Ten of the best unforgettable experiences

The Great West Way is packed with hidden gems and unexpected treasures. There’s something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy our top ten unmissable adventures.

1. FOR THE CYCLIST

Did you know the National Cycle Network route can take you the entire length of the Great West Way, and beyond? In total, from Greenwich, London to Fishguard, Wales it’s an epic 432 miles. Whether you choose to challenge yourself to a week-long tour of the entire route from London to Bristol (Route 4) or prefer to explore sections of the Great West Way at a more leisurely pace, you will be sure to find your perfect ride. The rural charm of the touring route, including three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, makes it a dreamy destination for any bike tour. There are plenty of family-friendly woodland paths, long distance cycle routes and exhilarating downhill mountain bike trails. There are even lots of cute bike-friendly B&Bs to stay in on your way. Experiencing the route on a bike or e-bike is a fabulous option for a charity challenge, a rewarding solo adventure or an unforgettable family day out.

2. FOR THE WALKER

Why not try the Great West Way six-day walking and sightseeing tour? If you love nothing more than exploring by foot then this fabulous themed itinerary, taking you to some of the very best locations along the route, will be sure not to disappoint. Highlights include walking to Ancient Avebury and Jones’s Mill Nature Reserve, through pretty villages including Calne and Devizes, and visiting attractions to include Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, The Roman Baths’ Great Bath by the light of flickering torches and Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Worried you won’t keep up? The walks are mainly flat and vary in length from a reasonable four-nine miles. There are plenty of pubs and cafés along the route for lunches, afternoon tea or a drink at the end of the day. You can book this tour with Great West Way Official Tour Operators, Active England, Alison Howell’s Foot Trails or Compass Holidays.

3. FOR THE BOOKWORM

Fancy stepping into the scene from one of your favourite classic novels by getting dressed up and joining in the fun of the Jane Austen Festival? This annual celebration of everything Austen lures Janeites from all over to the beautiful city of Bath each September. It’s definitely one of the more eccentric things to do in Bath, but don’t be shy - come with your frilliest frock, reticule and parasol and prepare to be thrilled (in a most elegant way, naturally). The programme is different each year, but past events have included costumed promenades, etiquette talks, book readings, dance workshops and masked balls. Surrounded by Bath’s historic golden architecture you’ll feel totally immersed in the era.

4. FOR THE MOTORIST

Car enthusiasts will love the experience of going behind the wheel of a Formula Ford 1600 or Lotus Elise and driving laps of the Castle Combe circuit racetrack, or for something extra special, consider hiring a classic car. Some much-adored, iconic choices include the Jaguar E-Type, the nippy MGB Convertible and the Austin-Healey. You can choose and hire your special wheels from Vintage Classics and spend your day driving

stylishly through some of the prettiest villages in England. Take your time as you cruise past the quaint limestone cottages of Castle Combe, play spot the chalky White Horse as you head to the characterful village of Pewsey, and pass through Tiddleywink, an adorable Wiltshire hamlet consisting of just eight cottages - one of which is historically known to serve beer to passing cattle drovers. Don’t forget your camera, this will be a day to remember.

5. FOR THE HORTICULTURALIST

For an unforgettable horticultural experience, make a beeline for Kew Gardens. For a quick and easy way to see the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, hop aboard the Kew Explorer Land Train, which will wizz you round the main sites in around 40 minutes. Current highlights of any tour include the Palm House, built with a rainforest climate to nurture the plant life brought back by Victorian botanists; The Hive, an immersive experience that echoes the life going on inside a real beehive; and The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which is packed with all sorts of prickly curiosities from cacti to carnivorous plants.

