A b o u t   t h e   t o u r
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Highlights
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 HISTORICAL BRISTOL & BATH

 PRE-HISTORIC ENGLAND

INDUSTRIAL ENGLAND

REGENCY & COTSWOLDS

ENGLAND'S FINEST

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The Great West Way is a 125-mile route that runs west to east, from Bristol to London, based on one of the first Great Roads commissioned by the Kings of England. With this ‘History and Heritage’ themed road trip, you can explore the cities, towns and villages both on and off the beaten track as you meander through the English countryside. As you journey through from west to east (or indeed, reverse to head west towards Bristol) you will also travel through periods of England’s vast history to discover what has shaped the landscape. You can opt to visit three World Heritage Sites along the Great West Way.
The road trip will highlight Neolithic settlements, Bronze and Iron Age forts, and Roman settlements. You can discover important Roman centres, including Roman villas en route, as well as the vast Roman bath complex at the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath. See what marks have been etched into England’s history during the medieval age, including Henry I’s 12th-century ruin.
Depending upon your chosen route, you can wind your way through two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – including the North Wessex Downs and the Cotswolds. Within the Cotswolds you can choose to visit typical Cotswolds honey-coloured stone towns and villages, as well as option to appreciate stunning architecture from the Regency period.
Naturally, with such strong heritage along the way, you can regard the industrial and engineering prowess of the Victorians, including the Golden Age of Steam, the creation of the railways and Britain’s vast nautical history. Immerse yourself in art and culture too, with opportunities to visit galleries, including Britain’s biggest art collection with 8000-pieces. Culturally, the 'Jewel in the Crown' has to be a visit to Windsor with an opportunity to visit the world's largest and oldest inhabited castle. Combine your Windsor visit with a stroll around world-famous Eton to immerse in quintessential English culture.
You set your pace and choose what suits your interests and time-frame on your unforgettable History and Heritage road trip.
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This 'Great West Way®: History & Heritage' themed campervan or motorhome road trip tour guide includes:-

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

A visit to the historical cities of Bristol and Bath provides a wealth of options for attractions and must-see and must-do's! Our tour information will help you choose wisely to make the most of your visit. With Bristol offering several opportunities to immerse yourself in nautical history as well as a fabulous choice of museums, street art, shops and places to eat. Bath offers a wealth of history and museums, including the Roman Baths and the streets that Jane Austen herself strolled upon. Feel like you are on a film set as you promenade by fine Regency buildings in the Cotswold's to explore learn more about Britain's most complete Regency Town. You will have the opportunity to meander through the Cotswold countryside and stop at leisure as you continue your journey. 

​Marvel at pre-historic Stonehenge and Avebury - world renowned and UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Visit one of England's finest Gothic cathedrals with Britain's tallest spire and home to the Magna Carta in a medieval cathedral city.
  
Mid journey, discover the rich history of the establishment of the of railway works and 900 year old Abbey Ruins and strong literary connections means you can walk in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen.
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Walk in the footsteps of Royalty in Windsor, providing the best opportunity to be immersed in centuries of British history. A visit to the awe inspiring Windsor Castle must be a highlight to the tour! 

Buy the 'Great West Way: History & Heritage' tour guide ​​

Buy Self-drive tour

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Self-drive tour 

Welcome to the Great West Way. A touring route between London and Bristol based on ancient routes, following 500 miles of navigable routes, roaming through idyllic countryside, quaint villages and elegant towns...

​February 2021

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About Self-drive tour

• 26 pages of useful information in one place
• Options for 3-10 days touring
• Up-to-date embedded links and contacts
• Adventure activities and experiences galore!
• Hidden gems and off the beaten track places
• Cycling, boat trips and other tours
• ​Routes and maps​
• Countryside walks and days out
• 20+ Selected campsites + Secret Stays™
• Food and drink destinations
• Save hours searching and checking
• Easy to download format - print or save 
• Useful suggestions for your chosen time-frame
• Up-to-date for the latest information!
• Lifespan -12 mths for planning and on the road
  

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Self-drive tour + hire

COMING IN 2021

By train:
Bristol Templemeads or Bristol Parkway
Swindon Railway Station 

LONDON TO BRISTOL - BY TRAIN APPROX ​1 HOUR 30 MINS  /LONDON TO SWINDON - ​BY TRAIN FROM 53 MINS

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