Day Trip to Stonehenge
Sep 19th, 2006, 05:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Day Trip to Stonehenge
I would appreciate any thoughts on taking a day trip with my wife and 3 kids (12, 9 & 6)to Stonehenge from London. Whilst seeing this marvel is certainly something I would like to see we have to be practical and consider the kids. If it is a lengthy trip to and from for only a short time actually there should we go at all? Or, can we combine the trip and visit another place as well? Ian
Sep 19th, 2006, 05:14 AM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You will get many replies on this but the only two ways I know to get there (besides driving yourself which I really would not recommend since you are staying in London) is to take the train to Salisbury and then the bus to Stonehenge or to take a tour through a regular tour company.
The train is about 1.5 hours, not sure about the bus because when we went we actually stayed in Salisbury and had a rental car. I would figure about 30 min. or so but someone who has done it can surely tell you.
If you take the train out come back into Salisbury and visit the Cathedral (it has one of the few copies of the Magna Carta) and enjoy the town. I would not try and combine this trip with any other cities/sites, not with 3 kids anyway.
With kids I'd do the train/bus thing, simply because you can set your own schedule more or less and stop/go when you want. You can come back into Salisbury and have lunch, see the cathedral, etc. at your own pace and not some tour guides.
The train is about 1.5 hours, not sure about the bus because when we went we actually stayed in Salisbury and had a rental car. I would figure about 30 min. or so but someone who has done it can surely tell you.
If you take the train out come back into Salisbury and visit the Cathedral (it has one of the few copies of the Magna Carta) and enjoy the town. I would not try and combine this trip with any other cities/sites, not with 3 kids anyway.
With kids I'd do the train/bus thing, simply because you can set your own schedule more or less and stop/go when you want. You can come back into Salisbury and have lunch, see the cathedral, etc. at your own pace and not some tour guides.
Sep 19th, 2006, 05:16 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are sightseeing tour companies like Evan Evans that offer a combined Stonehenge/Bath visit. So while it is a lenghty trip at least you get to visit two sights and have the driving done by someone else.
http://www.evanevans.co.uk/
http://www.evanevans.co.uk/
Sep 19th, 2006, 06:10 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,021
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Ian - An organised excursion such as Evan Evans would work out close to £300 for a family of 5 ...
For a family really the only inexpensive way to do this would be to hire a car. You could combine it with somewhere else and make a full day of it.
Steve
For a family really the only inexpensive way to do this would be to hire a car. You could combine it with somewhere else and make a full day of it.
Steve
Sep 19th, 2006, 06:19 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The actual tour at Stonehenge (if you listen to all of the audioguide programs) takes an hour. The train to Salisbury [SAULSbree] takes 1:30 or so each way. So you can either do the trip in the morning and come right back to London, or combine it with Bath, which is about 45 minutes away from Stonehenge by road.
While you're passing through, you can stop by Avebury Stone Circle, which is so large that the town is actually built inside part of it.
While you're passing through, you can stop by Avebury Stone Circle, which is so large that the town is actually built inside part of it.
Sep 19th, 2006, 06:34 AM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 7,313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check out VicsTaxi.com - My DH and I had a wonderful day tour with him last summer.
We took the train to Salisbury, and he picked us up there. He's a retired vet and very talkative, very knowledgeable about the area. He took us to Old Sarum, Salisbury, Avebury Stone Circle and West Kennet Longbarrow. Then, in the evening, he took us to Stonehenge. I had pre-arranged with English Heritage to have an evening among-the-stones tour, and it was fabulous.
Vic joined us for a pint afterwards, and dropped us at the train station.
It was a long day, but so worth it. The whole day cost £100, and he has larger minivans for larger groups.
We took the train to Salisbury, and he picked us up there. He's a retired vet and very talkative, very knowledgeable about the area. He took us to Old Sarum, Salisbury, Avebury Stone Circle and West Kennet Longbarrow. Then, in the evening, he took us to Stonehenge. I had pre-arranged with English Heritage to have an evening among-the-stones tour, and it was fabulous.
