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TOWN AND CITY STAYS ON THE GREAT WEST WAY
Explore the towns and cities of the Great West Way by rail with the Great West Way Discoverer pass – allowing you unlimited off-peak train and bus travel between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, with options to branch off in the Thames Valley, Cotswolds and Wiltshire – all with just a single ticket.
Ah, the romance of the railway. The sound of the whistle that announces the train’s departure, the clack-clack rhythm of the rails as they pass beneath the wheels, and the ever-changing view that passes by the window. Settling in to a railway carriage is a treat – one that heralds adventure and can be accompanied by a steaming cup of tea or a cooling bottle of beer, no driving required.
Seeing the towns and cities of the Great West Way by train means becoming a part of its history. Trains have chugged and steamed along this route for over 175 years, bringing produce to market and business to towns, holidaymakers to the countryside and rural folk to the capital. Join the story of England’s railways on a journey along the Great West Way with the GWR Great West Way Discoverer Pass. With the GWR Great West Way Discoverer Pass you can hop on and off at any station around the route – Reading, Swindon, Chippenham and Bath Spa, or London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central.
One of England’s great long-distance railway lines, the Great Western Railway runs along the full distance of the Great West Way – from London’s Paddington station to Bristol Temple Meads. It’s chief engineer was Isambard Kingdom Brunel and you’ll travel the course he plotted back in the 1830s, including his Box Tunnel, infamously said to be impossible to build. Before he built it.
In one go, the journey takes just 1 hour 40 minutes, but stopping en route to explore the Great West Way is far more fun, so why not take the opportunity to visit and discover the bright lights beyond London?
EAST OF THE GREAT WEST WAY ROUTE LONDON'S ICONIC LANDMARKS
If you are starting your Great West Way journey in London be sure to visit its iconic landmarks and cultural hotspots.
You might like to start with a feast for the senses at some of London's world-class museums: Strawberry Hill House & Gardens, a stunning Gothic Revival villa perhaps, and a visit to admire masterpieces at the National Gallery. Explore the life and works of J.M.W. Turner at Turner's House, or observe the diverse wildlife at WWT London Wetland Centre. Marvel at the opulence of Apsley House and Wellington Arch, or delve into the fascinating world of ancient civilizations at The British Museum.
Take a stroll through the picturesque Marble Hill or gaze at the stars at the Royal Observatory. And don't forget to visit the Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum, and the Queen's House – all located at the heart of Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site. With so much to see and do, London is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories at the start, or end, of your Great West Way adventure.
THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD
You can use your Discover pass to travel from London Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central in less than 40 minutes. And, we like to think of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead as ‘London’s Country Estate’ – a relaxing haven, near enough to enjoy the hustle, bustle, sights and sounds of the capital.
Windsor Castle dominates our skyline and a visit should be top of your list. It’s a breath-taking place to explore – no wonder it was the recent setting for two royal weddings.
You can’t say the word Windsor without conjuring up images of the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, royalty, horse racing, Changing the Guard, the River Thames and Eton College. Windsor thrives on its royal patronage, rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and beautiful natural scenery. Add to this an abundance of quaint oneof-a-kind shops and culinary scene headed by the likes of Heston Blumenthal and you’ll have a reasonable idea of the treats in store for you in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of His Majesty The King as well as a venue for ceremonial and state occasions. The castle spreads over the equivalent of 269 tennis courts and is more like a fortified town. It contains magnificent State Apartments furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection and St George's Chapel, a Royal Peculiar and one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in England. It is the burial place of 11 monarchs including Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Charles I.
Windsor is the only place outside London where you can watch Changing the Guard, the process where a new Castle guard exchanges duty with the old guard. Usually accompanied by a band, it takes place throughout the year, weather permitting and except Sundays (check the schedule which changes month by month). Outside of the castle, the best viewing point is the Corn Exchange at Windsor Guildhall at around 10.50am. From inside the Castle, you can watch the actual changing ceremony outside the Guardroom in the Lower Ward at 11am.
The Royal Borough is a truly tasty destination with a wide range of fabulous restaurants, bars and cafes. The village of Bray may be small but it packs a culinary punch as it is home to a selection of restaurants and pubs boasting seven Michelin stars between them! Think of the Roux family and Heston Blumenthal and you’ll find them both here in the Waterside Inn and the Fat Duck respectively.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is also home to not one but two famous racecourses – Ascot and Royal Windsor – putting racing very much at its heart and soul. Queen Elizabeth II had a lifelong passion for horses and so it follows that racing and other equestrian events are hugely popular in the Windsor area.
