Salisbury & Stonehenge

Definitely hire a small car.

Buses at six in the morning ? In Wiltshire ?

Oh you Aussies and your humour !

Haha.. yeah, didn't think I'd have much luck with that.. =P

Another q.. is it worth going on a special access tour vs. doing it yourself? Is the commentary worth the extra expense?

You can get all the information about Stonehenge by reading a few books before you leave home. Frankly once you've absorbed the historical and geographical facts regarding Stonehenge the rest is just a matter of opinion, wishful thinking and flights of fancy. In that department you are better off making up your own mind. As someone who worked at Stonehenge during the holidays when I was a student, I got the distinct impression that once the basic facts had been covered most tour guides just filled the empty spaces with anything that sounded like what a certain group wanted to hear, maybe it's changed and maybe tour guides are more ethical these days.

If you go on a tour to Bath you will see all the really great places and have time to wander around at your own pace when you have 'free time'. I think tours of Bath are value for money. There are plenty of walking tours available from in front of the Cathedral.

Avebury is a very small and totally fascinating place. Just buy a really good information book at the visitor centre and walk through the stones. Then go the local pub and talk to the bar staff and locals about the strange village they lived in. Not all the 'tall tales' are made up for visitors. I'm naturally sceptical but I used to have to pass through that village every day when I lived in Devizes and worked in Swindon. Odd things do happen there, especially in the fog.

If you find it hard to visit everywhere in one day, I would jetison Lacock and spend a little longer at Bath and Avebury. Avebury in the evening, when most visitors have gone, is a very interesting place ( try and walk the circles in the dark and keep a count of the stones, one of you passing to the left of the stones, one passing to the right. Then see if you agree about how many stones you passed ).

The "Free" city guides tours of Bath are great. I went on one a couple of years ago, spent about 2 hours, covered all the top spots. Like most English cities you do not need a car in Bath, most of the attractions are in the central city area or a few blocks away.
We spent an afternoon at Avebury, different trip. The museums there are worth a visit as just walking in the stones, The Avebury area has several small sites nearby that are worth a visit. To see al the area you need a car.

It would be hard to do Bath and Avebury in a day. Perhaps save Avebury for another trip, since Bath is doable without renting a car.

Tom

Tom & Al,

Many thanks for all the information you have provided me, it has been a great help!

I have decided to hire a car and do a Sunset Stonehenge visit (8.45pm) on the 5th and then have all day to visit Avebury and Bath on the 6th before taking a train back to London..

Are there any car rental companies that you'd recommend? =)