Lose yourself in acres of ancient woodland, amble among prehistoric Wiltshire, and end with a dip in Roman Bath. Soak up some of Britain’s boldest palaces and striking stately homes, and explore its storied cities. One of Britain’s most historic routes, the Great West Way® is packed with the nation’s bygone treasures.
Famous for its Henley Festival and Henley Royal Regatta, the lovely riverside town of Henley-on-Thames winds along the river and is a great place to stop for lunch. Sit outside a pub, take a wander around the town along the Henley Trail, or hire a boat and head down the river.
Royal Ascot takes place at Ascot Racecourse, just outside of Windsor. This world-famous horse-racing event in June heralds the start of the summer social calendar. You are almost guaranteed to spot royalty over the week. Note, there is a strict dress code depending on which of the enclosures you choose to watch the races from. Make sure you don’t forget your hat – you don’t want to be seen without it!
This spectacular annual event takes place in August and marks Europe’s biggest hot air balloon festival, with over 100 hot air balloons taking to the sky. For early birds, there’s the 6am lift-off, filling the sky with colourful orbs, and the evening ascent is at 6pm, when 20 more balloons soar into the skies. There’s plenty of live music, food and events like a funfair happening throughout the three day fiesta.
Travel back in time on the Great West Way® with 500 miles (800km) of historical eye-opening routes.
Lose yourself in London, take on the handsome palace of Hampton Court, check out the royal residence at Windsor Castle or venture to the baroque birthplace of Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace, within easy reach of the route. Soak in the prehistoric world of Wiltshire’s White Horses and Stonehenge. And end with a dip in the thermal Roman Baths of historic Bath. Packed with possibilities and intriguing diversions, we’ve picked out some highlights to help you along – the hard part now is selecting which of the many festivals and concerts you’ll attend en route.
You can easily explore the route with the Great West Way® Discoverer Pass, which provides access to a range of public transport options.
No visit to Windsor is complete without a trip to this quirky fudge shop for a bag of its moreish sweet treats. Choose from flavours such as lemon sherbet, whisky and Eton mess (with vegan and gluten-free options too), and even get busy in the kitchen on a fudge-making workshop. It is open every day, and located right opposite Windsor Castle: ideal for a post-tour pick-me-up.
Sink a pint of award-winning beer produced in Windsor itself, and explore behind the scenes on an entertaining brewery tour. This award-winning spot has grown from a tiny enterprise to one of Windsor’s best-loved attractions in just a few years, and hosts everything from quiz nights and live music to beer-tasting parties in its taproom. The resident kitchen serves hearty brunch, lunch and dinner options too.
Calling all chocoholics! This cocoa-filled emporium offers chocolate tasting events and hands-on workshops, where you can even learn how to make your perfect sweet treat. Maybe you’ll conjure up fancy truffles, craft a chunky bar, or travel around the world on a tasting adventure. It also has a huge array of chocolates for sale, which are sourced from top-quality producers all over the world.
Discover a world of fine English wines, small-batch ales and exceptional hospitality at this family-run Oxfordshire hotel and winery. Its vines are planted on the Chiltern Hills, while the brewery combines age-old techniques with modern technology. Sample its tipples on a tour and tasting experience, and stay overnight in the bed and breakfast accommodation with views of the vineyards and orchard.
No trip to Bath is complete without tucking into a Sally Lunn Bun – a light, pillow-soft bread bun that is ideal for breakfast and brunch. This restaurant, museum and food shop is set in one of the city’s oldest houses, which dates back to the 1400s, and it specialises in traditional British cuisine. Highlights include homemade pies, fresh soups, slow-cooked stews and decadent puddings. It is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.
Want to find the best restaurants, cafes and delis in the city? These food tours will whisk you to Bath’s top gourmet highlights, to discover the gems that not even local people know about. From street food legends and small-batch gin distilleries, to tours themed around ice cream, cheese and comfort food: whatever you’re craving, there’s an option for you. Choose from group tours and private tailor-made experiences, always in the company of expert local guides.
Escape the city for Petersham Nurseries, a garden centre with a Michelin-Green-Starred difference. Relax in the greenhouse restaurant where seasonal ingredients take pride of place. Whatever the season, there are always crafty events to get stuck into, from wreath making in autumn to Christmas tablescaping.
