Countdown to Christmas along the Great West Way

The festivities have well and truly arrived and this year, even more magic awaits along the Great West Way! From Traditional Christmas Markets to stunning lights trails, crisp winter walks to long lasting memories with family, embark on your own journey this season and countdown to Christmas along the Great West Way…

Bath Christmas Market

Head to the World Heritage City of Bath before 10^th December for your chance to experience the city’s iconic Christmas Market. Featuring over 200 twinkling chalets, explore an array of food and beverage stands, intertwined with plenty of artisan and clothing stalls, each presenting hand crafted and locally made gifts for the festive season!

The Great West Way is the perfect place to tick off your Christmas list, with plenty of markets and shopping opportunities along route.

Roman Baths

Step back in time this Christmas with a trip to The Roman Baths. Centrally located in the World Heritage City, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex on the site of Britain’s only hot spring, still flowing with natural hot water today! Walk around the steaming Great Bath, see the ruins of the temple of Minerva, and explore the fascinating museum this season…

The Gift at Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

A frightful package awaits you at The House of Frankenstein this festive season… will you uncover its menacing contents? You have just 45 minutes to learn The Gift’s dark secret and discover where you fit into this most ghastly of Christmas tales! The Gift is a hands-on, multi-layered, puzzle-based challenge for groups of up to 6 players, including children with a recommended age of 12 and up. The game comes complete with seasonal trimmings including a festive drink for each player and your own Gothic Elf for help! But be warned, not all good things come in small packages…

Longleat Festival of Light

The UK’s original, biggest, and most exciting lantern festival is back and more spectacular this year! Longleat’s Festival of Light turns back the clock with more immersive and interactive lanterns than ever before! Discover a historical wonderland brought to life, from the Ice Age, Vikings, Ancient dynasties, monarchs and more!

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Credit Jenna Foxton

One of many light trails along the Great West Way, Windsor Great Park welcomes you to another year of fantastic displays with its captivating illuminated woodland experience. Prepare to be wowed by stunning water features, breath-taking projections, and dazzling lights all around as you explore the iconic grounds.

Within Easy Reach of the Great West Way

Spend the season exploring more of the Great West Way route and beyond, with plenty family-fun attractions and activities within easy reach!

Royal Mint

Located just west of the Great West Way is the Royal Mint, home to over 1,100 years of history displayed through exhibitions, thrilling tours and workshops. Unlock more as you learn more about the UK’s oldest mint, seeing the skill and craftsmanship that go into making the coins in your pocket!

Christmas at Salisbury Cathedral

Learn more about the construction of Salisbury’s architectural masterpiece with a unique Twilight Tower Tour of the Cathedral this month. Climb 332 steps to the base of Salisbury’s Spire and experience uninterrupted views of the city’s twinkling lights amidst the night sky. Inside, you’ll find breath-taking scenes of the Cathedral, whilst standing above the 32ft Christmas Tree.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

This Christmas, Blenheim Palace is showcasing a brand-new illuminated trail, bringing together a multitude of twinkling lights, seasonal sounds, and festive fun! Discover heart-shaped arches, glowing tunnels, and colourful cascades as you create unforgettable memories along this after-dark trail!

Places to Stay along the Great West Way

Extend your visit this Christmas with a range of accommodation along the Great West Way route…

Whatley Manor

Set in the heart of the Cotswolds, surrounding by 12-acres of stunning gardens is Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa, the ideal location for a couple’s retreat this festive season. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at their two-rosette restaurant, Greys, or an incredible dinner at The Dining Room, their Michelin star restaurant! Unwind at The Aquarias Spa and enjoy a range of calming treatments including their Floatation Pods!

Exclusive Collection

With 5 properties located along the Great West Way, Exclusive Collection welcomes you to relax this season. Beautifully situated in some of the most picturesque destinations on route, each country house features everything from spas, a golf club, cookery school and classic English pubs!