London: Small Group Stonehenge and Bath Tour & Secret Site

If you’re dreaming of a day outside London exploring iconic sights like Stonehenge and the elegant city of Bath, this small-group tour from The English Bus promises a well-rounded, immersive experience. From prehistoric mysteries to Georgian elegance, it offers a taste of England’s historic charm—all in a comfortable, intimate setting.

What we love about this tour are two things in particular: the small-group atmosphere that makes everything feel more personal and the expert guides who bring each site alive with stories and insights. Plus, the surprise “secret site” adds an element of adventure that many travelers find delightful.

However, keep in mind that entrance tickets to Stonehenge are not included in the price, which might mean an extra step for planning and budget. This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, genuine storytelling, and a chance to explore at their leisure without the crowds.

Key Points

• Intimate Experience: Small groups of max 16 ensure personal attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Expert Guides: Guides provide engaging commentary, enriching your understanding of each site.
• Flexible Itinerary: You get ample time at each location, with options for guided or solo exploration.
• Unique Surprise: The “secret site” offers a special, lesser-known piece of the region’s history.
• Comfortable Transport: Modern, air-conditioned Mercedes minicoach makes long drives comfortable.
• Authentic Tastes: Sample traditional snacks like Cornish pasties and Sally Lunn buns, bringing local flavors to life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Exploration of the Tour Experience

Starting Your Day – Convenient Meeting Points and Early Mornings

The tour begins either at Victoria’s DoubleTree by Hilton or another designated London location, depending on your booking. The journey kicks off early, giving you a full day of discovery. The comfortable Mercedes minicoach seats up to 16 guests, striking a balance between social and private, and the air conditioning ensures you arrive refreshed after the roughly 105-minute drive out of London.

Scenic Drive and the Road to Salisbury Plain

One of the highlights is the scenic route through the English countryside. Your guide will fill the bus with stories and background, setting the scene for the landmarks ahead. Expect lively commentary on local villages and historical snippets, making the long drive feel shorter. The small size of the group enhances the experience—no mass-hopping here, just genuine conversation and tailored attention.

Visiting the Enigma of Stonehenge

The centerpiece of the trip, Stonehenge, is a must-see. The tour allows you about 105 minutes here—enough time to walk around the stones and admire their mysterious arrangement. You’ll also visit the new Visitor Center, which provides context and background, helping to spark your imagination about how these massive stones arrived and what they might have meant to ancient peoples.

According to reviews, the guides make a real difference here—they provide historical insights and fun facts that deepen your appreciation. As one traveler noted, “Nolh was an excellent tour guide! It felt like that right amount of time was spent at each site and the Secret Place was lovely.” The ticket price to access the stones is additional, payable on the day, with pricing varying by season and day of the week. Planning ahead for this can help you avoid surprises.

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The Charm of Bath

Next up is the Roman spa city of Bath, where you’ll get about 2 hours and 15 minutes to explore at your own pace. The city’s highlight is the Roman Baths, an impressive feat of ancient engineering. You might choose to walk along the historic streets, browse charming shops, or grab a snack—like a Sally Lunn bun or a Cornish pasty—both local treats highlighted by many travelers as delicious and satisfying.

The Bath Abbey is another must-see, with its soaring Gothic architecture. The Pulteney Bridge is a romantic sight—one of only four bridges in the world with shops across its full span, and a favorite photo spot for visitors.

Many reviews praise the tour’s balance, with about 30 minutes of guided walking and leisure time. Some guests opt for the optional guided tour, but the maps provided give enough flexibility to explore on your own.

The Hidden Gem – The Secret Site

One of the most talked-about aspects of this tour is the “secret location” between Bath and London. While the exact spot varies and is revealed on the day, travelers consistently report it’s a highlight—adding a personal, exclusive touch to an already memorable day. Reviews describe it as “magical,” “beautiful,” and “the reason why I booked this tour.” It’s a chance to see a lesser-known site that feels like discovering a hidden treasure, away from crowds.

En Route Back – The Unexpected Surprise

On the return journey, your guide will take you to a surprise location—another special piece of history or scenic spot. This spontaneous element keeps the day lively and engaging, and according to reviews, 99% of guests find this extra stop well worth it.

