If you plan to do a "Special Access "tour of Stonehenge - you should book it with Pat Shelley of Salisbury Guided tours. The regular special access gives you only access to the stones and some general info - with Pat, you get an in depth understanding both of what is known about Stonehenge and much of what is surmised. Without Pat's input, we would have been wandering among the stones without the depth of feeling that we all experienced as the history unfolded in his narrative. My daughters and I were winding up a two week tour of Europe and once we left our group tour in London, we caught the train to Salisbury. I had visited Stonehenge many years ago when I was my daughters age, and I wanted them to have the same opportunity. Our special access was at night and we also visited Durrington Walls, Woodhenge and had an overview of the barrows and other features in the area. Pat is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his subject and loves to share that knowledge with others. In spite of his obvious mastery of the intricacies of the history, his communication style is very relaxed and easily understood. Even though it was early June, it got quite chilly in the evening and I recommend both wind proof jackets and gloves for maximum comfort. Also recommend good walking shoes as Pat wants you to get up close and personal with the various features. One special aspect of the private tours is that you can get photos from many sides and from the inner circle - and with such small numbers allowed in - you don't see other people in your photos unless you wish to. We also saw a lovely sunset. Highly recommend this tour - it was worth every penny. Both of my teenage daughters said it was the best ending we could have had to our tour of Europe. Pat also gives exceptional tours of Salisbury.

Hmmmm First ever post - long glowing recommendation for a commercial venture. Sounds a lot like a press release.

(question - if you only took the Inner Access tour, how do you know he "also gives exceptional tours of Salisbury"? )

If this is legit, sorry. But it does smell like advertising.

This is the 2nd mention that I have received on Fodor's and janisj has queried the authenticity of both.

Just to reassure her that I have no connection with either of the clients who very kindly took the time and trouble to post a review.I understand your wish to maintain the integrity of the Forum and personally I would not wish to be mentioned for any other reason than merit. There are some other reviews on another site that advises on trips (sic).

LTCMOM also took a tour of Salisbury with me which is why she is able to comment on it.

Bozzbird chose a completely different trip and I tailored it to meet his requirements. He is definitely not my mother. She lives in the Cotswolds here in England where I was born and brought up.

I hope you are reassured that the posts are legit and not advertising by me me or any familial contact.

Kind Regards,

Pat

When I was there in June, we did not have a "special access" tour but did pick up the complimentary headsets which gave us a very in depth understanding of the place. I'm glad you liked your tour guide, but a persone does not require a personal guide to take them around to get a feel and understanding - just pick up a head set.

Patshelley: Since you posted this twice - I'll re-post my response from the other thread as well . . . . .

Author: janisj
Date: 07/31/2008, 12:54 pm
patshelley: The reason I was (and still am) skeptical is because both of the folks who posted such glowing reports about your tours were first-time posters and neither one has posted anything else . . .

They registered simply to post those glowing reports and then went away never to be heard from again. No posts about their wonderful (or awful) time in England, or the weather, or their B&Bs or anything except that you are the best thing since sliced bread.

You may do a great tour - and both "fodorites" may be legit -- but it looks otherwise . . . .