Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Small Group

Bath, England, is a stunning city known for its natural hot springs and rich Roman history. At the heart of Bath’s appeal is the Roman Baths, an impeccably preserved ancient site that draws visitors from around the world. Here, you can explore the intricate Roman bathing complex and even see the original Great Bath where Roman citizens once bathed in the healing waters. The adjacent Pump Room, a historical gathering place, offers a quintessential English experience with afternoon tea, while giving visitors the chance to sip the mineral-rich spa water believed to have healing properties.

Equally impressive is Bath Abbey, a magnificent Gothic church that has stood at the city’s center for over 500 years. With its stunning stained glass windows and towering fan-vaulted ceilings, the abbey is a serene place to reflect or take in the city from above by climbing the tower’s 212 steps. Close by, you’ll find the Royal Crescent, a sweeping arc of 30 Georgian townhouses. This iconic example of Georgian architecture is one of Bath’s most photographed landmarks and offers a glimpse into the opulence of 18th-century aristocratic life.

For those looking to unwind, Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to bathe in the city’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Romans did centuries ago. With its rooftop pool offering stunning views of the city, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this historic town. Bath is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique blend of Roman, medieval, and Georgian architecture.

Fun fact: Bath’s waters have been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and the city has a deep connection to literary history as well. Famed author Jane Austen lived in Bath, and the city is prominently featured in her novels "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion". Visitors can explore the Jane Austen Centre, where interactive exhibits bring her world to life, and even partake in the annual Jane Austen Festival . Whether you’re fascinated by history, literature, or just looking to unwind, Bath promises an unforgettable experience.

Bath, England, is a stunning city known for its natural hot springs and rich Roman history. At the heart of Bath’s appeal is the Roman Baths, an impeccably preserved ancient site that draws visitors from around the world. Here, you can explore the intricate Roman bathing complex and even see the original Great Bath where Roman citizens once bathed in the healing waters. The adjacent Pump Room, a historical gathering place, offers a quintessential English experience with afternoon tea, while giving visitors the chance to sip the mineral-rich spa water believed to have healing properties.

Equally impressive is Bath Abbey, a magnificent Gothic church that has stood at the city’s center for over 500 years. With its stunning stained glass windows and towering fan-vaulted ceilings, the abbey is a serene place to reflect or take in the city from above by climbing the tower’s 212 steps. Close by, you’ll find the Royal Crescent, a sweeping arc of 30 Georgian townhouses. This iconic example of Georgian architecture is one of Bath’s most photographed landmarks and offers a glimpse into the opulence of 18th-century aristocratic life.

For those looking to unwind, Thermae Bath Spa offers the chance to bathe in the city’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters, just as the Romans did centuries ago. With its rooftop pool offering stunning views of the city, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this historic town. Bath is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its unique blend of Roman, medieval, and Georgian architecture.

Fun fact: Bath’s waters have been attracting visitors for thousands of years, and the city has a deep connection to literary history as well. Famed author Jane Austen lived in Bath, and the city is prominently featured in her novels "Northanger Abbey" and "Persuasion". Visitors can explore the Jane Austen Centre, where interactive exhibits bring her world to life, and even partake in the annual Jane Austen Festival . Whether you’re fascinated by history, literature, or just looking to unwind, Bath promises an unforgettable experience.

Dorset, a picturesque county on England’s southern coast, is a haven for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and seaside wanderers alike. Known for its rolling hills, sandy beaches, and charming towns, Dorset offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The county is home to part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich beaches. Exploring Lulworth Cove and the iconic Durdle Door rock arch is a must for any visitor seeking to experience Dorset’s natural wonders.

The county’s history runs deep, with attractions such as Corfe Castle, a thousand-year-old fortress perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The nearby Swanage Railway is a heritage steam railway that takes you through the scenic Purbeck countryside, making for a nostalgic journey into Dorset’s past. For literary enthusiasts, Thomas Hardy’s Cottage in Dorchester provides a glimpse into the life of the famous Victorian novelist, who was inspired by the landscapes of Dorset when writing works such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles.

Dorset’s coastline is dotted with quaint seaside towns such as Weymouth, a traditional English resort with golden sands and a lively harbor. The Georgian seafront is perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the nearby Nothe Fort, a 19th-century fortress, offers both history and panoramic views over the coastline. Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in the world, is a hub for water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, with Brownsea Island providing a tranquil retreat and a chance to spot the elusive red squirrel.

Fun fact: Dorset is home to the Cerne Abbas Giant, a mysterious hill figure carved into the chalk downs. At 180 feet tall, this ancient figure has sparked debate for centuries, with some believing it to be a symbol of fertility. Today, it’s one of the county’s most curious and visited landmarks.

Stonehenge, one of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments, stands proudly on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. This enigmatic stone circle, believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, has captivated archaeologists, historians, and travelers alike for centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge consists of massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones arranged in a circular formation, each carefully positioned to align with the solstices. This alignment hints at its possible role as an ancient astronomical calendar or a sacred site for rituals, drawing visitors from all over the globe who come to marvel at its architectural and mystical grandeur.

A visit to Stonehenge offers more than just a glimpse into the distant past. The newly designed Stonehenge Visitor Centre provides a comprehensive understanding of the site's history, featuring exhibitions that display over 250 archaeological treasures, including tools, pottery, and even human remains unearthed from the area. Through interactive displays and a 360-degree virtual experience, visitors can envision how Stonehenge might have looked at its zenith. The surrounding landscape, dotted with ancient burial mounds known as barrows, is perfect for exploring on foot, offering a deeper connection to the prehistoric peoples who once thrived in this region.

Adding to its allure, Stonehenge is shrouded in legend and mystery. Stories of its origins range from tales of giants to mythical accounts of Merlin the wizard transporting the stones from Ireland. However, one of the most intriguing theories is its connection to the Druids, ancient Celtic priests who are believed to have used Stonehenge as a site for their ceremonies. While evidence of Druidic use is speculative, the annual Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge remain a popular event, attracting thousands who gather to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the Heel Stone, a tradition believed to date back thousands of years.

Fun fact: Did you know that one of Stonehenge's sarsen stones weighs around 25 tons, with some of the smaller bluestones weighing up to 4 tons? The transportation and construction of these stones remain a subject of fascination and debate among researchers, with theories ranging from sledges and rollers to an elaborate system of waterways. The mysteries of Stonehenge continue to invite curiosity and exploration, making it a must-visit destination for history buffs and adventurers alike.