The Best: Outdoor Locations along the Great West Way

With warmer weather in sight, a Great West Way journey awaits! Explore stunning countryside and colourful forests as the bright sun glistens through the trees. Between Bristol and London, the Great West Way is home to a whole range of picturesque nature walks. And now is the perfect time to start yours…

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Located on the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire is Westonbirt Arboretum. Managed by Forestry England, this remarkable site is host to over 15,000 trees across 600 acres! Learn more as you discover Westonbirt’s magnificent display, with a colourful surprise round every corner. Stop off at the restaurant or café for a light lunch or bask in the sunshine by enjoying a picnic within the open parkland.

Windsor Great Park, Windsor

If you’re a lover of the English countryside, then you must visit Windsor Great Park. Located along the eastern part of the Great West Way, here you will find 5,000 acres of open space, featuring grand monuments, ruins, lakes, and gardens. Capture pretty flowers including camellias and other Spring shrubs within the 250-acre Valley Gardens or take in the stunning reflections upon Virginia Water. The Great Park is just a short drive from Royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Eton College.

National Trust along the Great West Way

Whether you are a National Trust member or not, the Great West Way welcomes you to explore its many National Trust properties along route. Be sure to embark on a historical walk-through nature as you discover some of the Great West Way’s famous landmarks.

Prior Park, Bath

Set in the sweeping valley above Bath is Prior Park, a beautiful and intimate 18^th-Century landscape garden offering stunning views across the city. Embark on a 6-mile circular route exploring stunning woodlands and meadows, featuring historic displays including an Iron Age hill fort, Roman settlements and much more…

Tyntesfield, Bristol

The near-complete Victorian Gothic country house and estate of Tyntesfield provides an extraordinary home full of history, surrounded by 540-acres of picturesque woodland walks as well as a chance to explore both formal and kitchen gardens. From flowers blossoming in Spring to fiery displays in Autumn, Tyntesfield gives every reason to visit all-year-round!

Old Sarum, Wiltshire

Step inside the ruins of Old Sarum and discover the story of original Salisbury. 2-miles north of where the city stands now, Old Sarum offers a beautiful walk-through history, with breath-taking, 360 views of the Wiltshire countryside all around. Choose to head straight to the ruins or enjoy an adventure along the sites surrounding paths.

National Landscapes

The Great West Way passes through 3 National Landscapes; North Wessex Downs, The Cotswolds and The Chilterns. Embark on a nature walk like no other with each offering a remarkable display of quintessential English landscape!

Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire

Located within the western parts of North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is the Vale of Pewsey, the perfect destination for a hilltop hike. Host to one of Wiltshire’s 8 White Horses, the Vale of Pewsey is full of history and stunning landscapes waiting to be explored!

Discover more of the Great Outdoors along the Great West Way…