A4 road, Major road from Central London to Avonmouth, England.
The A4 is a major road connecting Central London to Avonmouth, extending approximately 180 kilometers through several London boroughs, Berkshire, Wiltshire, and Somerset. It travels through varied landscapes and links the capital with regions to the west.
The road originated from ancient pathways and Roman routes, originally known as Bath Road, with documented references dating back to a 1228 survey in Savernake Forest. Its development reflects centuries of trade connections and transportation needs.
The road passes by numerous Roman and Medieval sites, including Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, preserving connections to England's ancient civilizations. Visitors can observe these historical places while traveling or stopping at nearby viewpoints.
Travelers can reach Heathrow Airport, Reading, Bath, and Bristol directly via the A4, making it a key transportation corridor for long-distance and local journeys. The road offers numerous rest stops and access points to major towns along its length.
The route changes its name several times on its journey, beginning as urban streets in London, becoming the Great West Road, and finishing as the Portway near Bristol. These names reflect the different character of landscapes the road passes through.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.