Going to Europe for the first time this Fall. We want to see some of London and my boyfriend really wants to see the inner circle of Stonehenge. I have seen several tours from London like, Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, but frequently the reviews say not enough time in Bath. Should we plan to go spend a night in Bath and go to Stonehenge from there? We will be leaving London for Paris where we will pick up a Riverboat Tour to Switzerland then on to pick up a Rick Steves' Tour of Italy. Appreciate your tips.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
14901 posts
How many nights do you have in England?
If I wanted to do the Inner Circle, I'd probably stay in Salisbury and get a guide from there. I've done a Salisbury city walk with this guide who has a wonderful reputation for Stonehenge tours. He was fascinating in Salisbury!
http://www.stonehenge-tours.com/stonehenge-special-access-tours.html
Posted by
California
785 posts
From Bath, we took a small group tour with https://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/ to Stonehenge that includes Avery Stone Circles and some other stops along the way. I was so happy that I booked the "Special Access Stonehenge tour" where we arrived in Stonehenge at twilight after the site had closed and joined only 30 other people in the inner circle for an incredible hour.
Posted by
2615 posts
If you do wish to go to Bath & you are in France, it is best to fly direct to Bristol Airport - which is near Bath. It is also possible to go by train from Bath to Salisbury and then take a shuttle bus to Stonehenge & back. You could then continue by train to London (Waterloo) if you don't mind humping your luggage.
Posted by
Chicago
1336 posts
How long are you in London? If London is the first destination for a brief time after a typical overnight flight, I’d throw away all the day trips and just get over jet lag and see some of London if you’re only there for 3 days or so.
Posted by
8417 posts
You need a full day to see Bath. We loved the Brooks Guesthouse and the Scallop Shell Restrant (best fish and chips in England).
Windsor Castle takes at least 2.5 hours to see. You can do Windsor Castle and Stonehenge in one day, but not a tour that includes Bath.
Posted by
OP
Peoria,AZ
5 posts
Many thanks to all of you for your input. I think for my first trip to Europe I will opt to fly into London and stay there the /5 nights. Verdict is still out on Stonehenge, I need to confirm with my travel agent the way the trip is being put together if we can leave Phx on the 18th or have to wait until the 19th. The inner circle at Stonehenge was one thing my boyfriend really wanted to see. If we do go to Stonehenge it will be the inner circle, and Bath, that's all, thanks to your input. We are particularly interested in seeing Bath Abby. All that I saw offered was the early morning on Sunday or Monday for that time of year.To see Bath Abby we would need to go on Monday.
Posted by
2615 posts
I think that you can go inside Bath Abbey at any time - providing that nil service is taking place - unless, of course you wish to attend the service.