The Great West Way is a famous touring route which snakes its way through 125-miles of stunning countryside between London and Bristol.
It is based upon one of the first Great Roads commissioned by the medieval Kings of England, which themselves followed well-established trading routes between the key centres of commerce and power.
Our luxury hotel and spa, located on the breath-taking 2000-acre Bowood Estate, sits on the ancient route, between Marlborough and Chippenham, so provides a perfect base from which to explore large swathes of the Great West Way.
Passing through Berkshire, Wiltshire and Somerset, taking in some of the UK’s most iconic sights and beauty spots, the Great West Way offers a winning combination of history, culture and rural splendor.
Here, we take a look at just some of the highlights of this amazing ancient route between our capital city and Atlantic coastline, starting from London and working our way westwards.
One of the Queen’s three official residences, Windsor Castle gives visitors an insight into royal life through the centuries. It is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world with a history stretching back more than 900 years to William the Conqueror. Windsor has now been home to 39 British monarchs. You can marvel at the grandeur of the state apartments, walk up the aisle of St George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed in 2018 and take a tour of the extensive grounds
The centre of British rowing, this charming market town straddling the River Thames overlooked by the luscious greenery of the Chiltern Hills, makes a wonderful day out. First mentioned in the 12th century, Henley boasts an extensive range of historic buildings and with a broad range of independent shops and great restaurants and cafés, it is a great place to meander aimlessly. It is famous for its Henley Royal Regatta which sees the best rowers from across the globe compete on the river. You can head to the River and Rowing Museum to find out more about the annual boating event or take a tranquil walk along the river.
Best known around the world as setting for Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is actually home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived there since 1679. The current castle was extensively rebuilt during the 18th and 19th centuries and now stands as one of the most impressive examples of Victorian architectural grandeur. Visitors can go behind the scenes of the ‘real Downton Abbey’ with a look at the opulent state rooms and living quarters, learn about the stately home’s links with Tutankhamun or wander the gardens and 1000-acres of stunning parkland which is dotted with follies and woodland.
With a Neolithic stone circle dating back almost 6000 years which encircles much of the village, Avebury is part of the same World Heritage Site as Stonehenge. As well as walking among the ancient standing stones which make up the biggest stone circle in the world, you can visit the 16th century manor house with rooms decorated to reflect different periods through which the residents lived – Tudor, Queen Anne, Georgian, Victorian and 20th century. You can also head to the Alexander Keiller Museum to learn more about the archaeology and history of this prehistoric sacred landscape.
A slight detour south onto the Salisbury Plain is worth it to marvel at one of the most iconic historic monuments in the world, Stonehenge. The giant standing stones dating back five millennia that make up the mysterious and ancient circle at Stonehenge are awe-inspiring when viewed in person. A grand new exhibition and visitor centre presents 250 ancient artefacts and a model of a 5,500 year-old man, representing the builders of Stonehenge. You can also explore the replica Neolithic houses and examine the tools and everyday objects of our ancient ancestors.
This will be easy if you’re staying with us. Right on your doorstep is one of the most beautiful and fascinating estates in the west of England. Bowood House, a fine example of Georgian architecture, sits surrounded by 100-acres of ‘Capability Brown’ landscaped parkland. Still home to the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, Bowood House offers lots to interest and entertain visitors with lavish interiors rich in art and antiques, extensive formal gardens, rambling parkland and an adventure playground to keep the little ones happy.
Step back in time with a visit to the perfectly preserved historic village of Lacock. A popular filming spot which has provided the backdrop to many movies including Harry Potter. Lacock is like an architectural time capsule with no buildings younger than 200 years old while the oldest building dates back to the 13th century. Lacock Abbey sits at the heart of the village in its own grounds and visitors can explore its medieval rooms and cloisters. A nearby museum celebrates the achievements of its most famous resident, William Henry Fox Talbot, one of the fathers of modern photography. Once you’ve done your sightseeing grab a bite to eat in one of the rustic pubs or twee tearooms.
