TEN BRILLIANT REASONS TO VISIT THE GREAT WEST WAY THIS WINTER

There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to the Great West Way this season, from indulgent spa weekends, picturesque countryside walks to Christmas markets and classics at the theatre.

1. ENJOY A HEARTY SUNDAY LUNCH

Lined with grand stately homes, gentle green countryside, cute stone cottages and pretty thatched pubs, the Great West Way is the perfect place to discover the real England. And what could be more traditionally English than a roast dinner on a Sunday lunchtime?

A classic English roast dinner has succulent meat, crispy roast potatoes, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, lashings of gravy, lots of fresh seasonal veg, and a side of cauliflower cheese if you’re lucky. You’ll find this traditional Sunday lunchtime meal at many of the pubs and restaurants along the Great West Way route – often accompanied by more modern takes on the classic roast dinner, such as Coq au vin with mash & bourguignon garnish.

Enjoy a tasty Sunday lunch while admiring the spectacular views of Windsor Castle at the Royal Windsor Pub, head to The Red Lion Freehouse in the Vale of Pewsey – a picture-perfect English pub, complete with thatched roof and pretty beer garden. It is also a Michelin-starred restaurant – so you can expect your Sunday lunch to be utterly delicious.

2. CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT ASCOT

Kick off your festive season with the Christmas Fair at Ascot from the 24 November (until the 27 November) with top quality gift companies you won’t usually find on the high street. Knowing you are going to delight your family and friends with the best Christmas presents wrapped and ready, you might want to celebrate by in an evening that’s exclusively yours to enjoy – or in a shared Christmas party with others. Either way you will be made to feel like royalty at a party hosted in the iconic surroundings of the world’s most famous racecourse.

3. GO FOR A DAY WALK IN AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Just because the weather is often wet and wild this time of the year it doesn't mean you have to hide away inside. On a winters day on the Great West Way, why not grab your wellies and head off to splash through the puddles and enjoy our beautiful countryside. Along the touring route there are 3 Areas Of Natural Beauty (North Wessex Downs, The Cotswolds and The Chilterns) – each remarkable in its own way, from the landscapes to the people who live and work there.

Did you know?

The Great West Way route passes through three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In London, the southern section of The Chilterns’ 324-miles makes a great start to the route, The Wiltshire White Horses and the White Horse at Uffington will be a joy to spot ambling in the North Wessex Downs, or start your tour from Bath and follow The Cotswold Way north, for 102 more, glorious miles.

4. EXPERIENCE A HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE TOUR

Windsor Carriages

Windsor Carriages have been running tours of Windsor for over 170 years, offering a unique way to experience magnificent Windsor Great Park. Take in views of stunning Windsor Castle as you are whisked down the Long Walk in a picture-perfect horse drawn carriage as a tour guide shares invaluable knowledge, stories and events passed down through the generations of coachmen of Windsor Carriages since 1849.

5. HAVE AN INDULGENT SPA WEEKEND

For some well needed Winter pampering, why not book yourself a sumptuous couple’s spa session as you travel along the Great West Way route? There are many options to choose from, including the spa at award-winning Whatley Manor near Malmesbury, or Bath's famous Thermae Bath Spa with its rooftop pool, or one of the incredible reclaimed lidos along the route; Thames Lido in Reading or the Lido in Bristol. If you’ve got kids, head to Woolley Grange near Bradford on Avon and take advantage of the 90 minutes free childcare each day of your stay while you relax in the spa.

6. HEAD TO THE THEATRE

A Christmas Show or pantomime is an essential part of any traditional English Christmas, and there are plenty of options to choose from along the Great West Way route. RAPUNZEL will be showing from 18 November at the gorgeous Watermill Theatre. The Christmas programme at Pound Arts Centre in Corsham includes Christmas Gothic by Dyad Productions. Head to Wyvern Theatre in Swindon for side-splitting comedy, fun songs and festive magic with A Christmas Carol and The Ho Ho Ho Mrs Christmas Show. And the Great West Way's newest theatre, the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, will be showing yet more Christmas classics.

7. BATH ON ICE AT ROYAL VICTORIA PARK

The Ice Rink is back and, with 1000 square metres of smooth ice, it’s bigger than ever! Glowing in an array of atmospheric lights, it’s the ideal spot to practice those skating skills and simultaneously the perfect stage for avid skaters to show off their moves. With music to set the wintery scene, a cozy bar area and seasonal drinks you will be transported to a dreamy winter wonderland.

8. MAKE A HEAD START ON YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Buy beautiful gifts for your friends and family as you explore the Great West Way in the run-up to the holidays. Christmas at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon means a winter wonderland springing up amongst their many designer and high street shops. Read our article on best days out for shopping on the Great West Way by clicking here.

There will also be many Christmas Markets appearing along the route, with the Bath Christmas Market and Bristol Christmas Market both making lovely festive locations for an afternoon of Christmas shopping. Think sweet little chalets selling handmade gifts and serving hot drinks.

9. VISIT A MUSEUM AND LOSE YOURSELF IN CULTURE AND HISTORY

At the far east of the Great West Way, in bustling central London, is Wellington Arch. Originally built as an entrance to Buckingham Palace, the structure later became a victory arch proclaiming Wellington's defeat of Napoleon. Climb up to the arch's balconies for glorious wintery panoramas over London.

Also, in the capital don’t miss The British Museum, the first national public museum in the world. The children will love meeting Santa and his elf at the London Transport Museum (from 25 November) – at their Christmas at the Museum season there’s also card-making workshops and an interactive Routemaster-inspired sleigh!

Wellington Arch

Tucked away in the Hampshire countryside alongside the peaceful River Test is Whitchurch Silk Mill, the oldest silk mill that is still weaving silk in its original building. In Wiltshire visit Stourhead, Lacock and the Fox-Talbot museum, the birthplace of photography – and motoring enthusiasts will love the Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, located near the historic town of Calne, an interesting and unusual stopping-off point along the route. Perfect for a Christmas party, in Salisbury revellers can lose themselves in a game of Spectre in the award-winning Live Escape Room on Castle Street.

Ruins of Reading Abbey

Explore the unique collection of vehicles, uniforms, and weapons and learn more about the proud history of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the REME Museum in Lyneham – a short drive from Chippenham. Reading Museum displays an array of historical artefacts waiting to be explored while Reading's Museum of English Rural Life is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.

Maidenhead Heritage Centre explores the history of the Berkshire town of Maidenhead by telling the stories of its river, roads and railway. The centre's spitfire simulator is one of the most unusual historic experiences on the Great West Way. Experience for yourself what it must have been like for a 1940s spitfire pilot in an authentic simulator with replica flight controls and wide screen pilot view.

Plus, you can even step on board Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last supersonic jets to ever fly, or discover the earliest days of powered flight at Aerospace Bristol.

10. THE SCENE OF A ROYAL WEDDING

Windsor Castle

There are many Royal connections along the Great West Way; especially the historic Berkshire town of Windsor, which has seenmany royal nuptials throughout the years. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married at St George's Chapel in 2018, and the royal town has also hosted the marriages of the likes of Princess Beatrice and Prince Edward to their respective spouses. While you’re here, visit Windsor Castle – our beloved former Queen’s favourite weekend residence.