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Taking place from late July to early September is the UK School Summer Holidays, 6 weeks of family fun and plenty of adventure! This year, why not soak up the sun and plan your journey along the Great West Way. Stretching between London and Bristol, there are plenty of Summer Holiday Activities for all ages to enjoy!
Home to some of the most historic homes and gardens, National Trust has a number of different properties along the Great West Way. From Basildon Park in Berkshire to Tyntesfield in Bristol, head out on a family adventure and explore these magnificent estates this summer!
Tyntesfield, Bristol
Cocooned in the Somerset countryside, Tyntesfield is a rare survivor – a near-complete Victorian Gothic country house and estate. For young explorers there are four play areas, including a woodland adventure and sculpture trail. There are seasonal trails available throughout the year, as well as extra trails and activities in school holidays.
Credit Barry Batchelor
Dyrham Park, Bath
Dyrham Park, set in a dramatic park only 8 miles away from the city of Bath, is a treasure to enjoy. As you arrive, take in the spectacular sweeping views leading down to this elegant 17th-century mansion. Enjoy a range of fun-filled events, including children’s trails, outdoor theatre, and guided walks.
Prior Park, Bath
Overlooking stunning views of the World Heritage City, Prior Park in Bath is a beautiful 18th-Century landscape garden, offering tranquil walks across the sweeping valley. During the school holidays, there are a range of activities in the garden, and the Tea Shed is open for refreshments on selected days. Meaning children can run around and explore to their heart’s content!
A stone’s throw away from Prior Park is the Bath Skyline, a 6-mile circular route encompassing beautiful woodlands and meadows. Along the way, you will discover a range of historic things including an Iron Ahe hill fort, Roman settlements, and 18th-Century follies. And not forgetting the spectacular views!
There are plenty more walks you can enjoy along the Great West Way. Check out our Top 10 Summer Walks here.
Get out on the water with Original Wild these summer holidays. Offering high-quality adventure experiences in the heart of Bath and surrounding areas, you and your family will be able to enjoy everything from stand-up paddleboarding, to kayaking through the city.
Head into the Wiltshire borders for more adventures on the water at Cotswold Water Park. Offering 40 square miles and more than 150 lakes, this park is full of adventure with a range of on and off-land activities. Have a go at windsurfing or water skiing, or if you prefer to stay dry, there are plenty cycling and walking trails as well as archery, fishing, and golf!
Set in the stunning grounds of the Windsor Estate, Windsor Great Park is an ancient landscape full of forests, lakes, and gardens. With open and shaded areas, you and your family can enjoy peaceful walks across the 4,800 acres.
The Long Walk
A tree-line avenue stretching for 2.5 miles which will lead you to the ancient fortress of Windsor Castle. Here you can head into the iconic Windsor town for a picnic along the river, or a pub lunch in one of their historic eateries. Walk the opposite way and you will find the Copper Horse statue at the highest point, depicting King George III.
The Savill Gardens
A 35-Acre haven of gardens, woodland, and colourful displays. Savill Gardens is also home to Adventure Play, a unique, hand-crafted playground hidden within the woodland. Children can enjoy the fascinating world of walkways, slides, sculptures, and treehouses!
Based in the creative city of Bristol, Wake the Tiger invited you to step through its portal and explore its art walk-through labyrinth. In each of the 27 unique spaces, you will explore themes of connection and innovation, inspiration, and discovery. It’s the perfect immersive experience for creative minds ages from 0 to 100+!
Extending over 4 atmospheric floors, Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein in Bath, is an award-winning, multi-sensory visitor museum dedicated to the author’s unconventional tragic life and the lasting legacy of her infamous creation.
The Frankenstein Experience
Taking place on selected dates throughout the summer holidays is the museum’s brand new Frankenstein Experience. Featuring a one-hour walking tour with Sheila Hannon from the Show of Strength Theatre Company, and entry into the museum, hear stories of real-life Gothic tales, secrets, lies and ruined reputations as you immerse yourself into the dark, complex world of Mary Shelley and Frankenstein.
Head to the modern town of Reading and explore galleries of historic and artistic objects at Reading Museum. Discover archaeology from Roman Silchester, the famous Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, and don’t forget to explore the famous Abbey Ruins.
Reading Abbey Quarter
Lying in the heart of Reading, the Quarter has witnessed almost 900 years of history! As you stroll through the ruins, discover historic churches and monuments before reaching the Abbey, burial place of King Henry I!
Located along the East of the Great West Way route is Syon Park, a historic site set amongst 200-Acres of parkland. Feature a castle with Tudor foundations built on the site of a 15th-Century abbey, Syon Park offers a great day out these summer holidays. Families can enjoy play areas in the garden, spotting wildlife on the lake and a range of activities during the holidays.
Fans of the big screen may also recognise Syon Park as being the backdrop to many famous films and tv shows, including Bridgerton, Killing Eve and Alice through the Looking Glass.
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Continue your Great West Way journey into Wales, where you will find The Royal Mint Experience. There are plenty exciting exhibitions, tours, and workshops to enjoy as you and your family discover over 1,000 years of history.
Head out on a behind the scenes guided tour and find out more about the circulating coin factory, and the process that goes in to making every coin created at The Royal Mint!
In the heart of Richmond, within easy reach of the Great West Way, is Marble Hill. Inside this riverside home, discover a taste of Georgian life with freshly conserved interiors and displays that explore the story of Henrietta Howard, the owner of this estate.
There is plenty of adventure waiting for you at Longleat these summer holidays! Located in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, just off the Great West Way route, Longleat is home to a range of fun activities. From the famous safari drive-through, to the Longleat railway, explore the estate and meet hundreds of different wildlife. Why not head to the African Village where the herd of Zebras graze or check out the mischievous Meerkats in the Jungle Kingdom.
Children can also run around the Adventure Castle and Little Explorer’s Garden; or the Hedge Maze is definitely worth the challenge!
Embark on your own Great West Way these summer holidays!
© Great West Way 2024.
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