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London is calling many travelers! The capital of the United Kingdom and home of its royal family is the world's most visited city in 2014 with more than 18 million international tourists per year. Situated along the River Thames, London was settled by the Roman as Londinium in 43 A.D. It is one of the world's most important cities, financially and culturally. From Big Ben to Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, London has many amazing attractions to see on a classic London sightseeing tour. It is also perfectly situated to easily join a tour to Europe's mainland through the Eurostar, or explore the classic English attractions with a London day tour to Stonehenge, Bath, The Cotswald, Windsor Castle, and more!
The Tower of London and the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey—and well, even Abbey Road for the music fans—are only a few of the spots that pack London.
Once you’ve covered the finest that The Square Mile has to offer, there are plenty of day trips out of London and the only hard part is choosing which to avail of.
NOT JUST FOR THE MERRY WIVES
The Windsor Castle tour is one of the most popular day tours from London. With its proximity to the city, it takes but a short trip to get there. Once in Windsor you can delight in the rich history the grounds have to offer.
In Windsor, the State Apartments is one of the most popular draws. It has been the residence of monarchs since William the Conqueror; in its current state, it boasts of grand architecture and interiors that feature beautiful murals and sculpture, and the finest artwork from the Royal Collection—Rubens and Rembrandt for starters.
While in Windsor, visit St. George’s Chapel and admire the Gothic wonder. And, unless you suffer from a fear of dolls, another definite must-see is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House. Think of seeing everything that can be found in a lavish period home executed in beautiful detail but in 1:12 scale.
Take a tour of three of the best destinations outside of London. Tackle them individually or string them all together with a Stonehenge, Bath, and Cotswald day trip!
ON THE PLAIN
It might seem like nothing much but a pile of stones but this particular pile is famous around the world. Nearly one million visitors make the trip from London to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain every year to see this Neolithic marvel. This mysterious prehistoric monument is one of Europe’s oldest and most popular ancient sites and is near to other Neolithic and Bronze Age grounds.
ROMANCE IN THE STONE
While originally famous for the ancient Roman baths—hence the name—it’s also famous for romance, regency romance, that is. Beautiful Bath has been the popular setting of many a regency era book, a couple of Jane Austen’s come to mind.
What’s not to love? Bath boasts of famous historical spots and grand architecture. Typical day trips to Bath will include a visit to the Roman Baths for a glimpse at the rich history behind and beneath (the hot springs) the city’s name. The Royal Crescent is also part of the standard fare; constructed between 1767 and 1775, this Georgian sensation is another one of Bath’s iconic landmarks. A visit to the Bath Assembly Rooms will also give you a glimpse into party venues of the Georgian-Regency periods.
A BUCOLIC IDYLL
Join a Cotswolds tour from London and see the postcard-perfect epitome of the English countryside. Enjoy the charm of its villages with their cozy cottages, narrow lanes, and welcoming pubs. Villages such as the picturesque Birbury, the Slaughters, Bourton-on-the-Water, Kingham, and Stow-on-the-Wold just to name a few.
THE MAGIC OF BOOKS, BOATS, & LEARNING
Of course we’re familiar with Oxford. Even before the magic of Harry Potter books and movies came about, Oxford day trips have already been much in demand. Blame it on the famous university with its equally famous dictionary, and its legendary boat races. Visit the famed colleges: Magdalen and Christchurch, go a-punting on the Cherwell River, and pay homage to the celebrated Bodleian Library.
AND OF THE BARD
Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor—his works are so endearingly popular that several hundred years later, most of us have bumped into some of them. Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and take in the sights that first inspired the greatest English playwright. Catch a production of one of old Will’s work at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre or at The Swan, or at the least visit where they’re staged.
Take advantage of the best day trips from London. Select your destinations and plan ahead to get the most out of your escapades.
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