Lacock

Tours

Explore historic attractions in the West of England on this full day bus trip from London. Stop at at Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, village of Lacock and the city of Bath. Savor local flavors with a traditional pub lunch. Be picked up from the centrally-located meeting point in London. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned bus to Windsor Castle, home to the English royals for more than 900 years. Perched high above the River Thames, the castle holds royal secrets from the days of William the Conqueror to the current Queen. Discover the largest continuously occupied castle in the world as you admire splendor of St. Georges Chapel and the sumptuous State Apartments. (Entry included if option selected) Drive to Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain and learn the mysteries of the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years, but it still confounds historians and archaeologists to this day. Try to unlock some of its secrets for yourself at the new Visitor Centre. (Entry included if option selected) Journey to the picturesque National Trust village of Lacock. Stroll down the town's cottage-lined cobbled streets. See for yourself why is is used for film shoots for productions like “Harry Potter.” Enjoy hearty English lunch in a 14th-century pub. Make your way to the city of Bath which is full of Georgian architecture in crescents and terraces. Have free time to visit Bath Abbey and the romantic Pulteney Bridge, or to purchase tea in the historic Pump Rooms, while being serenaded by a string quartet. Return to the meeting point in London at the end of your tour.

A day full of wonder awaits us today. Departing Bristol, your first stop for the day is the prehistoric monument Stonehenge. Many legends surround these incredible standing stones that weigh about 25 tons each and have attracted people from all over the world for years. Perhaps you believe they were created by Merlin, who magically transported them from Ireland. Maybe you believe Stonehenge is a landing site for alien spacecraft. They might remind you of the ruins of a Roman temple. You can't deny their magnificence, no matter what you believe. Avebury is your next stop. Enjoy your free time here: grab some lunch, wander around the area, and, of course, see the three stone circles. Avebury henge boasts the largest stone circle in Britain, so big it fits the entire quaint English village inside. So you can grab a pint and bite to eat while surrounded by a stone circle. Pretty magical, right? Your journey continues to the quaint village of Lacock. You have free time here, you might be interested in visiting the Abbey. Harry Potter fans will obsess over seeing the Lacock Abbey Cloisters, used as Hogwarts corridors in the movies. Visitors can also explore the medieval rooms and cloister court, before taking a look at the Fox Talbot Museum which explores the history of photography. Castle Combe is our last stop, often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Fans of movies like War Horse and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust may just recognize this spot, so get your camera ready. From here, it’s only a short drive back to Bristol.

Saying a temporary goodbye to beautiful Bath, your first destination is one that most have heard of, many have yearned to witness, and endless have marveled at. The standing stones of Stonehenge are one of the grandest sites known today. Those who visit take a break from the modern world for a few moments and become transported back to a long-forgotten world, a world where spirituality, paganism, and worship defined people. But these aren't the only stones you should marvel at. In the sweet village of Avebury, visitors come to wander amidst the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Mixed in among manor houses and nature, this site truly is worth a visit. After lunch, travel deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds and a quirky country house with fascinating architectural styles. The last stop on your day trip is Castle Combe, often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Fans of movies like War Horse and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust may just recognize this spot, so get your camera ready. From here, it’s only a short drive back to Bath.

You head west out of London to village of Avebury. Here you can wander amidst the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world and admire the manor houses. After lunch, we travel deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds, and is a quirky country house with fascinating architectural styles. Our final stop of the day is at the ancient Roman Spa town of Bath. This city has been inhabited for around 2,000 years. You can enjoy Bath Abbey and the beautiful Georgian architecture at your own pace, or even visit the Roman Baths*. It’s a fascinating town to explore, so we give you plenty of time to wander around at your own pace before you return to London in the early evening. *Please note that your optional visit to the Roman Baths cannot be guaranteed, as sometimes tickets sell out.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter at Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, real-life film locations from the movie series. Explore historic streets and medieval chambers, then journey to Gloucester Cathedral, where Gothic architecture brings Hogwarts to life. Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter as you journey through Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, iconic real-life film locations that have captured the imaginations of millions. Explore Lacock Village, a timeless gem boasting timber-framed cottages and historic streets frozen in time. Witness the magic of Lacock Abbey, its ancient walls echoing with the secrets of Hogwarts. Delve into the cloisters and medieval chambers that provided the backdrop for key moments in the Harry Potter film franchise. From the eerie corridors to the majestic halls, every corner holds a piece of cinematic history. Embark on a spellbinding tour through the majestic halls of Gloucester Cathedral. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture as you explore the corridors that doubled as the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Stand in awe beneath the soaring vaulted ceilings that served as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the beloved film series. From the hauntingly beautiful cloisters to the grandeur of the Cathedral, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema brought to life.

Get closer to the stones than ever before with this Stonehenge and Bath tour package! You’ll be able to step inside the legendary inner circle during this private viewing away from the crowds and enjoy a truly mesmerising experience as the sun goes down. This day trip also includes a visit to the beautiful Roman city of Bath. Once loved by the Romans, Bath has been a place of pleasure, relaxation and wellbeing for centuries. It is also undeniably one of the prettiest cities in the UK and a designated World Heritage Site in its entirety. See its beautiful honey-coloured Georgian architecture, soak in the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, marvel at the impressive Bath Abbey and learn about the rich heritage of this unique location. Two-course Meal After you've promenaded around Bath, enjoy a delicious two-course meal of a main followed by a delicious dessert. Private Viewing of Stonehenge and Entrance Into the Inner Circle After your meal, the tour will depart Bath for your extra-special visit to mysterious Stonehenge. You’ll arrive at Stonehenge, located in the lush county of Wiltshire, in the early evening. This is your chance to see a side of the world-famous stones that most people don’t get a chance to see! Experience the unforgettable mystery of this 5,000 year old attraction and spend some time in the midst of an iconic World Heritage Site as you wander in and around the 40 ton rocks. There really is no better way to visit Stonehenge – you’ll be blown away by the sheer size and position of the magical monument! Following your visit to Stonehenge, the tour heads back to London for an arrival time of around 10.00pm. (11pm in July and August due to later sunsets).

