Top 10 Picturesque Places to Enjoy Nature

Britain’s wildlife reserves, woodlands and meadows are tranquil havens for people as well as protected species of plants and animals…

Blakehill Farm & Stoke Common Meadows  
Knowing this Wiltshire Wildlife Trust reserve near Cricklade was a military airfield in World War II makes its abundance of wildlife now even more pleasing. You might still be able to spot where the runways once were, but only because you’ll see a change in the vegetation. The mix of hay meadow and pasture has been vital in attracting the roe deer, brown hare, kestrels, skylarks and tawny owls you might be lucky enough to see. In summer, Stoke Common Meadows are alive with precious wildflowers and butterflies. 

Trooper’s Hill
Cities need sanctuaries for nature and wildlife too. In Bristol, a local favourite is Trooper’s Hill. Tucked away amid a housing estate behind the River Avon, its acidic soils - unusual in Bristol - support a blaze of bright yellow gorse in early summer and hot pink heather in late summer. It also attracts a dazzling array of bird species including whitethroat, willow warblers, goldcrests, long-tailed tits and even green woodpeckers. There are excellent views of the city from this hilltop hideaway, too, best appreciated in the warm glow of sunrise or sunset. 

West Woods
Come spring time these beautiful beech woods just outside Marlborough put on a spectacular display of bluebells, a quintessential British scene. Take along your camera for some souvenir shots or just take it all in via your senses - the delicate perfume, the flutter of the tree canopy overhead, the carpet of colour before you. The bluebells are at their best here at the end of April, beginning of May, but there’s always other pretty plants and wildflowers to see, like primroses with their mellow yellow petals and sweet scent. Good to know: If you’re looking for more nature-based things to do in Marlborough, Stonebridge Wild River Reserve is a nice water meadow nearby. 

Lydiard Park
Snowdrops, which often poke their dainty heads above ground amid the freeze of January, are one of the highlights of a British winter. There are many places to see them along the Great West Way, including the 260-acre parkland of this striking Palladian house near Swindon. There’s also a walled garden where you can see some more curated spring plantings including a 17th-century variety of jewel-like tulips. In summer, the beds are full of traditional English flowers such as roses and sweet peas. Top tip: Keep an eye on the Lydiard Park events pages as they sometimes run botanical-themed rambles and tours. 

Cotswold Water Park 
Just a little north of the main touring route you’ll find this vast collection of lakes. While some are devoted to leisure pursuits, like boating and wakeboarding, others are designated nature reserves. Cleveland Lakes is home to some elusive otters and water voles, but you’re more likely to see lapwings, teals and tufted ducks (head to the hide at Lake 74). The Old Railway Line between South Cerney and Cricklade, meanwhile, is an important wildlife corridor for birds, badgers and, in summer, magical glow worms! Finally, Waterhay Reedbeds are ideal for spotting wintering birds such as reed bunting and reed warbler, as well as the stunning sight of starling murmurations.

Jones’s Mill 
Boardwalks traverse this enchanting fen in Pewsey, flooded through by the Salisbury Avon. Once farmed for watercress, it’s now a haven for animals who like getting wet such as water voles and occasionally water shrews. It’s also a prime place to spot blue-green kingfishers swooping low over the water to find fish to feed on. You’re also likely to see heron, with their long legs and beaks. For the most colourful displays of flora and fauna, visit in spring and summer - see if you can identify water avens, sometimes referred to as chocolate root. Their purply-orange, nodding flowers attract a flurry of dragonflies, bumble bees and butterflies. 

Folly Farm
Just south of the Great West Way, in between Bristol and Bath, lies Avon Valley Wildlife Trust’s 250-acre reserve. It’s an ideal spot for a nature walk, with timeless Somerset views of the Mendips, Chew Valley Lake and traditionally-managed meadows. Its wooded paths also make it a great place to watch the leaves turn auburn and gold in the autumn (and there might be some plump blackberries ready for picking on the brambles too). There’s also an access-for-all trail, complete with badger-viewing platform.

Hartslock Reserve
As well as terrific River Thames views, the chalk grasslands of this reserve near Reading are fertile ground for a diverse collection of wild orchids. Among more than 400 plants you’ll find bee orchids, pyramidal orchids and even monkey orchids, which are extremely rare in the UK. Seen on a summer’s day, with chalkhill blue and green hairstreak butterflies fluttering among them, it’s hard to imagine a prettier site. Other highlights: watch magnificent red kites overhead and visit in July to see meadows full of marjoram.

Richmond Park
If you’re visiting Kew Gardens, don’t miss nearby Richmond Park. It’s the largest of the eight Royal Parks, a National Nature Reserve and one of London’s most scenic spots. It’s most famous for its hundreds of red and fallow deer that roam the parkland, but it has plenty more to recommend it. Ancient oak trees, for one - some thought to date back to the time of the Magna Carta. Precious species of bats, birds and beetles are also found here, including the endangered stag beetle. Stop at the park’s highest point, Pembroke Lodge, for Thames Valley views and a delicious cream tea. 

Winterbourne Downs
A little south of the Great West Way, near Salisbury, you’ll find Winterbourne Downs, an RSPB site that seasoned birders as well as beginners will love. Linnets, corn buntings, yellowhammers and stone curlews are frequently spotted here. If you visit early on a spring morning you might hear the mesmerising dawn chorus of the skylarks. In summer, take a picnic and feast on views of wildflower meadows and gently rolling Wiltshire hills. Winter meanwhile is a fine time for some serious bird watching, as fluffed-up feathers are more visible on bare branches, plus buzzards, red kites and possibly peregrine falcons often fly into view. 

For more ideas of things to do on your Great West Way journey, visit our See & Do and Explore pages.