GREAT WEST WAY
®
We at ArchaeoMuse are very proud to be an official Tour Operator for the Great West Way®!
Who we are!
ArchaeoMuse specialises in theme-based travel and educational experiences exploring the origins of civilisation and the connections our ancestors have with the present.
The Great West Way provides an exciting range of options to explore these connections between the past and present.
ArchaeoMuse is based in the region with local archaeologists and experts with a background in culture, literature, and art.
Below you will see thought-provoking itineraries inspired by our Muses.
We can do all the work for you in advance to prepare for your visit and personally guide you through the region to make the most of your time.
Let our Muses show you the way!
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Why The Great West Way?
If you are curious and want to discover the quintessential essence of England, The Great West Way is perfect!
An ancient route that meanders through charming idyllic towns and quaint villages, explore the secluded countryside and relax on the soothing waterways
Immerse yourself in stories of the past with so much extraordinary history that has influenced and shaped the development of the United Kingdom.
Explore World Heritage Sites whilst replenishing in traditional pubs, frequented for hundreds of years, serving local hand-pumped craft ales and fresh local farm food.
Discover ancient archaeological sites, such as Stonehenge, learn about ancient Britons, the Roman invasion, and more!
History of The Great West Road
In 1635, King Charles I (proposed by Thomas Witherings) ordered “Six Great Roads” to be built with the purpose to shorten the time it took for the King’s messages to reach the ports from London.
The Great West Way follows an ancient route based on one of the first Great Roads commissioned by the Kings of England linking London to Bristol. It has 500 miles of navigable routes roaming through idyllic countryside, quaint villages, and elegant towns.
#GreatWestWay
England, UK
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TARAS' TIPS:
"Did you know you can explore the ancient origins of modern Britain along the Great West Way. Follow the fascinating path from Ancient Bronze Age Britons, Iron Age Celts, and Romans, Medieval Anglo-Saxons, and Normans to Modern Great Britain. "
Taras is traveling by canal and river now since he is out of his native, Mediterranean, and Aegean context. His Dolphin has also had to adapt to swimming in more shallow, murky, and muddy waters.
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Feature Trips for the
Great West Way
(more itineraries below)
Inspired by
Clio - Muse of History
Inspire by
Clio - Muse of History and
Erato - Muse of Love and romanticism
Inspired by
Calliope - Muse of Literature and Architecture
Immerse yourself in the origins of modern Britain!
Discover the ancient roots of
Modern Britain
6-Nights/7-Days
Follow the fascinating path from Ancient Bronze Age Britons, Iron Age Celts, and Romans, Medieval Anglo-Saxons, and Normans to Modern Great Britain.
Highlights
- Explore the mysterious Stonehenge: work began in the late Neolithic Age, around 3000 BC with the last changes made in the early Bronze Age, around 1500 BC.
- Follow the Roman road from Marlborough to Bath
- Barbury Castle; scramble among vast ancient ramparts and the fort (first century BC)
- Explore the heart of the world’s largest stone circle
- Explore West Kennet Long Barrow (c 3650 BC)
and more...!
6-Nights From:
£1750
Including: 3 dinners, educational materials, guides, transfers and accommodation.
Discover Quintessential England!
Enjoy the fascinating history of Stately homes, Palaces, and stunning gardens!
5-Nights/6-Days
Highlights
- Enter the regal world of kings & queens on an insightful tour around the majestic Castle and gardens of Windsor Castle
- Explore Henry VIII's magnificent Hampton Court Palace
- Discover the stately manor of Stonor, the 850-year-old home. Wander its hallowed halls and immerse yourself in centuries-old art and treasures.
- Be mesmerised at the enchanting 17th Century Merchant's House
- Wander around the charming market village of Lacock
- Tour the Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum, which chronicles the history of photography.
- Discover the rich history of the Grade I listed Bowood House and Gardens .
5-Nights From:
£1650
Including: 3 dinners, educational materials, guides, transfers and accommodation.
Literary &
Culture adventure!
Follow the poetry and prose of Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy,
8-Nights/9-Days
These two exceptional writers have strong connections to the Great West Way. Visit the places that inspired these influential writers and explore their work in more depth. Be inspired to write your own story!
