Great Western Railway (GWR) has launched the Great West Way Discoverer pass, which will allow international and domestic tourists to visit some of the South West’s leading destinations with a single ticket. Joining forces with a host of bus providers covering 250 local bus routes, the pass is the largest integrated rail and bus ticket of its kind in the UK.
As part of the Great West Way product development programme, visitors can now purchase the Great West Way Discoverer pass at a reduced rate, allowing for travel along the touring route between London and Bristol that joins up many of England’s iconic destinations and yet-to-be-discovered attractions.
The international pass can be purchased for three- or seven-day trips, and includes travel on specific train routes including Bristol to Bath, Swindon to Hungerford, Swindon to Paddington, Westbury to Waterloo, and the TransWilts line, as well as a comprehensive network of bus routes that connect places of interest along the route. Key destinations within easy reach of the Great West Way, such as Salisbury and Oxford, are also included in the pass.
For domestic visitors there are three Great West Way Discoverer options available – East, West or Global – giving the opportunity to explore the area in one-day instalments or over the course of a week. The East route covers the railway line from London Paddington and London Waterloo to Swindon, Pewsey and Salisbury while the West route covers the line from Bristol Temple Meads to Swindon, Pewsey and Salisbury. Both are available as a one-day or seven-day pass.
The Global route combines both the East and West passes and covers the entire route between London, Bath and Bristol, available as a seven-day pass only. Domestic prices start from £24 for a one-day pass, up to £239 for the full seven-day pass.
Great West Way Director, David Andrews said, “Great Western Railway’s Great West Way Discoverer ticket is a fantastic way to encourage more visitors to travel along the Great West Way. It makes the route easily accessible for international visitors and at £129 for a seven-day pass for international visitors is truly exceptional value.
“The ticket will join up the big-draw locations, such as Bath, Bristol and Windsor with lesser-known but equally interesting market towns, chocolate box villages and quintessentially English countryside – all without needing to jump in a car or join a group tour.”
Amanda Burns, Head of Marketing and Sales at GWR said, “GWR are proud to be working with the Great West Way and VisitEngland on this new tourism initiative. The pass will provide international visitors with the best way to travel and experience the spectacular beauty, history and attractions along the route, offering flexibility and convenience of travel by train and bus, all on just the one ticket.
“With the introduction of new Intercity Express Trains and an improved travelling experience, GWR offer tourists a truly unique and memorable way to experience the Great West Way.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said, “VisitEngland is delighted to be supporting the Great West Way through the Discover England Fund which aims to deliver world-class bookable tourism products joined up across geographies; including integrated transport solutions to provide an end-to-end customer experience.
“Partnering with rail providers will help put the Great West Way on the international tourist map getting more visitors to explore the West of England, driving economic growth through tourism.”