End of the Day – Returning to London

The tour wraps up with drop-offs at a convenient Zone 1 location in London, ideally close to your accommodation. Many reviews mention the thoughtful service of guides who even help with dropping off close to guest hotels, which is a real bonus after a full day of exploring.

The Value of This Tour

When evaluating the cost—around £100 to £150, depending on the season—the value becomes clearer. This includes transportation, a professional guide, a walk through Bath, bottled water, and the special secret site experience. Entrance tickets to Stonehenge are not included but can be purchased separately for about £20, depending on the date. Many guests find that paying a bit extra for the small-group comfort, expert guidance, and personalized stops makes this tour a smart investment.

Compare that to the hassle of planning multiple independent trips, dealing with public transport, or joining larger coach tours that can feel impersonal and rushed. This experience balances guided education with free time, making it suitable for history buffs, casual travelers, or families looking for a relaxed day out.

What Travelers Say

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, with many calling their guides “brilliant,” “funny,” and “passionate.” The small-group setting is consistently highlighted as a major plus—allowing for better interaction, easier movement, and a more personalized experience.

The scenic drives and the secret site are often described as the tour’s standouts. One traveler loved that “the secret stop was the best part of the tour and just magical,” while others appreciated how guides filled the day with interesting stories and local tidbits, making the long drive fly by.

The overall balance of structured visits and leisure time creates a relaxed but comprehensive day. Many reviewers mention that the tour’s pace is just right, with enough time to explore each site without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts who crave more than just a quick glance at Stonehenge and Bath. It’s perfect for those who want a personalized experience with expert guides adding color and context to the visit. The small-group format means you won’t be just another face in the crowd, and the comfort of modern transport makes the long day manageable.

Travelers who enjoy authentic tastes—like Cornish pasties or Sally Lunn buns—and those curious about lesser-known sites will find this trip especially rewarding. It’s a fantastic way to step outside the typical tourist crowds and enjoy a genuine, well-paced day exploring some of England’s most iconic and charming locations.

However, if you prefer free entry to every site or are on a tight budget, you’ll need to factor in the additional costs. Also, those chasing a very structured, guided tour with all tickets included might want to compare options.

FAQ

Are entrance tickets to Stonehenge included?
No, tickets are purchased separately from your guide on the day. The current prices range from around £13.60 to £28.10 depending on the season and day.

How long is the drive from London to Stonehenge?
The journey takes about 105 minutes, with scenic rural views along the way.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Most of the sites involve walking, but the tour offers options for flexibility, and guides are attentive to guests’ needs—especially important for those with recent surgeries or mobility concerns.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minicoach, a professional driver-guide, a walking tour of Bath, bottled water, and the secret site experience.

What food options are available?
Guests often sample local snacks like Cornish pasties and Sally Lunn buns, which are included in the experience. You’ll have time to find cafes and enjoy authentic flavors during your free time in Bath.

How long do we spend at each site?
Typically around 105 minutes at Stonehenge, 2 hours and 15 minutes in Bath, plus time for the secret site and return stops—enough to explore without rush.

Can I customize the tour or choose guided versus independent exploration?
The tour provides maps and options for guided or free exploration, especially in Bath. The walking tour can be optional.

What is the “secret site”?
It’s a surprise location revealed on the day, often described as magical and charming, adding a unique touch to the tour.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely—most reviews highlight that families with children enjoy the relaxed pace and engaging guides.

Final Words

If you’re after a well-organized, small-group adventure to some of England’s most beloved sights, this tour hits the sweet spot. The mix of historic sites, scenic countryside, authentic food, and a surprise element ensures a memorable day out from London. It’s particularly suitable for those who value personal attention, authentic storytelling, and leisurely exploration.

For anyone eager to see Stonehenge, walk the streets of Bath, and discover a secret spot, this trip offers a thoughtful, enjoyable way to experience the English countryside without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Just book early, plan for the extra ticket costs, and prepare for a day packed with stories, scenery, and surprises.

You can check availability for your dates here: