6 minute read
TEN BRILLIANT PLACES TO VISIT USING THE GREAT WEST WAY DISCOVERER PASS
Whether you wish to journey through stunning countryside or historic cities, discover iconic sites or hidden gems, the Great West Way Discoverer Pass allows you to venture across the full extent of this 500-mile touring route with ease...
1. Wake the Tiger
With unlimited off-peak train and bus travel for domestic users and access to both off-peak and peak travel for internationals, the Great West Way Discoverer Pass is your ticket to exploring London, Bristol and everywhere in between!
Head just 20 minutes-walk from Bristol's Temple Meads Station to the world’s first Amazement Park! Wake the Tiger welcomes you to enter its portal into the parallel world of Meridia, 27 unique spaces featuring fascinating art displays, each exploring themes of connection, innovation, inspiration, and discovery.
2. Bristol Cathedral
Surrounded by the beautiful parkland at College Green, in the West End of the city, is Bristol’s historic Cathedral. Free to enter and open all year round, Bristol Cathedral showcases a unique display of British and European architecture, particularly at the Eastern end. The Nave, Choir and Aisles are all the same height, making Bristol Cathedral a major example of a hall church and one of the finest to be found anywhere in the world! →
3. Royal Crescent
Head north from Bath Spa Railway station, just a 20-minute walk through the city streets, and you will reach the world-famous Royal Crescent. Built between 1767 and 1774, the Royal Crescent is considered one of the finest achievements of 18th Century urban architecture, representing the highest point of Palladian architecture in the city. Head to No.1 Royal Crescent to see what life was like for the wealthy and their servants as you wonder through the rooms, displaying original interior design with authentic furniture, paintings, and carpets.
4. Roman Baths
In the heart of the city and you will also find the famous Roman Baths. Upon entering the museum, discover more about the original bathing complex as you explore a huge collection of artifacts and ruins from 70 AD including the great Roman temple of Sulis Minerva. Plus, don't miss Pulteney Bridge, surrounded by luscious greenery and the city’s staple Bath Stone. Head across the bridge for fantastic views of the river Avon as it forms a horseshoe of tiered water at the Weir.
5. Windsor Great Park
Part of the Windsor Estate, Windsor Great Park showcases a magnificent display of forests, gardens, monuments, and lakes. Spanning over 4,800-acres, this ancient Royal landscape provides the perfect location for sunny walks and family picnics.
6. Vale Of Pewsey
To really experience quintessential English countryside, head down to Vale of Pewsey in the heart of North Wessex Downs AONB. Here you will have a chance to spot one of Wiltshire’s famous white horses, as well as other popular attractions including Wilton Windmill and Crofton Beam Engines along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
7. Chippenham
Embark on a journey to the historical market town of Chippenham, one of the West Country’s most vibrant towns and the ideal location for relaxation and exploration of rural Wiltshire. Just a short drive from Bath and the Cotswolds, Chippenham offers the perfect pitstop for visitors to explore its lively market town, pretty parkland and walking trails along the river Avon.
8. Museums In Reading
Hop off the train or bus in Reading and be prepared to be amazed by the history and cultural offering. Visit the Museum of English Rural Life for an insight into the rich history of rural life in England. 20 minutes walk away and you reach The Abbey Quarter which encompasses the former grounds of Reading Abbey. It includes the Abbey Ruins, the Abbey Gateway, Reading Gaol, the Forbury Gardens and the surrounding area including Reading Museum. The Abbey Ruins are a magnificent example of medieval architecture. Reading is a city full of hidden gems, from lovely cafes to delightful parks. It is highly recommended to take some time to explore the area and discover all that it has to offer.
9. Hobbs Of Henley Boat Trips
Make the most of your journey through the eastern part of the Great West Way with a unique boat trip across the river Thames with Hobbs of Henley. Explore peaceful paths as you meander your way through Henley and its surrounding famous riverside towns. Hobbs of Henley is a family-run business that offers river experiences. Established in 1870, Hobbs of Henley has been providing boat hire, river trips, and cruises along the River Thames for over 150 years. They offer a range of services including self-drive boat hire, chauffeured river trips, party boats, and corporate events.
10. Salisbury Or Amesbury To Stonehenge
If you're looking to visit Stonehenge it is easy to get there from Salisbury on the Stonehenge Tour bus – it runs from Salisbury to Stonehenge, with departures every hour during the summer season and every two hours during the winter season. The journey takes around 30 minutes each way, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Salisbury bus station. Another option is to take the train from Salisbury to the nearby town of Amesbury, which is about 3 miles from Stonehenge. From Amesbury, you can either walk to Stonehenge (which takes about an hour) or take a taxi or bus from the town. There are regular train services from Salisbury to Amesbury, with journey times of around 10 minutes. The Stonehenge Tour bus and train to Amesbury are both convenient options for those with a Great West Way Discoverer Pass looking to visit this iconic prehistoric monument as part of their journey.
Find out more:
With unlimited off-peak train and bus travel for domestic users and access to both off-peak and peak travel for internationals, the Great West Way Discoverer Pass is your ticket to exploring London, Bristol and everywhere in between!
Download the Discoverer Pass leaflet for more infomation - click here
