Oxford Avebury Highclere

Highclere has very limited public opening. Do a search elsewhere on this board for more details.

Avebury is kind of a lonesome hamlet but is worth a visit if the circles are on your bucket list. There are no high view points but you do get to walk up to the stones which are not as tall as Stonehenge. They say that the biggest ditch used to be deep enough that you could see the stars from the bottom in the daylight. Enjoy the sheep. Look on the National Trust UK and English Heritage sites for other historic locations to visit in the area. I would recommend a car. If you can't get into Highclere; there are several other worthy "castles" and great houses on the National Trust list. If you only have 2 days Oxford has lots of interesting architecture and museums to visit and it is very easy to get there by train. You can take a bus from there to Woodstock, a nice little town, and Blenhiem Palace.

I've seen some of the posts on the subject of Highclere Castle bookings and will definitely be booking a ticket sooner rather than later. I will also look into Blenheim as a backup if Highclere falls through.

"Enjoy the sheep." As long as they know how to pose for photographs!

I'd recommend renting a car for a couple of days. You could look for a B&B in Avebury village, Marlborough, or anywhere in the surrounding area. Although you could probably get there by public transport (don't quote me as I haven't actually tried it), there are other points of interest around the North Wessex Downs AONB such as the chalk horses and the Savernake Forest which are best enjoyed with the flexibility of your own car.

Thanks for the suggestion of renting a car. That is really looking like the best way to maximize those couple of days. The National Trust website was very helpful as well.

I would definitely rent a car if you want to see Highclere. The cab ride from Newbury is pretty long and is not cheap. Also, you have to make arrangements for a pick up at Highclere with the driver as there are no cabs standing by.

What time are you arriving in London? If it's on Sunday morning/early afternoon at Heathrow, the traffic is fairly light, so you can pick up the rental car, drive to and see Avebury. Then spend Sunday night near Highclere and take the morning 10:30 -1 pm entry to the Castle (online bookings are open now for July). Drive up to Oxford, possibly by the backroads, and spend the night near/in Oxford. That would give you most of Tuesday to experience Oxford. Allow plenty of time for the car return at Heathrow, traffic on a weekday is very heavy. I've driven to both Avebury and Oxford and back to London, so speak from experience. If this itinerary is a little rushed, you may want to consider a day trip to Oxford while you are staying in London. www.oxfordtube.com has luxury commuter coaches every 1/2 hour in both directions--I've used this several times. Would also suggest you check out tripadvisor reviews of Highclere for more tips on your visit there. Have a great trip!

I should arriving in the early afternoon so your plan sounds quite good. I wasn't giving enough consideration to how much I could do on Sunday so this helps a great deal. Thanks a lot!

Highclere is open the following days in July 9th- 13th, July 16th -20th, July 23rd-27th and the 30th and 31st

Thanks for the dates. Entrance has been secured for Highclere! Looking at The Carnarvon Arms, The Yew Tree or Highclere Farm B&B for lodging and will consult the RS Guide for lodging near Oxford.