WELCOME TO ENGLAND'S GREAT WEST WAY

As the earlier nights draw in, be sure to have an outdoorsy Great West Way escape to look forward to – some time spent rambling through fallen golden leaves in one of our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, swooning over pretty villages and losing yourself in the festivities at an attraction or Christmas markets. Unwind with mellow evenings playing board games in a pub by a roaring log fire, or treat yourself to a pampering spa treatment in one of our luxury hotels.

Take care of your carbon footprint discovering greener travel (page 14) when planning your trip, and don't forget days out spent at one of your favourite Houses and Gardens (page 36). Wildlife enthusiasts will love our article on the best places to hide out with your binoculars (page 24) and we hope you will feel inspired by our best days out for shopping (page 58) ideas for celebrating special occasions (page 64) and places to visit along the canals (page 68). We hope you enjoy our seasonal selection of articles, latest news (page 8) and events (page 74) best read with a cup of hot chocolate topped with cinnamon sprinkles, or if you fancy something stronger, our rise of alco-tourism article (p30) should have the answer! Wishing you a lovely season.

Jessica

GreatWestWay.co.uk/explore/maps

England's Great West Way is one of the world's premier touring routes, bringing together many of England's most famous destinations and attractions along a corridor between London and Bristol

Cover Image: Mother and sons enjoying the outdoors in Wiltshire © VisitBritain/Jess Barfield. Pictured Above: The illuminated trail at Blenheim Palace; Snow at Avebury