Vic joined us for a pint afterwards, and dropped us at the train station.
It was a long day, but so worth it. The whole day cost £100, and he has larger minivans for larger groups.
Sep 19th, 2006, 06:35 AM
#7
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I were 6, I'd be pretty underwhelmed at putting all that time into a bunch of stones I could hardly see and couldn't touch at all. And, though I'm Salisbury Cathedral's greatest fan, there's a couple of large medieval monumental churches in London, and I'm unsure of how many children would appreciate all that just to see a variant on Westminster Abbey.
I'd be fascinated by Avebury, though, where you can walk round (and play on, round and with) a much larger set of stones. It's possible to get from on to the other by public transport (search on this site), but I'd be tempted to make do just with Avebury.
I'd be fascinated by Avebury, though, where you can walk round (and play on, round and with) a much larger set of stones. It's possible to get from on to the other by public transport (search on this site), but I'd be tempted to make do just with Avebury.
Sep 19th, 2006, 07:54 AM
#8
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We did a full day 'Stones and Bones' tour with Astral Travels (Salisbury, Sarum, Stonehenge, Avebury, crop circles, cliff carvings, and a Pub lunch). It was very nice and very well run.
You can check it out at:
http://www.astraltravels.co.uk/uk-lo...y_bus_tour.htm
You can check it out at:
http://www.astraltravels.co.uk/uk-lo...y_bus_tour.htm
Sep 19th, 2006, 11:41 AM
#10
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We live in London and recently took a day trip to Stonehenge with our 2 and 4 year old. Had already been to Salisbury and Bath so we headed to the Wilton House, which is an old English manor house with really nice grounds and garden.
There is a FANTASTIC playground there (if your kids are into that still) with several large slides, climbing playhouses and structures, and a couple of trampolines. The house itself is nice to go through. You can pay for either grounds only or both grounds and house. We always go into the castle/house/or wherever we are but I would not call it necessary to have a good couple of hours there. There is also a nicer than I expected cafe where you can get sandwiches or hot food.
Given the choice between Salisbury, Bath, or the Wilton House, I would choose Bath, but your kids may enjoy the break of running around the grounds and the playground and you won't be in a city.
By the way - my 4 year old did enjoy Stonehenge (if only for 15 minutes). We let them bring their scooters and scoot around it.
There is a FANTASTIC playground there (if your kids are into that still) with several large slides, climbing playhouses and structures, and a couple of trampolines. The house itself is nice to go through. You can pay for either grounds only or both grounds and house. We always go into the castle/house/or wherever we are but I would not call it necessary to have a good couple of hours there. There is also a nicer than I expected cafe where you can get sandwiches or hot food.
Given the choice between Salisbury, Bath, or the Wilton House, I would choose Bath, but your kids may enjoy the break of running around the grounds and the playground and you won't be in a city.
By the way - my 4 year old did enjoy Stonehenge (if only for 15 minutes). We let them bring their scooters and scoot around it.
Sep 19th, 2006, 12:01 PM
#11
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 19,881
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Why has no-one mentioned AVEBURY in all this, far more impressive than Stonehenge, it's FREE and you can TOUCH the stones.
You can cobine it with a trip to Stonehenge VERY easily
www.wdbus.co.uk/htm/ta/sdo-stonehenge.asp
And don't forget Salisbury Cathedral
You can cobine it with a trip to Stonehenge VERY easily
www.wdbus.co.uk/htm/ta/sdo-stonehenge.asp
And don't forget Salisbury Cathedral
Sep 19th, 2006, 12:37 PM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If going out to Salisbury and back by train you should investigate the LondonPlus railpass, that for $70 p.p. gives you two days of unlimited travel in about a 100-mile radius of London, including to/from Salisbury and to/from Gatwick Airport (but not Heathrow) via the Gatwick Express or any train - out of an 8-day period. At $70 total for these trips the pass can be a bargain - mainly because it can be used on any train anytime - unlike many cheaper tickets sold in UK that have restrictions as to time or specific train to use - you never know when you really will land. But even if only going to Salisbury by train the pass could be an especial boon for you as your three kids get a free Family Pass to match whatever pass the adults buy - thus for $140 all five of you can come and go on any train you want.
