Top Ten Open Spaces to Stretch Your Legs

Looking to get away from the crowds and ‘wander lonely as a cloud’ through England’s beautiful landscapes? There are many stunningly pretty open spaces to enjoy along the Great West Way route, ideal for walking, cycling, horse-riding and picnicking. As you travel between Bristol and London you will be spoilt for choice; the route is lined with open countryside, picturesque woodlands, rolling hills, fascinating nature reserves and glorious gardens. Here are ten of our favourite landscapes where you can get away from it all, enjoy the great outdoors, avoid busy crowds and breathe in the fresh countryside air in peace.

Please remember to stick to the path and follow the countryside code while you’re out and about. And remember that as we move out of lockdown, some nature reserves and outdoors attractions may require you to book a timed ticket in advance. Know Before you Go to be a responsible visitor.

Windsor Great Park

At nearly 30 square kilometres, Windsor Great Park is the largest public park in the whole of the UK. Which means that while this is a popular location with visitors and locals, there’s plenty of space to stretch your legs and get away from the crowds. From ancient forest to sweeping parkland to formal gardens, there's lots to discover in Windsor Great Park. Walk along the shore of Virginia Water for impressive views of the lake and waterfall, spot the red deer that roam through the deer park enclosure, or admire hilltop views of Windsor Castle.

Cotswold Water Park

Slightly north of the main Great West Way route, where Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire meet, you will find the Cotswold Water Park. Here there are 150 tranquil lakes interspersed with peaceful countryside. There are miles of off-road paths to explore on foot or by bike, and lots of wildlife to spot, including a huge variety of migrating birds.

The Garden of a Stately Home

You will find some of England’s most spectacular grand houses scattered throughout the countryside of the Great West Way. Bowood House and Longleat House in Wiltshire, the American Museum on the edge of Bath, Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, Hampton Court Palace on the banks of the Thames, Stonor Park and Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire – the list goes on. The grounds, gardens and parkland that belong to these stunning houses make lovely spots to enjoy the great outdoors and escape from everyday life.

Swinley Forest

Swinley Forest covers 2,600 acres of gentle hills near Bracknell in Berkshire. Ideal for cyclists, Swinley Forest is well known for its mountain bike trails, with Swinley Bike Hub offering bike hire to visitors. If you prefer to explore on foot, there are also many footpaths to enjoy, with a range of suggested walking routes between 1.2 and 5.2 miles.

The North Wessex Downs

Officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the North Wessex Downs covers nearly 700 square miles and encompasses parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. If you're looking for wide horizons and quiet walks where you can stretch your legs, enjoy classic English countryside views, and feel your troubles float away - the North Wessex Downs is a good choice. Situated in the centre of the Great West Way route, the countryside of the North Wessex Downs ranges from heaths to river valleys and ancient woodland to arable farmland.

Westonbirt, the National Arboretum

Go for a walk or a run around one of the most beautiful tree gardens to be found anywhere in the world at Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. Created almost 200 years ago, the Arboretum brings together over 15,000 trees from all over the globe and is the perfect location to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature.

A Secret Garden

Did you know that you can visit some of the most beautiful private gardens to be found along the reach of the Great West Way route? These peaceful green spaces are normally closed to the public, and have been created with love, care and attention by their owners; they offer oases of calm along the stretch of the Great West Way. The National Garden Scheme runs open gardens every year - with many options open to visit along the Great West Way route.

Arnos Vale Cemetery

Arnos Vale is a unique green, open space to enjoy in the heart of Bristol; a 45-acre Victorian Garden Cemetery. Discover fascinating nature walks, peaceful green spaces and nearly 200 years of history and heritage at Arnos Vale. Follow one of the self-guided walks around the site and look out for wild flowers and wildlife.

WWT London Wetland Centre

A unique, man-made inner city nature reserve, the WWT London Wetland Centre is a haven of wide, open spaces full of wetland nature. Birds, bats, water voles, otters and amphibians make their home in the reserve's wetland habitats. Stretch your legs and see which creatures you can spot as you walk between the meadows, lakes and pools. The London Wetland Centre is the ideal spot to find some peace and quiet during the London stretch of your Great West Way adventure.

Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve

Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve in North Wiltshire is a haven of wildlife, nature and calmness. Once a former military airfield, the site is now run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust who are restoring it to wildlife-rich hay meadow. Expect to see summer wildflowers surrounded by butterflies and dragonflies. The grassland of the nature reserve is also home to brown hare, roe deer, kestrel and skylarks.

Inspired to take a trip to enjoy the great outdoors along the Great West Way? Take a look at the places to stay and fun things to see and do along the route and start planning for your future Great West Way adventure between Bristol and London.