PRIVATE WESSEX TOURS | couples • families • small groups

WILTSHIRE & THE WEST
Choose your own regional day tour from our variety of options...

● Day-tour options from London in private vehicle with accredited driver-guide.
● Tailor-made for couples, families or small private groups (up to 7 persons).
● Pick-up/drop-off at any London hotel or residence. Typical timings: 08:00-18:00.
● Subject to seasonal openings & availability. Any admission fees payable on entry.
● Price (per car): 1-2 persons=£450.00; 3-4=£495.00; 5-7=£540.00. Admissions extra.

Tour Choice A: select any 2 from the 10 options below to create your full-day tour:

Option 1: Avebury
We make our way to the spooky village of Avebury, locked-in by the largest stone circle in Britain. Discover the Devil's Chair, where it is said the dark one himself may be summoned, or the murderous Barber Stone, which exacted a terrible revenge on a villager who tried knock it down. Lunch is an option at a haunted pub within the circle.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 2: Bath
See how the Romans made their sandal-print on British history in the City of Bath, a World Heritage site. The stunning Roman Baths unearthed at the end of the 19th century just have to be seen. Bath is renowned for its naturally occurring thermal waters, the only hot water mineral springs in the country. Try a glass in the Pump Room. Bath was at the heart of the Georgian social scene. Fans of writer Jane Austen will discover a delightful museum dedicated to her. The whole city, entirely carved out of a local honey-coloured stone reflects architectural achievements past and present.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 3: Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle is a country house with 1,000 acre parkland designed by Capability Brown. Since 1679, the castle has been home to the Earls of Carnarvon. In the mid-19th century Houses of Parliament architect Charles Barry remodelled the house in a mixture of Neo-Elizabethan and Italianate styles. The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was an amateur archaeologist who, along with professional Howard Carter, famously discovered the Egyptian tomb Tutankhamun in 1922. There is an exhibition on the discovery inside the house. Perhaps most famously, Highclere was the filming location for the recent international hit television drama Downton Abbey. Lunch is an option nearby at the Yew Tree pub-restaurant owned by famous chef Marco Pierre White.
● Apr-Aug: Sun-Thu (except Aug 28). Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 4: Lacock Abbey
In north Wiltshire we find incredibly picturesque villages which easily match their Cotswolds rivals. Lacock is a real Wiltshire beauty spot, in fact the whole village is owned by the National Trust preservation society. It is favoured by movie makers and Pride & Prejudice and Harry Potter have been filmed here. Its unusually preserved abbey has fascinating historic links to Henry VIII's Reformation and the invention of photography!
● Open Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun; Mar-Oct: Wed-Mon. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 5: Salisbury
Once a Roman garrison, Salisbury is now a thriving market town. In its centre is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral, the tallest medieval building in the world. It contains an original copy of the Magna Carta, the world's earliest surviving written constitution. The cathedral’s environs were described by the writer Bill Bryson as the most beautiful place in England. Certainly both Turner and Constable found it an inspiration for their paintings. The town was the setting for Thomas Hardy’s Melchester and Anthony Trollope’s Barchester. Another option is the former site of Salisbury: the deserted iron-age hill-fort of Old Sarum. Well worth a visit with spectacular views of the 'new' town.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 6: Stonehenge
A drive deep into the county of Wiltshire takes us back in time. Here we discover the mysterious World Heritage site of Stonehenge, an ancient stone structure older than the pyramids of Egypt, and a rare surviving monument of the pre-historic world. Some hold a deep fascination with this place, and wonder about its meaning. Those not so swayed by the stones’ magical charms are left pondering the biggest mystery of all - how did they get there? The latest theories and research are also discussed.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 7: Vyne House
Taking its name from the ancient vine that still grows by the entrance, the Vyne is a large manor house originally built as a great Tudor statement of power. Suitably impressed, King Henry VIII visited on at least three occasions. Today it spans 400 years or architecture, a microcosm of English design emcompassing Tudor, Palladian, Georgian and Victorian, and including contemporary furniture, portraits, textiles and sculpture. Truly unusual in its perfect preservation of these styles. Outside, the parklands, wetlands and woodlands are a haven for birdlife and wildlife.
● Open Mar-Oct: Sat-Thu. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 8: Wilton House
Wilton House was once a nunnery, which was dissolved in Henry VIII's reformation and given to the king's brother-in-law, the Earl of Pembroke, via his last marriage to Catherine Parr in 1544. The second Earl of Pembroke was William Shakespeare's sponsor and married the poet Philip Sidney’s sister Mary. The family later started the Wilton carpet empire. The house has been constantly remodelled. Architects Inigo Jones classicised and Wyatt gothicised. Highlights include Jones's single and double cube room (with paintings by Van Dyck and furnishing by Kent and Chippendale), and the renowned gardens.
● May-Sep: Sun-Thu. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 9: Winchester
An historic city that has appeared as a movie location many times, including the recent film version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice. An old Roman town, it became the capital of England during the Dark Ages. There are strong connections with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and King Alfred the Great. The great Domesday Book was compiled here in 1086. It is the burial place of both King Canute and King Rufus, and Henry III was born here. Winchester College, founded in 1382, is the oldest public school in England. Winchester Cathedral, built in 1097, is one of England’s oldest. Both Henry IV and Bloody Mary were married here. It is also the burial place of Jane Austen.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 10: Windsor Castle
About 20 miles west of London is the Queen's home, Windsor Castle. First built in 1080 and described by Samuel Pepys over 300 years ago as the most romantic of castles, it is also the largest and oldest continually inhabited castle in the world. Your guide will conduct you on a tour. Highlights include the magnificent George Chapel (ten monarchs are buried here including Henry VIII), the opulent State Apartments and the incredible Queen Mary's Dolls' House. On certain days you can see the changing of the guard ceremony up-close (much better than outside Buckingham Palace!).
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Tour Choice B: Select any 1 from our 7 full-day tour options below:

