Incredible trips: Explore Britain
Depart the buzzing city of Bristol and travel back in time to the prehistoric age to unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge.
Wander ancient, stone-faced streets in Bath, soaking in both fine Georgian architecture and the iconic natural hot springs.
This itinerary continues on to the Bard’s medieval village of Stratford-upon-Avon, and then snakes through England’s charming Cotswolds villages.
Pick-up in our Bristol Depot
Unravel the prehistoric mysteries of Stonehenge
Ahhh, the mysterious beauty of Stonehenge. For the last 4000-5000 years, the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge has delighted people from all over the world. Stonehenge has captivated the world’s imagination for centuries, baffling historians and archaeologists alike.
Where did the stones come from? Who built Stonehenge, and why?
Modern carbon dating places its construction sometime between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, while theories about the monument’s actual purpose are still up for debate.
Visiting Stonehenge is easier than ever thanks to the new, modern Visitor Centre. At just over an hour’s drive from London, we recommend enjoying a leisurely brunch in the city before setting off.
Grab an audio guide and take your time strolling around the iconic stone circle, perhaps forming your own theory as to its original purpose!
Stonehenge is 45 miles from our Bristol Depot, about a 45 minute drive from our Bristol Depot
Visit
Stonehenge
Monument and Neolithic village, with audio tours.
Parking
Stonehenge Visitor Centre
Free with ticket to Stonehenge, £5 without.
Stay at Bristol
Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping
Charming campsite close to the monument.
Soak up history and soak away stress in ancient Bath
With its gorgeous 18th century Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City, in fact the only one in the UK. Located just 13 miles away, Bath is very easy to get to from Bristol. What makes this day trip even better is that there are great public transport connections between the two cities and it is very easy exploring Bath on foot, so you don’t need a car for this one.
The Roman Baths are of course a key place to visit, however Bath offers so much more. While you’re here, take a stroll through Queens Square, enjoy the architecture of the houses in Circus and Royal Crescent areas, visit the Bath Abbey and enjoy the views at Pulteney Weir.
Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture is on full display at Royal Crescent, a stunning half-circle row of 30 Grade I-listed terrace houses with gleaming, stone façades. Plop down in the grass across the way at Royal Victoria Park to really take in the full view! Among Bath’s many fine museums and galleries, The Holburne is another architectural highlight with an eclectic art collection and events programme.
Visiting
Bath is about 33 miles from Stonehenge
Main route from Stonehenge is about a 54 minute drive
Visit
The Roman Baths
Roman-era bathhouse and temple, now a museum.
The Bath Abbey
Large, medieval church with stained glass interior.
The Jane Austen Centre
Museum and tearoom devoted to the writer.
Royal Crescent
Row of Grade I-listed, Georgian terrace houses.
Parking
Charlotte Street Car Park
Large car park, 10 min walk to centre.
Kingsmead Square Car Park
Small lot, 3 min walk to centre.
Stay at
Bath Marina & Caravan Park
3 km (~2 miles) from city centre, beside River Avon.
Walk in Shakespeare’s footsteps in Stratford-upon-Avon
Following the River Avon northeast, you’ll arrive in Stratford-upon-Avon, a medieval market town of great cultural importance to Britain. Born here in the 16th century was none other than William Shakespeare, who’s sonnets and plays are known the world over, from the tragic romance Romeo and Juliet to the dramatic Hamlet.
There’s no denying that it’s a “must visit” place for anyone interested in literature, theater, western culture and English history.
Make a visit to the Royal Shakespeare company a priority. Showcasing the finest theatre productions, you can immerse yourself in British literature at the RSC. From Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet to Midsummer Night Dream and Macbeth, this particular Stratford theatre supplies pure entertainment.
Shakespeare fans will relish the chance to walk in the bard’s footsteps: visit the timbered home where he was born at Shakespeare’s Birthplace; explore the house where he courted his wife at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and pay your respects at his final resting place in the Holy Trinity Church.
Another popular attraction for anyone on the Shakespeare trail is Mary Arden’s Farm. The family home of Shakespeare’s mother, the traditional house is now a working museum where you can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a Tudor farm, as it would have been in his mother’s day.Visiting
Stratford-upon-Avon is 85 miles from Bath, about a 2 hour drive
Visit
Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Childhood home of the famous writer, now a museum.
Anne Hathaway’s Cottage
Former family home of the playwright’s wife.
Holy Trinity Church
Medieval church and site of Shakespeare’s burial.
Royal Shakespeare Company
Modern theatre showcasing the Bard’s many works.
Parking
Stratford Marina
Near centre, get here early for a space.
Stay at
Dodwell Park
Modest, countryside caravan park, SW of town.
Riverside Caravan Park
Northeast of town, on the River Avon.
Explore the Cotswolds stately homes and pretty villages
Have you been picturing yourself tiptoeing down cobbled streets, surrounded by quaint stone houses with thatched roofs? Or perhaps taking cream teas by the river?
See the best of this area of outstanding natural beauty. The Cotswolds are the quintessential English countryside; known for beautiful landscapes, sheep farming traditions and charming villages with honey-coloured stone cottages. This full-day tour travels at a relaxed paced to be fully immersed in the highlights of the Cotswolds
Visit stunning villages like Burford, nicknamed the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’. Burford is also one of the best preserved medieval towns in the region with many of the buildings up to 600 years old
Bibury, often described as ‘the prettiest village in England’. This is one of the most iconic places in the Cotswolds where we can take a stroll along the river to see the iconic Arlington Row; a set of ancient cottages that are now one of the most symbolic sights of the Cotswolds, as seen in the images above.
Bourton-on-the-Water. Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ due to its river setting, Bourton is one of the most charming places in the region. There will be plenty of time to enjoy this pretty town; take a stroll along the River Windrush, wander over the small bridges, admire the traditional stone cottages and have a traditional countryside lunch.
The ancient town of Stow-on-the-Wold is a jumble of ancient inns & antique shops located around the bustling market square. Stow has been an important centre of local trade for centuries and is known historically for being the location of the last battle of the English Civil War in March 1646. The town has provided inspiration to JRR Tolkien and remains home to ‘England’s oldest pub’.
Throughout the day we’ll pass numerous small & lesser-known villages; travelling off the beaten track to explore the ‘quieter’ parts of the Cotswolds. Enjoy meandering drives through the rolling hills and along narrow country lanes, passing farms, country estates, and miles of dry-stone walls as we are immersed in this beautiful countryside region.
Finish your trip by dropping off your motorhome back to our Bristol Depot.
We offer secure parking onsite as well as other items which you may need on your trips.Please click the link below to get some quotes. All through March – all size motorhomes are available at £60 (use code SAVE20 when you make the booking)
Please book online https://vaaroom.com/quote/
