Top 10 Things to do This Summer

The summer holidays are fast approaching and if you’re looking for an easy and relaxing getaway fit for all the family, look no further. Discover some of the fun things to do along the way to inspire your adventure and seek out traditional England…  

1. Explore Richmond Park
Richmond Park is London’s largest site of Special Scientific Interest and European Special Area of Conservation. Pack up a picnic and hire a bike to explore the park and find the perfect spot to bathe in the sun. To make your picnic extra especially Great West Way like, it must include some Wiltshire ham and Cheddar cheese sandwiches, a bottle or 2 of Wadworth ale (but drink and cycle responsibly), a handful of fudge from Windsor Fudge Kitchen and a slice of Wiltshire lardy cake. All these bits can be collected on your journey to lead up to this very point!

2. Celebrate Bristol International Balloon Fiesta from 8-11 August 2019
Returning for it’s 40th year, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is 4 free days of family fun at Europe’s largest meeting of hot air balloons. The fiesta is a fundamental part of the events calendar along the Great West Way and a real spectacle to see. Alongside the hot air balloons, there’s a large number of stands, fairground rides and entertainment to keep all the family happy. There’s plenty of hotels nearby and it’s just outside Bristol at Ashton Court Estate, easily accessible from the city centre. 

3. Take a Canal boat ride along the Kennet & Avon Canal
The Kennet & Avon Canal is 87 miles of beautiful waterway from Reading to Bristol. No matter where you are along the stretch, there are plenty of chances to get out on the water. Hop on Jubilee, The Rose of Hungerford, Kenavon Venture or Barbara Mclellan for a relaxing boat trip. If you want to have a go at being captain and explore the canal for longer, you can hire you own canal boat at Honeystreet Mill Boats and Café, Devizes Marina, Bruce Accessible Boats and Sally Narrowboats.  

4. Sleep under the stars
Grab a tent and pitch up under the stars. There are a number of spots that welcome campers, and glamping spots are available too for those not too fond of feeling that close to nature. The best places to pitch up are in the middle of nowhere away from the cities, this is where you’ll see the best constellations and feel truly at ease with the world. Some great places to choose are The Farm Camp at Bradford on Avon, Camp Baboon at the Wild Place Project and Postern Hill Campsite in the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information on wild camping, visit pitchup.com.

5. Experience Inner circle access at Stonehenge
In the very early morning or late evening, experience a feeling like no other during Inner Circle Access at the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Stonehenge. Get up close with the world-famous monument and watch the sunrise or sunset during your adventure. On June 20-21st, thousands will gather to watch the Summer Solstice, an age-old ritual to mark the beginning of the astronomical summer.

6. Attend Henley Royal Regatta
It is the best-known regatta in the world and it’s back for 2019. Henley Royal Regatta is held over 5 days from Wednesday 3rd to Sunday 7th July in Henley on Thames where over 200 races are expected take place. Get stuck into the action in one of the enclosures or choose to have a formal sit down 3 course meal. Raise a glass at the Moet Ice Imperial Bar or wander around the pop-up stalls and Henley Royal Regatta pop up shop for a memento of the day.

7. Cool down with some water sports
Water sports aren’t just for lakes or oceans, the rivers and harbours along the way are ideal waterways to cool down in and try something new. Paddle past Brunel’s SS Great Britain whilst on a tour of Bristol Harbour - or tackle the Giant SUP from Original Wild which fits up to 9 people, as well as kayaking, canoeing and raft building. It’s a great bonding experience and totally hilarious, there’s nothing like a bit of laughter therapy! You can also swim in the river at designated places such as Warleigh Weir near Bath and North of Dundas Aqueduct. 

8. Discover new skills at Marlborough College Summer School
Marlborough College in Wiltshire, once home to the Duchess of Cambridge during her school days, hosts an annual summer school running a wide range of workshops with something for everyone. Workshops include Celtic Harp for Beginners, Kick-Start Your Spanish, an introduction to Bee Keeping, Drawing and Painting the Landscape, Code Breaking and many more. The Summer School runs from 14th July – 10th August and the Gala is on every Tuesday and Friday of the Summer School. Gala Entertainment includes The Magic of Mowtown, Illyria’s Production of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves and An Evening with Clare Balding.      

9.  Have a ‘Zoo’per day!
Whether your favourite animal is a monkey, lion or a giraffe, you’re guaranteed to enjoy your day exploring one of the many zoos or wildlife park along the way. Visit Longleat, home to England’s only Koalas at Koala Creek, explore rare breads at Avon Valley Wildlife Park, become a ranger for the day at Bristol Zoo Gardens (the world’s 5th oldest zoo!), or celebrate world lion day on 10th August at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm. 

10. Taste some of the best English Wines
The Great West Way region is famed for producing some of the best wines England has seen. Vineyards are popping up everywhere and what better way to watch the sun set than with a tour and tastings of various different vinos. Starting in the West, Aldwick Estate is Somerset’s largest vineyard with 11 acres of vines and in Wiltshire is A’becketts Vineyard, with over 11 acres of vines producing 11 different wines and champagne as well as apple juice. Alder Ridge Vineyard in Berkshire have produced many award-winning wines and are located next door to Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen where you can enjoy their 2013 Classic Cuvee with a delicious Sunday lunch.

For more information and help on planning on your Great West Way Summer journey, take a look at our other Top 10’s and Suggested Itineraries. You can also visit our See & Do and Explore pages.