If going in Nov then all these prices are further reduced by 25% (Nov 1- Feb 28 - off-peak on all British Rail train passes, including London Plus gets 25% off.
Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk for the myriad of prices they have and varying conditions and even with the cheapest tickets there this pass, for your party of 5 could be a boon for you. Not sold in U.K. to my knowledge. I always recommend BETS (800-441-2387; www.budgeteuropetravel.com) for any British rail product as they are experts in my long experience using them.
As for Stonehenge it's a great trip and easily done by public transport - buses or taxis will take you right from the Salisbury train station the several miles to Stonehenge. These are often doubledecker buses and if so your kids will love them - as they may the train if they've never taken one.
Salisbury and its cathedral are a great component of Stonehenge trip.
(For others if you have more than two adults, the 3rd thru 9th person traveling on the same London Plus Pass pay only 50% of what the 1st two pay - meaning groups can get a pass for a ridiculously low price.)
There may be some kind of bargain pass good only on the Waterloo-Salisbury train line - if so Google Southwest Trains (I believe they operate the Waterloo-Salisbury trains) to see if one suits you.
If going in Nov then all these prices are further reduced by 25% (Nov 1- Feb 28 - off-peak on all British Rail train passes, including London Plus gets 25% off.
Go to www.nationalrail.co.uk for the myriad of prices they have and varying conditions and even with the cheapest tickets there this pass, for your party of 5 could be a boon for you. Not sold in U.K. to my knowledge. I always recommend BETS (800-441-2387; www.budgeteuropetravel.com) for any British rail product as they are experts in my long experience using them.
As for Stonehenge it's a great trip and easily done by public transport - buses or taxis will take you right from the Salisbury train station the several miles to Stonehenge. These are often doubledecker buses and if so your kids will love them - as they may the train if they've never taken one.
Salisbury and its cathedral are a great component of Stonehenge trip.
(For others if you have more than two adults, the 3rd thru 9th person traveling on the same London Plus Pass pay only 50% of what the 1st two pay - meaning groups can get a pass for a ridiculously low price.)
There may be some kind of bargain pass good only on the Waterloo-Salisbury train line - if so Google Southwest Trains (I believe they operate the Waterloo-Salisbury trains) to see if one suits you.
Sep 19th, 2006, 01:29 PM
#14
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
More cheapo train fares: http://www.megatrain.com
Sep 19th, 2006, 01:55 PM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We just went to Stonehenge, which we visited with the Stone Cirle Access, available through English Heritage. Essentially this involves reserving a space and paying in advance - times are available for before or after regular opening times of Stonehenge. Some tour operators line up spaces on these, so it is possible to do that as a day trip from London. One Fodorite took a Stonehenge/Bath trip with her family of 4 very recently, with the special access. She said that Stonehenge was her favorite thing on the England part of her trip: http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34866285
Having seen Stonehenge on the inside, walking among the stones, touching them, etc., I can say it's very different from the typical roped-off view most visitors have. From the viewing pathway, Stonehenge can look disappointingly small. Not sure that seeing it that way would be worth it for the expense/bother of a day trip.
If you go on your own, I'd get a taxi from Salisbury - is 15min ride - and you can have the taxi wait. I'd get the same person to drive you to Avebury. While I am certain that Avebury is wonderful (and I DO want to see it next time), it would be a pity to go all the way to Avebury without seeing Stonehenge. They are not far from each other.