A bustling city of wonderful Georgian architecture on the banks of the River Avon, with some of the best preserved Roman remains in Britain, all ringed by the green Somerset hills, Bath is a joy for any visitor. Named a World Heritage Site in 1987 in recognition of its vast array of Regency properties including the Royal Crescent and the Circus, the city is perhaps best known for the Roman-built thermal baths after which it is named. It is also a favourite with Jane Austen fans as the setting for three of the author’s books. With museums, galleries, tours, shops and restaurants a plenty, Bath really does have something for everyone.
Bristol is a city of many parts, steeped in history but a hotbed of diverse contemporary culture and creativity, from its street art and great music scene to its many culinary delights. There is a huge amount to see and do: explore the city’s heritage at sights like the incredible SS Great Britain or M Shed, meander the golden streets of Clifton to admire Brunel’s suspension bridge across the Avon gorge, head to Bedminster to admire some of the world’s most incredible street art, grab a coffee or drink in achingly trendy Stokes Croft or take a walk around the harbourside. Bristol rivals many far bigger cities for fun and excitement.
There are of course countless other wonderful places to visit along the Great West Way – this is just a taster to help you start planning. Once you start investigating the many wonders of the route west from London, you will find yourself spoilt for choice.
Bowood are extremely pleased to have recently become an elite member of the PGA (Professional Golfers’ Association). As a branded property of the association, we are now a PGA Golf Course and PGA Academy.
The hard and accurate work of our dedicated team across all areas of the hotel, not just on the golf course, has led to our affiliation. And that goes hand-in-hand with the loyalty of our members and guests, whose attendance and feedback has all come together to help us achieve such a prestigious status.
Despite our excitement, we understand that not all our hotel guests and members will be familiar with the PGA.
So, to clear up any uncertainties and to share this new-found success with our loyal members and guests, we’re unveiling everything we think you ought to know about the PGA.
So, what does PGA qualified mean? And how do we expect it to enhance Bowood and what we offer?
Here are 10 things you might not know about the PGA:
Being part of the PGA gives Bowood global recognition within professional golf. Our course is now seen to be on the same level as some of the best golf courses across the world.
To put it simply: We’ve become part of world class golfing elite.
We expect that those with a keen interest in golf will want to travel to Bowood to indulge in the superior golfing opportunities we offer. No matter where they live.
The fact that other PGA accredited golf courses are based in Kenya and Spain proves the sheer prestige of this accreditation, and its rarity in the UK.
Of course, we’ve been lucky enough to be making the most of our fantastic course for a number of years. It’s not changing drastically as a result of the affiliation- but it is becoming more recognised.
So when it comes to preferred professional golfing venues, we’re very much on the map.
And we’ve gained status as both.
As we’ve mentioned above, being recognised as a PGA Golf Course makes us one of the top choices for golfing facilities in the UK and worldwide.
Bowood is now regarded as a superior golfing venue, considering the course itself, as well as the hotel’s brasserie, accommodation and spa.
As a PGA Academy, we’ve demonstrated that we can enhance golf skills in our players, through high-level coaching from trained professionals.
Our Pro golfers are PGA professionals with over 50 years’ experience. If you’ve played on our course before and experienced some coaching, you’ll know the skill level of our coaches and also their ability to progress beginner, intermediate and even “expert” players.
The PGA has recognised Bowood’s facilities to cater for golfers of all ages, genders and abilities, which means that we are proven to provide an excellent hub for learning new techniques and enhancing existing skills.
Who knows…perhaps we’ll be the home golf course of the next Tiger Woods? We’ve already developed a number of international level athletes, so training an elite-level sports person is not out of the question.
The bar is set high. And all of our guests, members and visitors to our hotel can benefit from our high-standard of coaching- that is sought-after on an international scale.
Golf enthusiasts will, no doubt, have heard about the legendary golf course The Belfry.
The Belfry is the UK’s PGA National Course. It is well-connected and easily accessible by Birmingham Airport and Birmingham city centre.
The course is famous for its 500-acres of superior Warwickshire countryside, as well as it’s high-quality accommodation and facilities in the hotel.
