Stonehenge was one of those places that I’ve always wanted to visit. Some think it sounds a bit boring- being a pile of rocks and all, but I’m a sucker for history and they fascinated me. My family originated from the UK, so add in some family tree genealogy and I can be a complete obsessive nerd. So, with a few extra days in London, it only made sense to finally make time to get to Stonehenge.
Stonehenge is located about 2 and a half hours southwest of London. Renting a car is definitely the most direct and (probably) cost efficient way to get there- especially if you’re going with a group. However, public transit is super easy to use and how I usually opt to travel. My favorite site to use for train and bus schedules and prices in the UK is Trainline. I suggest downloading the app! Hop a train or bus to Salisbury, then transfer to the Stonehenge Tour bus, and you’re there! It’s really as easy as that. The bus will run you £10-£15 one way, whereas the train can be as high as £40. Transferring to the Stonehenge Bus Tour acts as a shuttle bus, delivering you to the sight from the train, but will still set you back £15. Once you get to the entrance, admission into Stonehenge is £17.50 for advanced tickets and £19.50 for walk up. Assuming you go the least expensive route, you should expect to shell out over £50 pp getting to/from and into Stonehenge. Although this isn’t bad, I’m all about finding better deals while traveling. Organized bus tours aren’t typically my forte, but sometimes, they just make the most sense. Viator is a great sight for different tours regardless of where you are. (Another app I suggest downloading!) They offer an array of options, and more than often, you can find something that appeals to you. After adding up what the trip would cost, I pulled up Viator to do a comparison. Low and behold- a day trip leaving from London out to Stonehenge andddddd Bath for £65. I opted for adding in the Roman Baths admission and the total came to £76. Daaaang.
Obviously, there’s pros and cons to organized bus tours. If you’re like me, the possibility of feeling rushed does not sound appealing. I start to wonder, am I going to be stuck checking out areas I don’t care about and leaving out what actually interests me? Orrrr, do I haveeee to go with a bunch of people when I want to go off on my own? This tour really was a dream though. Honestly. There was a tour guide on the bus, but you were free to make the day your own and go off and explore. As we approached Stonehenge, she gave us some information and then basically told us when to be back to the bus. Same went for Bath. The drive from Stonehenge was about an hour and once we arrived, you had the choice to go do your own thing orrr check out a few sights with the tour guide. You was no buddy system or group activities- we were treated like adults and able to do what we wanted. #bless
It was really an ideal day and the tour not only worked perfectly for my schedule, but it also allowed me to see so much more for only 20 extra pounds! I even made a friend that I waved to while our bus pulled away leaving her behind in Bath. Don’t worry, the driver ended up stopping for her. But anyway, do what’s best for you, just remember that there’s options :) If you end up renting a car to get to Stonehenge, DEFINITELY add Bath into your day!
Stonehenge
Although winter seems like the most ideal time to go hang outside and take photos of stones, I suggest waiting for spring. I didn’t think this through when I decided I was going to make visiting Stonehenge happen. It wasn’t absolutely terrible, but it could’ve been nicer for sure. It was pretty darn cold and the wind was intense.. as seen in the gorgeous photo I included. I’m still laughing at myself for going when I did. But what you gonna do, right? I pulled my hood over my head, slipped on my gloves, and explored the grounds.
Stonehenge itself is magnificent. It’s just crazy seeing something that not only still exists from 3000-2000 BC, but is also STANDING. The ring of stones sit on a burial ground and stand about 13 feet into the air, while weighing about 25 tons EACH. And if that isn’t impressive enough, a few stones even lay across the top of different standing stones. Make sure to grab a headset when you enter for the self guided audio tour!
Along with the prehistoric stones, there are also mock up Neolithic houses to explore. You can go inside the homes and see tools and objects that were used during these times and what every day life really looked like. Wander the ancient grounds and take the time to appreciate how mind-blowing Stonehenge truly is. The welcome center is filled with loads of information, not only about the sight, but also general history of England. Afterwards, grab a pick me up at the cafe- or if you go in winter, warm up with a bowl of soup, like I did!
Bath
Bath is the quintessential English town. It’s super cute, loaded with history and culture, and sprinkled with charm. And what’s better is, it doesn’t matter the time of year you go! There’s loads of cafes and shops to dip into if you’re wandering in winter and get cold. So really, its a no brainer- just go!
Known for the Roman Baths and Jane Austen, Bath really does have a lot to see and do! The town is super small, so getting around is easy and you can see quite a bit in a short amount of time. When you arrive in Bath, you’ll immediately notice the Georgian architectural style and use of yellow Bath limestone that dominate the town. This came about in the late 1700s when Georgian style was huge.
The Roman Baths is a must when you get into town. If you decide to do the combined Stonehenge and Bath tour, I highly suggest you add on the Baths admission- it’s absolutely worth it! The Baths date back to 60-80 AD when the Romans occupied England and unearthed the city’s natural hot springs, creating public baths and established Bath as the spa town it is today. If you’d prefer to live the experience, head over to Thermae Bath Spa and enjoy the natural springs for yourself! The spa offers all kinds of treatments and has different packages to choose from.
After the Roman Baths, head next door to the Bath Abbey for a look at the gorgeous fan vaulting. The Abbey was founded in the 7th century, but has since undergone loads of restoration, including its latest remodel in the late 1800s.
While you’re in sight seeing mode, walk up the slight hill to the Royal Crescent and marvel at its grandeur. Dating back to 1774, the Royal crescent consists of 30 curved Georgian terraced houses stretching out into a 500 foot long half circle. It’s one of the best examples of Georgian architecture and definitely worth seeing! Take note of the 114 iconic columns perfectly spaced down the crescent. Two of the units serve as a hotel, so if you’re already planning your trip back to Bath, make sure to book yourself a room and stay in the iconic building.
If you’re a Jane Austen fan, you’ll want to check out the Jane Austen Centre located a few doors down from where the author lived on Gay Street. The centre acts as an exhibition allowing visitors to learn and see what life in Bath was like for Jane Austen. If you’ve read Austen’s novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, you’ll be able to pick up on the fact that Jane Austen definitely had a love/hate relationship with the quaint town. However, it truly did influence her writing.
Don’t leave Bath without stopping over at Sally Lunn’s for a famous bun and cup of tea! A tea room and restaurant now, this establishment used to be an ordinary home. Today, it’s known as the oldest house in Bath dating back to 1482. Sally Lunn was a resident in 1680 and used the kitchen as her bakery where she created the regional specialty, the Bath bun. The bun is a combination of bread and cake and locals love it!
Lastly, make time to explore the streets and pop in and out of the shops and cafes. Bath is such a cute place and you’ll experience it best just wandering and taking it all in. Keep in mind that there’s much more to see and do if you have the time and stay longer than a day. Not only are there numerous shows yo can attend, from theatre to comedy, but you can also venture off to the surrounding areas and explore the countryside! Whatever you end up doing, just have fun! :)