DAY TRIPS TO STONEHENGE, BATH, AND WINDSOR

You dont need a tour company for Windsor- in fact they would probably just interfere with your enjoyment. Take the train via Slough, you end up virtually at the castle gates. After the castle there is one main road around the castle, and then over the bridge to Eton. This way you go at your pace. Evan Evans and Gray Line are very similar and generally have a good reputation. Going by coach to/from Bath is a lot of coach time, especially coming back to London and hitting rush hour traffic. You would probably do better by taking train to Bath and taking a local tour. Stonehenge is difficult on your own without a car though. The bath/stonehenge tour - whoever takes you- is a long day with limited sightseeing time

Oour very first trip to London (more than 25 years ago) we did the Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor trip. You get a VERY limited time at Windsor castle, almost no time in the town itself, a long ride to Bath- a short tour of the Baths, almost no time in the town itself, and a brief glance at Stonehenge. All of these can be done on your own- but not in the same day. Windsor makes a great 1/2 or full day. Catch the train from Paddington (you might have to change at Slough- depends on departure time)- takes about 20 min. You can combine Bath and Stonehenge - either use the local bus or catch a Mad Maxx tour out to Stonehenge once you are in Bath- it takes a couple of hours. Again you get the train to Bath at Paddington.

I'm going to echo what Brian and Toni have said - if you want to see Windsor, do it on your own. We used a one-day bus tour to see Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Salisbury. Our time at Windsor Castle was taken up mostly by getting through security, allowing only a very brisk run through the State Rooms. We are going back to London this fall, and will be returning to Windsor to "see it right".

If you want to see Bath, do that on your own as well...trains run every 30-40 mins or so from Paddington station and it takes an hour or so to get there...pick up a map at the train station and off you go...its a small place and easy to get around on foot...that's what I did and had a great day

We have used Gray Line bus tours in London and been very happy with all our tours. We have used them for two trips to London. We will be using them again this September. We also have used them in Canada, Australia, Rome, Paris, Bruge, New York, Boston, etc. They are based here in America. We have booked tours while still at home and also after we have gotten to particular cities. Elaine

Everyone I know who has been to London tells me that Windsor and Bath each need close to a day, and that Stonehenge is very disappointing. I think I only can be outside of London for a day on my forthcoming trip, and I've decided to spend it in Bath. I am still not sure whether I'll use London Walks which has an excursion starting from Paddington station that you don't need reservations for or just do it on my own. But either way I'll spend the whole day there.

Tara, Is there any possibility you could spend a night or two in Bath? While it might be possible to take a day trip to Bath and Stonehenge from London, you won't be able to spend much time in either place, once the transportation time is included. If you could spend some time in Bath, I'd recommend Mad Max Tours. They offer day tours to a number of locations, including Stonehenge and the Cotswolds. Check their website for details and prices. Bath is an incredibly beautiful city (IMHO), so you it would be good to have some time to see some of the sights. The Bath walking tours are very interesting. Happy travels!

Tara,
I want to second what Ken said. The Mad Max tours are a good way to see Stonehenge and more, and a night in Bath will let you take the Mayor's Walking Tour (free and a great overview of this gorgeous city) and a tour of the Roman Baths or the Abbey. Windsor is so easy to do on your own, but not in combo with Bath. That's too much for one day.

Thanks to all for your replies. I have taken your advise and split Windsor and Bath into two separate trips. I will be doing Windsor independently and then taking a day trip with Golden Tours to Stonehenge and Bath. Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my question.

We have ALWAYS been happy with Gray Line tours. We have used them in and around London, We went to the Cotswolds, Stonhenge, Bath, etc. We have used them in London, Paris, Rome, Bruges, Australia, Canada, New York, Boston, etc. They have you meet the tours at Victoria Station or they pick you up near your hotel. They are a reputable American company. The tours can be booked on-line here in the U.S.