tour with Bristol Tours

Photo by: VisitWest

Location: Bristol, England

Crowds of people sitting on the harbourside in Bristol, watching ships go past
Bristol Tours

With gin-tasting cruises and silent discos, these city sightseeing tours are anything but ordinary!

Explore with Bath Adventures

Photo by: VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Location: Bath

Fluffly dog, wagging it's tongue, sitting on grass outside an English palace.
Bath Adventures

Founded in 1849, this unique sightseeing company offers horse-drawn tours of Windsor Great Park.

Take a ride with Windsor Carriages

Photo by: Windsor Carriages

Location: Windsor, England

A couple in a carriage looking down the Long Walk in Windsor
Windsor Carriages

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

Explore Oxford on a ghost tour

Photo by: Oxford Ghost Tours

People sat in a historic hall on a ghost tour of Oxford
Oxford Ghost Tours

Come and see 100 balloons take to the sky at Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta.

Find out more about the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Photo by: VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Colourful hot air balloons over floating above countryside
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Royal Ascot

17th - 21st June 2025

This world-famous horse-racing event in June heralds the start of the summer social calendar.

Discover Royal Ascot

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping
Royal Ascot

Join in the fun at the Hampton Court Palace Festival, which takes place in June and is a series of music concerts from top artists in the Tudor courtyard of the historic palace.

Find out more about Hampton Court Palace Festival

Photo by: Joshua Atkins

Crowds watching Elbow at Hampton Court Palace Festival
Hampton Court Palace Festival

Jane Austen Festival

12th - 21st September 2025

Bath is one of Britain’s most scenic cities, and a wonderful place to imbibe all things Jane Austen Festival.

Find out more about the Jane Austen Festival

Photo by: VisitBritain/Simon Winnall

Location: Bath

Visitors and staff in period costume outside The Jane Austen Centre, Bath, Somerset, England
Jane Austen Festival

Visit one or all of Cheltenham’s four internationally acclaimed festivals.

Discover Cheltenham's four festivals

Photo by: no3photography

Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Festivals

Watch history in the making at this, Briton’s biggest history-only festival

Discover more about Chalke Valley History Festival

Photo by: chalkevalleyhistoryfestival

Chalke Valley History Festival
Chalke Valley History Festival

Henley Festival

9th - 13th July 2025

This week-long black-tie event includes performances from a range of musical genres from pop to jazz and classical, combining fine-dining and lots of fine champagne.

Discover more about Henley Festival

Photo by: @henleyfestival

Crowd enjoys music at Henley Festival
Henley Festival

Kew the Music

10th - 13th July 2025

If you could pick one of the greatest places to host a music festival, it would be at Kew

Find out more about Kew the Music

Photo by: kewthemusic

Crowd of people enjoy an evening concert at Kew Gardens.
Kew the Music

Windsor Festival

13th - 30th September 2025

This vibrant cultural celebration includes classical music concerts, guided tours and talks by famous authors.

Be inspired by Windsor Festival

Photo by: The Crown Estate

Location: Windsor, England

An orchestra performing on stage as part of Windsor Festival
Windsor Festival

Bath Fringe Festival

23rd May - 8th June 2025

Entertainment for all the family – with dancing, exhibitions, film screenings, live music and more.

Get tickets for Bath Fringe Festival

Photo by: Paul Blackmore/Bath Fringe

A dog and a performer in a mouse costume as part of Bath Fringe Festival
Bath Fringe Festival

Books and music take centre stage – with author talks, live concerts, novel signings and more.

Read all about the Bath Festival

Photo by: Nick Spratling/The Bath Festival

A talk on stage at The Bath Festival
The Bath Festival

Featuring a star-studded line-up of singers and drag cabaret – plus an awe-inspiring protest march through the city.

Explore Bristol Pride

Photo by: Bristol Pride

Peppermint at Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride

A whole weekend of entertainment, with circus, music, dance and more – all for absolutely free!

Explore Bristol Harbour Festival

Photo by: Paul Box/Bristol Harbour Festival

Location: Bristol, England

A man riding a jetstream of water into the air as part of Bristol Harbour Festival
Bristol Harbour Festival

Great beer, delicious food and a brilliant playlist: what could be a better way to celebrate summer?

More about Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Photo by: Nic Crilly-Hargrave

A group of people enjoying some drinks at Bristol Craft Beer Festival
Bristol Craft Beer Festival

The opulent Cliveden House hosts this star-studded annual gathering of celebrated writers and authors.

Read more about Cliveden Literary Festival

Photo by: National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole. All rights reserved

The Parterre at Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Cliveden Literary Festival

Step into ‘the world’s first amazement park’ – a place unlike anywhere you’ve ever been before.

Discover Wake the Tiger

Photo by: Wake The Tiger

An art exhibit in Wake The Tiger, a new art theme park crossover in Bristol
Wake the Tiger

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

Photo by: SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

This outdoor activity centre is packed with challenges – so grab your mates and get stuck in.

Seize the day at Adventure Bristol

Photo by: Adventure Bristol

A group of people posing in front of a target at an axe throwing range in Bristol
Adventure Bristol

Rather than driving or taking the train between these great cities, why not cycle instead?

Follow the Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Photo by: VisitWest

A group of people cycling along a path in Bristol
Bristol and Bath Railway Path

Take a stroll on the famous Long Walk, or go deer spotting in the meadows and woodlands, all with great views of Windsor Castle.

Discover Windsor Great Park

Photo by: gpmum01

A couple walking towards Windsor Castle on the Long Walk in the Great Park
Windsor Great Park

Book paddleboarding and kayaking tours of Bath, plus raft building, code-breaking, climbing and abseiling.

What’s on at Original Wild

Photo by: Original Wild

Two people paddleboarding down a river in the centre of Bath
Original Wild

Enjoy the lighter side of Bath on this comedy-packed walking tour, with street theatre and stunts galore.

More about Bizarre Bath

Photo by: Bizarre Bath

A performer standing on a speaker speaking to a crowd as part of Bizarre Bath
Bizarre Bath

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Take one of Britain’s most beautiful walks, on the Cotswold Way National Trail, from Chipping Campden to Bath.

Discover the Cotswold Way National Trail

Photo by: vivlee123

The Cotswold Way Walking Trail
Cotswold Way National Trail

Where else do rhinos roam on the lawn of a stately home? The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the best attractions in the Cotswolds.

Go wild at the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Photo by: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Location: Burford, Oxfordshire

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, Burford, Oxfordshire
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens

Toot toot! These classic cars and motorcycles reveal the 20th century’s rich motoring history.

Tour the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Photo by: Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection/ Cotswolds Tourism

Location: Cotswolds

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the Water, Gloucestershire
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Is it a bus, or a boat? This amphibious vehicle offers unique and family-friendly tours.

Take a Windsor Duck Tour

Photo by: Alamy

Location: Wales

A Windsor Duck Tours amphibious vehicle drives past Windsor Castle.
Windsor Duck Tours

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

More about Oxford Kayak Tours

Photo by: Oxford Kayak Tours

A man steering a kayak down a river in Oxford
Oxford Kayak Tours

Dating back to 1683, the Ashmolean is packed to the rafters with art, natural history and photography.

Discover the Ashmolean Museum

Photo by: Ashmolean Museum

Winter-an evening at a museum
Ashmolean Museum

Delve into Bristol’s history at this locally focused museum, discovering the human stories behind its most pivotal moments.

What’s on at M Shed

Photo by: Quentin Lake Photography

A range of exhibits inside the M Shed in Bristol
M Shed

Exploring with an expert local guide, you’ll be immersed in the city’s sights, sounds and stories.

Join a walking tour with Bristol Tours

Photo by: VisitWest

Location: Bristol, England

Crowds of people sitting on the harbourside in Bristol, watching ships go past
Bristol Tours

With gin-tasting cruises and silent discos, these city sightseeing tours are anything but ordinary!

Explore with Bath Adventures

Photo by: VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Location: Bath

Fluffly dog, wagging it's tongue, sitting on grass outside an English palace.
Bath Adventures

Founded in 1849, this unique sightseeing company offers horse-drawn tours of Windsor Great Park.

Take a ride with Windsor Carriages

Photo by: Windsor Carriages

Location: Windsor, England

A couple in a carriage looking down the Long Walk in Windsor
Windsor Carriages

From headless bishops to haunted pubs, these tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity.

Explore Oxford on a ghost tour

Photo by: Oxford Ghost Tours

People sat in a historic hall on a ghost tour of Oxford
Oxford Ghost Tours

Foodie fun along the Great West Way®

More of Britain’s rich past

From medieval Edinburgh to Georgian Bath, Britain is full of cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Photo by: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Location: Bath

External view, through a field of blurred out daffodils in the foreground, of the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath

Explore the UK's famous royal castles in VisitBritain's castle guide. Beyond tours and exhibitions, there are lots of ways to get hands-on with history.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Yin Sun Photography

Aerial view of Bamburgh Castle on the coast of Northumberland

Love the finer things in life? Discover historic homes and regal palaces for the full panoply of Britain's stately treasures.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Marina Comes

Woman walking in Blenheim Palace gardens surrounded by greenery

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