00:09Highly recommend this excursion with the English bus if you have any inclination to see Stonehenge
00:15and want to get exposure to bath and taste of Cotswolds.
00:19I took the tube from my hotel to the Victoria Doubletree pickup point.
00:24I'm glad I allowed extra time because I couldn't see the hotel when I came out of the underground and
00:30it took me a bit to find it.
00:33Use the restroom at the hotel before boarding the van.
00:36Nice restroom and you won't have another stop until you get to Stonehenge.
00:41Two tours were meeting at the hotel, but they were friendly and careful to get the people on their chosen
00:47excursions.
00:48Yes, it's about two hours drive to Stonehenge.
00:52Our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide Cara used some of that time to give us overview history of Stonehenge as well
01:00as what to expect for the day.
01:02There was time for a nap or to eat your breakfast if you brought it, or to check out the
01:07rolling countryside along the highway.
01:10The van was comfortable with air conditioning and working USB charging outlets.
01:15Cara also had water if we wanted it.
01:18When we got to Stonehenge, there was time for a toilet stop before Cara led us to the shuttle bus
01:24that takes you to the Stones.
01:27She gave us our admission wristband and gave us directions and timing for returning.
01:32I used the audio guide from Stonehenge that I downloaded before the trip to listen to each of the numbered
01:39spots around the circle path and I found it very helpful and informative.
01:43I spent more time outside at the Stonehenge on our beautiful weather day with the audio, than if I'd just
01:50read the posted signs.
01:52I found the agent history to be fascinating.
01:56In fact, I also spoke with the Heritage Foundation people on site regarding the different ages of Stones, and I
02:03spent almost our whole allotted time at the Stones.
02:06No time to walk the 40 minutes' path back, had to do the shuttle.
02:12And only had a few minutes to check out the reproductions of the ancient dwellings and run through the gift
02:18shop for a taste of mead.
02:20There seemed to be lots of fun, artsy and educational souvenirs in the shop, but I hadn't allowed myself enough
02:27time to peruse, had to get to the van.
02:30If you're late, you would be shorting yourself and the van full-on next stops.
02:36Bath was about an hour's drive from Stonehenge.
02:39Kara gave us a map and suggestions for things to see and do and eat in Bath.
02:45She also led a short tour giving some history on the Abbey and Bath houses, Natural Springs Info.
02:52We did not enter the places during Kara's tour, we viewed outside.
02:57I tried a Cornish bakery onion and cheese pasty, they were out of the traditional right then, more ready in
03:04half hour, and did a flight of cider at the stable, then meandered.
03:09I enjoyed Bath enough on this brief taste to make me want to come back maybe for a weekend or
03:15overnight and do an Abbey tour, Roman Bath tour and try out a spa here.
03:19There were some nice local shops here too like one with all sorts of whimsical teapots, think phone booth, Cheshire
03:27Cat, even a toilet, an Edinburgh wool shop, hand-blown glass, chocolates, etc.
03:34And a hands-on bath museum.
03:36Great place.
03:38And very walkable.
03:40On the way out of town, we briefly stopped for photos at the Royal Crescent.
03:45Then on through Narrow, seemingly one lane, but it's two-way, roads at high speed, but very scenic to get
03:52a glimpse of a small Cotswold's town, Castle Coombe.
03:56This stop is just long enough to walk the main street, soak it in slash take pictures, check out Old
04:03Street.
04:04Andrew Church and Cemetery with tombstones potentially as far back as 1200s, have a half pint at the pub, use
04:12the loo, then board the van.
04:14This gives you a peek at the Cotswolds.
04:17If you're looking for a day of it, do another day tour.
04:21This was just the right exposure on a full-day excursion away from London.
04:26Again, I highly recommend this English bus small group tour if you want to see Stonehenge along with some other
04:33towns of England.
04:35Great guide, great experience.
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