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Want to explore the Great West Way like a local? We asked some of our Ambassadors for their favourite local, off-the-beaten-track and lesser known places to visit along the route. Here’s what the people who live and work on the Great West Way had to say…
"Beverston [in Gloucestershire] is a small hamlet dating back to the 13th century complete with its own castle ruin. An absolute surprise, delight and easily missed." - Malcolm Potter, Volunteer Guide at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
"Dyrham Park is a spot that I always enjoy. It is less well-known than the other stately homes in the area, but no less magnificent!" - Trevor Heeks, Trowbridge Town Crier.
"In Reading, try the museum of food and the countryside - the Museum of English Rural Life. Or, seek out the Huntley Palmer biscuit tin collection at the Reading Museum." - Alex Brannen, Communications Manager at Reading UK.
"The Mendip Hills, full of rich history from prehistoric times, the Romans and the Victorians. As well as loads of unique plants and animals, it’s right on the doorstep of the Great West Way." - Leon Troake, Operations Manager at Cheddar Gorge & Caves.
"For visitors to Bath who want to see some of the lesser-visited spots, we’d recommend both Alexandra Park and the Bath Skyline Walk for spectacular views of the city. If it’s museums you’re after, we’d recommend the Herschel Museum – an astronomy museum in the house where William Herschel, using a telescope of his own design, discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Also, the American Museum, which is the only museum of Americana outside of the United States. We also advise everyone to explore the little side streets of the city, where you can find cafes and shops away from the main drag." - Emily and Christine, Welcome Ambassador Volunteer Coordinators for Bath.
"Our favourite family day out would be the Cotswold Wildlife Park, we visit at least twice a year. It always keeps the children entertained and they never get bored of going. I also get a chance to look around the gardens!" - David Glass, Head Gardener at Bowood House.
"Coombe Gibbet [near Newbury in Berkshire] has some amazing views across the South Downs and also has gallows which is pretty cool." - Will Twomey, Head Brewer at West Berkshire Brewery.
"The North Wessex Downs provides a beautiful backdrop to much of the Great West Way. If you're looking for classic English landscape, you're certainly going to find it here." - Ann Shepley, Communications Officer, North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
"If I had to choose one location, it would be the Limpley Stoke Valley. From it many viewpoints, you can see beautiful countryside, picturesque villages and historic sights such as the Dundas Aqueduct where the River Avon, Kennet & Avon Canal and the railway line all converge. One of my favourite circular walks in the Valley starts at Freshford and takes in Farleigh Hungerford Castle and Iford Manor with its magnificent Italianate gardens." - Peter Rollins, Thermae Bath Spa.