Option 1: Hi-Definition Tour: A Day in Bath
Our special Hi-Definition Tours are perfect for those wanting a more singular tour experience. The tour is focussed on just one town, which means less time spent in the vehicle, and more time to enjoy a fuller day. Discuss your options with your guide. For example, you might prefer more detailed tours of local attractions, or have some time alone for a spot of shopping, or relax with a leisurely lunch. Perhaps a combination of all three! It's your tour and your choice.

This particular tour brings us to Bath. See how the Romans made their sandal-print on British history in this World Heritage site. The stunning Roman Baths unearthed at the end of the 19th century just have to be seen. Bath is renowned for its naturally occurring thermal waters, the only hot water mineral springs in the country. Try a glass in the Pump Room. Bath was at the heart of the Georgian social scene. Fans of writer Jane Austen will discover a delightful museum dedicated to her. The whole city, entirely carved out of a local honey-coloured stone reflects architectural achievements past and present.
● Usually open daily. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 2: Wonders of Wessex Tour Drive
In north Wiltshire we find incredibly picturesque villages which easily match their Cotswolds rivals. A little off the beaten track, Castle Combe, with its historic St Andrew’s Church, claims a reputation as ‘the prettiest village in England’. It was used as a location for the movies Doctor Doolittle and more recently War Horse, as well as TV episodes of Poirot. The local pub has pictures of visiting stars of stage and screen adorning its walls. Lacock is a well known beauty spot, in fact the whole village is owned by the National Trust preservation society. It is also favoured by movie makers and Pride & Prejudice and Harry Potter have been filmed here. Its unusually preserved abbey has a range of fascinating historic links from Henry VIII's Reformation to the invention of photography.

The Caen Hill lock staircase near Devizes is one of the most impressive legacy's of the industrial revolution that can be seen in England. A flight of 29 locks rise in stages from the Avon Valley up to the hills above Salisbury plain. Then a steam-powered pumping station built over 200 years ago pumps water into the canal so that the boats can 'float' up the system. Just amazing! We also stop by the spooky village of Avebury, locked-in by the largest stone circle in Britain. Discover the Devil's Chair, where it is said the dark one himself may be summoned, or the murderous Barber Stone, which exacted a terrible revenge on a villager who tried knock it down.
● Open Nov-Feb: Sat-Sun; Mar-Oct: Wed-Mon. Your tour starts after an initial fast-track out from London and you will be escorted personally by an officially qualified Blue Badge driver-guide.

Option 3: Downton Abbey Tour
Click here for this tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 4: Gardens of England - Stourhead
Click here for this tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 5: Magna Carta Tour
Click here for this tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

Option 6: Roman Britain - The West
Click here for this tour option in our British History section.

Option 7: Stonehenge & Avebury Tour
Click here for this tour option in our Arts & Culture section.