Here is a trip report of a family - children 6 & 9 - who recently saw both Avebury and Stonehenge (and Salisbury Cathedral):
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34865615
Here's my trip report that covers our experience with Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral (we took the train from London for an overnight, evening arrival, mid afternoon departure from Salisbury): http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34870457
Having seen Stonehenge on the inside, walking among the stones, touching them, etc., I can say it's very different from the typical roped-off view most visitors have. From the viewing pathway, Stonehenge can look disappointingly small. Not sure that seeing it that way would be worth it for the expense/bother of a day trip.
If you go on your own, I'd get a taxi from Salisbury - is 15min ride - and you can have the taxi wait. I'd get the same person to drive you to Avebury. While I am certain that Avebury is wonderful (and I DO want to see it next time), it would be a pity to go all the way to Avebury without seeing Stonehenge. They are not far from each other.
Here is a trip report of a family - children 6 & 9 - who recently saw both Avebury and Stonehenge (and Salisbury Cathedral):
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34865615
Here's my trip report that covers our experience with Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral (we took the train from London for an overnight, evening arrival, mid afternoon departure from Salisbury): http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34870457
Sep 19th, 2006, 03:59 PM
#16
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wilts & Dorset bus lines sells a package that includes Stonehenge and Avebury. There's a stop right outside the Salisbury station, and the ticket desk is right inside the front door.
http://www.wdbus.co.uk/htm/ta/sdo-stonehenge.asp
http://www.wdbus.co.uk/htm/ta/sdo-stonehenge.asp
Sep 22nd, 2006, 09:23 AM
#18
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For those going to Salisbury/Stonehenge there is a nifty double-decker bus tour that takes you both around the city, with a hop on hop off operating and out to Stonehenge - plus your ticket can be used on any local Wilts & Dorset bus to/from Old Sarum - on the edge of Salisbury and the subject of a popular book and an extremely interesting place to visit.
The pamphlet i have is from last year and lists Guide Friday as bus operator (Guide Friday and similar ilk bus tours operate such services in many UK cities, usually serving the train station. Buses run April thru October but only daily from June thru Oct 10 - and weekends the rest of October. Butno tours June 21 when Stonehenge is closed part of the day for celebration of Summer Solstice. Goodle Guide Friday for current info.)
Bus tour to Stonehenge last 2 hours, including 50 minutes at Stonehenge itself.
Note that the LondonPlus rail pass could be good for folks taking at least one other train ride besides to Salisbury - the pass is not sold in UK by the way - and if buying a regular train ticket - South West trains has a special "All in One" ticket including return train travel and the Salisbury and Stonehenge bus tour, which gives commentary as well once aboard to learn the history of Salisbury, one of Britain's most historic towns, and Stonehenge. Railpass holders can buy the All in One ticket as well but don't pay for the rail portion if they use a day of travel on their pass.
The pamphlet i have is from last year and lists Guide Friday as bus operator (Guide Friday and similar ilk bus tours operate such services in many UK cities, usually serving the train station. Buses run April thru October but only daily from June thru Oct 10 - and weekends the rest of October. Butno tours June 21 when Stonehenge is closed part of the day for celebration of Summer Solstice. Goodle Guide Friday for current info.)
Bus tour to Stonehenge last 2 hours, including 50 minutes at Stonehenge itself.
Note that the LondonPlus rail pass could be good for folks taking at least one other train ride besides to Salisbury - the pass is not sold in UK by the way - and if buying a regular train ticket - South West trains has a special "All in One" ticket including return train travel and the Salisbury and Stonehenge bus tour, which gives commentary as well once aboard to learn the history of Salisbury, one of Britain's most historic towns, and Stonehenge. Railpass holders can buy the All in One ticket as well but don't pay for the rail portion if they use a day of travel on their pass.
Sep 25th, 2006, 09:53 AM
#19
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For info on the bus tours of Stonehenge and Salisbury that serve the train station: www.guidefriday.com - this group runs similar tours in many U.K. tourist towns and all are described on this sight. They are often not the only company in mega tourist towns, however and similar tours also operate.
Sep 26th, 2006, 08:51 AM
#20
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,652
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
check www.southwesttrains.co.uk for combo train/bus tickets or for special fares for train only.
