Ancient Rome is still on show in Bath Spa, and the pretty little town also happens to be sited near some perfect accompanying tour itinerary attractions.
When the Romans built a thermae around Bath’s natural springs, it’s unlikely they had any idea it would outlast their empire by millennia. But their savvy for incorporating natural features into their cities meant those cities endured, with the 7th-century Bath Abbey and the 18th-century Georgian architecture of the Royal Crescent more recent reasons to pay Bath a visit from London. And Bath wasn’t the only ancient settlement in the area, either. Humans left traces of their beliefs long before Romans arrived. These top day tours from London make good use of that fact, adding nearby attractions such as Stonehenge and the Cotswolds to their rewarding itineraries.
Bath, Stonehenge and the English countryside tour from London
Coach tours provide the best value day trips to Bath from London as this ten-hour jaunt into the English countryside proves. Both Bath and Stonehenge are inscribed on Unesco’s World Heritage List and you’ll have around two-three hours in each location to discover why that is for yourself. In Bath, follow the walking tour provided to get a glimpse of all the best locations, as well as a stop at the Jane Austen Centre. The tour, which starts and ends in Central London, runs daily. From £77 per person.
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
When heading west out of London, there are numerous tantalizing stops that could be added to any itinerary, and this 11-hour trip gives into temptation by adding Windsor Castle to the list. Starting at Windsor Castle, you can visit St George’s Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth II is buried. Next you’ll stop at the Roman Baths in Bath Spa (entrance included in the fee) for a 40-minute tour of the impressive ancient remains, then leap back another 3,000 years at Stonehenge. From £85 per person.
London day trip to Stonehenge, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Bath
Bard, Bath and beyond feature on this 12-hour day trip from London to England’s southwest. Head straight for Stonehenge (entry tickets included), then spend a couple of hours exploring the streets of Bath Spa before boarding the coach to drive north through the picturesque Cotswolds to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Here, you’ll see William Shakespeare’s birthplace, take a tour of his school, complete with a typical Tudor lesson, and see a short performance in the Bard’s hometown. Tours usually run on Wed, Sat and Sun. From £111 per person.
Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath and Roman Baths day trip
Starting and ending in London Victoria station, this popular day trip focusses on three key highlights of Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms. Admissions to all are included in the tour fee of this option, with a couple of hours provided to get to know each location. Whether you’re interested in the Royal Family, prehistoric rituals, Roman history or all three, there’s plenty to sate the curiosity during this packed day-trip’s itinerary. Usually runs four times a week, days may vary. From £120 per person.
Inner circle access of Stonehenge including Bath tour from London
If the mystery of Stonehenge’s origins and significance captivate you, then this tour offering a unique opportunity to walk inside the stone circle (which is not normally permitted) with a guide is a must. Then it’s on to Bath for a walking tour and, if you upgrade the tour to include it, entry to the Roman Baths. You’ll also pass by the pretty Saxon town of Lacock during the trip. This rare tour is usually only available on Saturdays. From £133 per person.