Ten brilliant reasons to visit the Great West Way this summer

Experience a range of exciting adventures when you embark on a Great West Way journey in 2023.

1. GET ON YOUR BIKE!

From family-friendly woodland paths to long distance routes, the Great West Way offers a wealth of landscapes for you to embark on your own cycling adventure. Whether you have your own bike or are looking to hire, there are plenty of places to help you make the most of your journey. Escape to the rural parts of our touring route to capture picturesque views from one of 3 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to explore quintessential England at its prime!

Explore the Two Tunnel path in Bath

Even our cities are two-wheel friendly, for example in Bath there's the relatively new Two Tunnel path to discover. This is a mostly flat walking and cycling route that gives you a wonderful view of Bath's Georgian crescents before it leaves the city behind. The path is a four-mile stretch of disused railway line running through the Linear Park on the south side, to the disused Devonshire tunnel at Bloomfield. The railway closed as a through route in 1966 and physical work started on the new path at Devonshire tunnel in 2010. The Two Tunnels route eventually opened in 2013. Once out of the Devonshire tunnel you emerge into a deep, wooded valley as the route leaves Lyncombe Vale and heads underground into Combe Down Tunnel, and then over the renovated Tucking Mill viaduct. At over one mile long, the Combe Down tunnel is the longest cycling and walking tunnel in Britain and features an interactive light and sound installation.

2. SPEND A DAY EXPLORING WINDSOR AND THE RIVER THAMES

Explore Windsor

At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor Great Park is the largest public park in the whole of the UK. From ancient forests to formal gardens, as well as the spectacular Virginia Water, there’s plenty to discover. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and welcomes visitors from all around the world each year! Discover the state apartments, furnished with some of the greatest works from the Royal Collection, or explore St George’s Chapel, one of the most beautiful buildings in England. Embark on a river cruise with Thames Rivercruise this year and discover the picture-perfect surroundings as you meander along the river Thames to stunning destinations including Henley, Sonning and Streatley.

3. PARAGLIDING OVER THE WESTBURY WHITE HORSE

Paragliding over the White Horse

Imagine running as fast as your legs will carry you and then jumping straight off a hillside. In Wiltshire you can do just that, on a paragliding session above the beautiful Wiltshire Downs. Conditions here are perfect for paragliding, with reliable thermals above the undulating hills, and taking a tandem flight with an instructor is the closest thing to flying like a bird you can experience. You don’t even need to learn how to operate the controls if you don’t want to, though taking the reins while mid-air is the real thrill.

4. EXPERIENCE BRITAIN’S ONLY NATURALLY WARM WATERS

Thermae Bath Spa’s Rooftop Pool

Iamge Credit Visit Bath

The city of Bath was founded upon natural hot springs which have continued to play a key role throughout its history. Be sure to visit Thermae Bath Spa in the heart of the city, where you can experience Britain’s only naturally warm waters. Relax in the indoor Minerva Bath or enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the open-air rooftop pool.

5. DINE AT A FLOATING RESTAURANT ALONG THE GREAT WEST WAY

Thames Rivercruise

If you're looking for a unique experience, why not consider dining on one of the Great West Way's floating restaurants? From the Glass Room, which offers incredible views over the picturesque Thames, to the Grain Barge, located on Bristol's iconic Floating Harbour – you can savour a selection of dishes whilst sailing along. You could also try Thames Rivercruise for its popular afternoon tea cruises through Henley and Sonning up to Goring and Streatley. Whichever one you choose, it'll be sure to provide an unparalleled dining experience!

6. EXPLORE SALISBURY’S CATHEDRAL

Salisbury Cathedral

Image credit ASH MILLS

Standing within the medieval city for over 800 years, Salisbury Cathedral offers worship, welcome and hospitality to all its visitors. Telling the tale of defiance dating back to the early 13th Century and with a Spire stretching to 404ft, Salisbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of its time. Capture the true height when embarking on a behindthe-scenes tour of the ancient roof spaces and base of the spire where you will find incredible views of the city and surrounding countryside.

7. EXPLORE NEWBURY ON FOOT AND GLIDING THE WATERWAYS

Newbury

Alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal, the largest town in West Berkshire, Newbury, has a bustling high street with many interesting shops, which include unique stores such as family- run department store Camp Hopson. Once you have investigated by foot why not step onto a paddleboard with a qualified Wild Paddle Berkshire instructor to enjoy the picturesque views from the water, setting off from Newbury lock.

8. CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO CLIMB THE HUGE MAINMAST ON BRUNEL’S SS GREAT BRITAIN

Climbing the huge mainmast of Brunel’s SS Great Britain

If you’re feeling brave this year, why not step into the shoes of a Victorian sailor and climb the huge mainmast of Brunel’s SS Great Britain! Secure yourself in the harness provided before heading up the rigging to a viewing platform, 26 metres from ground level. Challenge yourself even further by stepping out onto the main yard, 9 metres across from the ship below. Once you’re up there, be sure to take in the incredible views of Bristol’s harbour.

9. TAKE PART IN THE KENNET & AVON CANAL RACE

Caen Hill flight of 29 locks

Image © Getty Images/iStockphoto

Run the Great West Way in this non-stop 145 mile race takes you from London into the heart of Bristol. The race route follows easy to navigate canal, river and railway paths. Competitors receive comprehensive maps of the entire route which passes through some of the best of English countryside. On the way runners descend the magnificent Caen Hill flight of 29 locks, a drop of 237 feet in 2 miles, one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways and well worth seeing.

10. SWING THROUGH THE TREES AT SWINLEY FOREST

Go Ape Swinley Forest

Make like a monkey at Go Ape where the Tree Top Adventure high ropes course runs for 704 metres (770yds) through the tall trees of Swinley Forest, reaching stomach-churning heights of up to 13 metres (42ft) above the forest floor. Strap on a harness (you can’t fall off) and test that head for heights as you cross gaps several metres wide on challenging crossings made up of swinging logs and rope bridges – you’ll even get to fly like Tarzan on a rope swing. Each stage ends with a zip wire – the longest is 160 metres (175yds) – and a massive smile. See if you can make it all the way to black, the most challenging stage of the course.