6 FOR THE FOODIE

Bons vivants will love the Great West Way for its superior gourmet offering – especially given it is the only place where you can experience all five of the UK's Three Michelin Starred restaurants. Now there’s a tasty challenge to add to the bucket list! This incredible gastronomic journey will take you on a special and indulgent tour sampling signature dishes from some of the world’s finest chefs, with equally impressive hospitality, at their British restaurants. If you are starting your journey in West London, your first stop should be Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, followed by Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, and Sketch Lecture Room and Library. Next head to Berkshire for an incredible fine dining experience at The Waterside Inn. Then last, but by no means least, Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck will be unforgettable too – although this depends on if you have been fortunate enough to book a table reservation. Be sure to book in advance.

For the ultimate epicurean experience, book a stay at Bray Cottages Lavender House, and enjoy Heston Blumenthal’s son, Jack Blumenthal and Scott Perkins as your own private chefs! Yes, that’s right, the talented pair launched their delicious private dining experiences at Bray Cottages in the heart of the village, during lockdown. You might wish to stay for a few extra nights, as there are seven Michelin starred restaurants within walking distance of the cottage, to include, Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn, Alain Roux’s The Waterside Inn and Roux at Skindles, plus The Crown at Bray and Caldesi in Campagna.

→ braycottages.com and jackandscott.com

7. FOR THE ZOOPHILIST

For the ultimate overnight wildlife experience, the recently opened Camp Baboon at Wild Place Project is an absolute must. Think behind-thescenes animal encounters, twilight tours of the park and fully heated cosy wood cabins. Head into the woods for a range of fun and exciting bush craft activities, spot the native wildlife, and when the gates close and you’re the only guests on-site, toast marshmallows round a crackling fire before settling down for sleep surrounded by amazing animals from all around the world, including the flamboyantly-furred Gelada Baboons! Wake up to a special sunrise tour of the enclosures, and enjoy feeding animals breakfast - just watch out for those cheeky ring-tailed lemurs! Then enjoy free entry to Camp Baboon’s sister property Bristol Zoo Gardens, home to over 400 species set within 12 acres of beautiful gardens, including undercover animal houses and wonderful picnic spots.

8. FOR THE STYLIST

The fashion-conscious won’t want to miss a trip to one of the designer shopping outlets, McArthur Glen, Swindon, Kilver Court Designer Village, or a short detour off the route, Clarks Village. While lovers of homeware, book worms and art collectors should keep their eyes open for one-of-a-kind pieces in the many independent boutiques, gift shops and museums along the route. From a glass bauble at Bristol Blue Glass, a stylish sarsen necklaces at Stonehenge to Rose Nisbet handmade ceramics in Bristol, it is very easy to come away with something unique and special as a momentum of your Great West Way holiday. For an all-encompassing super special stylist shopping treat however Bath is the place to be. The high street is made for fashion gurus, while the smaller independent shops offer an eclectic selection of unique finds. Mark the moment with a unique piece of jewellery from Nicholas Wylde, stop off at the Roman Baths to pick up a souvenir or admire fashion through the ages at the Fashion Museum Bath.

9. FOR THE CHILDREN

Little ones will love the experience of getting lost (and found) in the world’s largest hedge maze! Longleat’s epic hedge maze is a short journey south of the Great West Way (so parents please try not to get lost before you get there). It was created with 16,000 English yew trees, and more than two miles of pathways, so it’s no easy feat reaching the central observation tower. It’s a strangely satisfying challenge to set yourself, but don’t take too long - there’s a whole safari park to explore, not to mention a glorious Elizabethan stately home.

10. FOR THE COMPETITOR

If you love a challenge then why not try your hand at playing a game of Aunt Sally?! The Cotswolds remains a stronghold for this traditional English game that can be traced back to the 17th century. The skittle-like lark is popular in country pubs, especially in Oxfordshire, and involves teams aiming wooden batons at a ‘doll’, which used to resemble an old aunt. It can get competitive, there’s even a world championship (singles knock out) competition for it which takes place annually (although not in 2020) a little north of the Great West Way at Charlbury Beer Festival. Just don’t try this one at home folks.