While out riding, Queen Anne (subject of the recent film The Favourite) noticed the potential that the open heathland around Ascot, not more than 5 miles from Windsor Castle, would be ideal for “horses to gallop at full stretch”. She subsequently founded the world-famous racecourse here in 1711. Today Royal Ascot, is a national institution and centrepiece of the British social calendar. The royal party attends each day, arriving in horse-drawn carriages.
There is yet more to discover just across the bridge in Eton. Famous of course for its boys’ school which dominates the north end of the town, there is much to discover. Take a stroll along the High Street and back and you will find hidden gems such as an original marker for the first-ever modern marathon route from Windsor to London from the 1908 London Olympics, Sir Anthony Gormley’s Edge II statue attached to Common Lane House and Timbralls where James Bond creator, Ian Fleming, lived during his time at Eton. Coincidentally the lamp post outside the house is numbered 007!
And if shopping is more your thing you’ll find variety, choice and quality in the Royal Borough with a fantastic range of independent stores as well as top High Street names and international brands.
PLACES TO STAY EAST OF THE THAMES
Great Northern Hotel, London
The Great Northern Hotel's location is a major draw, as it is situated just a few steps from King's Cross St. Pancras Station, offering easy access to all of London's major attractions. Originally opened in 1854, it was the first great railway hotel in the capital, serving as a gateway to the north of England. The hotel has been carefully restored to its former glory and offers a unique blend of Victorian elegance and contemporary luxury.
Cliveden House Hotel, Berkshire
This luxurious five-star hotel is situated in a magnificent Grade I listed stately home that dates back to 1666, set in376 acres of stunning National Trust gardens and woodland. The hotel is renowned for its rich history, elegant design, and impeccable service. The hotel features a state-of-the-art spa, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and the hotel's award-winning restaurant, The Andre Garrett at Cliveden, serving delicious contemporary British cuisine, using seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
Pennyhill Park, Bagshot
There are only a few places able to offer such a diverse range of experiences as Pennyhill Park. Set in 123 acres of Surrey countryside with a host of individual experiences, the hotel offers exceptional overnight breaks, Michelin starred dining, family celebrations and an award-winning spa.
Royal Berkshire, Ascot
Royal Berkshire is a country house with a private walled garden and a beautiful fountain plaza. Guests can enjoy a delicious array of dining treats, from club sandwiches and juicy steaks in FORK or in the lounge and bar, to an afternoon tea or deckchair picnic out on the lawns to celebrate a special occasion.
The Queens Arms, East Garston
The Queens Arms is perfectly placed for a stop off on the Great West Way, located between London and the West Country in the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty. An award-winning hotel, pub and restaurant with its own private lodge with high oak beamed ceiling. There's a large friendly bar with log fire and cosy dining room, a south facing patio and a large enclosed garden – ideal for alfresco dining.
READING
From London the first stop is Reading, near the centre of the Great West Way, making it a great base from which to explore the many delights of the route. Reading offers the excitement of a modern city blended with an unexpected slice of English heritage, all located between the rivers Thames and Kennet.
In the core of Reading’s Abbey Quarter, the extensive Abbey Ruins tell the story of 900 years of history. Founded by King Henry I of England and also his burial place, visit the spot where Henry I was buried or where Jane Austen went to school six hundred years later and where Oscar Wilde was imprisoned in the late 19th century.
Reading is a waterways town – take a cruise on the River Thames, a stroll through Caversham Court Gardens and the chance to watch a professional football match at Reading FC’s Majedski Stadium.
Visit one of the town's free museums; see the only fullsize replica of the Bayeux Tapestry the Reading Museum or The Museum of English Rural Life, also known as the MERL – the national museum dedicated to food, farming and countryside.
Watersports fans can also hire a SUP or kayak, go open water swimming or enjoy a dine and swimming package at the restored Edwardian Thames Lido or picnic in the meadows alongside the Thames.
For fans of a faster lifestyle, go shopping in one of the country’s top ten retail capitals, dine your way around the world, check out Reading’s vibrant nightlife or search Reading’s brand new online cultural hub - whatsonreading.com.
And if you’ve been thinking of planning a trip to explore the region, you’ll find Reading the ideal touring base. Henley, Windsor, Oxford, and a host of lovely Thameside villages, are all within easy reach – creating magical experiences to treasure forever.
PLACES TO STAY IN READING
The Roseate, Reading
Described as 'The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel' by The Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is an artful luxury hotel that prides itself on it's attention to detail, to the facilities available to make a stay cherished and memorable.
