Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast
3 day tour
Explore the best of the West, from its ancient stone circles, to dramatic coastlines and moorland wilderness.
Tour map
Highlights
Places you explore
Stonehenge - Stand in awe at this iconic Neolithic stone structure.
Durdle Door - Wander the fossil-strewn beaches of the Jurassic Coast to reach this superb natural limestone arch and cove.
Dartmoor - Roam this distinctive craggy moorland landscape and get up close to wild Dartmoor ponies grazing near surreal granite outcrops.
Exeter - Stroll through this ancient Roman city, from the heights of its marvellous gothic cathedral to the depths of its winding underground water passages.
Tavistock - The birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, this ancient ‘stannery’ town boasts both a religious and mining heritage together and a market full of excellent local produce and wares.
Glastonbury - A significant religious and spiritual site infused with stories of early Christianity, Arthurian legend, and pagan culture.
Bath - Marvel at the monumental scale of the Georgian architecture, the medieval Abbey cathedral, and the temple and bath at the heart of the Roman Baths complex.
Your journey
You could say that the south west is the most beautiful area of England.
Its climate is milder, it brims with stunning scenery and legendary folklore, and the culinary delights of cream teas, pasties, cider, and cheddar cheese are simply scrumptious.
But we can’t tell you west is best; because you have to find out for yourself.
So, join this tour and see the ancient past come to life, explore Stonehenge, wander isolated moors, relax on stunning beaches, and discover one of the most memorable parts of England.
Tour Details
Due to events in London this October, we suggest leaving extra time getting to our departure point. Be sure to check for delays to public transport services in advance of your tour.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Explore the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, the heart of England’s enduring myths and legends
- Gaze in wonder at Stonehenge, the powerful stone circle that stands as a testament to our ancestors’ beliefs
- Sample the local seafood in the beautiful, enclosed Lulworth Cove, and savour the dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast and Durdle Door
- View the impressive facade of Exeter’s Gothic cathedral before descending into the city’s fascinating medieval water passages
You travel through the ancient kingdom of Wessex to Stonehenge. These stunning stone circles give you a glimpse into the spirituality of the past, and offer an experience you’re sure to remember.
After admiring the spiritual majesty of this Neolithic site, you continue to the incredible geological formations of the Jurassic Coast, where the cliffs are full of fossils from the age of dinosaurs.
We travel along the coast to the Durdle Door, a beautiful natural limestone arch that juts into the ocean. Take your time exploring the coast before heading to the historic city of Exeter. Once the most westerly fortified settlement in Roman Britain, this town boasts ancient city walls, a Norman castle, gothic cathedral, Tudor heritage, a quayside, and a vibrant commercial and restaurant area.
You stay in Exeter for the next two nights.
Day 2
- Explore the beauty of the remote wilderness at Dartmoor, where wild ponies graze in the shadow of granite outcrops.
- Delve into Tavistock, birthplace of Sir Francis Drake, the famed British maritime explorer
- Cross the time-trodden slabs of the medieval miner’s Clapper Bridge
Explore the remote windswept magnificence of Dartmoor, where you can see strings of native ponies grazing close to the striking rock formations.
Dartmoor is also home to an immense diversity of flora and fauna, so enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the moor’s isolated beauty.
You cross the ancient Clapper Bridge at Postbridge before heading to Tavistock, the historic market town and birthplace of Sir Francis Drake.
Arriving back in Exeter in the early afternoon gives you a chance to explore the city’s ancient riches at a leisurely pace. The city walls, the Norman cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial, and the Quayside all await you.
Day 3
- Enjoy distant views from atop Glastonbury Tor
- Explore England’s premier city of architecture, Georgian living and Roman leisure, Bath
This morning you head for Glastonbury, home to the world-famous Glastonbury Music Festival. Here, you can scale the Glastonbury Tor, long associated with the mythical kingdom of Avalon and King Arthur.
You make your way to Bath in time for lunch and a relaxed afternoon. Recharge in one of the many restaurants, tea shops, or pubs before embarking on your exploration of this fascinating city’s heritage.
You return to London in the evening.
Customer Reviews
Dartmoor National Park
elsie Bonney Posted on 21/10/2015amazing time, with Steve and the group.
South West 3 day tour or thank you, Peter!
Ekaterina Posted on 11/06/2013Thanks to Peter after slightly busy London with the greatest pleasure we dipped into the atmosphere of England, well-known by books, where even every simple lawn has its own at least 300 years old history. His emotional, flavored with good portion of English humor stories let us learn a lot about every part of the country which lied on our way and his advice helped us not to stay hungry and to fulfill our knowledge of English culture in all its aspects. We even looked into eyes of the lama unexpectedly appeared from the bushes. And even despite competitive participants of the traffic in the person of numerous living creatures we felt absolutely safety thanks to professional driving skills of our guide. Thank you, Peter! Next time will ask questions aloud and not to oneself, we promise :) As for tour program, it would be great to spend more time in lovely Tavistock and magnificent Glastonbury unlike slightly usual Bath. King regards, Kate and Elena.
A Nice Tour
Stephen170 Posted on 08/06/2013We went on the three day tour of the South West on 27th May 2013. Owen (he can talk for Wales) was our driver and is a very informative and fun guide. We were on the second bus which at nine guests wasn't full so we were able to spread out. We were especially lucky with the weather in that it didn't rain much during the day when we were out on the coach and it was lovely at Lulworth Cove. On day three we went to Glastonbury and were in Bath at about 12.30. I would scrap Glastonbury and head straight to Bath. We left Bath at 4.30 and due to the weather and traffic it took three hours to get to Victoria. One of the customers suggested that we should have left earlier but although it was rather tiresome being in the traffic I would rather have had that than having less time in Bath. As Owen said, the traffic is always unpredictable. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Exeter.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts. You’ll pay your accommodation directly. Most don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Changes to accommodation cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability. An amendment charge will apply.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is £35 - £40 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is £40 - £60 per night.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is £45 - £60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is £60 - £80 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price.
- Hotel 3 star - £70 - £85 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single is £85 - £130 per night.
- Hotel 4 star - £85 - £150 per person per night based on shared accommodation.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of three days for our one day tours, and 21 days for longer tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
What is a guaranteed departure?
It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
4 reasons to choose Rabbie's
Travel the local way on small group tours of 16 people or fewer
You'll have a guaranteed experience, or your money back
Guaranteed departures: you book, you go
Our eco-friendly tours support local communities
Looking for inspiration?
Subscribe to our emails for tips and updates about our friendly tours across the UK & Europe.