Tour to Stonehenge & Highclere Castle from Bath?

It's been about 7 years ago, but we were staying in a "suburb" of London and rented a car for the day, and drove to Highclere. Driving was definitely part of the adventure on the way there! Highclere did not disappoint. Back then, during the height of Downton Abbey, we were able to tour at our leisure. Not sure how it is now. Beautiful countryside and such an interesting place. I know you can take the train to Newbury and take a taxi, but I've heard you must prebook a taxi for the return. I felt that seemed a bit risky being in the middle of nowhere. But maybe things have changed. Enjoy!

I don't know about Stonehenge, but just recently visited Highclere and used public transit. We took the train to Newbury and then a taxi to Highclere, it's about a 20 minute ride. We spoke to our taxi driver and arranged for him to pick us up at the end of the day. It was very easy and definitely worth it!! If you have a ticket to enter the castle you can spend all day on the grounds. The gardens are beautiful and we ordered afternoon tea, which we enjoyed sitting on the lawn of the castle. In the castle the tour was self paced with guides in each room to answer questions and talk about that specific room. It was a highlight of my trip!

We stayed in Newbury and had a rental car; drove to Stonehenge (twice) and as far west as Avebury on the Bath Road. I can't imagine it would be enjoyable to try to see both Stonehenge and Highclere Castle on the same day with travel to & from Bath. You are aware of the very limited range of dates when Highclere is open to visitors, right?

Highclere is open 9 July to 4 September - Sunday to Thursday.
On a weekday if you got the 0743 from Bath to Reading, change for Newbury, you arrive at 0912, pre booked taxi, you are there in time for the 10am admission slot
Then the 1316 from Newbury to Salisbury, change Westbury arrive Salisbury 1432.
1500 bus to Stonehenge- last bus back is at 1900.
Then half hourly train Salisbury to Bath direct.
So that seems to be how to make it work by transit- it only works as Highclere first, not as Stonehenge then Highclere.
I don't know if 2 hours is long enough at Highclere.

These are two places that are a pain with public transport - one needs a bus that is day time only and the other needs a taxi. A hired car would make this a lot easier

Thank you all for your insights! With the detailed public transit directions, as well as the need for a taxi for Highclere and a bus for Stonehenge it seems like either renting a car or booking them on separate days would be the best bet. For those from the U.S., what are your thoughts about the narrow roads in the countryside and driving on the opposite side of the road? Our family did Scotland and Ireland several years ago and my husband and son did the driving. All of us were stressed out anytime we were on the road, except maybe on the multi-lane freeways. I realized later that I don't get as stressed as my husband does in unique driving situations so I'm debating about a car rental, but still have some concerns. We're both in our 60s, but I really have no problem driving long distances or in stressful situations. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you all!

I have read your threads, and no, I would not rent a car for what you want to do.

Your thread you posted today says "We are planning to use primarily public transportation, if at all possible."

On your thread you posted today, people have made lots of comments on ways you can get to your desired destinations. I suggest that day tours are the best way for some things on your list. Have a look at your other thread for the names of the tour companies that will take you directly to Highclere, among other places.

Others may chime in with a different opinion or opinions.