Stonehenge & Salisbury Experience
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port
Portsmouth, UK
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activityLevel
Moderate Activity
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excursionType
All
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wheelchairAccessible
No
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startingAtPrice
$220
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minimumAge
Information Not Currently Available
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duration
8 Hours
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mealsIncluded
Meals not included
Travel from Portsmouth through the suburbs with their variety of houses and neat gardens, heading towards the open countryside. Travel through the lovely Woodford valley, containing some of the loveliest and most peaceful villages in the County, and through which the River Avon lazily flows. The narrow road roads wind along the valley following almost every twist and turn of the west bank of the river and passing through straggling picturesque villages whose thatched and chequered stonework cottages shelter in the lee of protecting slopes. Water-meadows with their waving lines of elegant willow trees complement the peaceful picture-postcard English countryside scenes before we leave the valley and continue to Stonehenge.
One piece of magic that never fails to cast a spell over visitors is the awe inspiring sight of Stonehenge. This mighty symbol of pre-history is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its majesty. Simplicity, solitude and a powerful air of mystery surround this enigmatic and ancient circle of stones set in isolation.
Explore the visitor center completed in December 2013 and discover what is known about Stonehenge. Hop on a shuttle for the short ride to take you to the actual stones, fenced off to protect their fabric. From the encircling pathway, you will be able to capture closeup views and walk around the area, obtaining fine photographic opportunities of the entire stone circle. Stonehenge remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. It commands attention, inspires awe and generates speculation.
We leave the unsolved mysteries of silent Stonehenge to the mists of time and continue the short distance to Salisbury whose lofty cathedral spire can be seen from many miles distance from every direction, dominating the landscape for many miles around.
By the end of the 15th century Salisbury had already achieved a maturity which compels us, despite the fact that it has never ceased to grow since, to think of it essentially as a medieval city. For most of its life the city has been dominated by the power of the church. Walk with your guide through the center to visit the charming 13th century Cathedral enshrining 800 years of English history. See the fine buildings within Cathedral Close which itself provides a perfect setting for the beauty of the Cathedral, and the nearby grid streets containing black-and-white half-timbered houses.
After your visit to the Cathedral, enjoy some free time in this medieval city before rejoining your guide and returning to Portsmouth.
Please Note: In the unusual event that the land train is not in operation, guests will be required to walk approx. 1.5km each way to reach the stones at Stonehenge. Salisbury Cathedral may be subject to short notice closures for services. There will be an opportunity for guests to purchase lunch (at their own expense) during free time.