Explore Leeds Castle as part of your day trip

What You Can Expect

Board a coach in central London in the morning, pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones and relax on the drive out of the busy city and into the scenic English countryside. Enjoy clear, crisp commentary about the sights from your guide, piping straight into your personal earbuds, adjusting the volume to your preferences. On the way, you’ll drive through Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian, where the world’s time is set. Arrive at Leeds Castle before the crowds arrive for an exclusive private viewing of the 12th-century castle and grounds. Leeds Castle is picture-perfect, set in a shimmering lake and surrounded by idyllic greenery that spans 500 acres (202 hectares). Inside, admire a superb collection of medieval furniture and tapestries and Impressionist art, and learn how the castle has traded hands over the centuries. Stop by the bird aviary and try your hand at the castle's popular maze formed by towering hedges.Next, head to Canterbury Cathedral, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage–listed Gothic church built in the 11th century. Canterbury Cathedral is considered the birthplace of English Christianity, so it comes with some fascinating history. With your Vox headphones, your guide has the unique privilege of leading your large group into the quiet cathedral for a tour of the treasures that lie inside.Re-board the coach for a drive through the Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England, with its quaint villages and pretty landscapes. Reach the coast to admire the White Cliffs of Dover — towering chalk-white cliffs overlooking the historic English Channel. Learn why this site is so symbolic for the English, and look up to see England's largest castle, Dover Castle, looming on the hilltop.After a day full of sightseeing, arrive back in London in the evening.

What You Can Expect

What You Can Expect

Depart from near Victoria Railway Station in central London and leave the hustle and bustle behind you as you travel out into the English countryside by luxury coach. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride as London’s urban scenery gives way to the open greenery of the countryside.

First, head through the rolling Wiltshire plains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, widely considered one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. The enormous stones are believed to have been brought from the Preseli Mountains in Wales — a distance of over 280 miles (450 kilometers) — sometime between 3,000 BC and 2,000 BC, though to this day nobody is sure of the exact reasons for their arrangement and placement. Marvel at the huge stone circle, discover the many mysteries surrounding it and decide for yourself why Stonehenge was built.

Continue onward to the fine city of Bath, birthplace of authoress Jane Austin. Explore the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage-listed city — considered by many to be one of the prettiest cities in England — with your guide, and enjoy capturing its attractive Georgian architecture, crescents and terraces on camera. After your tour, enjoy a little free time to wander the cobbled streets and peruse the shops at your leisure.

Head north from Bath through the heart of the Cotswolds, widely thought of as one of the most beautiful stretches of countryside in England. Take in breathtaking views of open fields criss-crossed by dry stone walls as you travel, and bustling market towns with magnificent churches. Enjoy the spectacular scenery from the comfort of your coach.

Arrive in the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon, birthplace of William Shakespeare and home to the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England, with a delightful river winding its way slowly through the town. Enjoy Champagne and scones in Shakespeare's garden (the reception will take place indoors in winter), stretch your legs and explore Stratford to soak up the town’s wonderfully welcoming atmosphere.

At the end of your time in Stratford-Upon-Avon, hop back in your coach for the return journey to London, where your tour will conclude.

Salisbury, Lacock and Bath Day Trip from London

Discover famous treasures lying in the English countryside on this day trip from London to Salisbury, Lacock and Bath. See England’s tallest spire and an original copy of the ‘Magna Carta’ at Salisbury Cathedral, and see where scenes from the Harry Potter movies were shot in the rural village of Lacock. Then visit the city of Bath to admire England's finest Georgian architecture and tour the world-famous Roman Baths.

Highlights

• Day trip from London to Salisbury, Lacock and Bath
• Travel through the picturesque English countryside aboard a comfortable coach
• Enter historic Salisbury Cathedral, topped by England's tallest spire
• See where your favorite Harry Potter films were shot in the rural village of Lacock
• Tour the legendary Roman Baths for a rare glimpse into ancient Roman life
• Admire England's best Georgian architecture on a sightseeing tour of Bath
• Control the volume of your guide's commentary through your discreet, state-of-the-art Vox headphones
• Pickup from selected central London hotels available

• Why Our Insiders Chose This Tour

  It's awesome to be able to visit three amazing attractions outside London in one day — beautiful Salisbury Cathedral, medieval Lacock and the ancient Roman Baths are all included.

