The Great West Way touring route, which follows 500 miles of navigable routes through idyllic countryside, quaint villages and ancient towns between London and Bristol, is looking forward to dozens of very special events and activities in 2023. No visit to the south or southwest of England is complete without enjoying a visit to at least part of the Great West Way.

A Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle in May (photo credit GreatWestWay.co.uk)

The grandest and most high-profile event of the year on the Great West Way will without doubt be the Coronation of King Charles III. From street parades to picnics in the park and music concerts to horse races, there will be so much for visitors to enjoy.

A Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together; join the royal razzamatazz at the Royal Windsor Horse Show from 11 – 14 May, where royals attend and compete and the Household Cavalry performs to music in a military spectacular; or enjoy Royal Ascot, England’s most famous horse racing event, which is the pinnacle of the summer season and a quintessentially British day out.

Royal Ascot in June (photo credit GreatWestWay.co.uk)

Anniversaries in 2023

Aerospace in Bristol is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Concorde’s final flight in 2023. Step aboard Concorde Alpha Foxtrot – the last Concorde ever to fly – and enjoy a range of celebratory events and activities.

Concorde at Aerospace in Bristol (photo credit GreatWestWay.co.uk)

Also in Bristol, Clifton Suspension Bridge is celebrating 70 years of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, who have been caretakers of the iconic bridge since 1953, and tours and events are planned throughout the year.

Clifton Suspension Bridge at dusk (photo credit GreatWestWay.co.uk)

New garden tours

Enjoy the spectacular Capability Brown landscape at Bowood House and Gardens near Bath and take one Woodland Garden Guided Tours led by an expert guide, which are being introduced for the flowering season from mid-April to early June.

Romantic Iford Manor Gardens in Bradford-upon Avon is offering exclusive champagne guided tours of the garden with the owner as well as supper clubs featuring a five-course tasting menu and live music.

Walking, festivals and music

The first Reading Walks Festival launches in May this year, with over 40 guided walks ranging in length from an hour’s gentle walk to 30 miles or more along the St James Way. Taking place across five days, the festival brings to life the stories, heritage, wildlife and landscapes of Reading and the surrounding countryside.

The Vale of Pewsey, a beautiful area in the eastern half of the county of Wiltshire, with the village of Pewsey at its centre has created three new multi-day long-distance walking, cycling and riding routes, highlighting where to stay, eat and drink and transport connections.

Held in a beautiful forest location, Forest Live at Westonbirt – The National Arboretum takes place from 8 to 11 June and is part of a major live music series of summer concerts across the country. Enjoy a great night out in a relaxed atmosphere with spectacular backdrops and great music.

Bristol Harbour Festival in July (photo credit GreatWestWay.co.uk)

Bristol Harbour Festival, which takes place on 15 and 16 July, is the city’s prime, maritime event attracting around 250,000 visitors each year. There's a world-class circus and on-water activities, music, family entertainment, food stalls and of course, the many ships which come into the harbour for the event.

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “There is so much to see and do along the Great West Way at any time, but 2023 is promising to be an exceptionally exciting year with lots of fantastic activities and events taking place. The Great West Way is a truly magnificent touring route, which really is well worth a visit on a vacation in England.”

If you or your group would like to find out more about these, and the many other events taking place, that you can enjoy on a tailor-made tour of the Great West Way in 2023, please do contact our friendly team today. Janet Redler Travel is proud to be a Great West Way Official Tour Operator.