Extraordinary UK Winter Getaway πŸŽ„ Bath and STONEHENGE Winter Solstice Celebrations πŸ•― Cosy Cotswolds Day Trip, and Festive Fun ⛸️

Hosted by

Emily

Guided trip
What's special?
special Stonehenge solstice celebrations!
special A Great British experience!
special Festive fun in a breathtaking city!
Hey there fellow wanderers ☺ Let's escape to the enchanting city of Bath for an extraordinary UK winter getaway that promises to be nothing short of magical! ✨ Nestled in the heart of this picturesque city, we'll call a stunning Georgian townhouse our home base, allowing us to delve deep into the charms of Bath and its festive spirit. Picture this: evenings spent ice skating under the night sky - or sipping seasonal drinks at the cosy bar if you prefer - surrounded by the glow of Christmas lights πŸŽ„ and days filled with exploration, history, and tradition. Bath is frequently voted one of the best cities in the UK to visit, especially at this time of year! The atmosphere will be wonderful, and the usual tourist places are less busy on weekdays - it will be a truly authentic and unmissable British experience. Our adventure doesn't stop in Bath, though. We'll embark on a day trip to the quintessentially English Cotswolds 🏑🏞️ where we'll take in the scenery of one of the prettiest places in the UK. We'll also venture to the historic city of Salisbury for a day of sightseeing before spending the final night of our trip in Amesbury, perfectly situated for a sunrise visit to Stonehenge on the solstice. Back in Bath, for those seeking relaxation, there's an optional spa day at the Thermae Spa, or you can indulge in retail therapy at the city's boutiques and markets. You'll have ample free time to wander the city's parks and botanical gardens, as well as savor the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea β˜•πŸ° For those wanting to explore on a budget, there are free walking tours, and there’s no need to stress about the luxury of dining out as we will have the stunning townhouse to return to, where we can cook together and indulge in English specialities from the nearby supermarkets πŸ₯§πŸ‘©β€πŸ³πŸ³β€¨ Speaking of Stonehenge, the winter solstice celebration there will be an unforgettable highlight, as we gather with the crowds for a ceremony at the world’s most famous stone circle! Then we’ll round the trip off with a feast in a classic English country pub before we bid farewell, returning home with cherished memories. This trip is tailor-made for those who relish immersing themselves in both vibrant city life and serene countryside, along with participating in festive rituals from around the world. Expect plenty of walking and public transport hopping, so a reasonable level of fitness and an adventurous spirit are a must! I'm on the lookout for kind, considerate, and open-minded individuals who share my passion for exploration and creating cherished memories. If you dream of experiencing a cosy UK Christmas season with new friends amidst the backdrop of stunning Bath, then this unforgettable journey is calling your name. Get ready for a winter city break like no other, where every moment is filled with magic, warmth, and the promise of lifelong memories. Can't wait to sip tea with you and dance to the drummers at Stonehenge!

About me: I'm your friendly and knowledgeable travel companion, a native of this very region who's eager to share its beauty and magic with you. I'm so excited about this itinerary and stay in Bath because it will be my first time returning to the city since childhood! I've celebrated the winter solstice at Stonehenge before (it's a bit of a family tradition) and I can't wait to share it with you! I always make the most of my time visiting a place, no matter how many days I'm in town, but I'm also very flexible when it comes to travelling with others and happy to go with the flow. I'm always booking tickets to unique events, going on walks that turn into spontaneous hikes, and stumbling on the BEST local hangouts. I love an action-packed day out as long as there's time for R&R - honestly, I think my special talent is striking the perfect balance between exploring and relaxing, so that you leave the trip feeling energised and not drained.

Details about the accommodation: BATH: A gorgeous, spacious, and incredibly centrally-located house: within just 600 metres of The Circus Bath, 2 mins walk from the Royal Crescent, and super close to Bath Spa Train Station, Bath Abbey, and the Roman Baths. It's right by Victoria Park and the botanical gardens and will make the perfect home from home for our 4 night stay. There's a great kitchen, living room, dining area, 3 bathrooms, and 8 beds. There's a terrace and of course Free WiFi throughout the house. Bedroom 1: private room (double bed) Bedroom 2: shared room (2 single beds) Bedroom 3: private room (1 double bed) Bedroom 4: private room (1 double bed) Bedroom 5: shared room (2 single beds) Living room: 1 sofa bed *Disclaimer* the price for this trip is for a SHARED bedroom in the house. If you prefer a private room, please see the other trip description - all of the details are the same with a price difference existing only for the room type. AMESBURY: We will spend the final night of the trip in a 4* hostel, close to Stonehenge for convenience. Solstice at Stonehenge is an early morning event (aligned with sunrise), so this was a practical decision. The rooms in the hostel will be shared (bunk beds), but exclusively between our group - other guests at the hostel will be in other rooms. There is a shared bathroom at the accommodation. If you have questions about the trip, keep me posted in the Q&A section! I will come back to you as soon as possible

What's included?
Coach/transfer between London and Bath
Accommodation (shared room)
Day trip to the Cotswolds
Trains and taxis between stops
An unforgettable Stonehenge experience!
Memories and new friends to cherish 😊
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Wanderer, astrologer, queer artsy nature-loving type. 30 years around the Sun 🌞

