The Best: Places to Visit along the Great West Way this Autumn

With cooler months in sight, it’s time to wrap up warm and venture through deep forests whilst enjoying a unique journey along the Great West Way. There are many places awaiting your arrival this season…

Dyrham Park

Just a short drive from Bath is the National Trust site of Dyrham Park. Be welcomed by sweeping views of nearby countryside as you head down to the elegant 17^th Century mansion. The surrounding grounds offer plenty to explore, with children’s trails, an outdoor cinema and guided walks taking place throughout the year.

Cheddar Gorge

Within easy reach of the Great West Way route, Cheddar Gorge is one of England's most iconic and spectacular landscapes. At almost 400 feet deep and three miles long, it is England’s largest gorge. Journey by car through the winding roads and take in the spectacular sights that surround you through every turn. Or stretch your legs by exploring the caves or hiking up to the top to enjoy breath-taking views of the nearby countryside.

Image credit: Johnny Hathaway

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Explore the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by visiting Westonbirt, the National Arboretum this Autumn! Managed by Forestry England, this incredible tree garden offers a huge display with blazes of colours during the seasonal months. The 600-acre grounds are home to around 15,000 trees from all over the globe! Explore Westonbirt’s combination of maturity, species diversity and landscape style at one of the most incredible arboretums in the world!

Blenheim Palace

Venture to the Eastern parts of the route and you will find Blenheim Palace, an 18^th Century National Treasure and within easy reach of the Great West Way! Marvel at its Baroque architecture as you discover some of the finest antique collections in Europe! Home of the 12^th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, there’s plenty of history to discover as you walk through the state rooms and admire portraits and exquisite furniture throughout the palace. With over 2,000 acers of landscaped parkland, be sure to explore the magnificent grounds, featuring the Grand Cascades, a beautiful lake, and historical monuments such as the Column of Victory. Capture the array of colours amongst the many formal gardens located around the grounds.

Stourhead

Possibly one of the most picturesque locations in Wiltshire and within easy reach of the Great West Way, is the Stourhead estate. Offering plenty of rich colour, tranquillity, and winding paths to explore all year round, this National Trust site includes a breath-taking 18^th Century landscape garden, incredible lakeside reflections and classical temples. Set on the hill tops of the incredible grounds is Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion filled with various art collections showcasing its fascinating history.

Vale of Pewsey

Get a taste of North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty when visiting the Vale of Pewsey. With spectacular landscape views spanning from the eastern county border to Devizes in the west. Awarded the Walkers are Welcome status in 2021, the Vale offers plenty of high-quality and well-maintained walking routes, allowing visitors to explore the stunning countryside, passing attractions like Wilton Windmill and the Wiltshire White Horse carvings along the way.

Avebury

A trip to Wiltshire is never complete without visiting the pretty village of Avebury. Nestled within the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, this historical destination showcases incredible Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments from stone avenues to ancient tombs. Most of the surrounding landscape is owned and cared for by the National Trust, making it a destination for visitors to explore for free all year round! Make the most of your trip by visiting the Manor House, which was once lived in by Alexander Keiller, now presents the stories of its owners through interior design and historically decorated rooms.

Reading Abbey Quarter

Located in the heart of Reading is the towns Abbey Quarter. Full of history to discover, here you will find churches and monuments as well as the beautiful Forbury Gardens. Enjoy the decorated paths and flower beds before finishing at the Abbey Ruins, a spectacular destination featuring the south transept, treasury, chapter house, dormitory and refectory rooms.

River Thames

Embark on a boat trip along The River Thames and soak up the surrounding sights as you tour the eastern parts of the Great West Way. Navigable for 215 miles, it is the longest and most well-known river in England, and passes through many iconic destinations. Starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds, flowing through nine English counties and crossing right through the centre of London before passing the Thames Barrier out through the Thames Estuary, be sure to discover England's best across The River Thames this Autumn!