With Tours By Locals we toured Stonehenge and Bath. Our guide Paul M. and his driver Ray picked us up at the Doubletree Southampton for a days travel through the English Countryside to Bath where we toured the town and the Roman Baths. We had a delightful tea service in the Pump Room before leaving to tour Stonehenge. At the end of our day touring we were returned to the Doubletree Southampton after having a wonderful time and learning so much. We also enjoyed touring in the black cab which was so comfortable for the four of us.
Touring the Town of Bath
We parked on the outskirts of the Roman Baths and walked through the cobblestone streets and got an education on the town and the buildings.
Roman Baths
Around 20 years ago was my first tour of the Roman Baths. It was not organized at that time and there wasn’t much of an explanation. This time our guide Paul M. picked up our tickets and toured with us. Everything flows on a path but you can spend as much time viewing and reading placques. Having our guide with us really helped to understand the Roman Baths. Today there are ramps, stairs, and elevators to transport you from section to section. At the end of the tour is a very nice gift shop and inside access to my favorite “The Pump Room” where we all had English Tea Service.
The Pump Room
20 years ago I had a tea service in the Pump Room which I felt was the best Service in the United Kingdom. I was thrilled our guide was able to get us in for tea. Oh, it still is the best tea service in the United Kingdom. We spent around an hour and half in The Pump Room relaxing, and enjoying our sandwiches, scones, and pastries. We added a glass of champagne along with our choices for tea. This room has the original pump that you can taste the original supply of water as the Romans did. I didn’t taste it but you can.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge has changed drastically in the last 20 years. Years ago your bus pulled right on the grass and you could walk to visit the stones. There were no facilities, no charges, no gift shop and basically no services. Now, our tour guide pulled into a parking lot, and we went into the main facility which housed bathrooms, food services, ticket office, and a gift shope. Once you have your ticket in hand you get in line for the bus which takes you up to road to the entrance. Even then you have to walk in from the bus stop. The road no longer passes through allowing easy access. He is what it looks like today.
Set your GPS to United Kingdom, England