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Explore England like a royal—complete with a stay at a famous country estate.
From regal urban residences to age-old hamlets cropping up in the countryside, Southern England merits a trip for itself—and that’s before taking London into account. This tour hits it all: Get swept from the English capital to the undulating plains and cobbled lanes of Salisbury, Bath, and Oxford; if that isn’t enough, spend a final night on the grounds of Ashridge House, a storied property that has hosted royals and celebrities over the centuries. Keep basking in British beauty and history on this trip’s extension to Canterbury and Kent, and discover why the latter’s lovingly referred to as “the garden of England.”
Your tour package includes
- 9 nights in handpicked hotels
- 9 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners with beer or wine
- 2 food tastings
Included highlights
- London’s Tower Bridge
- Buckingham Palace
- Stonehenge
- Salisbury Cathedral
- The Jurassic Coast
An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.
Day-by-day itinerary
Print itineraryBoard your overnight flight to London today.
Welcome to England! After touching down at London Heathrow Airport—the second-busiest international passenger terminal in the world—transfer to your hotel and unwind. Later in the evening, meet up with your Tour Director and fellow travelers, and get to know one another over a welcome dinner.
Join a local guide for a panoramic tour of London’s regal landmarks, soaking in centuries of history and culture along the way.
- Pass stately Trafalgar Square—a popular public plaza surrounded by museums, galleries, and historic buildings—and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Sat atop Ludgate Hill at the highest point of the City of London neighborhood, this Baroque Anglican church dates back to the 17th century and has hosted state funerals and royal jubilees over the years.
- See Westminster Abbey, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since its consecration in 1065, it’s seen 16 royal weddings and the coronation of 40 monarchs, and serves as the final resting place of 18 British rulers.
- Catch a glimpse of skyline icons like the Elizabeth Tower (the clock tower known as Big Ben) and the London Eye observation wheel. Then, take some time to marvel at the Tower of London: a historic castle that has functioned as a royal palace and prison, and is now home to the Crown Jewels.
- Stop by Buckingham Palace—the official residence of the ruling monarch—where you might catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
From there, depart for an optional, expert-led tour of the longest-inhabited castle on the planet. Or, enjoy a free afternoon in London proper. The 350-acre Hyde Park is a little over a half-mile from Buckingham Palace; make the walk and roam its grassy fields, or maybe even rent a boat for a leisurely cruise on The Serpentine.
Windsor Castle
From $125 per person
Yesterday, you saw the Tower of London and the London Eye from a distance—today, if you choose, you’ll get much closer. View the city’s past and present from two incredible angles on a pair of optional outings. If you’d rather explore on your own, take your free day to check out some of London’s many excellent museums. (Some of our favorites: the traditional exhibits of the British Museum in the Bloomsbury district, and the more interactive offerings of the Cutty Sark clipper ship in Greenwich, on the south bank of the River Thames.)
Tower of London
From $109 per person
London Eye & Pub Dinner
From $149 per person
Head southwest out of London, setting your sights on the iconic monoliths of Stonehenge. Upon arriving, enter the recently opened Stonehenge Visitors Centre, taking in a number of exhibitions before walking to the monument itself. Gaze upon this UNESCO-listed landmark, erected some 5,000 years ago, before hopping back on your bus. From this prehistoric site, drive to the medieval city of Salisbury for a guided sightseeing tour.
- View the soaring spire of Salisbury Cathedral, the 765-year-old mother church of the city, and understand why its ornamented exterior is considered an excellent example of Early English Gothic architecture. Then, go inside to marvel at its sumptuous interior—and one of the only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta.
- Stroll the shopping streets of Salisbury proper, snapping pictures of the city’s historic buildings as you go.
Leave the city and continue to your hotel in the Salisbury region, where you’ll enjoy an included dinner, served with beer or wine, alongside your fellow travelers.
Climb aboard your bus and embark on a scenic drive along the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, so named for the many fossils found in its rocky shores.
- First stop: Lulworth Cove! Shaped like a scallop and filled with waters that shift from turquoise to navy, it’s a prime example of the area’s geography and topography. Use your free time to explore the beach and surrounding hills—or sit back and take it all in.
- Keep along the route, admiring its powerful coastline and peaceful countryside, before stopping at West Bay Beach. If it looks familiar, you aren’t mistaken: Its sheer East Cliff and the nearby resort town provided the backdrop for the popular TV series Broadchurch. Soak in the sights, then continue to a local restaurant for an included lunch.
- Did you save some room? From lunch, make your way to the Somerset region for a tour of a local farm, complete with a tasting of cheeses crafted on-site.