• What You Can Expect

  
  

  See Bath's beautiful Georgian Architecture

  Board a luxury coach at your London hotel or in downtown London in the morning. Pop in your state-of-the-art Vox headphones and listen to your guide’s informative commentary as you begin your day trip into the English countryside.

  
  

  After a 2-hour drive west, arrive in the beautiful Wiltshire town of Salisbury, world-famous for its 750-year-old cathedral that boasts the tallest spire in England. Enter Salisbury Cathedral to soak up the history and grandeur of one of the leading examples of Early English architecture; don’t miss the church’s chapter house, which displays the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta. Spend two hours perusing the cathedral, exploring the captivating town and having lunch (own expense) at your leisure before boarding the coach and drive to your next destination.

  
  

  Travel back in time as you arrive in the unspoiled rural village of Lacock, tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside. Wander the village’s medieval lanes lined with half-timbered houses and stone cottages topped with thatched roofs, and see historic Lacock Abbey, used as the film location for several Harry Potter films and Pride and Prejudice.

  
  

  Re-board the coach for a 30-minute drive to your final stop, Bath, famous for its elegant Georgian architecture. Take a panoramic city tour to see Bath Abbey, the Pulteney Bridge (modeled after the Ponte Vecchio in Florence) and the Circus and Assembly Rooms. These 18th-century structures are considered the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the United Kingdom.

  
  

  You’ll also visit the Roman Baths, the best-preserved public baths from the ancient Roman world, beautifully restored during the Victorian era. Learn about the source of these famous hot springs, discover the baths' uses by the Celts and Romans over the centuries, and learn about the redevelopment efforts to keep this stunning ancient treasure alive.

  
  

  Take some time to explore Bath’s compact pedestrian city center before embarking on the 2.5-hour drive back to London.

Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace Day Trip from London

• Visit two royal palaces in one day on this independent day trip from London. Transport from central London and entrance tickets to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are included, making for a perfect full-day sightseeing trip with a royal twist! See rooms in Windsor Castle where high-profile royals have lived, and explore King Henry VIII’s State Apartments at Hampton Court.

Highlights

• Full-day trip to Windsor Castle and Hampton Court from London
• Explore St. George's Chapel and State Apartments at Windsor Castle
• Walk around Hampton Court Palace independently and admire its Tudor architecture
• Learn about famous monarchs like Henry VIII and visit the incredible Hampton Court maze

Why Our Insiders Chose This Tour

Walk around a luxurious castle and palace at your leisure, and learn about all the famous royals who called them home. Be sure to save some time for wandering the famous Hampton Court maze!

What You Can Expect

Leave London’s Victoria Station by comfortable coach for a short drive to Windsor, home to the royal family for 900 years and official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Windsor Castle's fortified walls dominate the delightful town that has grown up around it over the years. You will see the lavishly decorated State Apartments and St. George's Chapel.

Your host will hand over your tickets, and then show you to the entrance, leaving you for roughly two hours to explore independently and perhaps grab lunch (own expense).

In the afternoon, your tour continues to Hampton Court Palace in southwest London, approximately one hour away. With two hours to explore at leisure, you’ll learn all about the lives of famous monarchs who’ve lived in the palace like Henry VIII, plus admire the beautiful Tudor architecture and gardens. Lose yourself in the famous Hampton Court maze or relax with a coffee in the quaint Titlyard Café (own expense). Your tour returns to London Victoria by coach, where you’ll arrive in the early evening.

Buckingham Palace

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.

First erected as Buckingham House for the Duke of Buckingham in 1705, the palace has expanded through the centuries. Today, it’s one of the most visited sites in the world.

Cross the threshold of Buckingham Palace into the Grand Hall and admire the curving marble staircase decorated with portraits hung by Queen Victoria. Decorated with gold-accented candelabras and sovereign reds, the Throne Room is used for royal gatherings and receptions. This is the room that leads to the East Front Balcony, where Prince William and Catherine Middleton shared a kiss in front of the world following their wedding in April 2011. 

While neither an art gallery nor a museum, the palace’s private art collection rivals many national museums. Discover furniture crafted for kings and heirloom artwork from masters such as Rembrandt. 

The palace has more than 700 rooms. During August and September, when Queen Elizabeth II makes her annual visit to Scotland, 19 magnificent State Rooms are available for touring. These rooms showcase many pieces of art from the royal family’s private collection. There is an admission fee, which includes an audio tour, and pre-booking your visit at the Buckingham Palace web site is essential. As a guide, if the royal flag is flying atop the palace, the Queen is home.

