Leave London Victoria by coach, and travel west out of the city to the Salisbury Plains. Your day’s first destination is Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed stone circle that resonates with intrigue. Believed to be around 5,000 years old, the ancient monument was built from rare Welsh stone at a time when transporting such cumbersome material would have been near impossible.
The stones are roped off from the crowds for preservation, but a footpath around the outside of the circle lends itself to clear and close-up views. Read about Stonehenge on boards dotted around the footpath, and pose for photos in front of the megalithic stones. After walking around, head inside the state-of-the-art visitor center and browse an exhibition of some 250 prehistoric objects as well as other exciting information about the site.
Return to your coach at the prearranged time, and then relax on the 1-hour journey to Bath, an elegant West Country city that owes its name and fame to its historical hot springs, and was the setting of two Jane Austen novels. Learn about Bath’s heritage as a spa resort on a walking tour, and admire its Georgian architecture, resplendent in the local caramel-hued stone.
Pop in your state-of-the-art VOX headphones and listen to your guide talking about each site. If you want to wander aside and take photos of any attractions, you won’t miss any of the commentary! Highlights of your 1-hour tour include Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent — home to an impressive parade of Georgian town houses.
Upgrade your ticket to include a visit to the Roman Baths, or just enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps stopping at the Jane Austen Visitor Centre (own expense). Celebrating one of the city’s most famous residents, the Jane Austen Visitor Centre provides a snapshot of life during the Regency period. Discover how living in this beautiful city affected Austen’s writing and soak up the authentic atmosphere as you explore the exhibits and mingle with in-costume guides.
Meet back up with your guide at the prearranged time, and then travel back to London Victoria where your day trip finishes.