My son and I are planning a trip to London in mid to late May, 2024. We are hoping to take some day trip (tours) to Bath, the Cotswolds and York. How far in advance do we need to make reservations? Or, are we already too late? Can anyone recommend particularly good tours?
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
I travel to London nearly every Fall. Book my flight as early as March. If I don’t stay with friends in London I also reserve my accommodations by May.
Are you too late? No, but I’d do so fairly soon.
What type of tours peak your interest? History? Art? Food?
Posted by
Los Angeles
1199 posts
It would be helpful if you would clarify whether you intend to visit all three areas as day trips from London.
While there are day trips to Bath and the Cotswolds from London, many would suggest that you spend several days in Bath and plan a daytrip to the Cotswolds from there - this would provide a less hectic experience.
As for York, it is two hours from London by train, so traveling would consume much of your day. Most here would say that York deserves at least two nights.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2320 posts
You casn easily do both Bath and York as day trips by train. You don't need to book a tour. The Cotswolds is a bit diifferent as public transport isn't brilliant for getting around especially if you only have a day, so a tour is probably the answer. Rabbie's who get consistently good reviews on the forum do one from London, but it will be a very long day with a lot of time sitting in the mini bus.
Posted by
Freedonia
16409 posts
My first time in the UK, back in the days of the Millard Fillmore, I based in London and took day trips to Bath and York. (I've since been back to both for lengthier stays). It can be done, they are long days, but you will get a taste of each place.
For the Cotswolds and Bath, the other option is spending a night or two in Bath and taking a tour of the Cotswolds from there.
Mad Max Tours is highly recommended on this forum and I have taken a couple of tours with them.
As for "Is it too late"--some will say yes, some will say no, and I say....you won't know until you try.
Posted by
Huntington Beach CA
1162 posts
I would say try to book as early as you can. I have a trip planned in May and I already have my Mad Max Cotswolds tour out of Bath booked. Rabbies is another tour company I have used before. They have day trips and tours that go for a few days available. I already have 3 of those tours booked. Booking well in advance gives you the best options for availability. Evan Evans is another tour company you can check out. They offer several day trips out of London. Mad Max and Rabbies will put you in a 16 passenger van while Evan Evan’s will put you in a regular coach with up to 50 people.