Complete your London experience by catching the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony, which begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. on scheduled days. Most tourists have little luck in their efforts to distract the stoic soldiers. From the palace, take a leisurely stroll to Hyde Park, the affluent Kensington district and Green Park.

Alternatively, take the Underground train to the parks, all just a couple of stops away. 

The Buckingham Palace is located in the city of Westminster. You can catch a bus from London, and St. James’s Park is the nearest Underground station. Guided tours of the State Rooms are available daily in August and September.

Big Ben - London - Tourism Media

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Big Ben

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.

Big Ben was the name originally given to the largest of the clock tower’s bells. The Great Bell, as it is otherwise known, weighs 13 tons (13,760 kilograms). Listen for its deep knell as it strikes on the hour, peeling high across the rooftops and rush of London’s traffic. Nowadays, the name Big Ben is synonymous with the bells, the clock and the tower.

Since first sounding in July 1859, the clock’s reliability and reassuring chime have become a national symbol of British resilience. When the sun sets, its four ivory-tinted faces are illuminated so the clock can still be seen from miles away. The faces have only ever been dimmed in times of national crisis: for two years during World War I, to avoid German zeppelin attacks, and at night during World War II to disorient German Blitz pilots. 

Completed in 1858, the clock tower was supposedly named after London’s Commissioner of Works, a large man called Benjamin Hall. Designed by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin in classic Gothic Revivalist style, the brick and limestone tower rests atop Britain’s Houses of Parliament. The clock is the largest four-faced chiming clock in Great Britain. Each face is 23 feet (seven meters) in diameter and contains 312 pieces of opal glass. 

Despite its status as a popular landmark, Big Ben only opens its doors to British citizens who can schedule a tour through their parliamentary representatives. Still, this exclusivity won’t stop it from giving you a little rush of excitement the first time you see and hear it.

In June 2012, Big Ben was officially renamed Elizabeth Tower, in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s diamond jubilee, but it is still known colloquially as Big Ben. 

Big Ben is located in central London. The nearest Underground station is Waterloo. 

MY JOURNEY TO ENGLAND

Having to leave my coun try and all my friends was not easy at all. A night before I left some of my friends came to say goodbye and I felt so sad. The morning came faster than usually, at least I though so, and we were ready to go. While the car was passing through my town I watched the houses of my friends and my school. I felt so empty and lonely suddenly. In the aeroplane I felt a little better because I've started to think about England. I was excited and curious, and I had a new life in front of me and I knew it wouldn't be easy but I didn't think it would be this hard. I came to the airport with my family and with my friend and her family. We were all so tired. First thing that I felt then was a little bit of excitement but that passed quickly when we stepped inside the airport. There were so many people who came for the same reason that we had that they said to us how they were there for a whole night and day, waiting and sleeping on the chairs and on the floor. There was a family with a baby who was crying because there were too many people and the poor baby was nervous and it couldn't sleep. That was so sad, I couldn't imagine how they were feeling. We were lucky and we didn't have to wait too long. Soon we were free to go. My friend's father and my father came to England a month before, so they came to the airport to wait for us. We were so happy to see them. Because it was a few hours after midnight we had to stay for a night. We were in one room in the airport together with two more families. One of the families was also from my country, mother and daughter. Mother was crying because her husband and son were arrested because they went to Germany first. After we spent a night there, we came to Gloucester. It was so strange and different, people, food, a whole city. My friend and me were together in Bed and Breakfast together with our families. Soon, the mother and daughter that we met at the airport came to Gloucester and her husband and son were released from the jail. We were so bored at home. We wanted so badly to go to school. Months were passing and we still didn't find a school for us. Finally, my friends and me came to St. Peter's in November. Everything was strange and different. I felt like an alien. It was so hard to get used to it, but I made it and feel a lot better now. My English is also better now and it's a lot easier for me to communicate with people and to learn, and for that I owe a big favour to Mrs. Russell-Thomas and to  Mrs. Crowther, my English teachers. I still feel lonely sometimes, and I remember how bad I felt when I had to spend New Year alone and I remembered how I used to spend New Year back in my country, with my friends. I miss my friends and my country and I would like to go back sometime, just for a visit.

