London & Bath Explorer Tour - 6 Days
Guaranteed Departure based on minimum 8 guests booked
Maximum group size: 40 guests on a 50 seater executive coach with room for luggage
Duration
6 days, 5 nights
Highlights
- Enjoy a free day in London to enjoy the capital as you wish
- Discover the mysterious and ancient monument of Stonehenge
- See the tallest spire in England at Salisbury Cathedral
- Explore the ancient Roman Baths – before the crowds arrive
- Visit enchanting Lacock, a film location for Harry Potter & Downton Abbey
- Enjoy two nights in Bath with plenty of time to relax and unwind
- Explore majestic Windsor Castle, home to the British Monarchy
- See Queen Elizabeth II’s burial ground at St. George’s Chapel
- Visit the scene of Royal Weddings from ancient times to present day
Inclusions
- 3 nights’ hotel accommodation in London on a bed & breakfast basis (4 star equivalent)
- 2 nights’ hotel accommodation in Bath on a bed & breakfast basis (4 star equivalent)
- Travel on an executive motorcoach with WC on board
- Services of a professional Tour Director
- Entry to Stonehenge with downloadable audioguide
- Entry to the Roman Baths with auidoguide
- Entry to Windsor Castle with multi-media guide
- Walking tour of Salisbury
- Walking tour of Bath
- Walking tour of Lacock Village
Exclusions
- Gratuities (discretionary)
- Transfers before or after your tour
- Lunch & dinner
- Entry to Salisbury Cathedral
- Entry to Lacock Abbey
Operates
Tour starts: Day One: at leisure with check-in to your London hotel - Thistle Marble Arch, Bryanston Street, London W1H 7EH.
Tour finishes: Day Six: On check-out (11am or before) from Thistle Marble Arch, Bryanston Street, London W1H 7EH. The closest tube station is ‘Marble Arch’ (Central Line) or ‘Bond Street’ (Central or Jubilee Line)
Route
Itinerary
Accommodation: Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, Bryanston Street, London W1H 7EH. The nearest underground station is ‘Marble Arch’.
Check into your 4 star hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure on your first day. The Thistle Marble Arch is located in the heart of the capital and within walking distance of the famous stores of Oxford Street & Regent Street. Around the corner you will find the Wallace Collection, a fascinating exhibition and a great place for a coffee.
5:30pm: An optional opportunity to meet your British Heritage Tours representative at their desk inside the hotel to help answer any questions you may have about your tour.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Thistle Marble Arch hotel or similar
Take the opportunity to rest and relax after your journey the day before with a completely free day in London! After a leisurely breakfast your day is your own to enjoy as you wish. Here are some recommendations on great ways to spend your time:
Enjoy the best of London shopping – Your hotel is located within walking distance of the world famous Selfridge’s department story and the boutiques of Bond Street. Primark is also close by!
Take in the Royal Parks – Travel independently by tube or taxi to Green Park and take a walk starting from The Ritz hotel through Green Park, past Buckingham Palace and into St. James’ Park. The Royal Parks are relaxing and beautiful and home to a wide array of waterfowl and wildlife.
Explore historic Covent Garden – Covent Garden dates back to 1200 and remains one of the best loved places to meet and socialise. On any given day you can see street performers, unique boutiques, cafes and restaurants and much more. Relax in the Piazza and go bargain hunting in Jubilee market.
Visit one of London’s free museums – Take the Piccadilly Line independently to South Kensington and take some time to visit the Victoria & Albert (V&A) museum, Science Museum or Natural History Museum.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel (or similar).
8:15am – Meet your Tour Director in the Lobby of the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel.
8:30am – Your tour will depart promptly from the Thistle Marble Arch Hotel.
10:30am - Our first stop is Stonehenge - a must see symbol of Britain and one of the true wonders of the world. Our tour allows you time to not only visit the Monument but enjoy the world class visitor centre - and its many historic artefacts that give a clue to their ancient past. Take some time to visit the gift shop with its numerous unique items or grab a coffee in the on-site café.
Close by is the medieval city of Salisbury, home to its stunning Cathedral, adorned with its incredible spire. At 123m high it is the tallest in the entire country. On arrival into Salisbury you will be wowed by the sheer size and spectacle of the Cathedral and enjoy a walking tour of the exterior with your Guide before enjoying free time for lunch.
In the late afternoon we visit the stunning setting of Bath and home for the next two nights on your tour. One of the most picturesque parts of the country, Bath has numerous highlights from Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon to relaxing Sydney Gardens.
4:45pm - Check into the Hampton By Hilton Bath City hotel (or similar) located right in the heart of the city of Bath. Your evening ahead is at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bath (or similar). While there is no dining in the evening on site at the hotel, you are located in close proximity to the city’s numerous restaurants with an option for all appetites.
9:00am - After a delicious breakfast, take a leisurely stroll with your Guide to visit the Roman Baths – before the crowds. Walk in the footsteps of the Romans and explore one of the finest spas of the ancient world. Located below street level you will descend to the site of the Sacred Spring. Naturally hot water of up to 46 degrees Celsius rises here every day, as it has for over 2,000 years. Don’t miss the gilt bronze head of the Goddess Minerva – one of the most important finds of Roman Britain.
11:00am - Following your departure from the Roman Baths, embark on a fascinating walking tour covering the main highlights of the city with your Tour Director. On this walking you will see the Royal Crescent, the Holdburne Museum, the Jane Austen Centre, Pulteney Bridge and more. The exact content and order of the walking tour is subject to alteration on the day.
Evening: At leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Hampton by Hilton Bath City (or similar). Please note: while there is no evening restaurant at the Hampton by Hilton Bath, the hotel is located in the middle of the City centre with plenty of restaurants within a few minutes’ walk, with delicious dinner options to suit every appetite.
8:45am – Check-out after breakfast for a 9:00am departure.
The final day of your tour begins with a short drive to Lacock village – a location that has inspired many film productions. Enjoy a walking tour with your Guide of some of its highlights including a 14th century Tithe Barn, and an 18th century village lock-up, once used to detain local drunks and people awaiting trial.
12:30pm - Guests can enjoy a full afternoon in Royal Windsor, beginning with free time for lunch. Visit one of the many cafes and restaurants in the quaint cobbled streets, serving everything from cream teas to hot lunches.
2:00pm - We reconvene at the statue of Queen Victoria for the final jewel in the crown – a visit to majestic Windsor Castle. The Castle is the oldest and largest occupied in the world and has been home to 40 Monarchs. Marvel at the Gold, see an original Van Dyck painting, discover life in miniature with Queen Mary’s Dolls House… and much more. Ever wanted to attend a Royal wedding? Within the Castle grounds is St. George’s Chapel, a 500 year old medieval marvel and the setting of numerous Royal weddings. It is also the final resting place for many Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Elizabeth II.
5:00pm – Guests meet back at the statue of Queen Victoria for departure from Windsor.
6:30pm - Your day concludes on arrival back to your hotel with an evening ahead of you at leisure.
Accommodation: Overnight stay at the Thistle Marble Arch hotel (or similar).
Your tour concludes after a delicious breakfast and check-out (11am) at The Thistle Marble Arch hotel.
We bid you a fond farewell and hope you will return to us on your next trip to the UK.
*On days where there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace we will visit Horse Guards Parade.
While there is no evening dining on site at your hotel in Bath, you will be in close proximity to a wide selection of restaurants.
Please note: all timings are a guideline only and are subject to change based on operational or other considerations. Please follow instructions from your Tour Director on the day.