Hilton Reading, Reading
Ideally located off junction 11 of the M4, the hotel offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. All rooms feature air conditioning, wired and wireless Internet access, laptop safes, mini bar, on-demand movies, a spacious workdesk and famous Hilton Serenity bed system, plus access to the 24-hour LivingWell Health Club.
Novotel Reading Centre, Reading
Novotel Reading Centre sits in the heart of the town –Reading train station is just a two-minute walk away. Many of Reading's best restaurants, bars and shops are just a stone's
throw from the hotel. Thames Valley Park is also just a shuttle bus away. Family rooms can accommodate two adults and two children comfortably and there's a sauna, steam room, and indoor heated pool. The Gourmet Bar and Restaurant serves tempting food and drinks from an internationallyinspired menu - the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
Bird in Hand at Knowl Hill, Reading
The Bird In Hand is a delightful 14th Century Inn with a rich history that spans 600 years. Recently acquired by Wiltshire brewer Wadworth, this inn offers a unique glimpse into the past while providing all the modern amenities you need for a comfortable stay. Whether you're looking to enjoy a delicious meal, relax with a pint of locally brewed beer, or explore the surrounding countryside, the Bird in Hand is the perfect destination.
NORTH OF THE GREAT WEST WAY ROUTE OXFORDSHIRE & BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Trains between London Paddington and Reading call at Twyford, where you can change onto the line to Henley-onThames, home to the famous regatta and plenty of messing about in boats. Discover the history of Henley, rowing and the Thames at the River & Rowing Museum, or join a sightseeing cruise along the Thames with Hobbs of Henley.
Marlow is without a doubt one of the loveliest locations on the River Thames. Situated on a broad sweep of the river between Henley and Windsor and alongside the woodlands of the Chiltern Hills the charming Georgian market town is made up of historic streets, boutique shops and plenty of character. Visitors will recognise Marlow for it’s iconic suspension bridge which, originally built in 1832 spans the River Thames and provides a grand entrance in to the town.
Further north, don’t miss the learned university city of Oxford. Of course, it’s not all lounging around in the Bodleian Library, pretending to study. Discover some of the city’s more unexpected attractions too, like the Pitt Rivers Museum, full of alarming anthropomorphic artefacts, or The Eagle and Child pub, where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien used to meet and swap stories. There’s also bikes, board game cafés and strange sculptures to find – including a curious headless shark.
WILTSHIRE
Next stop from Reading taking the north west route is Swindon, home to STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway. Here you’ll see famous locomotives from throughout the railway’s history, drive a train simulator and work the signals in the interactive GWR signal box. Right next door is the McArthurGlen outlet shopping village, where more than 100 brands are on sale at up to 60% off.
Armed with your new skills – and perhaps a souvenir or three to take home – head next to Chippenham, a historic market town in the rural county of Wiltshire. On the banks of the River Avon, Chippenham is a flourishing small town, with an enticing market to explore on Fridays and Saturdays on the High Street and plenty of proper English pubs.
If you’re in the mood for more city sights, Salisbury, just off the touring route is a city that embraces everything arts and culture. Visit Mompesson House, the 18th-century property featured in the all-star film version of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1995).
There’s also Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Museum and Salisbury Cathedral – or pop into the Old Sarum Airfield Museum where you can sit in more aircraft cockpits than anywhere else in the UK! And of course those sacred stones aren’t too far away…
In between and around the big cities sit lots of other interesting towns – their smaller size making them easy to explore on foot in a spare morning or afternoon.
Be sure to stop off at the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon, double winner of the UK Tea Guild's 'Top Tea Place', and one of the UK's finest spots for afternoon tea with a list of regal afternoon teas including the Queen Victoria.
A Hansel and Gretel-style exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms, filled with homely trinkets, hefty wooden beams and the soft chink of fine bone china.
Bradford on Avon is a rare combination of river, canal and architecture from the Romans, Saxons, Normans, Georgians and Victorians, who have all left their mark.
The Vale of Pewsey on the banks of the Kennet & Avon canal, is a tranquil, mystical sort of place with two Wiltshire White Horses, Pewsey and Alton Barnes. Stop for a cup of tea and you’re bound to have some illuminating conversations.
PLACES TO STAY NORTH OF THE ROUTE
Courtyard by Marriott® Oxford South
This family-friendly hotel has 170 spacious guest rooms, with the option of connecting rooms, complimentary car parking, and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are fitted with rainfall showers, Hypnos Beds, and luxury toiletries. The Oxen Restaurant is the signature restaurant with open kitchen and urban lounge bar.
