Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 07

Syon Park, London The London home of the Dukes of Northumberland, the Percy family, for over 400 years – Syon is one of the last great houses of London. Profoundly historic, the House holds a wealth of art within its grand classical interiors, while the Park and Gardens feel like deep countryside, although barely nine miles from Charing Cross. As the nights draw in, Syon Park once again hosts the Enchanted Woodland during November, which sees the 600-year-old gardens transformed by a display of lights and music. Now in its 16th year the trail winds through the arboretum, passing the sixteenth century Syon House, and ends at the spectacular <strong>Great</strong> Conservatory. An array of lighting effects – from high-tech lasers to low tech candles – illuminate the visitor’s way through the trees. Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire A former Rothschild, French Renaissance chateau brimming with priceless treasures and a contemporary exhibition space. There are also restaurants and cafes, a boutique hotel, a gift and Rothschild wine shop and wine cellars with access to wine tastings, not to mention acres of landscaped gardens. During the winter the grounds are transformed by dazzling colour and light displays, bathing trees and manor alike in beautiful hues. Wrap up warm and follow the trail, wending its way past imaginative illuminated installations. <strong>West</strong>onbirt Arboretum With 15,000 trees from around the world, including five national collections, autumn is spectacular here. Dendrologist Michal Dvorak says: ‘With our world-renowned maples taking center stage, it’s easy to miss lesser-known gems. The smoke bush is a feast of colour, including fiery yellows, reds, peaches and purples. The Persian ironwood is another one not to miss in autumn as its leaves turn crimson and gold.’ Don’t miss the step-free STIHL Treetop Walkway, and download a fun kids’ activity booklet, including creating leaf crowns and hunting acorns. Father Christmas’ elves have made their way to the arboretum to decorate the trees in twinkly lights for Christmas. Visit between the 25 November and 21 December 2022 and be one of the first to experience their brand-new illuminated trail. Click here to find out more about exploring Houses and Gardens on the <strong>Great</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Way</strong> Pictured: Chritmas illuminations light up the woodlands at Syon Park 46 <strong>Great</strong><strong>West</strong><strong>Way</strong>.co.uk

A full-size Victorian replica Bayeux Tapestry and three hundred biscuit tins? The ruins of a breathtaking 12th-century royal abbey that attracted pilgrims from across Europe? A nationally significant collection of English farm wagons and the most famous ram on the Internet? And all of it’s free. UNEXPECTED READING