So you want to go on a Bath and Stonehenge 2 days tour from Bristol? Look no further; we’ve got you covered!
A Bristol to Stonehenge tour is one of the most popular tours in England for tourists. I mean, Bristol is a vibrant city that is full of life!
Firstly, one interesting fact about Bristol is that it isn’t just a city; it’s also a ceremonial county and an independent authority in England. Seated snugly along the picturesque River Avon, Bristol shares its borders with friendly neighbors, Gloucestershire to the north and Somerset to the south.
Secondly, what makes Bristol much more famous is the Bristol to Stonehenge tour. It’s so popular that you can find various tours from trains to taxis and busses offering services from Bristol to the famous Stonehenge. (Check out Evan Evans Tours or Golden Tours, they are some of the best)
But before we go deep into the Bristol to Stonehenge tour, we have to talk about Bath!
Exploring Bristol and Bath: A Dynamic Duo of British Charm
Just as Tea and Biscuits go together, Bristol and Bath often time does too. Bath, which is as short as a 12-minute train ride from Bristol, is a city renowned (and named) for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture. No Bristol to Stonehenge tour will be complete without exploring the top Bath tourist attraction.
Bath is a charming city that effortlessly combines the allure of history with modern vitality, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel come to life!
Bath’s centerpiece is the magnificent Bath Abbey, an architectural masterpiece that stands tall, watching over the city’s bustling streets.
But it’s the Roman Baths that truly transport you back in time. Just imagine immersing yourself in the centuries-old thermal pools, thinking back to the ancient Romans who once found solace there.
Now going back to the Bristol to Stonehenge tour, let’s talk about Stonehenge.
Bath and Stonehenge Tour from Bristol: Stonehenge and Salisbury.
Stonehenge is not just a prehistoric monument of vertical standing stones; it’s a beacon of mystery and history, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and time’s relentless passage.
As the sun sets and casts its warm hues upon these ancient stones, you can’t help but feel the weight of the centuries that have passed and the thrilling stories they hold.
But you can’t also explore Stonehenge without spending considerable time in Salisbury. And while it is known for its cathedrals, Salisbury is more than just a charming English cathedral city; it’s a gateway to a world of wonder.
Dominated by the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, whose spire pierces the sky like an exclamation mark, this city offers a quintessential English experience. The streets are lined with timbered houses and quaint shops, inviting you to meander and explore its history at your own pace.
To make it easier to explore, we will break our Bristol to Stonehenge tour. We’ll explore places to visit in Bristol and Bath on the first day, then round up the trip with a tour to Salisbury before finally arriving at the beloved Stonehenge.
So strap on for a wonderful time; your adventure before your adventure!
Bristol to Stonehenge Tour Day 1: Bristol and Bath
We’re starting our tour, of course, with Bristol and Bath. Your Bristol to Stonehenge tour should not just be about the destination. Exploring every place makes the whole trip worthwhile in the end.
Tourist attractions in Bristol.
1. Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The Clifton suspension bridge is a symbol of Bristol. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is a great way to see many important Bristol landmarks in a day’s stroll.
You can take guided walking tours on the bridge, passing by Royal York Crescent, Victoria Square, the Corn Exchange, and the Christmas Steps, with local guides telling you personal stories and the history of their beloved city.
The bridge itself is an engineering marvel and a must-visit landmark while in Bristol.
2. Bristol Zoo Gardens.
From the stunning, gorgeous gardens to the exotic endangered animals from around the globe, Bristol Gardens offers you the best of nature and the animal kingdom on a platter so green that ignoring it would be folly.
It is quite popular with families, and it’s an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
3. Visit The SS Great Britain.
All aboard? Aye, aye, Captain!
The SS Great Britain is a historic steamship turned museum that lets you discover the ship’s history and significance to maritime engineering. Your Bristol to Stonehenge tour is not complete if you don’t “discover the ship that changed the world.”
4. Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
While this is not as unique as a steamship museum, this museum offers various exhibits, from fine art and archaeology to natural history. It is open every day except Mondays, and entry is totally free!
5. The Bristol Tower.
The Bristol Tower, also known as Cabot Tower, is one of Bristol’s most popular tourist attractions, and you cannot complete your Bristol to Stonehenge tour without exploring it. Located atop Brandon Hill Park, the Bristol Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Visitors can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top for a stunning view that captures the essence of Bristol’s urban and natural beauty. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline and landmarks.
Travel Tip: If you drop your bags with Bristol Luggage Storage, you can travel light.
Tourist Attractions in Bath.
1. The Roman Baths.
The Roman Baths are one of the top Bath tourist attractions. It is, in fact, a must-visit destination in Bath, with ancient bathing and socializing complexes dating back to Roman times.
You can explore the well-preserved ruins of the baths, the temple, and the museum to soak in the atmosphere and the history of this 2000-year-old site. It just may get you feeling a little emotional.
2. Bath Abbey
This iconic Abbey is a striking piece of architecture known for its stunning Gothic design and impressive stained glass windows. It is England’s last great medieval church and is over 500 years old. It is also the most visited Bath tourist attraction.
A common thing visitors do here is to climb the tower for rewarding, panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
3. The Jane Austen Centre
Bath has strong ties to the famous author Jane Austen, and this center offers a chance to learn about her life, works, and connection to the city. The interactive exhibits, including costumed guides, bring the Regency era to life.
