7 Quintessentially English things to Do on the Great West Way

The Great West Way is your passport to traditional England; classic English countryside, picturesque villages, and famous historic sites like Bath and Windsor Castle. Discover an England that will remind you of ages past – while continuing to surprise you with modern twists. Whether you’re a local or travelling from afar, explore this great swathe of Great Britain and keep your eyes out for these quintessential England sites and activities…

Stop for afternoon tea
Is anything more English than a nice cup of tea? Team your tea with fancy sandwiches, indulgent cakes and scones slathered in cream and jam for the perfect afternoon tea. You can indulge in this traditional treat at many of the National Trust properties found along the route or at the Great West Way’s lovely hotels, tearooms and cafes. Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen in Hungerford and the Royal Oak in Yattendon are all well worth a visit. 

Discover the world of Jane Austen
Jane Austen has stood the test of time as one of the UK’s favourite authors. Her witty novels evoke a lost England of grand houses, country dances and heroes on horseback. And you can discover the world of Pride and Prejudice for yourself along the Great West Way. Start in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre to discover more about the novelist’s life and works. Then head to the pretty National Trust village of Lacock which stood in for the village of Meryton in the BBC’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Finally, take a small detour to Mompesson House in Salisbury where Sense and Sensibility was filmed in 1995.

Visit a traditional English pub 
Lounge in the beer garden with a cold glass of Pimms in the Summer, or warm yourself at a roaring open fire in the Winter. Get stuck into a traditional roast dinner on a Sunday or relax with a cold pint at the end of a long day. While away a sleepy afternoon playing boardgames or get competitive at a pub quiz night. There are many good reasons that pubs take centre stage in English life – they are the perfect place to spend time with friends and family in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Great West Way can boast traditional pubs and inns dripping in history; check out the Old Bell at Malmesbury which is reputed to be the oldest purpose built hotel in England. And if that’s not enough, you can find out all about making England’s most traditional beverages by taking a tour at Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, West Berkshire Brewery or Wadworth Brewery.  

Pretend you’re at Hogwarts
For many people around the world, Britain and Harry Potter go hand-in-hand. And the Great West Way has lots to offer Potterheads. Locations used for filming the eight-part film series include picturesque Lacock Abbey and the forest of Swinley. For other Potter-esque experiences, why not take a ride on a steam train and pretend you’re on the Hogwarts Express at Didcot Railway Centre. Or even meet an owl at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm!

Take a trip on a narrow boat
Settle back and watch the world roll by from a lovely narrowboat. The Kennet & Avon Canal runs all the way from the River Thames to the River Avon, passing through some of the loveliest scenery you could hope to see. You can hire a narrowboat to travel along this beautiful waterway, journeying through England's fascinating past as you go. Charming historic villages, grand aquaducts, industrial machinery, and Georgian townhouses are all on display. Fancy taking to the waters? Find out how to travel the Great West Way by narrowboat.

Explore a pretty English village
The Great West Way can boast any number of lovely villages, and you’ll discover many hidden gems as you follow our tree-lined country roads. English country charm can be found here in bucketloads, with cute Cotswold cottages, quaint village greens, cricket pavilions, country pubs, enticing footpaths, welcoming b&bs and more rural delights.  

Act like royalty for a day
Around the world, Great Britain is well known for its royal connections. And you can trace England’s royal history as you travel along the Great West Way – you will find connections to Kings and Queens past and present everywhere you look! Windsor Castle is one of the official residences of the Monarch, while the Royal County of Berkshire and Royal Wootton Bassett have both earned a regal stamp of approval. And don’t miss Royal Ascot in June and Henley Royal Regatta in July. Finally, if you want to indulge in some luxury for yourself, why not treat yourself to a night at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath, where you can book into a room fit for a king and really live for royalty for the day (or the week!)