For our upcoming London vacation (one week), I have a day scheduled for Salisbury in the morning, and then Bath from around 2 until 9 p.m. We will have a car so can get to Salisbury by 9 or 10. (Really only interested in seeing the Cathedral.) Is this not enough time for Bath? I figured 4 hours with a local guide, dinner and then Roman Baths late (since they are open until 10 p.m.). I am worried this is too much running around and/or too long a day, because group will include a 13 year old and grandparents.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Yes, you can do Salisbury in ½ day. If you limit yourself in Bath, ½ day will also do.
But, I am more worried about the driving. Where are you starting from, central London?
When are you picking up this car? If the day before, where will you park it overnight? Does the hotel have parking?
Have you ever driven in central London? Are you aware of the congestion charge?
Central London to Salisbury is 2hours on a good day, but on a bad day it could take longer to get out of London.
Also in Bath, are you staying there overnight? If so does the hotel have parking? How far (on foot) from the hotel to the town centre?
If not staying in Bath, you need to find out about parking, and 9pm is very late to start out and find your hotel.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
I was planning on hiring a private mini-coach (there are 9 of us) to pick us up at our hotel in South Kensington, drive us to Salisbury, then Bath, then back to London that night. I was planning on us leaving early enough in the morning to get to Salisbury by 9:30. It would be a long day, but since many tour companies offer a Salisbury/Stonehenge/Bath day excursion (and we are skipping Stonehenge), that my plan might be feasible.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5554 posts
Roman Baths after dinner? What time are you planning on eating? The baths justify at least several hours otherwise there's no point in visiting them.
Posted by
2599 posts
I take it that you are aware that Stonehenge is just off the direct route between Salisbury & Bath? I would consider accommodation somewhere in Wiltshire.