Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

designs and writings, including the world-famous Willow pattern. Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection, from early 17th Century furniture to a unique collection of furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London homes, including several designed especially for the iconic Red House. Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting riverside gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred yards away. Beyond the walls of the formal garden stand the impressive farm barns – two of them house the Tearoom and beautiful Shop. The Tearoom is a must, with its friendly staff and delicious home-made meals and cakes, whilst the Shop is packed with decorative and unusual items ideal for gifts or mementoes. Longleat, Wiltshire Home of the Marquess of Bath, Longleat is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in England, and since 1580, up until today, has been owned by 16 generations of the Thynn family. The House is open to the public throughout most of the year. Inside this 450-year-old treasure trove, you will find the original Elizabethan <strong>Great</strong> Hall, the spectacular Grand Staircase, the impressive Saloon stretching 90 feet long with exquisite Flemish tapestries, beautiful antique furniture and a staggering collection of more than 40,000 books. In total there are 15 breathtaking rooms, together with stunning ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds. Famously known for being the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa in 1966, home to, amongst other animals, majestic lions, a troop of mischievous macaque monkeys, a pack of grey wolves plus, the only animal collection in Europe to exhibit Southern koalas. In November, the UK's original, biggest and most exciting lantern festival is the showstopper at Longleat – The Festival of Light, and the theme for this year? You will be stepping into The Wondrous Worlds of Roald Dahl. Then, in December, Longleat becomes even more magical with a Santa Train, Winter Safari Drive-through and Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree – at 20 metres tall, it will sing your favourite carols and flurries with snow! The Merchant's House, Marlborough A glorious restoration of a 17th Century silk merchant's house The House of Thomas Bayly was built following the <strong>Great</strong> Fire of Marlborough in 1653. Over the years 1653-1700 a fine timber and brick building was constructed, its interior panelled, brilliant with wall paintings and with a commanding oak staircase. A substantial amount of this fabric survives and hidden painted decoration is still being revealed. Many of us are familiar with homes of the aristocracy; here is a rare opportunity to view a 17th century house of the type 42 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk

Left to right: Longleat and Britain's biggest singing Christmas tree; Kew Gardens Palm House in the snow many of us might have lived in. Thomas was a prosperous silk mercer whose lifestyle is reflected in the spacious and elegant rooms on show. The house is a living place. Throughout the season there are demonstrations of costume making, needlework and historic paint conservation. Musicians often play music appropriate to the period. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey For an unforgettable horticultural experience, make a beeline for Kew Gardens. By day you can see the vast UNESCO World Heritage Site by walking or hop aboard the Kew Explorer Land Train, which will wizz you round the main sites in around 40 minutes. Current highlights of any tour include the Palm House, built with a rainforest climate to nurture the plant life brought back by Victorian botanists; The Hive, an immersive experience that echoes the life going on inside a real beehive; and The Princess of Wales Conservatory, which is packed with all sorts of prickly curiosities from cacti to carnivorous plants. Visit in the evening on selected dates between 16 November 2022 and 8 January 2023 for Christmas at Kew when the stunning gardens are decorated in a show-stopping annual trail of festive light installations. More than a million tiny bulbs and flickering flames light up the night, as rainbow reflections shimmer on the water and trees are drenched in dazzling hues. Along the route there's festive hot food and treats such as spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate. The Savill Garden, Windsor The Savill Garden in Windsor <strong>Great</strong> Park has been a tranquil place to discover rare plants from around the world since its creation in the 1930s. This natural haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland can be enjoyed by everyone, from dedicated horticulturists to those who just want to spend a relaxing day out with family or friends. There are 35 acres of interconnected gardens including the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds. Don’t leave before visiting The Christmas Tree Shop to pick up some natural decorations for your home including wreaths and fresh boughs of holly and mistletoe. → <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk 43