For Bowood to be part of the PGA and valued on a similar level to The Belfry is an absolute honour and an exciting prospect for our hotel’s future.
Note that The Belfry has a superior partnership status with the PGA, so we’re not quite on the same level as that.
We may not be a partner of the PGA, however, to get to grips with how superior our accreditation really is, it is helpful to know that Bowood is now one of eight (yes that’s right, just eight) PGA golf academies to date.
We are listed as one of the best places to develop golfing skills and learn from the professionals, along with the following locations:
Being classed alongside the magnificent locations above is just another of the reasons why the PGA association is so beneficial for our hotel.
The Ryder Cup is arguably one of the most famous awards in the sport. The PGA has been involved with the Ryder Cup since it began in 1927. And it still plays a part nowadays.
For those that are more familiar with Pro golf, the PGA is a partner in the European Ryder Cup LLP, as well as the European tour.
And if you’ve seen what the Ryder Cup looks like, donated to the sport by Sam Ryder himself, you’ll have noticed the 17-inch figure on the top. That figure is Abe Mitchell. One of the most famous members of the PGA and Sam Ryder’s personal coach.
Not only is the PGA supported by legends in golf like Abe Mitchell, it is also affiliated with massive brands.
Some of these brands are:
Just by looking at the size and calibre of these brands, it is clear to see what a big deal it is being part of the PGA.
We hope to expand and improve our facilities at Bowood, in response to this excellent accreditation.
In order to become a PGA affiliated professional, it takes time and hard work. Our Pros have undergone extensive training to get where they are today.
Many of the PGA Pros are educated to degree level. They are trained with the most recent expertise and skills in the sport, to ensure they provide the best and most relevant standard of golf to date.
A professional qualification with the PGA involves:
And here at Bowood we’ll be hosting the final of the PGA Championship in July 2019.
We couldn’t be more excited.
The Championship invites various golf societies to play on our hotel grounds and the course will provide a testing ground for 144 talented players.
We’re looking forward to watching and receiving feedback on their experience on the course.
Our Head GreenKeeper and his team are already working hard to ensure the course is at optimum condition in preparation for the Championship event.
If you’d like to play on this iconic course as a member, then why not join us as a member here at Bowood?
The PGA works with golf bodies such as the UK Golf Course Owners Association and the Home Unions and Golf Club Managers’ Association, as well as various golf club committees.
This means that the credibility of the association is extremely high. If you’re looking to start your golfing career (and by that we mean amateur players too), then by choosing a PGA accredited venue like Bowood, you can be confident you’re learning in the most reliable way.
Golf is not just a sport for men. The campaign #WeLoveGolf is the PGA’s modern campaign to get more women playing golf.
The WPGA is the section of the PGA dedicated to women. Set up by the epic female golfer Vivien Saunders in 1978, she gifted the name WPGA into the safe hands of the PGA in 1998.
So while the association is run overall by men, there is a continued effort to get more women involved in golf.
Women who join the PGA automatically become members of the WPGA.
We welcome female members here at Bowood.
Bowood’s new status with the PGA gives our hotel spa and golf resort global recognition on the professional golfing scene. We want to share the prestige of the PGA with our guests, members and anybody thinking about coming to stay with us.
We’re looking forward to welcoming more local golfers, as well as making continued developments to our world-class golf course.
Join us today for what is set to be one of our most exciting years in golf to date.
Wiltshire is a beautiful county at the edge of the South West Peninsula. Its landscape is contrasting, with woodlands, river valleys and clay vales – but often it’s known for having open chalk hills – known as “downland” – such as Salisbury Plain. Famously, Salisbury Plain is home to one of the most historically important places in the world. That is, of course, the World Heritage Site – Stonehenge.
Wiltshire is a place of significant ancient history, and it’s worth visiting for this alone – but it’s also a modern cultural hub. There’s always lots to do, and Christmas in no exception. To save you some googling here’s a round up what’s on in Wiltshire this Christmas.
