I found a package daytrip excursion deal through "Golden Tours" (London-based tour company) to Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Bath which included a roundtrip bus ride/tour guide from London Victoria Station. It was a pretty good deal since it included 3 major sites within a few hours drive of each other. We started off in the early morning and departed for our daylong excursion. It was great to check off all these places off my bucket list in one day.
First Stop: Salisbury
A small town which has been known for centuries by the famous Salisbury Cathedral. Most of the cathedral was completed in 1280, but it was not until 1320 that the iconic tower and spire was installed. The cathedral is one of the most famous in England and should be visited. In addition to its superb Gothic architecture, it houses an original copy of the Magna Carta (c.1215) or "Great Charter"--earliest democratic law signed by King John. The law granted political reforms and allowed for:more political representation, limitation of monarchic power, equality, and basic freedoms granted to citizens. The original document can be viewed for free at the British Library in London (near King's Cross St. Pancreas). It was amazing to see this ancient document that influenced and paved the way for future democratic governments in the U.S., France, and other nations.
Pictures of the cathedral:
Inside the Cathedral:
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| World Oldest Clock (c.1386) |
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| Nave |
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| Battle Used Flags |
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| Old knight's tomb |
Stonehenge has been shrouded in mystery for centuries ever seen being erected in
3000 BC. It was built in the Neolithic Age. Historians and archaeologists suggest it's remains and circular structure indicate a religious or burial significance. No one is really sure why or how this monolithic masterpiece was constructed. Surprisingly, it was stood for thousands of years and continues to draw interest from tourists. It is one of the biggest draws to England due to its cultural and historical value. Unfortunately, due to the overcrowding and partial damage to the site, Stonehenge is now roped off so you can't too close to it. I guess this is good and bad (good- preserves and protects this sacred site, bad-can't get too close to it).
Stonehenge pictures:
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is the site of the best preserved ancient Roman baths in the world. Originally named Aquae Sulis, it was founded in 60 AD during the Roman occupation of Britain. Known for its curative and therapeutic properties, Bath had flourished as a major city in Roman Britain for the next few hundred years. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city and the baths slowly fell in the disrepair and it was largely forgotten. It was not until the the late 15th century that the baths regained its importance and appreciation. From the 17th-20th centuries, the baths were renovated, improved, and reestablished as a hub of health and relaxation.
Spa Water Complex
Original spa water flow
You can taste the mineral water! Tasted like iron..haha.
Roman artifacts found at the Roman Bath Complex
Overall, I was pleased with this tour as we had more than enough time to enjoy and fully appreciate these 3 great sites. Salisbury was interesting because I didn't know much about it before I went on the tour and now I appreciate and understand it's significance. I've always wanted to visit Stonehenge ever since I was young. I was fascinated by ancient world famous archaeological sites after reading about them in Eyewitness books and watching tv documentaries. I never thought I would actually visit it, but now that I'm more well-traveled and have the opportunity, I try to visit the places I once dreamed about. Bath, was also an interesting place due to its long history and beautifully preserved architecture. It is amazing to see culture rediscovered and showcased for visitors and locals to understand it's importance.
Stay tuned for the next entry which will be on a daytrip to Victorian Brighton!
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