London Vacations

London is home to more than 8 million people, including the world's most famous royal family. It's a city constantly on the move, in part due to the exceptional London Underground, red double-decker buses and famous black cabs.

Take a tour of England An endless journey of discovery

There is always more to discover wherever you are in England. Its museums, monuments and heritage sites are testament to centuries of history. Accompanied by Travel Directors, you'll be able to get a real insight into what makes Britain so unique and interesting.

London

Bisected by the River Thames, London is a bustling metropolis where more than 300 languages are spoken; a city steeped in history and a rich cultural diversity.Explore everything from the seat of British democracy, the Palace of Westminster, to Greenwich, home of the Royal Observatory and the Prime Meridian – where you can stand with one foot in both hemispheres of the world.

Take in a hit show in one of the many West End theatres and come face-to-face with Dickens and Richard III at the National Portrait Gallery. Stroll alongside the River Fleet, where you'll find the oldest Catholic church in England, St Etheldreda's, and stop at a 16th century tavern where you can sample a traditional British pint.

View our England tours featuring London

England Travel Guide

England continues to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. London in particular is one of the most visited cities and draws people in with its charm, history, and pubs. England's smaller cities, like Bath and Oxford, are equally as fascinating with a lot of culture and fewer crowds. Liverpool boasts a rich music history as the birthplace to The Beatles. The countryside has fascinating estates and natural beauty. England has a lot to do and see in it. Remember though, England with its high prices and strong currency is a place where budgets can go to die. Be frugal here. Once you get outside of London, prices drop dramatically. I personally think the best the country has to offer is outside its capital anyways.

Typical Costs

Accommodation – Hostels cost between $30-40 USD a night for a dorm room. Amenities are good and usually include free internet, breakfast, a common room, TV, and laundry facilities.Budget hotels offer the same amenities and start around $80 USD per night for a twin room.Apartment rentals begin at the same price per night.

Food – You can eat cheap in England if you really pay attention. Fish and chips or a kebab are only a couple of pounds, or about $5 USD. Indian and Asian food can be purchased for $10 USD for lunch entrees. A week's worth of groceries will cost around $70 USD. Eating out a nice restaurants will really eat into your budget if you're not careful though. Expect to pay around $35 USD for a restaurant meal.

Transportation – In the United Kingdom, the National Rail service is always expensive, no matter how long your trip is. It's one thing citizens in this part of the world love to complain about. A journey from London to Liverpool can cost as little as $40 USD or it can cost as much as $200 USD during peak hours (mid-day). By booking your ticket with the National Rail over a week in advance and during off peak hours, you can secure you tickets for as little as $20 USD. The cheapest way to travel around is via the Megabus, where fares start around $1.50 USD. You'll need to book at least a month in advance on popular routes to get the special fare though.

Activities – Most activities are cheap in England. Museums in England are free, though castles and other attractions entrance fees are around $16 USD (Tower of London is about $40 USD!).You'll find most other activities (cycling, wine tours, ancient ruins) that last a day tend to be around $120 USD.

Money Saving Tips

Free museums – Public museums offer free admission in every city throughout England and the United Kingdom. It's a great way to learn about the country's most influential artists, immerse yourself in the country's history, and waste a rainy day without paying a cent.

Get a Taste of UK card – The Taste of the UK card offers up to 50% off and 2 for 1 deals at selected restaurants. You don't need to be a United Kingdom resident to get the card, and the first month's membership fee is waived, which is perfect for 99% of most travelers.

Pub food – Eating in England can get quite expensive, but for good cheap and filling meals, visit the local pubs. Most serve food, and you can get a good meal for less than $15 USD. Plus, the pubs are a great way to meet people!

Eat the lunch specials – Another way to lower your food expenses is to stick to eating out during lunch only. Restaurants offer fabulous lunch specials where you can get multi-course meals for around $15 USD or 2 for 1 pizza specials. I typically do my eating out during lunch and then cook my dinner to lower my food costs in England.

Visit the cathedrals – Many of England's cathedrals are free to enter. It's a wonderful opportunity to see some of England's 15th-19th century architecture.

Book early – Book all transportation well in advance, even if you don't plan to use it. Fares can be around $3.50 USD with a little planning. The Megabus not only runs buses but also provides trains throughout England and is the best option for cheap travel throughout the country.

Camp in a garden – Camp in My Garden allows you to pitch a tent in someone's backyard for free or a nominal fee (around $5 USD). It's very popular in England.