Sample works and locations that we will delve into include:
-
Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Bath
-
Hardy’s Jude the Obscure
-
Hardy’s poetry
Enjoy this exploration of the poetry and prose of Hardy and Austen, whilst visiting museums, archaeological sites and galleries.
8-Nights From:
£2700
Including:4 dinners, educational materials, guides, transfers and accommodation.
Discover the Great West Way
WHO ARE THE MUSES?
The 9 Muses of ancient Greek mythology, daughters of the Titaness Memnosyne or Memory, and Zeus, supreme leader of the Olympians, are bound to inspire with a heritage like this!
In fact, the very word ‘muse’ in English, and many other modern languages, comes from ancient Greek meaning 'inspiration' and is the basis of many words in English like museum, music, amuse, and many other words.
Our theme-based experiences along the Great West Way centre around the wonderful Muses.
Click on a Muse, and Taras, to reveal who they are and what they represent.
Let the Muses Inspire you!
Scroll through the Muses' favourite experiences along the Great West Way and find some compelling itineraries based on what they uncovered.
With the Muses and Taras, you will truly grasp, and uncover, fascinating stories, anecdotes, and archaeological sites along the Great West Way.
Don't forget to share your interests with us, or which Muses inspire you, as we can tailor-make a bespoke itinerary for you!
Clio - Muse of History
Explore the continuity of civilisation from the Bronze Age through the Roman times to the present, all along the Great West Way!
Or...
Explore medieval castles and historic inns.
Melpomene -
Muse of Drama and Theatre
With the Great West Way starting in London and ending in Bristol, there is an abundance of theatres along the way such as a watermill turned theatre!
Discover the oldest continually-running theatre in the English-speaking world at Bristol Old Vic Visit The Pounds Art Centre is a must! Here you will find theatre, exhibitions, live music, cinema, stand-up comedy, and creative workshops!
Polyhymnia -
Muse of Religion and Politics
coming soon!
Thalia - Muse of Comic Drama.
(ArchaeoMusements)
The pub has played a central role across the UK's communities for hundreds of years. There are approximately 48,000 pubs in the UK, with many dating back centuries.
Explore the many pubs along the Great West Way, tour the Bombay Sapphire Distillery, experience Aldwick Estate - Vineyard Tours And Tastings, try local beers at Wadworth Brewerysample the delights, and learn about the traditional brewing methods used at the site since 1875.
Calliope - Muse of Literature and Architecture
Literary and cultural itinerary following the poetry and prose of Thomas Hardy and Jane Austen, two writers with strong connections to the Great West Way.
Euterpe - Muse of
Arts and Dance
Experience a vibrant art and culture experience along the Great West Way! From gilded galleries to lively community arts centres. A must-visit includes Katharine House Gallery where you can purchase esteemed local art. The gallery specialises in modern British art, particularly by post-war artists such as Roy Turner Durrant and Sandra Blow. As well as paintings and ceramics you’ll also find unusual antiques.
Euterpe - Muse of Music
coming soon!
Urania - Muse of Philosophy and Science
With many miles of open countryside, with little or no light pollution, there are many options to enjoy an evening of stargazing with us during your Great West Way trip. Enjoy the tranquillity and majesty of the night sky, and if lucky, you might be able to admire the sweep of the Milky Way!
How many constellations will you be able to spot?
Erato - Muse of Love and Romanticism
Explore the natural beauty along the Great West Way route. There is something very romantic about traditional quintessential English gardens. The National Trust has a number of different spectacular properties and gardens along the Great West Way.
Enjoy inspiring walks, reading poetry, literature, viewing art, and listening to music.
For more details on each itinerary,
please contact us.
Be inspired:
We can tailor-make your travel experiences for you and your desires. We provide experiences for individuals, groups, families, friends, academics, and history buffs (beginners to experts).
We are enthusiastic and passionate about what we do and specialise in providing thoughtfully prepared, and tailor-made, travel experiences in collaboration with writers, storytellers, historians, philosophers, archaeologists, gastronomical connoisseurs, and passionate locals.
