To mark the arrival of the royal baby and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Queen Victoria, the Great West Way have produced a new ‘Royal Journey’ travel trade itinerary for tour operators and travel agents.
The Great West Way Royal Journey itinerary aims to develop royalty themed travel trade business along the Great West Way, which follows one of the first Great Roads commissioned by the Kings of England.
The route follows a road originally commissioned by Charles I and includes:
- Windsor Castle – the world’s oldest and largest occupied royal residence and the focus of the British Empire during Queen Victoria’s reign. More recently, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wed at St. George’s Chapel in the grounds of the Castle. Visitors can tour the State Apartments and Chapel.
- Hampton Court Palace – famously home to Henry VIII and his six wives, the Palace was a royal residence until 1737. Queen Victoria opened the Palace to the public in 1838 and its grandeur, grounds, history and riverside setting make it one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions today.
- Eton College – both Prince William and Prince Harry both attended the school, which is in walking distance from Windsor Castle and open to visitors on guided tours between May and September.
- Highgrove – the private residence of Prince Charles, the gardens are open to the public on selected dates throughout the year
- SS Great Britain – Prince Albert launched the ship in Bristol on 19 July 1843, having travelled aboard the Royal Train along the then-newly opened Great Western Railway from London to Bristol. Visitors today can explore Brunel’s SS Great Britain and dress up in replica Victorian costumes.
- Berkeley Castle – Henry II gave the Castle to the Berkeley family in 1153 and it has received royal guests ever since, including Edward II, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, the Countess of Wessex and the late Queen Mother. The Castle is open to visitors from April to October.
Further details about the new Great West Way Royal Journey itinerary can be downloaded here.
