Christmas is a truly enchanting time to explore England’s Great West Way, with a wealth of seasonal experiences to enjoy - ideal for visitors seeking a memorable winter break!

Stonor House in Oxfordshire at Christmas (credit: greatwestway.co.uk)

England’s Great West Way is a popular touring route which follows 500 miles of navigable routes between London and Bristol, roaming through idyllic countryside, quaint villages and ancient towns.

From illuminated Light Trails and traditional Christmas Markets to magnificently decorated stately homes, the route is brimming with festive charm. Visitors can enjoy the nostalgic aromas of roasted chestnuts, the uplifting sound of carol singers and a wide variety of seasonal entertainment, from pantomimes to New Year's celebrations.

Fabulous festive highlights

Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns with a spectacular new trail through enchanted woodland, where visitors will experience dazzling lights, breathtaking projections, and magical fountain displays that bring the forest to life. 

Windsor Castle and Great Park in winter (credit: greatwestway.co.uk)

See the splendid State Apartments at Windsor Castle decorated for Christmas, with a festive display including the incredible centrepiece, a six-metre (20-foot) high tree in St George's Hall, taken from Windsor Great Park and dressed with hundreds of twinkling lights and ornaments.

Windsor Castle at Christmas © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust

Longleat Festival of Light celebrates British Icons with Wallace & Gromit and Friends. Explore iconic UK landmarks reimagined as stunning lantern displays. Highlights include Tower Bridge, Stonehenge, the Giant’s Causeway, and the Glenfinnan Viaduct, alongside tributes to Jane Austen’s 250th anniversary and iconic British music stars.

Fireworks over Longleat (credit: Longleat)

Christmas at Blenheim Palace is always one of Britain’s greatest festive wonders. This year, you can step inside the palace to follow the yellow brick road through the enchanting Palace of Oz, a whimsical retelling of 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' brought to life in the State Rooms. Discover the iconic Illuminated Trail and browse the award-winning Christmas Market for unique gifts and seasonal treats.

Christmas at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire © Westonbirt Arboretum

Experience the Magic of Christmas at Stourhead where visitors can immerse themselves in a new, reimagined trail as the garden is illuminated by millions of sparkling festive lights and comes alive with the sound of festive cheer. Witness a brand-new array of dazzling installations for 2025, including the mesmerising Star Show, a shimmering Sea of Light, and spectacular lasers dancing across the night sky.

Windsor at Christmas (credit: Doug Harding)

Christmas markets and festive shopping

The annual Bath Christmas Market transforms the picturesque streets of Bath into a magical, festive experience like no other. This year, it will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a series of very special bonus activities. Featuring hundreds of twinkling chalets entwining some of the city's most iconic monuments, and plenty of festive food and drink. 

Marlborough Christmas lights (credit: greatwestway.co.uk)

Visit Bristol this winter and be greeted with an array of festive delights from unique crafts and special gifts to delicious treats. Browse over 35 stalls in the heart of Bristol city as you enjoy jolly music; all underneath a glittering Christmas tree which will display a variety of colourful decorations and lights.

There are many town centres along the Great West Way offering a charming selection of Christmas shopping experiences for visitors. Wander through the twinkling streets of Highworth, Hungerford, Corsham and Calne, where independent shops and local artisans are aplenty.

Marlborough shop window at Christmas (credit: greatwestway.co.uk)

Enjoy the riverside beauty and boutique charm of Bradford on Avon and Henley on Thames, perfect for picking up unique treasures. Devizes, Trowbridge, Marlborough and Malmesbury offer a warm, traditional atmosphere, with Christmas markets and friendly high streets full of seasonal cheer.

Corsham Christmas lights (credit: greatwestway.co.uk)

Explore Reading's dynamic shopping centres and calendar of festive events. Take a walk through the winter wonderland in Windsor, with its royal surroundings and elegant shops. Wherever you plan to go, Christmas shopping along the Great West Way promises festive fun, local flavour, and plenty of seasonal sparkle.

The magic of Christmas in London

London is the perfect place to begin and end your Great West Way festive fantasy, as there are so many Christmas activities to enjoy.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Experience the fun of an open-top bus tour to see the capital’s Christmas light displays; enjoy a seasonal theatre show, from ELF The Musical to A Christmas Carol; take in a traditional British pantomime; skate the days away at a pop-up outdoor ice rink; visit Hyde Park Winter Wonderland or wander through the magnificent illuminated gardens at Kew; take a New Year’s Eve river cruise or welcome in 2026 beside the London Eye. 

Janet Redler Travel is proud to be a Great West Way Official Tour Operator. If you or your group would like to enjoy a last-minute Christmas trip to England’s Great West Way, or perhaps you would like to start planning a festive adventure for 2026, we can help! We work with a fabulous selection of hotels to suit all budgets and, as well as the best things to see and do, we can recommend the finest restaurants along the way. Contact us today!