Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

There are over 30 National Trust properties alone along the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> route, such as Cliveden, Mompesson House, Montacute House and Runnymede, the site of the sealing of the Magna Carta, to name but a few. Almost before you leave London, you pass the royal palaces at Kew, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle, the oldest occupied castle in the World. Then further west as the countryside opens up, and the landscape is scattered with an array of stately homes, two further castles, Highclere and Berkeley, and with many of these properties still owned by the aristocratic families who first built them. Wander <strong>Great</strong> Halls hung with tapestries, feel the heat of a Tudor kitchen, admire the craftsmanship of an elaborately carved 4-poster bed... or plan your visit during the festive season and join a Christmas wreath making masterclass or magical light trail. Whether you’re about to set off, or you’re looking ahead to your next holiday we hope you feel inspired by our selection of houses and gardens you must visit. American Museum & Gardens, Bath Housed in a fine Georgian manor house with outstanding views over the Limpley Stoke Valley on the edge of Bath, the American Museum takes you on a journey through American history, with its remarkable collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects. The only museum of Americana outside of the United States, it was founded to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe. There are winding paths and woodlands to enjoy in The New American Garden, Mount Vernon Garden, and The Children’s Garden play area. Visit during the festive season (1 to 31 December) for a sparkling trail of illuminations in a magical after-dark adventure which will emblazon the entire house, gardens and woodland in glorious colour. Apsley House Standing in the heart of London, Apsley House is the former home of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, victor of Waterloo. Designed and built by Robert Adam in the 1770s, the house was bought by the duke in 1817. He transformed it into a palatial residence to befit his status and filled it with works of art and gifts from grateful rulers across Europe. Wellington died in 1852. The following year his son Arthur, the 2nd Duke, decided to open Apsley House to the public. A ‘Museum Room’ was created where Wellington’s magnificent silver trophies, military memorabilia and gifts of porcelain were exhibited. During the 20th century, the family suffered many losses. The 5th Duke died in 1941 and two years later his son and heir, Henry, died from battle wounds received during the Second World War. Gerald, the 7th Duke, decided to offer Apsley House to the nation, together with a significant 38 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk

Previous page: Syon Park Left to right: Christmas Fair at Waddesdon; Christmas at Blenheim portion of the 1st Duke’s art collection. Today visitors can be awed by the palatial wonder of the gilded, glittering interiors and stunning artwork of Apsley House as they admire the gifts from emperors, tsars, and kings to the Iron Duke. There are nearly 3,000 fine paintings, sculptures and works of art in silver and porcelain, given to Britain's greatest military hero. Visit on the 25 November for a special evening made of dancing, etiquette and gossip – the Regency Evening experience includes a dance caller (to explain the steps and dances), Regency costumes, gowns, wine and fine dining. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Just a short detour off the main route Blenheim Palace is a vast confection of pinnacles, pilasters and porticos built in golden stone, owned by the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Sarah, the notoriously difficult wife of John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, took charge of the building project, and managed to fall out with the architect John Vanbrugh and with the queen herself. However, in spite of the rows, Sarah oversaw the creation of one of England’s finest Baroque palaces which includes the magnificent state rooms with their painted ceilings glorifying John Churchill. Formal gardens include Water Terraces, an Italian Garden, and the Rose Garden. Don’t miss the magical Ice Kingdom Themed Afternoon Tea (18 November 2022–2 January 2023) at the Orangery. Bowood House & Gardens, Wiltshire Bowood House, famed for its gardens, is owned by the Marquis of Lansdowne. Be enchanted by the herbaceous borders and the Italianate terrace gardens with their formal beds and fountains, and don’t miss the 30-acre Woodland Walk, with massed beds of rhododendrons. The 100 acres of parkland here were designed by ‘Capability’ Brown, widely hailed as his best-preserved masterpiece, scattered with lawns and picturesque clumps of trees sweeping down to a gently curving artificial lake, it is a quintessentially English landscape. Other highlights include an arboretum, woodland gardens and Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s secret walled garden. Inside the house, which is open to the → <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 39