ALL ENQUIRIES CLICK HERE. FOR BOOKINGS CLICK HERE.

PRICE OPTIONS:

WILTSHIRE & THE WEST CHOICE: PERSONALLY-GUIDED FULL DAY TOUR OPTIONS	PRICE (Full day 10 hours).
BY PRIVATE CAR (1-2 passengers)	£450.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (3-4 passengers)	£495.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.
BY PRIVATE CAR (5-7 passengers)	£540.00 (per car) + any entrance fees.

HOW THE TOUR WORKS:

● Important note: 'Private tour' means a privately chartered guided tour. It does not entail exclusive private access. We do not offer tours to individuals wishing to join a larger group (for this you require a scheduled coach tour operator).

● The guide: Your tour will be conducted by a friendly qualified guide (or driver-guide for car tours) providing a knowledgeable commentary, and assisting with practical issues. Where venues offer in-house guides or audio devices, your guide will still escort you.

● Pick-up/drop-off: You can be picked-up for your tour anywhere in the London area, whether at your hotel, place of residence, or venue of your request. The same applies as a dropping-off point after the tour.

● Timings: The guide will meet you at the recommended start time or at a start time of your request. The duration of this tour is timed from pick-up to drop-off and includes built-in stops for photo opportunities, facilities, and a 1-hour lunch break.

● Lunch: An appropriate restaurant, traditional pub, or sandwich stop can be arranged for lunch (note: tour price does not include food or refreshments). Alternatively, you may want to bring a pre-packed lunch. The guide usually takes a rest during this period.

● Clothing: Clients should dress appropriately making allowances for the changeable British weather, outdoor activities or visiting churches, etc. Our main tip is to dress comfortably. For more tips to help make your tour even more enjoyable click here.

● Format: The tour has been specially researched and designed by our staff (copyright applies) and is exclusive to Your London Tours & associates. Selected elements of different tours can be combined to create even more options. See our Pick & Mix page.

● General: Rest assured with Your London Tours: All our tours are tailored to YOUR requirements. The guide will be exclusively dedicated to your family or group during the tour itself, so you will be able to relax and enjoy your day.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TOUR IN 3 EASY STEPS:

STEP 1: Send e-mail to tours@yourlondontours.com with the following information:
● Name or brief description of tour required.
● Date service required.
● Number of adults/children, age of children.
● Full address of hotel, place of residence or venue to be picked up from or met.
● Special interests or information to help us make your tour more enjoyable.
● Lead contact name and full billing address.
● Home phone number or cell phone number.

STEP 2: On receiving this information we will e-mail a reply confirming availability, price and payment procedure. If the tour is unavailable, eg, attractions are closed or we are fully booked, we will inform you or provide details of another operator.

STEP 3: If you are happy with your tour booking please make payment as directed.
Payments can take up to 48 hrs to process. On receiving payment, we will e-mail a tour confirmation and receipt. Please check details carefully and e-mail us with any queries.

BOOKING POLICY AND NOTES:
• Bookings are dealt with on a one-to-one basis via e-mail only.
• We do not accept bookings with less than 72 hours notice.
• To secure your preferred date we recommend booking well in advance.
• All tours subject to availability. Booking will not go ahead until availability is confirmed.
• Tour is not guaranteed to go ahead until 100% of payment is received.
• Administration fees may be added for extensive itineraries or supplementary guide hire.
• We do not arrange flights, accommodation, travel tickets or tickets for events.
• We do not usually pre-book tickets for attractions. We recommended these are paid
for at the gate on the day. In circumstances where pre-booking is the only option for
attractions, tickets must be paid for in advance and are non-refundable.

FOR ENQUIRIES CLICK HERE. FOR BOOKINGS CLICK HERE.

Vehicle spec:
Silver Mercedes-Benz Viano V6, seven-passenger luxury people carrier, high-spec interior trim with leather seats, armrests, headrests, air-conditioning, climate control, sound system, front and rear electric sunroof, sliding passenger doors, luggage space.

Driver-guide info:
Our driver-guides are smartly presented, knowledgeable and friendly. They are professionally qualified and drive fully insured private hire vehicles. They carry the 'Blue Badge' accreditation allowing them to conduct tours, walks and interior visits of the major London venues and many other attractions in the UK.

lisbury cathedralInside Canterbury Cathedral