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Trip Itinerary
1

London

Day 1
London is one of the most convenient (and often cheapest) cities to fly into for most international travellers, which is why we will meet in West London on the first day of the trip (exact meeting point TBC) before heading to our destination city, Bath. To keep the trip costs down, our stay in London will be brief, but perhaps you'll want to arrive earlier or even a day before to explore this exciting capital on your own terms and make the most of your UK visit. Onwards to Bath! We'll either be taking a coach from London or a private minibus. The journey is around 3 hours, so I'll make sure we're fully loaded with snacks before we hit the road!
2

Bath

Day 1-3
Aiming to arrive at our accommodation in Bath by the early evening, we can enjoy an evening meal together and celebrate the start of our trip πŸ₯³ We will settle into the house and share our expectations with one another. Giving everyone the chance to get excited about what we have in store over the next days, leading up to the solstice. The following morning, we have the whole day to explore our nearby surroundings, including the most famous and historic Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent (step forward fans of Bridgerton), the parks, and plenty more! If museums and landmarks are less so your thing, you can soak up the English aesthetics and do some last minute Christmas shopping at Milsom Place - Bath is one of the most popular destinations in the UK any time of year, but especially Christmas! We can also follow the 'Ten Tree Trail' in search of charming Christmas trees dotted throughout the city. On the second night, we will walk over to "Bath on Ice" and "Glow Golf" at night to partake in (optional) ice-skating and minigolf! You're also welcome to sit it out at the Alpine Bar and warm up with a festive beverage 🍻
3

Castle Combe

Day 3
Voted one of the prettiest places in the UK! Castle Combe is a must-see while we're so close to the beautiful Cotswolds, renowned for their timeless beauty, charming villages, and quintessential English countryside. Castle Combe is a shining gem: its idyllic streets are lined with honey-colored cottages adorned with blooming flowers, making it a postcard-perfect destination. It would be a missed opportunity to stay in Bath and not visit this natural beauty with its rolling hills and meandering rivers. Imagine sipping on a cup of tea or indulging in a hearty meal while soaking up the warm atmosphere of a cosy pub or tearoom. The Cotswolds are known for their friendly and welcoming residents who are more than happy to share local stories and recommend hidden gems, which I'm sure will make our visit truly memorable. Details are TBC, but this will either be a half-day or full-day tour (perhaps making stops at a couple of surprise locations.)
4

Bath

Day 3-4
After a lovely day out in the Cotswolds, we will return to our home from home in Bath. Depending on how much of the day is left and how people feel after an exciting day away from the city. We can either chill at the house or head back out to discover yet more hidden gems. There are also plenty of great bars and restaurants to choose from!
5

Bath

Day 4-5
Our final day in Bath! This will be our last chance to explore any of the attractions we missed on day 2. There are several galleries, museums, walks, parks, and festive pop-ups - you'll be grateful for this extra day on the itinerary! There's always the option of treating yourself to a rejuvenating spa package at Thermae Spa and going for afternoon tea. This is the most flexible day in our itinerary and a great time for R&R.
6

Salisbury

Day 5
As we pack up our things and say goodbye to the rich and cultural city that was our home for four days, it's onwards to Salisbury: a city steeped in history, with charming streets, half-timbered buildings, and a medieval market square that transports you back in time. Salisbury Cathedral, with its stunning spire, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and home to the Magna Carta, a foundational document of freedom. If you're a history buff, you'll not want to miss it!
7

Amesbury

Day 5-6
A short bus ride or taxi and we'll arrive at one of our final destinations, Amesbury! Amesbury is the closest town to the world-famous Stonehenge, giving us convenient access to this historic site on the morning of the solstice. It's small, but has its own unique charm as it dates back thousands of years. By the time we arrive here, you'll really feel immersed in the English country life! You'll be buzzing with excitement at how close we are to the ancient mysteries of the land - there's magic here to be felt! This peaceful retreat into the countryside once more will be our final stop before the spectacular finale.
8

Stonehenge

Day 6
Time of the winter solstice is upon us! πŸŒ… An early wake up call and we're a stone's throw away from some even bigger stones that will make our final celebrations! We are within hiking distance from the great monument, but it's a good 2 hours. Taxis will also be an option. This will be a bucket list moment for many - truly a magical sight that you can't see just any old day. Stonehenge is an enigmatic wonder. Witnessing the winter solstice here connects you with ancient civilisations and their profound understanding of celestial events. On the winter solstice, the sun aligns perfectly with the stones, casting a warm, ethereal glow on this mystical site. And YOU will be there to witness the first rays of sunlight as they touch the stones; a breathtaking spectacle and the reason we're all here. This is one of the few times when you can get up close to the stones, as access to the inner circle is restricted during the rest of the year. Finally, we'll head to a nearby pub for delicious pub grub as we feast much like the ancients would have! (Not before collecting our things from the hostel, of course.) What a way to end the trip!
9

London

Day 6
After all the merriment, our transportation will take us safely back to London, where we will part ways and make our own way home. I will most likely hire a private mini bus with a driver to make this journey (TBC) but rest assured it will be included. Until next time!
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments & Hostel
6 days trip
London, Bath & 7 more
Transportation
Car, Train
What's excluded?
Flights
Food and drink
Optional activities in Bath, eg. spa day
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