After arriving at the meeting point, head directly to the city of Bath, one of England’s most historic and visited cities, and itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in some of the impressive sights of this attractive and historic city as you walk through its picturesque streets. Visit the remarkable ancient Roman Baths, and the Georgian Grand Pump Room. An optional walking tour allows you to see where writer Charles Dickens once lived and worked, and to sample some of the delicious local cheeses. From there continue to the village of Lacock, another historic site dating back to Saxon times. This scenic village has been the site of several major films and productions, with parts of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone filmed here. Take your time to look around the village, before stopping for an early evening meal in one of England’s oldest pubs, The George Inn, built in 1361. Leave Lacock and head towards Stonehenge as the sun sets, giving you a dramatic view of this incredible monument. Enjoy these jaw-dropping monoliths with a unique viewing experience that guarantees direct access to the stones, unavailable to members of the general public. Your guide will discuss the history of this 5,000 year old site, the most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and explain the many mysterious theories about how exactly it was built. Away from the crowds, marvel at this ancient construction and see for yourself why it is one of the most visited sites in the world, before boarding your coach and returning to London.

See the remarkable prehistoric monument of Stonehenge at sunrise on a full-day tour from London. Enjoy these jaw-dropping monoliths with a unique viewing experience that guarantees direct access to the stones, unavailable to members of the general public. Depart the city at the crack of dawn, and escape the hustle and bustle of the “Big Smoke” as you travel west by air-conditioned coach. Upon arrival at Stonehenge, you will have privileged access to the inner stone circle to watch a dramatic sunrise before the day time crowds arrive. Built nearly 5,000 years ago, Stonehenge is one of the most popular prehistoric monuments in the world. Enjoy a private viewing of the mysterious monoliths as you stand by the mighty sarsen rock. Your guide will entertain you with stories about the site, and point out the altar, slaughter and heel stones, where the sun rises on the summer solstice. Continue to the small village of Lacock, founded in the Saxon era. Many of the buildings formed part of an extensive monastery complex. Now owned by the National Trust, the pretty village was the setting for Jane Austen's “Pride and Prejudice” and “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.” There will be time for a delightful walk, before enjoying breakfast in a classic English pub. Next, go to the Roman city of Bath, famous for its elegant Georgian architecture at sites such as the Royal Crescent and Circus. Marvel at the city’s beautifully proportioned streets, and see the much-photographed Pulteney Bridge over the River Avon. End at the Roman Baths, the best preserved Roman spa from the ancient world. Dating back to AD 60, the Baths are still fed by the hot springs and limestone aquifers of the Mendip Hills. The museum houses artifacts from the Roman period, including objects and offerings thrown into the Sacred Spring.

Depart London in the early morning and be one of the first visitors of the day to Stonehenge. As you arrive at Stonehenge your guide will tell you the facts and theories behind this most famous of Stone Age structures. Was it a temple, a clock, a place of worship, or a burial site for the elite? Then it’s on to Bath, which has seen visitors since the time of the Celts. Centuries later, in the 1st century A.D. the Romans arrived, calling this place Aqua Sulis. Even later, during the Georgian era of the 18th century, the rich and wealthy arrived from London to see and be seen and took to the waters to rid themselves of joint stiffness and gout.  Stop for a break in the delightful village of Lacock. Seemingly untouched by modern times, this charming place has been used as a setting in many films, including Cranford, Moll Flanders, Pride and Prejudice, and Harry Potter. Enjoy a guided tour of this lovely village before you make your way to Avebury, a pretty village of thatched cottages nestling in the middle of a huge stone circle. After a guided walk in Avebury, depart for your return journey to London.

The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and now a world heritage site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years, and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since. What was this vast collection of stones intended for? Was it an observatory of the moon, a temple to the sun, or an elaborate cemetery? Who were the people who carried and carved these 40 ton rocks? Come and unlock the secrets for yourself and marvel at this remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient engineering and design, as we enjoy the wonderful celebrations that take place to mark the summer solstice. Tour departs London at 12 noon and heads west towards the site, taking the time to enjoy the ancient stones at Avebury, before heading to picturesque Lacock for an early evening supper. From here we journey to Stonehenge itself arriving at roughly 19:00pm, as it begins it’s annual celebration of the summer solstice. Huge crowds gather and there will be plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this historic event, walk amongst the stones, and observe the pagan rituals and ceremonies that take place at varying intervals throughout the evening. We arrive back in London at around midnight. Summer Solstice The solstice itself is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest excursion relative to the celestial equator, with the sun appearing to have reached its highest or lowest annual altitude in the sky above the horizon. The word solstice comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sister (to stand still), because, at the solstices, the Sun, as seen from earth stands still in declination before reversing it’s direction. Thus after the summer solstice, the sun does not appear as high in the sky and daylight reduces. The solstice is therefore seen as the midpoint of summer in many cultures and is cause for celebration. Pagan Celebrations Like other religious groups, Pagans are in awe of the strength of the sun and the divine powers that create life. For many pagans, they believe that the Goddess took over the earth from the horned God at the beginning of spring and she is now at the height of her power and fertility. The summer solstice marks the marriage of the God and Goddess and sees their union as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. To celebrate many Pagans and non-Pagans head to ancient religious sites including Avebury and Stonehenge, to conduct fascinating and colourful ceremonies throughout the night enjoying the last sunset and sunrise before the sun alters it’s direction once more.