sean.blunk Hey there fellow travelers! Looking for a way to experience some of the major sites located outside of London, but aren’t sure how to fit them in? Well, you’ve come to the right spot! Below I’ll introduce you to the wonderful world of day trips and excellent planning!
One of our favorite day trips from London includes a trip to Bath, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge. These three destinations are incredibly popular among tourists and locals alike, and for good reason. Each site offers a unique and fascinating look into England’s past and present. This can make for a long day, but if you are willing to put in the time then you won’t be disappointed!
Planning Your Day Trip
The easiest way to visit all three sites in one day is to book a guided tour. Viator offers great day tour rates and a couple of different options for you to choose from.
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, & Bath From London
- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, & Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock
Not interested in a guided tour? You could opt to take a train from London to Bath, then rent a car or take a bus to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge. Remember that Stonehenge is located about 90 minutes from Bath and Windsor Castle. If you are brave enough to take up driving on the wrong side of the road this could be a fun route for you! Make sure to book parking in advance, as parking near each attraction can be limited.
Exploring Bath
Bath is a picturesque town that’s known for its stunning Georgian architecture and Roman heritage. Upon arrival, you will head straight to the Roman Baths. These are considered one of the best-preserved ancient Roman bathhouses in the world.
Afterward, take a stroll through the historic center of Bath, stopping at landmarks like the Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. If you have time, visit the Jane Austen Centre, which celebrates the famous author who lived in Bath for several years.
Going during the month of December? Bath also has a quaint Christmas Market right outside the Roman Baths. Definitely worth hitting up if you have time!
Visiting Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. The castle has been the residence of the British Royal Family for over 900 years. There are several rooms that are kept for viewing in the state of their original purpose. It’s really cool to see how the royal family lived way back when, it definitely gave me a greater appreciation for my own bed and bathroom! Highlights of the castle include the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House.
Discovering Stonehenge
The final stop on your day trip is Stonehenge. The mysterious prehistoric monument is estimated to be over 5,000 years old. This is one of England’s Heritage Sites and the country has done a great job of making it visitor friendly and still maintaining the mystery around the giant slabs. The monument consists of a circle of massive stones, some of which weigh up to 25 tons. Although the purpose of Stonehenge is still unclear, it’s thought to have been used for religious or ceremonial purposes. Be sure to walk around the monument and take in the surrounding landscape, which is just as impressive as the monument itself.
Concluding Your Day Trip
A day trip to Bath, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of London. Plus this allows you to immerse yourself in England’s rich history and culture. Each site offers a unique perspective on England’s past and present, and together they create an unforgettable day trip. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a change of scenery, this day trip is sure to leave a lasting impression. One thing to note, these trips can take 11- 12 hours. We didn’t run into any delays or tight turn arounds but we definitely slept great that night with all the running around we did!
If you are looking for other things to do in London, check out these posts:
