Tour Details
About the Tour
- Category
- History, Excursions
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Location
- London
Photos & Highlights
- Day trip tour to South West England customizable to suit your interests
- Led by a local expert
- Stonehenge and Roman Bath
Tour Description
Southwest England is rich in history and natural beauty. From the mysterious stones of Avebury and Stonehenge, to the Uffington White Horse, Bath, and the Salisbury Cathedral, there is a wealth of astonishing sites to take in. Our full-day Stonehenge Tour including Bath and Salisbury, led by a local historian and designed as a day trip from London, offers a glimpse of a deeply distinct part of England. Together, we'll explore the history, mystery, and profound beauty of this region.
Stonehenge Tour
Arriving by train from London, our exploration of the Southwest will begin from Salisbury station. Here we will meet our guide and driver and proceed to Stonehenge, just in time for its opening to the public, in order to beat the crowds and enjoy the view of the stones in tranquility. In the company of our expert, we will engage in the ongoing discussion regarding the origin and significance of the stones, while learning to distinguish historical facts from well established traditions. We will also have time to walk in the archaeological park and take in the ethereal magic of the site.
In the English Countryside
From here, we'll depart for our next stop, which depending on the day and the clients preference may be Bath (where we also have a standalone Bath Tour) or Salisbury Cathedral, but not before stopping in a local country pub for lunch. We may taste some of the local ales and indulge in traditional dishes such as game pies or a simple ploughman's lunch. After lunch, we'll proceed to the second part of our exploration.
Looking for another day trip from London? Try our Cambridge Tour.
Bath and Salisbury
If heading to Bath, we'll stroll through the Georgian streets while learning about the city's Roman origins and its later connections to the dandies and fashionables of London. Our guide will explain the role of the Roman Baths and how they are still today a fundamental fixture of the town. If we feel inclined, we may proceed inside and visit the Baths before taking the train back to London at the end of the day.
In Salisbury, our visit will focus on the Cathedral, home of the Magna Carta and exquisite example of Early English architecture. We will talk about the Cathedral's musical history and tradition dating back to the foundation of the church in 1258, as well as its role in innovation (the Salisbury Cathedral was the first English cathedral to recruit girl choristers in 1991). Our discussion will cover the once thriving town of Old Sarum and Salisbury's original cathedral, now only visible in its outline. We'll learn how many of its stones were re-used in the construction of the new building and why both city and cathedral moved from their original location to today's one.
Take Aways
As our day together comes to a close, we will have uncovered what makes South West England such a rich destination to visit: lesser-known charms, incredible landscapes, beautiful architecture, and the memorable UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. At the end of the day, we'll return to London on one of the many direct trains that run between the two locations.
Booking Instructions
Please note: You will meet your expert and driver in Salisbury (we will provide detailed instructions). In general, the full-day excursion has you back in London by 8:00 pm. If you are staying in Bath, Salisbury or anywhere outside of London, please let us know and we can assist you with transport information. Note that we can also conduct a two-day extended excursion (private).
You will be responsible for purchasing train tickets at the station. Included in your confirmation will be details regarding which trains to take and how to book. If you prefer to travel by car from London, we can arrange for a full day car service. Please leave a note to this effect in your booking.
FAQ
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.
What is a small group tour?
Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. Most of our small group tours require at least three (3) participants to run, although there is some variation from walk to walk. However, there is some variation from walk to walk. As you sign up for a tentative walk we display the minimum number required in order to confirm.
Can I see the inside of Stonehenge?
Although not possible during normal opening hours, you may visit the inside of Stonehenge by pre-booking with Stonehenge Circle Access. Visits take place in the early morning or late evening only and last for one hour, with a maximum of 26 participants on each visit. Stonehenge Circle Access should be booked well in advance of when you plan to visit. Those interested in booking must complete an Application Form. The cost of the ticket for accessing the stones is about 38GBP per person. Depending on the time of the year, early morning visits take place at 6:30-7:30 or 8 AM. Please include a note in your booking if you are interested in this option.
Although not possible during normal opening hours, you may visit the inside of Stonehenge by pre-booking with Stonehenge Circle Access. Visits take place in the early morning or late evening only and last for one hour, with a maximum of 26 participants on each visit. Stonehenge Circle Access should be booked well in advance of when you plan to visit. Those interested in booking must complete an Application Form. The cost of the ticket for accessing the stones is about 38GBP per person. Depending on the time of the year, early morning visits take place at 6:30-7:30 or 8 AM. Please include a note in your booking if you are interested in this option.
Where do we meet? Where do we end?
You will meet the guide and driver at the Salisbury train station. Trains are very easy to use and navigate in the UK. We suggest the 8:20am train from London Waterloo, to get you to Salisbury by 9:45am. From there you will proceed by private car that we've arranged for you. The day will end in Bath or Salisbury, depending on your preference, where the driver will drop you off at the Station. From there, you will catch the train back to London. Your confirmation email will have more information, the exact meeting point, along with a map and emergency phone number.
You will meet the guide and driver at the Salisbury train station. Trains are very easy to use and navigate in the UK. We suggest the 8:20am train from London Waterloo, to get you to Salisbury by 9:45am. From there you will proceed by private car that we've arranged for you. The day will end in Bath or Salisbury, depending on your preference, where the driver will drop you off at the Station. From there, you will catch the train back to London. Your confirmation email will have more information, the exact meeting point, along with a map and emergency phone number.
Can I arrange for private car service beginning and ending in London?
Yes! If you prefer to travel by car from London, we can arrange for a full day car service. Please leave a note to this effect in your booking. We'll be in touch with further information
Yes! If you prefer to travel by car from London, we can arrange for a full day car service. Please leave a note to this effect in your booking. We'll be in touch with further information
What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.
Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We some excellent family friendly experts who can appeal to the learning styles of kids and teens. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible expert.
Yes! We some excellent family friendly experts who can appeal to the learning styles of kids and teens. Please book privately if you have children under 13. Feel free to provide us with information about your children such as favorite school subjects, and hobbies. This way we can match you with the best possible expert.
Where You'll Start
Tour Experts
Hazel
Speaking Spanish and French, Hazel is a qualified teacher of English as a foreign language and was the Director of the London Guide Training Course for 3 years. A Former Board Member of the institute of Tourist Guiding, she trains the volunteer guides at Salisbury Cathedral and is a Palace of Westminster Guide.
Georgina
A graduate of English and American Studies, Georgina worked as a journalist, a film picture researcher, and for six years as Director of Public Relations for an international hotel group based in Hong Kong. She travelled extensively in the latter job all over the Asia Pacific region and Australia. She now lives in Salisbury and enjoys sharing her passion for English history with people visiting her area.
Rosemary
Rosemary has lived in the South West of England for the past 20 years. She is passionate about it and eager to share the beauty of this area with visitors. She was a school teacher in England, as well as in America, Europe and Asia. And prior to that she has spent some time in the commercial world, including the travel industry. She is particularly interested in history, prehistoric sites and monuments and Bath.
21 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Everything was good.
J. william
Oct. 4, 2019
Two wildly different subjects - Stonehenge and Bath - that Rosemary dealt with equally well. We had a fantastic day.
Randall
Aug. 9, 2019
Rosemary is a truly delightful person as well as a skilled tour expert. She quickly ascertained our interests and then tailored our journey to meet our specific needs. She was knowledgeable, passionate and witty as she lead us on an amazing journey. The highest praise came from my two teenage grandsons who found our Bath and Stonehenge excursion to be the highlight of our London stay. Rosemary, well done!
Karen
Jun. 6, 2019