If you’re a Jane Austen fan (like me), this would probably be one of the highlights of your trip.
4. The Royal Crescent.
Picture a magnificent row of 30 terraced houses gracefully arranged in a sweeping crescent shape. The Royal Crescent is like stepping into a timelessly elegant masterpiece!
The crescent-shaped row of Georgian townhouses is not just a pretty sight but a symbol of Bath’s Georgian architectural heritage and one of the famous Bath tourist attractions.
You can also explore the museum at No.1 Royal Crescent, which recreates the lifestyle of the 18th century.
5. Pulteney Bridge
The Pulteney Bridge is one of the few bridges in the world lined with shops, making it a popular place for a stroll or a coffee break.
Travel tip: Be mindful of your electronics near the water.
Bristol to Stonehenge Tour Day 2: Salisbury and Stonehenge
While on your day trip to Salisbury and Stonehenge, there are some notable places you have to visit to make your trip encompassing.
Places to visit in Salisbury
1. Salisbury Cathedral.
While I said that Salisbury is more than just a cathedral city, you can’t help but admire this magnificent Gothic cathedral as a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
Its spire is the tallest in the UK, and the interior is equally impressive, with stunning stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings.
2. Old Sarum.
If you (like me) find ancient history interesting, then Old Sarum would rock your boat. Take a journey back in time to the historic place that holds the echoes of Salisbury’s very first settlement.
This ancient hilltop settlement predates the city of Salisbury and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The site includes the ruins of an Iron Age fort, a Norman castle, and a medieval cathedral.
Exploring Old Sarum is an excellent way to nerd up your trip. (Not like a Bristol to Stonehenge tour is not nerdy enough)
3. Salisbury Museum.
At this point, you can probably tell that I am a history nerd, but even if you are not, I bet something at the Salisbury Museum will interest you.
If it’s not the prehistoric artifacts, then it will be the archaeological finds. If it’s not the archaeological finds, then it will be the stunning artworks on display. And if you’re bent on not being impressed, then I assure you that the tea served at the Cafe will knock your socks off.
4. Mompesson House.
The Mompesson House is a beautifully preserved 18th-century townhouse that glimpses Georgian life.
The house features period furniture, elegant interiors, and serene gardens. You also get a garden tea room, serving hot and cold drinks complimented with some light bites.
5. Visit Stonehenge
Rounding up our Bristol to Stonehenge tour, We’re finally at our destination, and while the journey may have been fascinating, Stonehenge is just the perfect way to end it. It is a mixture of adventure, relaxation, history, and beauty that makes it.
At a casual first glance, you might wonder what the fuss is about stones arranged in a circle; I mean, it’s just stones, right?
Well, it’s not. If you’re here from our top fun places to visit in the UK article, you probably know that already. It’s one of those things that you have to see to understand fully. A visit to Stonehenge is like stepping into a time machine that hums with the secrets of ages past.
The fact that those colossal stone sentinels have been standing stoic against the winds for centuries, commanding attention for millennia, makes all the difference. The air carries whispers of forgotten rituals, untold stories, and the celestial mysteries that guided their placement.
Apart from its historical significance, it is also truly a beautiful sight. Not to sound spooky, but as the sun’s golden hues bathe the ancient monoliths, you can’t help but feel a connection to something greater.
Stonehenge isn’t just a place; it’s a journey to the heart of human curiosity.
Conclusion
As promised, we’ve embarked on a Bristol to Stonehenge tour that’s been nothing short of extraordinary.
From the charming streets of Bristol to the regal crescents of Bath to the serene beauty of Old Sarum to the offbeat wonders of Momspesson Housse, we’ve delved into a tapestry of experiences that remind us of the magic in England.
So, pack your bags, seize the moments, and let your adventures unfold. And after that, come back to Tourist Lookup for your next adventure. We’ll be waiting!
Bonus Planning Tip: Make sure you carry enough cash to splurge on the many tempting souvenirs that will entice you.
Duration of a Stonehenge Tour?
Wondering how long the captivating Stonehenge tour lasts? A visit lasts around 40 minutes to 1 hour, but if you are seeking a deeper connection with this ancient marvel, consider a 2-hour tour.
Where does the Stonehenge tour depart from?
Curious about the departure location for immersive Stonehenge tours? It departs from Salisbury. Most tours run different timetables at different times of the year, so be sure to check your journey time carefully before you set off.
Can Stonehenge be a day trip from London?
Contemplating if you can experience the wonders of Stonehenge in a day from London? Absolutely! Stonehenge is about 90 miles from London, giving you enough time to make a day trip with spare time for a cup of tea.
Which UK city is closest to Stonehenge?
Interested in knowing which UK city is closest to the mystical Stonehenge? Salisbury is the nearest city to Stonehenge, about 9.5 miles south of the monument.
Can you do Windsor Castle and Stonehenge a day?
Dreaming of exploring both Windsor Castle and Stonehenge in a single day? Yes, you can explore the famous Windsor Castle and the mysterious stone circle of Stonehenge in a day. They are 68 miles apart, which can be covered in about an hour’s drive, giving you ample time to spend in both places.