Top Things to See and Do in England

London – You can't go to England without seeing London. It's a city that requires a lot of money to really enjoy it. Bars, clubs, restaurants, and theater all drain your budget really fast. It has fascinating sites and history to take in, but in my opinion, if you really want to see England, leave London. Definitely visit London so you can see the contrast, but then get off the beaten path. Read more about London here.

Buckingham Palace – Buckingham Palace, home to the Queen of England, is a fascinating sight. Make sure to get there at 11:30 am when the changing of the guards happens.

Visit the Tower of London – Here you can see the crown jewels of England, the typical beefeater guards, and check out where England's most famous prisoners were held. It's expensive to visit though, about $40 USD, and lines are long, so plan ahead.

Museum hop – All the museums in England are free, and some of them are considered the best in the world. Get your art and history fill without spending a dollar. I highly recommend the Tate Modern in London, as well as the City Museum of London.

Stonehenge – Stonehenge is located in Salisbury and is one of the oldest man made structures in the world. It dates back to 2,500 BC! You can't go up to the stones anymore, but it's quite a fascinating site, especially since we still have very little idea how they dragged the stones there. Read my guide to visiting Stonehenge

Cornwall – Cornwall is like mini-New England, and coming here makes you see why English settlers felt at home in the new world. Cornwall has rolling hills, beautiful lakes, small towns, wonderful hiking trails, food, and even a winery. It's one of my favorite places in England and a top destination for the English during the summer. Read more about Cornwall here.

Oxford University – There are many colleges within Oxford and all of them are beautiful. Most cost a few dollars to get a tour during your visit, and you can even see the one where they filmed Harry Potter. I thought they were beautiful, and the tours provided a fascinating history of education as Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world. Walk through Oxford with me!

Liverpool – Liverpool has spectacular museums, but the real reason to come here is for the music, or more specifically, for The Beatles. Besides the music, Liverpool has a rich history and fun pubs, so don't sell it short.

Attend the festivals – England is known for its festivals, especially during the summer. Come check out the famous (and muddy) Glastonbury festival. There are also a lot of big summer festivals in England, so do your research and check out the lineup.

The Lake District – Located in Northern England, this area is perfect for hiking mountain passes and sailing around lakes. It's very popular (but more crowded) during the summer.Outside of Cornwall, it's my favorite spot in England, and if you want to see some real beauty, start by taking a look at My guide to England's Beautiful Lake District .

Bath – Bath is so named because of the famous mineral baths in the city. It is home to an ancient Roman bath that is marvelously well preserved. It's pretty much the main attraction in town though the church and river are also nice to see. Personally, I liked the charm of Bath, even if it was expensive. I found the Roman ruins interesting and the audio guide by Bill Bryson even better.

Chatsworth House – Located in Derbyshire, this amazing home was originally built in 1549 for the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. While there are many beautiful houses and castles throughout the UK, this is one of the most astonishing. There are also a stunning garden and farmyard to walk around.

Portmeirion – Located on the North Wales Coast, this is a quaint little village that was constructed between 1925 and 1975. There are a hotel and several holiday cottages to stay at, as well as a tiny teahouse and a single restaurant. This is a great place for a weekend getaway, but there isn't much going on.

Ely Cathedral – Also known as the 'Ship of the Fens', this cathedral is visible everywhere in Ely and from miles around. Originally built in the 12th century, it is renowned for its Romanesque architecture, complete with a stunning entrance and an octagonal lantern tower. The Lady Chapel is the largest in all of England.

Old Trafford – This stadium in Manchester contains a famous club, theatre, and sports arena. I highly recommend a visit. The tour is awesome, and takes you below the stadium seating, into the player's lounge and even the pitch side dugout. A visit to the onsite museum will give you some soccer history as well.

Greenwich Park – Considered to be one of London's largest parks, it is also one of the most beautiful—a perfect escape from the city bustle. There are several historic sights here, as well as a rose garden, excellent pathways, a tea house, the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime museum, a café, and even a deer park. It is the oldest enclosed royal park in London.

Brighton – This is a great little town for a weekend trip. There are lots of shops and boutique stores for shopping and several cafes. The streets are narrow and there is something intimate feeling about walking around the lanes. The city is a famous and popular summer destination for locals who come here to relax on the beach, enjoy the little sun England sees, and wander the pier, where there are amusement rides and a few carnival style stalls to check out.