Top 10 Unusual Ways to Travel the Great West Way

Down narrow country lanes and busy thoroughfares, alongside meandering waterways, through tiny villages and big cities, the Great West Way covers a swathe of England between Bristol and London. You can travel this route however you like - stretch your legs on a long-distance walk or cycle ride, hop behind the wheel and drive the whole way, or sit back as you are whisked along by train using our convenient Discoverer pass.

Or, why not mix it up a bit...?

There are plenty of other unusual ways to travel a stage or two of the Great West Way. Why not give one of these out-of-the-ordinary transport options a go to travel a mile or two of the route. Here are ten suggestions to add something a bit different to your journey.

Horse Drawn Carriage

Windsor Carriages have been running tours of Windsor for over 170 years, offering a unique way to experience magnificent Windsor Great Park. Take in views of stunning Windsor Castle as you are whisked down the Long Walk in a picture-perfect horse drawn carriage.

Stand Up Paddleboard

Original Wild are the city of Bath's adventure specialists, offering all sorts of outdoor adventures on the Great West Way, including rock climbing, kayaking, and hill walking. Give stand-up paddleboarding a go for an accessible, fun and relaxed way to travel along the River Avon between Bradford on Avon and Bath - you can even bring your dog along!

Go for a Drive in a Classic Car

Explore the whole length of the route at your own pace in a classic car from the 1960s, 70s, 80s or 90s with Vintage Classics. A stylish way to explore the route on four fast wheels, pick up an iconic two-seater sports car or a four-seater saloon to drive the highways and byways of the Great West Way.

Hot Air Balloon

Float up, up and away on a peaceful summer’s day and feel your worries drift away. Bailey Balloons will lift you up above the English landscapes of the Great West Way, with chilled champagne served after the flight.

Boat Trip

All aboard for a boat trip around Bristol Harbour or along the River Thames! There are many boat trip options from convenient stopping-points along the route, offering a fresh perspective of the views and vistas of the Great West Way.

A Bicycle Made for Two

Grab a buddy and head out on a tandem cycle ride around Bristol, Bath and the surrounding countryside as part of your Great West Way journey. Bristol Tandem Hire can also pack you a hamper filled with local artisan good to enjoy on your cycling day out.

Row, Row, Row your Boat

Henley Rowing Association are the experts when it comes to taking to the river for a hands-on rowing experience. Located in Henley-on-Thames, famous for its annual summer regatta, here you can spend an hour or an afternoon rowing on the river with friends and family. Beginners are very welcome.

Narrowboat Cruise

For a leisurely way to journey along the waterways of the Great West Way, book a narrowboat cruise. These pretty crafts have been floating along the Kennet and Avon Canal since it came into being 200 years ago. You can hire a boat for a day or a week from Sally Narrowboats in Bradford on Avon or from Honeystreet Boats in the Vale of Pewsey. The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust also run narrowboat trips at a number of points along the canal.

Open-Top Bus

Climb up to the top deck of a bright red open-top bus for a sightseeing tour of the renowned Georgian city with Bath Open Top Tours. Your bus tour ticket will also give you access to popular local attractions like the Roman Baths, the Jane Austen Museum, Prior Park Landscape Gardens, No 1 the Royal Crescent, or the Fashion Museum.

An Amphibious Adventure

Travel around Windsor by road and river with an amphibious sightseeing tour from Windsor Duck Tours. Climb aboard a bright yellow 'duck' for a fun exploration of the royal town, including a big splash into the river to view Windsor Castle from the water.

Ready to plan your Great West Way adventure this year? Whichever way you choose to travel, there are many things to see and do, plus wonderful places to stay.