Greenlands Hotel
Greenlands Hotel is a magnificent Grade II Listed Building steeped in history dating back to 1480. Situated at the foot of the quintessential Chiltern Hills, the hotel is less than 3 miles from the centre of Henley-on-Thames, home to the famous annual event the Henley Royal Regatta. It is also 5 miles from the riverside Georgian market town of Marlow and a short journey to Windsor and the University City of Oxford.
The Langley
The Langley is a grand country manor amidst acres of formal gardens and parklands. The hotel has a boutique selection of 41 exquisite rooms and suites designed by Dennis Irvine Studio with sophistication and refinement in mind. The Langley Spa, a world-class wellness centre, features an indoor and outdoor pool, thermal area, and five expansive treatment rooms.
The Old Bell in Malmesbury
The Old Bell is a remarkable Grade I-listed hotel that has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It was originally built to serve as a residence for visitors to the nearby Malmesbury Abbey, which was one of the most important religious centers in medieval England. The hotel has since been beautifully restored and renovated to provide guests with a unique and luxurious experience that blends the charm of its historic past with modern amenities and comforts.
The Manor House and Golf Club
The Manor House and Golf Club is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the Cotswolds. The hotel has exclusive bedrooms, all individually styled with their own special features, perfectly demonstrating five-star luxury.
Woolley Grange Hotel
Woolley Grange Hotel is a Jacobean Manor House, ideal for a family adventure on the Great West Way. The hotel offers complimentary childcare at Woolley Bears Den, so little ones can get stuck into seasonal activities while adults head off for a well-deserved spa treatment.
WEST OF THE GREAT WEST WAY ROUTE BERKSHIRE
The next stops from Reading taking a directly west route are Newbury and Hungerford. You’re travelling through the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty here so press that nose up against the window and pick out the perfect place for a stroll.
There are several short loop walks from Hungerford (an ancient town also known for its antique shops) or you could walk the nine miles to Newbury along the canal.
Once you’re in Newbury you could stop for a flutter –there’s a world-class racecourse here.
BATH AND BRISTOL
Your final calling point en route to Bristol is the beautiful city of Bath. Only around 15 minutes apart by train, Bath and Bristol are very different. Bath is known for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, while Bristol is famous for its street art and music scene. You’ll want plenty of time in both cities. In Bath, take a stroll past honey-hued Georgian buildings and a dip in the natural hot springs that bubble up from the ground. Don’t miss the original Roman Baths, too, not to mention the Jane Austen Centre, where afternoon tea is served Regency style.
Bristol, where the Great Western Railway ends is a vibrant city where you can climb aboard the last Concorde ever made (built right here in Bristol) at Aerospace Bristol, and clamber up the rigging of one of Brunel’s other famous creations, the SS Great Britain, the world’s first great ocean liner. SS Great Britain celebrates two big anniversaries in 2020; 50 years since her epic salvage and homecoming; and 175 years since arriving in New York City.
Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge is here too, beckoning you on along the River Avon and out to Avon Gorge. Set foot atop this world-famous bridge and quietly thank Brunel for the journey he made possible – along the Great West Way by rail.
PLACES TO STAY WEST OF THE ROUTE
Royal Berkshire
A country house located in Ascot, with charming grounds, 66 luxury rooms, and a range of dining options, including club sandwiches and juicy steaks in FORK or an afternoon tea on the lawns.
The Chequers Hotel
A Grade II listed, 18th century Coaching Inn in the heart of Berkshire, where charm and magnificent surroundings meets modern boutique interior design. The Chequers Hotel has modern bespoke interiors and an in-house restaurant, The Smoke House - and is located in the historical town centre of Newbury is easy walking distance of the many shops, bars and restaurants.
Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel
The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two historic buildings with Georgian and Victorian facades in the heart of Bath. Named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough, the luxury hotel is welcoming and elegant, with views across the city to surrounding countryside. The Spa Village Bath features natural thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms, and 11 treatment rooms for indulgent pampering.
The Roseate Villa
Located in a quiet corner of Bath, a moment's walk from the city center overlooking Henrietta Park, The Roseate Villa is a boutique hotel with 21 rooms featuring exclusive amenities such as flat-screen TVs, goose down duvets, and Egyptian cotton linen. Enjoy locally sourced breakfasts and homemade afternoon teas in the private garden.
Bristol Wing
A boutique hostel in Bristol city center, located in the Grade II listed old Police Headquarters building. We offer great quality and value accommodation, with original wooden and stone floors, and an eclectic mix of artwork donated by UWE Bristol's MA Multidisciplinary Printmaking students and alum. Meet new people in our communal hang-out areas, exchange stories, and find travel tips.
Click here to find out more about visiting towns and villages on the Great West Way
GREAT WEST WAY DISCOVERER PASS
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!
Click here to download
