Bath, Stonehenge and The Cotswolds

Taking the western route out of London we escape the city to rural Wiltshire where high on the chalk uplands of Ancient Wessex we find enigmatic Stonehenge. As we travel to this awe inspiring site our guide will illustrate the known facts and discuss the ever changing theories connected to the monument. We head up to the circle itself and during our guided tour we learn of the different periods of building stretching back 5,000 years, we learn of the people that worshipped here and the various ideas of its alignments and purpose. There is a chance to take a look at the fantastic new visitor centre and exhibition before we continue our journey westwards to Bath.

Visitors have been visiting Bath for centuries, owing to the hot springs that bubble up to the surface at several locations in the city. At a constant temperature of 46.5C, the only warm springs in the country, it isn't surprising that the Romans developed their resort of Aqua Sulis here 2,000 years ago. The city was beautifully re-invented in the 18th century when it became the fashionable place to see and be seen. Elegant crescents, squares and terraces were built as the rich and famous travelled from London for 'the season' and to take the waters in the hope that it would cure gout, rheumatic pain and stiffness of the joints. See the Roman Temple, and original Roman pavement. Take some time for lunch (own expense) in one of the elegant tea rooms, and try a famous Sally Lunn bread bun. Explore 18th century crescents and squares of the Georgian city, built 250 years ago when Bath became the social centre for high society with dancing, bathing and all manner of relaxation.

We then drive up into the limestone hills of the Cotswolds for a scenic country journey stopping in the Medieval village of Lacock, now owned by the National Trust and full of beautiful cottages and narrow streets. This extremely attractive place has been used as a backdrop for many TV and film productions such as Harry Potter, Cranford, Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey.

 

After our tour of Lacock, we'll continue on to Avebury, a pretty village of thatched cottages nestling in the middle of a huge stone circle. Enjoy a guided walk and some free time at the largest stone circle in Britain, before we return to London.