A look at the highlights and what’s new on the Great West Way.

Hotel Indigo Bath, set in a beautiful honey coloured Georgian Terrace, has recently opened its 18th century underground Vault rooms completing the final stage of its multi-million-pound major restoration project. The 18th century, Grade 1 listed building is the first global boutique hotel in Bath. The 12 Vault rooms are an amazing example of historical architecture and are both spacious and stunning in design. They feature exposed brickwork with soft lighting, timber finishing, vaulted bath stone ceilings, underfloor heating, and high-end crafted furniture. The rooms are equipped with a King-size Hypnos bed with luxury Egyptian cotton linen, a spa-inspired bathroom with roll-top bath and separate walk-in rainfall shower, a Nespresso coffee machine, high speed Wi-Fi and a variety of channels on a 43” flat screen TV. As well as ‘The Vaults’, there are 154 additional guest rooms designed around four beautiful themes reflecting the history and locality of Bath. These include ‘Romance & Mischief’ rooms, ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms, ‘Architectural Beauty’ rooms and ‘Garden’ rooms. The Vault rooms start from £299 per night for bed and breakfast.

We the Curious science museum had to close in April 2022 after a devastating fire on its roof. Repairs to resulting water damage are under way and the plans are to reopen in 2023. Brimming with exhibits to inspire your curiosity and home to the UK’s only 3D planetarium, We the Curious is the place to ask questions and get creative.

A short detour off the main route The Newt, a luxury hotel in Somerset, has opened a palatial Roman villa on its estate, reimagined to the original villa ruins found there. Visit the superb interactive museum before wandering through Villa Ventorum, with working Roman baths and formal dining room with frescoes of The Three Graces and intricate mosaics on the floor.

Housed at Aerospace Bristol in a purpose-built hangar, Concorde Alpha Foxtrot was the last Concorde to be built and the last to fly – and next year the museum will be celebrating 20 years since her final flight in 2003. The incredible story of Bristol’s amazing aviation achievements are told at Aerospace Bristol – and there's loads to discover – starting from the earliest days of powered flight, through to today’s cutting-edge aerospace technology. There's aeroplanes, helicopters, missiles, satellites, engines and more to see and lots of interactive exhibits for all ages. The highlight is the iconic Concorde. You’ll have the chance to step aboard the world's fastest passenger jet, glimpse into the cockpit, and walk through the passenger cabin to discover how Concorde passengers would travel in style. Plus, enjoy an amazing show projected on to the outside of the aeroplane. Great West Way visitors will find Aerospace Bristol just off the M5, near Cribbs Causeway, and with plenty of free parking.

The buzzing city of Bristol is home to the Aztec Hotel Spa, recent Good Spa awards 2022 winner of the Best Boutique Spa in the UK. Visit for a spa day or an overnight break at the Aztec Hotel and take some time to enjoy the recently refurbished spa and brand new Relax Lounge. Other spa facilities include the beautiful sauna, hot tub, steam room and both a spa pool and swimming pool.

A short detour from the main Great West Way route and construction of the eagerly anticipated Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreats have begun and are set to be completed and open for Easter 2023. The collection of one, two and three-bedroom luxury staycation lodges will offer a new way to experience Blenheim Palace, one of the UK’s most historic country estates. Situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is one of England’s most popular and recognisable attractions. Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family, the 18th-century venue was the birthplace of legendary British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set beside the estate’s vast 2000-acre grounds and ideal for couples, friends and families, the lodges will come equipped with fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas and will offer the perfect homeaway-from-home to enjoy a break in the Oxfordshire countryside.

Built in the 1800s by the Wort family, to whom the current owner’s father was an apprentice carpenter, the riverside property with cathedral views (previously Grasmere House Hotel) has been completely restored by new owners as a luxury 38-bedroom hotel.

Windsor Castle and The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace have now reopened. The special displays at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse marking the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II remain closed.

Leighton House, the remarkable studio-house of Victorian artist and former President of the Royal Academy, Frederic, Lord Leighton has reopened to the public following a major redevelopment. Situated in Holland Park, Kensington on the east side of the Great West Way.

Situated on the edge of the pretty village of Kington Langley, Kin House is a super-luxe 12-bedroom Grade II listed house is set within walled gardens and private woodland and has been sensitively restored to its former glory. There are three lounges and a bar (named the Fitz Bar after Kington Langley’s original Medieval alias, Langley Fitzurse), and a talented in-house team of chefs. Prices from £12,500 per night.