3 Day West Country Private Tour

Set out on a captivating 3-day private tour of the West Country, starting from Southampton. This immersive experience promises to whisk you away to iconic sites, quaint villages, and stunning natural landscapes. With knowledgeable local guides and seamless admission inclusions, you’ll explore England’s rich history and culture, from the mysterious Stonehenge to the Georgian splendor of Bath. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking to explore the picturesque countryside, this tour offers a well-rounded journey that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. But the best part? The itinerary is just the beginning.

Key Points

• A 3-day private tour of the West Country from Southampton, covering iconic sites like Stonehenge, Roman Baths, and Wells Cathedral.
• Opportunities to taste local cheddar cheese in Bath and explore the historic city through a guided walking tour.
• Visit to the smallest city in England, Wells, including a tour of the Gothic cathedral and the well-preserved Vicars’ Close.
• Exploration of the natural beauty of Cheddar Gorge and learning about the history and production of cheddar cheese.
• Opportunity to experience the picturesque countryside and local culture through a guided village tour and optional falconry experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Offering a comprehensive 3-day private tour of the picturesque West Country region from Southampton, this excursion showcases the area’s renowned historical landmarks and natural wonders.

Highlights include visits to the iconic Stonehenge, the Roman Baths, and Wells Cathedral, complemented by opportunities to savor local cheddar cheese and explore the charming city of Bath.

With a knowledgeable local guide, flexible drop-off options, and admission prices covered, this tour provides an immersive and seamless experience for travelers seeking to discover the best of England’s West Country.

Whether you’re interested in ancient history, architectural marvels, or scenic landscapes, this tour has something to captivate every visitor.

Day 1: Southampton to Bath

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your cruise ship or hotel in Southampton, setting the stage for an immersive journey through the picturesque West Country.

Your first stop is the iconic Stonehenge, where a guided tour of the Visitor Centre and ancient stone circle provides insight into this mysterious landmark.

After a lunch break at a historic English pub, you’ll embark on a walking tour of Bath, led by a local guide, showcasing the city’s famous buildings and landmarks.

The tour then takes you to the Roman Baths, where you can explore the site’s history and architecture with the aid of audio guides.

The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure in Bath.

Stonehenge Guided Tour

Your first stop on the 3-day West Country tour is the iconic Stonehenge, one of Britain’s most recognizable ancient landmarks.

With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll explore the mysterious stone circle and learn about its fascinating history and theories surrounding its purpose.

Wander among the massive sarsen stones, some standing up to 25 feet tall, and discover the monument’s religious and astronomical significance.

The guided tour includes admission to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, where you can view archaeological finds and multimedia exhibits that shed light on this enigmatic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After your visit, you’ll continue on to the historic city of Bath for the next part of your adventure.

Bath Local Guide-Led Walking Tour

After visiting the ancient wonder of Stonehenge, the tour moves on to the historic city of Bath.

A local guide leads a 2-hour walking tour, showcasing Bath’s famous buildings and landmarks. Travelers will see the stunning Georgian architecture, including the iconic Royal Crescent, the elegant Circus, and the grand Pulteney Bridge.

The guide shares insights into Bath’s rich history as a spa town, dating back to the Roman era. The walking tour also includes a visit to the free-to-enter Abbey, a magnificent Gothic cathedral.

With the guide’s expertise, visitors gain a deep appreciation for Bath’s well-preserved heritage and charming atmosphere.

Day 2: Wells and Cheddar Tour

On the second day, the tour departs Bath early in the morning for the charming city of Wells.

First, guests embark on a private walking tour of England’s smallest city, exploring its historic sights for 3 hours. They then visit the lively Wells Market Place before touring the magnificent 13th-century Wells Cathedral.

The tour continues to the picturesque Vicars Close, the oldest residential street in Europe. After lunch at an English pub, the group travels to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company to learn about and taste the renowned cheddar.

For the adventurous, an optional hike to the Cheddar Gorge viewpoint offers panoramic vistas. The day concludes with a return to the accommodation in Bath.

Wells Cathedral and Vicars Close

The magnificent Wells Cathedral stands as a testament to medieval architectural prowess, its intricate Gothic spires and ornate façade commanding the attention of all who behold it. Visitors will marvel at the cathedral’s ornate interiors, including the breathtaking scissor-arched nave and the intricate, stone-carved chantry chapels.

Feature	Description
Construction	Begun in 1175, completed in 1490
Architecture	Gothic, with elements of Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular styles
Façade	Elaborately carved west front with sculptural niches and dramatic gables
Highlight	The unique, 13th-century chain of angels carved into the vaulted ceiling

Just down the road lies the charming Vicars’ Close, a remarkably well-preserved medieval street that has remained largely unchanged since the 14th century.

Cheddar Gorge and Cheese Company

From the serene surroundings of Wells Cathedral, the tour ventures into the rugged splendor of Cheddar Gorge, a natural wonder carved by glacial meltwater over millennia.

The group stops for lunch at a traditional English pub before visiting the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, where they learn about the rich history and production of the iconic cheddar cheese.

Guests have the option to hike to a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the dramatic limestone cliffs and lush countryside.

This immersive experience showcases the region’s natural beauty and culinary heritage, as the tour continues its exploration of the West Country’s treasures.

Day 3: Morning Tour and Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, the tour continues with a morning walking exploration of a charming village near Bath.

The guide leads the group through the quaint streets, pointing out historic buildings, local shops, and scenic vistas. For those interested, an optional falconry experience is available, where participants can witness the majestic flight of hawks.

The tour then concludes with a hearty lunch at a village pub before the group departs for their next holiday destination.

The day offers a final chance to soak in the picturesque countryside and charming local culture before the tour comes to an end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is a private trip, so the group size is flexible and tailored to the customer’s needs. The brochure does not specify a maximum group size, allowing for a customized experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, depending on the traveler’s interests. The local guide is flexible and can accommodate special requests within the itinerary, allowing for a personalized experience.

Are Meals Provided Throughout the Entire 3-Day Tour?

No, meals are not provided throughout the entirety of the 3-day tour. The tour includes lunch stops at historic English pubs on Days 1 and 2, but other meals are the responsibility of the traveler.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Travelers?

The tour does not explicitly mention any discounts for children or senior travelers. Pricing is likely based on the standard adult rate, though the tour provider may be willing to offer discounts upon request.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Travelers can cancel or modify their booking up to 14 days prior to the start date without penalty. Cancellations within 14 days are subject to a fee.

Recap

This private West Country tour offers a comprehensive journey through England’s captivating history and stunning landscapes. From the iconic Stonehenge to the charming villages and historic cities, travelers will be immersed in the region’s rich heritage. With knowledgeable local guides, seamless logistics, and a flexible itinerary, this 3-day experience promises an unforgettable exploration of the West Country’s highlights.