The Great West Way touring route, which follows 500 miles of navigable routes through the glorious English countryside between London and Bristol, is the gateway to a traditional, classic England that your clients are sure to enjoy. Here are just some of the quintessentially English activities to discover along the way, which bring to life ages past, while continually surprising with delightful modern twists…

Pretty Henley on Thames on the Great West Way © greatwestway.co.uk

Stop for afternoon tea

Is there anything more English than a nice cup of tea? And when paired with fancy sandwiches, indulgent cakes, and scones laden with cream and jam, there really is nothing better! Afternoon tea is an English tradition dating back to the 1840s, which scrumptiously filled the gap between lunch and a fashionably late dinner. This ‘pause for tea’ soon became a popular social event.

Afternoon tea at the Bridge Tea Rooms, Bradford on Avon © greatwestway.co.uk

You can indulge in this traditional treat at many of the National Trust properties found along the route (free admission for Royal Oak members) or at the Great West Way’s lovely hotels, tearooms and cafés. Cobbs Farm Shop & Kitchen in Hungerford, the Bridge Team Rooms in Bradford on Avon and the Royal Oak in Yattendon are all well worth a visit.

Step into the world of Jane Austen

Jane Austen has stood the test of time as one of the UK’s favourite authors. Her witty novels evoke a lost England of grand houses, country dances and heroes on horseback. Step into the world of Pride and Prejudice along the Great West Way.

The Jane Austen Centre in Bath © greatwestway.co.uk

Start in Bath at the Jane Austen Centre to discover more about the novelist’s life and works. Then head to the picture-postcard National Trust village of Lacock which stood in for the village of Meryton in the BBC’s adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. Finally, take a small detour to Mompesson House in Salisbury where Sense and Sensibility was filmed in 1995.

Visit a traditional English pub

There are many good reasons that pubs take centre stage in English life – they are the perfect place to spend time with friends and family in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Lounge in the beer garden with a cold glass of Pimm’s in the summer, or warm yourself at a roaring open fire in winter. Get stuck into a traditional roast dinner on a Sunday, or relax with a refreshing pint at the end of a long day exploring the Great West Way.

The George Inn in Sandy Lane, Wiltshire © greatwestway.co.uk

Check out the Old Bell at Malmesbury which is reputed to be the oldest purpose built hotel in England. And if that’s not enough, you can find out all about making England’s most traditional beverages by taking a tour at Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, West Berkshire Brewery or Wadworth Brewery.

Take a trip on a narrowboat

Before the arrival of the railways in the 19th century, canals were the arteries of England, moving goods and people around the country. Many of these now peaceful waterways have been restored to their former glory and there is nothing better than to sit back and watch the world roll by from the deck of a narrowboat.

Narrowboat on the Kennet & Avon Canal © greatwestway.co.uk

The Kennet & Avon Canal runs all the way from the River Thames to the River Avon, passing through some of the loveliest countryside you could ever hope to see. Hire a narrowboat and journey through England’s past, as you discover historic villages, grand aqueducts, impressive architecture and Georgian townhouses.

Explore a pretty English village

The Great West Way boasts a wealth of lovely English villages, and you will discover many hidden gems as you follow the tree-lined roads. From chocolate box Cotswold cottages to quaint village greens, and from cricket pavilions to country pubs, there are so many rural delights to experience.

The village of Bray in Berkshire © greatwestway.co.uk

Many villages also have their own welcoming bed and breakfast accommodation, or there are any number of wonderful hotels to stay at along the Great West Way.

Smell the roses in an English country garden

From the world-famous to the well-kept secrets, there are many fabulous English country gardens along the Great West Way where you won’t be able but to stop and smell the roses! The Courts Garden near Bradford on Avon offers an enchanting glimpse of a quintessentially English country garden and is a lovely place to spend a summer afternoon.

The walled garden at Bowood House in Wiltshire © greatwestway.co.uk

The 100 acres of parkland at Bowood House in Wiltshire are widely held to be one of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown’s best preserved masterpieces, however the arboretum, woodland garden and secret walled garden are also not to be missed! Set in a valley in the Chiltern Hills, spectacular Stonor Park offers a lush mix of ponds, fountains and pleasure gardens.

Act like royalty for the day

All over the world, Britain is well known for its royal connections, and you can easily trace England’s royal history as you travel along the Great West Way. You will find connections to kings and queens past and present everywhere you look. From magnificent Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of His Majesty The King, to the Royal County of Berkshire and Royal Wootton Bassett, which have both earned a regal stamp of approval.

Magnificent Windsor Castle © greatwestway.co.uk

Don’t miss Royal Ascot in June and Henley Royal Regatta in July, and if you want to indulge in some luxury fit for a queen or king, then why not treat yourself to a night at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath?

Sweet dreams at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath © greatwestway.co.uk

If you would like to find out more about the quintessentially English experiences the Great West Way has to offer, please do contact our friendly team. As a Great West Way Official Tour Operator, Janet Redler Travel & Tourism can put together the perfect tailor-made itinerary for your group, which takes in the most wonderful sights and attractions, along with accommodation to meet all budgets, delicious meals, and first class travel to get your clients from A to B with ease.