Bath Tours from London

Written by Viator, December 2010

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Bath is one of the great treasures of Britain and at just 97 miles (156 kilometers) from London, it makes a perfect day trip.

Harmony and proportion were of supreme importance to the Georgian architects who determined the current shape of Bath, and they often drew inspiration from classical styles. Luckily outstanding examples were close at hand, with ancient Roman ruins recalling Bath’s age-old reputation as a spa town from which it also derived its name.

Nearby Bath Abbey watches over the town center while the Royal Crescent is the largest and most impressive of Bath’s residential crescents, which unfold in elegant arcs of honey-colored stone. Bath is also noted for its literary associations; the Jane Austen Centre celebrates its most famous resident. Numerous other small but fascinating museums cover everything from fashion to astronomy, while the lush green of gorgeous English parks provide outdoor diversion.

While an excellent destination in itself, Bath is also ideally situated to add on visits to other quintessentially English sites. Stonehenge was built around two and a half centuries before the Romans got to Bath, its original purpose lost in the mists of time and still wreathed in myths. It undoubtedly had some astronomical significance and modern-day druids still flock there to mark the solstice. Nearby Salisbury, with its magnificent cathedral, attracts more conventional worshippers or simply devotees of fine buildings.

The enormous castle which dominates Windsor dates back 900 years and remains an important royal residence to this day. Nonetheless you can still visit the recently restored state rooms and the St George Chapel, resting place of many British royals, including Henry VIII, George III and the late Queen Mother.

An ambitious but achievable itinerary for those who want more bang for their buck (or pound) also takes in Stratford-upon-Avon, home of the immortal bard as well as the breathtaking scenery of the Cotswolds and the dreaming spires of Oxford. And there you have the very best of England’s green and pleasant land.

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Reply by David D, United Kingdom, May 2012

Doing what: Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock

Apart from the required early start, this was an excellent tour with a very good and informative guide, who talked for most of the outward and return journeys.We had approximately 45 minutes as a private group within the stones, which was worth the money itself, but there were also interesting visits to Lacock and the Roman Baths in Bath.I very much recommend.

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Reply by Barbara E, May 2012

Doing what: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip from London

My granddaughter and I enjoyed this trip. All the times that I visited London, I have wanted to see Bath and Stonehenge. This trip was long but well organzied and informative. Stonehenge was an item on my bucket list. I am so glad that I went. My granddaughter was glad, too.

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Reply by Diane H, May 2012

Doing what: Small-Group Day Trip to Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor from London

My husband and I visited London with another couple this past week. I was in charge of making up an itinerary for us so I thought it would be fun to do a day trip. We chose the Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor tour in a small group coach (15 people plus the guide)
Our tour guide was Tony and he had us laughing immediately. This guy had a world of knowledge and it was very interesting hearing some of the back stories you don't always read about in the history books.(not to mention his knowledge of cars which was the subject of much conversation with the men!)
We visited Stonehenge first thing in the morning, which was perfect because the crowds had not yet arrived... You are given a hand held tour recording to listen to while you circle around the site but we never even turned ours on because Tony led us around and gave us his own tour. It made it so much more interesting!
Next... we went to Bath. We toured the ancient pools and tried to imagine what it was like in it's days of splendor! Afterwards, a few of us met up with Tony for a walking tour of the city. He led us around and pointed out some amazing historical sites with a full commentary of what we were seeing. It was a much more personal experience rather than being herded around like cattle.
Last but not least, we headed to Windsor Castle. The Queen had a luncheon for her diamond Jubilee celebration so the castle was closed to the public... There were a lot of great shops for finding some UK treasures though!
All in all, it was a wonderful day... I would HIGHLY recommend this company!