Shore Excursion Southampton Cruise Terminal to Salisbury & Stonehenge

Cruise passengers visiting Southampton have an exciting opportunity to explore the iconic sites of Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral. This shore excursion provides private, air-conditioned transportation, allowing travelers to enjoy the captivating history and architectural grandeur of these renowned destinations. With dedicated exploration time and convenient inclusions, such as entrance to Stonehenge and an audio guide, the experience promises to be both enriching and efficient. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable day trip, this excursion offers a chance to uncover the remarkable stories that have defined these remarkable landmarks.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Shore Excursions In Southampton.

Key Points

• Private round-trip transportation from Southampton Cruise Terminal to visit Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral with 2.5 hours of independent exploration at each site.

• Includes entrance tickets to Stonehenge and an audio guide, while Salisbury Cathedral entrance fees must be purchased separately on-site.

• Excursion offered in various vehicle options to accommodate 1-8 adults, with pickup available from the cruise terminal or local hotels.

• Provides a worry-free shore excursion guarantee for timely return to the cruise terminal, though the service is not fully wheelchair accessible.

• Customer reviews highlight the high quality of transportation and driver professionalism, though some request more time at the attractions and more engaging commentary during the drives.

Highlights of the Excursion

This private shore excursion from Southampton Cruise Terminal allows travelers to explore two of England’s most renowned attractions – Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral – in a single day.

The tour includes 2.5 hours of independent exploration at each site, ensuring ample time to marvel at Stonehenge’s mysterious stone circle and take in the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral.

Entrance to Stonehenge and an audio guide in the language of choice are included, while tickets to Salisbury Cathedral can be purchased on the day.

The worry-free shore excursion guarantee provides peace of mind, ensuring a timely return to the ship.

Transportation Options and Logistics

Private round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles is provided for this shore excursion.

Guests can choose from various options – a sedan for 1-3 adults, a minivan for 1-4 adults, or a van for 1-8 adults.

The journey from Southampton Cruise Terminal to the Stonehenge site takes approximately 1 hour.

Pickup is available from the terminal or local hotels, with the driver meeting guests in the arrivals hall holding a name board.

This service includes port pickup and drop-off, but food, drinks, and cathedral entrance fees aren’t covered.

The excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible, though foldable wheelchairs can be transported.

Stonehenge: History and Exploration

Towering above the Salisbury Plain, the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge stands as a captivating enigma that has captured the imagination of visitors for centuries. This iconic site, dating back to around 2500 BC, continues to intrigue archaeologists and historians with its mysterious origins and purpose. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the site independently, discovering the massive sarsen stones and gaining insight into their possible astronomical and spiritual significance. To enhance the experience, the provided audio guide offers a wealth of information, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Activity	Duration
Independent Exploration	2.5 hours
Audio Guide Tour	Flexible
Photography	Unlimited
Souvenir Shopping	Flexible

Salisbury Cathedral: Architectural Grandeur

After exploring the captivating ancient monument of Stonehenge, visitors can now turn their attention to the architectural grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral.

This 13th-century medieval cathedral boasts stunning Gothic architecture, with its towering spire reaching 404 feet into the sky. Visitors can admire the intricate stonework, expansive interiors, and the famous Magna Carta, one of only four surviving original copies.

The cathedral’s Close, a tranquil green space surrounding the building, offers a peaceful respite. With 2.5 hours of independent exploration time, guests can wander the grounds, attend a service, or explore the interactive exhibits in the visitor center.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Confirmation

The excursion includes several key features, such as round-trip transportation from the Southampton Cruise Terminal in air-conditioned vehicles and admission tickets to Stonehenge.

Guests will also enjoy 2.5 hours of independent exploration at both Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral.

However, the tour doesn’t cover food, drinks, or entrance fees to Salisbury Cathedral, which must be purchased separately on the day.

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and the service isn’t wheelchair accessible, though it can transport foldable wheelchairs.

Lastly, this is a self-guided service, not a guided tour, and the booking is non-refundable.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to reviews, visitors have provided an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 for this shore excursion.

Positive feedback focused on the quality of transportation and the professionalism of the driver.

However, some reviews indicated a need for more time at the attractions and dissatisfaction with the driver’s commentary.

The service is clarified as self-guided, not a guided tour.

While the majority of customers were satisfied, a few areas for improvement were noted, such as allowing more time at Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, and providing more engaging commentary during the drive.

Booking Process and Considerations

Booking this shore excursion from Southampton to Salisbury and Stonehenge starts at $452.19, with the price varying based on the group size.

Customers must provide the disembarkation time and cruise ship name at the time of booking for terminal pickups. This non-refundable service isn’t available for drop-offs in the City of London or certain areas.

Guests should be aware that the tour is self-guided, not a guided tour, and any entrance fees to Salisbury Cathedral must be purchased separately on the day.

While the service can accommodate foldable wheelchairs, it isn’t fully wheelchair accessible. Cancellations won’t receive a refund.

Cruise Terminal Pickup and Dropoff

Guests will be picked up directly from the Southampton Cruise Terminal upon disembarkation. The driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall, holding a name board to identify the group.

Pickup is provided regardless of the cruise ship, as long as the disembarkation time and ship name are provided at booking. For those staying in hotels, pickup can also be arranged from select locations.

After the excursion, guests will be dropped off back at the cruise terminal, ensuring a timely return to their ship. The service isn’t wheelchair accessible, but can accommodate foldable wheelchairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

The excursion does not include food and drinks, so travelers can bring their own. However, no outside food or beverages are allowed at the Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral sites themselves.

Is There an Option to Extend the Time at the Attractions?

The excursion provides 2.5 hours at each attraction, but customers can’t extend the time. However, they may be able to purchase additional time or customize the itinerary for an extra fee if they contact the tour operator in advance.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

Unfortunately, the excursion does not allow for customization of the itinerary. It’s a pre-set tour with fixed durations at each attraction. However, you could explore the option of a private tour to visit additional sites, which may offer more flexibility.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

Children under 12 and seniors 65+ receive a 10% discount on the excursion price. However, the service does not offer any further customization or flexibility to the standard itinerary focusing on Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral.

How Do I Communicate Any Special Requirements or Needs to the Provider?

To communicate any special requirements or needs to the provider, you can call or email them directly. They’ll need details like accessibility needs, dietary restrictions, or other considerations to ensure they can accommodate your party’s requirements.

The Sum Up

This shore excursion from Southampton Cruise Terminal provides an immersive experience exploring Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric sites, and the stunning Salisbury Cathedral. With private transportation, dedicated time for independent exploration, and included entrance fees, it’s a convenient and enriching day trip for cruise passengers. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a memorable cultural experience, this excursion offers an excellent way to make the most of your time in the region.