The aroma of bread baking is the loveliest in the known universe. Then again, are there aromas in space? There’s no air, so…
Moving on.
Bread is one of those things that defies seasonal shifts and time. This means it’s not, not Christmassy. Kneading dough and baking bread are also warming activities perfect for dark, wintry afternoons.
If you fancy learning the basics why not try this course.
Alongside producing superb quality Aberdeen Angus Beef and fruit and veg, Hartley Farm helps supply its own farm shop – with a butcher, delicatessen and a vast choice of wines and craft beers.
The Hartley Farm Christmas market is a fine way to while away a couple of hours with a glass of mulled wine, some delicious Wiltshire produce and Christmas performances.
“You bought how many artisan cheeses? 26?”
Christmas through the ages, all under one roof.
For this year’s festive season, the National Trust are decorating the rooms in Mompesson House to reflect Christmas in different eras. This brilliant idea will have you walking between a Regency Christmas in the dining room and a 1950s one in the library, as you snack on a mince pie or two.
Apologies, this isn’t festive at all. It’s intriguing, impressive and downright weird though. If you’re interested in crop circles or think you could be – this is your moment.
Are they created by farmers with planks of wood, for a laugh – or as geometric representations of the thought processes of an extra-terrestrial intelligence?
This multi-media exhibition, first created for the Wiltshire Museum is a comprehensive lowdown on crop circle history and latest news.
For more info – please click here.
The Longleat Estate made history, becoming the first place outside of Africa to have a safari park. It’s also the focus of the BBC TV series ‘Animal Park’, hosted by Ben Fogle and Kate Humble – that’s been running for almost 20 years.
Longleat’s ‘Festival of Light’ is 1,000 lanterns in the dark, illuminating parts of a fantastic journey through time and space, spread over 30 acres of parkland.
Intrepid visitors will stumble across brand new creatures, worlds and awesome structures on an epic aeronautical adventure.
For more info – please click here.
This year’s exhibition at Fisherton Mill, is about giving your Christmas shopping a fresh sense of curiosity and wonder.
The exhibition will feature a range of contemporary arts and crafts, designed to be playful, make you think and baffle you – including optical illusions.
“Is the cat inside or outside the toy box and is it actually a box anyway, or a flat wall panel?”.
This is a direct quote from the website, and it sounds hilarious – in a good way.
Why not check out the website.
Salisbury Cathedral is iconic, and not only has the highest spire in the country (at 123 metres) but also the most intact of the last four remaining copies of the Magna Carta.
If you’re ready to climb 322 steps to the top of the tower, with breaks, you’ll be able to look out onto the night-time city scape of Salisbury and the multi-colour illuminated art installations in cathedral close.
Look out for the neon display “I will turn darkness into light”.
A twilight tour of Salisbury Cathedral tower is a lovely way to end a day spent wandering around the Salisbury Christmas market.
For more info – please click here.
Now in its sixth year, the Christmas market is a wonderfully atmospheric addition to the ancient streets of Salisbury. It follows a German lead and has 70 wooden chalets with all sorts of Christmas treats – from handmade furniture to luxury food and drink.
It’s a perfect accompaniment to a festive shopping spree in Salisbury. Plus, everything is unique, desirable, made in Britain and intended to support our home economy.
Christmas at Bowood, in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside is a magical experience. Our boutique hotel, spa and golf resort is nestled within 100 acres of pristine, landscaped gardens – which are beautiful when tinged with winter frosts.
If you catch a chill whilst exploring our grounds, why not settle by a crackling log fire with a glass of something, or enjoy a festive afternoon tea? You could also visit our spa for a revitalising treatment. Golf warms the cockles too.
At Bowood, we love Christmas. That’s why we’ve filled our festive calendar to the rafters. Here’s a handful not to miss –
Spa Christmas Shopping Evening
Golf Pro Shop 30% Off Christmas Shopping Day
Family Christmas Carvery
Christmas Day Carvery
Up for a festive knees up? We also have party nights throughout December. In advance, we wish you a merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading.
