Things to Do along the Great West Way this Autumn

Autumn along the Great West Way has never been prettier. With colourful gardens showcasing a rich glow of reds and golds, vibrant cities celebrating the festivities, warm afternoons by the fire inside traditional English pubs, the list goes on! Between London and Bristol, there are a range of events and activities to welcome the new season…

Avon Gorge Cruise with Bristol Packet Boat Trips

Start in the characterful city of Bristol for a breath-taking journey along the Avon Gorge with Bristol Packet Boat Trips. Offering spectacular views of Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, a historic landmark often regarded as the ‘ornament of Bristol’, take in the incredible autumn colour as you head downstream towards the channel.

Heritage Open Days between Bristol and London

Step back in time inside some of the most historical properties, landmarks and destinations from London, Bristol and everywhere in between! Visit for FREE during this year's Heritage Open Days!

Taking place every September is National Heritage Week. From 6th-15th September this year, volunteers across the Great West Way organise events to celebrate the fantastic history and culture on route. This year, discover hidden places and try new experiences for FREE with Heritage Open Days!

Credit Exclusive Ballooning

Icons of the Sky, Longleat

Icons of the Sky is taking flight this season at Longleat! This all-new festival sees 3 days of breath-taking flying displays and balloon launches. Highlights include flyovers from legendary Spitfire and Tiger Moths, aerobatics, wing walkers and much more! As day turns to night, be sure to stay as 2 Grob aircraft set the sky alight with stunning pyrotechnics followed by a firework finale.

The Jane Austen Festival, Bath

Taking place every September is the popular Jane Austen Festival in Bath! Featuring an exciting programme of immersive Regency-themed experiences, guided tours, concerts, and fun activities including fencing, croquet and more. Be sure to join others in the spectacular Grand Regency Costumed Promenade, a highlight to the festival starting at The Holburne Museum and passing famous historic landmarks across the city.

Windsor Festival

Each year, the world’s finest musicians, artists and local performers entertain and delight festival goers in celebration of Windsor’s special place as a Royal town, inspiring the next generation of artistic talent and creativity. Be sure to book your tickets for this years’ Windsor Festival!

After Dark: Nights to Die for at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein

After a sell-out couple of years, After Dark: Nights to Die for returns to Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein this Halloween! Expect an even more horrifying, immersive experience with extreme psychological terrors set to take place across the 300-year-old town house.

Centring around a young girl believed to have been persecuted 200 years ago, encounter Demonic beings, resurrected by satanic rituals as they play out terrifying childhood games of her cruel past. Will you navigate your way to freedom this Halloween?

Christmas Festivities along the Great West Way

Sarum Lights Illuminating Art, Salisbury Cathedral

Start the beginning of the festive season along the Great West Way with a trip to Wiltshire’s Salisbury Cathedral this November! Marvel as light and sound surrounds the Medieval landmark during the spectacular Sarum Lights: Time event! Showcasing an incredible series of displays both inside and reflecting outside the Cathedral, this event explores humanity's relationship with the concept of time, offering audiences an unforgettable journey through history, science, and imagination.

Bath Christmas Market

Start your Christmas shopping early, with a visit to Bath’s Christmas Markets this season! Explore over 170 stalls all spread out across the city’s Georgian streets, featuring a range of festive treats, all uniquely crafted for the perfect gift. Browse through stocking fillers, sweet bites, decorations and more!

The Festival of Light at Longleat

Head to Longleat from November, and experience the UK’s original, biggest, and most exciting lantern festival! This year, the Festival of Light celebrates its 10^th year with extraordinary lantern displays. Explore the era you want to discover as Longleat showcases the evolution of the earth from the age of the dinosaurs to present day!

Become a time traveller and capture family memories with kings and queens, a giant 12 metre clock, spectacular colours of The Arabian Nights as well as the impressive House light show in celebration of Longleat opening its doors 75 years ago!

Credit RGL Live

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Within easy reach of the Great West Way, be sure to head to Blenheim Palace this festive season. The historic Palace and Gardens will once again come alive with thousands of twinkling lights, seasonal scents, sparkling baubles and the warmth of the festive season. This year, we invite you to enjoy a special Christmas experience with us and soak in the joy of the season with your loved ones.

Join many others for a swashbuckling adventure in Neverland, a place bursting with magic and make believe. Follow Tinkerbell through our State rooms as she sprinkles fairy dust over baubles and Christmas trees, wander through a moonlit London skyline and onto the Mermaid Lagoon.

Windsor Great Park Illuminated

Continue your journey east for yet another spectacular light display within the grounds of Windsor Great Park! Prepare to be captivated as woodland and water come alive with dazzling lights, breath-taking projections, and flood-lit fountains. Join family and friends for the perfect night out, surrounded by new installations and returning favourites, Windsor Great Park Illuminated promises a magical evening like no other.

Embark on your own Great West Way journey this season and enjoy all the delights that Autumn brings across the route…