After eating your fill, turn back north and make for the elegant city of Bath. Pull up to your hotel, then spend a relaxing night in. Or, maybe explore Bath’s monument-rich city center.
Bath has the unique honor of being a double UNESCO World Heritage Site: first named to the list in 1987 for its mix of Roman remains and Georgian aesthetics, then again in 2021 as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Dive right into its highlights today, with your Tour Director in the lead.
- Pass a host of famous places, including the Royal Crescent—one of England’s eminent examples of Palladian architecture—and the Circus. And no visit to Bath would be complete without entering its namesake attraction: the Roman Baths that have stood since the first century A.D.
- Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, or enter the Bath Abbey on your own. Founded in the seventh century and expanded in the English Gothic fashion, it’s a stone’s throw from the Roman Baths and a worthwhile visit for any architecture aficionado.
Once you’ve recharged, join an optional excursion and head further into the city to visit the home-turned-museum of a certain author—and Bath’s most famous resident. Alternatively, spend some free time indulging at a modern-day spa, fed by the same thermal waters that soothed the Romans thousands of years ago.
Literary Bath & Afternoon Tea
From $129 per person
One of 46 nationally designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, the Cotswolds is widely regarded as the most picturesque landscape in all of England. Today, spend some time driving through its lush pastures and down its country lanes, stopping in villages as you go.
- Begin in Bibury, a town of just 627 people, and take a leisurely stroll down Arlington Row—a cottage-lined lane so pretty that Henry Ford purportedly attempted to buy them all and ship them to the United States for reconstruction. (He only ended up purchasing one.)
- Continue to Burford, the “Gateway to the Cotswolds” and a living exhibition of Tudor and Georgian architecture. Walk down High Street, taking it all in, before breaking for lunch.
Wrap up in the Cotswolds and make the short drive to the city of Oxford. Freshen up in your hotel room, then reconvene in the evening for an included dinner, served with beer or wine.
Beyond the oldest university in the English-speaking world, you’ll find buildings of every English architectural style in Oxford—even dating as far back as the late Anglo-Saxon period. Spend the first half of your day following a local guide on a walking tour of the city, admiring its spire-studded skyline as you go.
Then, tread the campuses of New College and Christ Church, constituent schools of the University of Oxford and educational institutions that trace their roots back as far as 1379. Learn about their academic heritage and legacy, and come to know how the latter simultaneously serves as a cathedral and place of higher learning. (An extra fun fact: Oxford University was used as a filming location for the Harry Potter franchise, as well as other movies!)
Once you finish, board your bus for an optional trip to Blenheim Palace—birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill—or spend a free afternoon in Oxford.
Please note: The New College closes during the academic year. If it’s closed, your group will visit a different campus instead.
Blenheim Palace & Lunch
From $169 per person
The English countryside is dotted with grand, historic estates set within acres of meadows, woodlands, and immaculately manicured gardens. Ashridge House ticks all those boxes, and today, you’ll be treated as an honored guest.
- Travel to the former royal residence of King Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I and spend a day immersed in regal splendor. While on its 190-acre grounds, you’ll tour the main house and saunter through its Italian gardens.
- Use some free time to explore the property at your leisure, or perhaps grab lunch at its on-site cafe.
- Rejoin your group for a tasting of cream tea and scones, a quintessentially English pick-me-up.
Afterward, settle into your overnight accommodations on the grounds of Ashridge House. Get situated, then celebrate your trip with your group during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or extend your stay to continue exploring the storybook scenery of Kent County. (And if you wanted some more time in London, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.)
Thanks to its abundant orchards and hop gardens, the county of Kent more than earns its nickname of “the Garden of England”—and that’s before you realize over a quarter of its area contributes to a pair of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today, you’ll drive into this lovely corner of the country, stopping at Leeds Castle en route.
Built across two islands in a lake formed by the River Len, Leeds Castle has existed in one form or another since 857. It’s been expanded over the years, and during your tour of the property, you’ll enter its library, dining room, writing room, and salon. Close your eyes and picture the countless late-night parties it hosted in the 1930s as Olive, Lady Baillie’s residence.
Continue to your hotel in the city of Canterbury and enjoy a free evening to explore the area.
Travel to Canterbury—yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site—this morning and join a local guide for a walking tour.
- Step inside Canterbury Cathedral, seat of the leader of the Church of England and an enduring symbol of the city.
- Proceed to the King’s Mile neighborhood and walk about in the shadow of quaint buildings and independent shops.
- Pass by King’s Bridge, spanning the Great Stour, and stand in Buttermarket square, letting 800+ years of history wash over you.
Add an optional jaunt out into the Kent countryside for an afternoon of wine-sipping, or hang back in Canterbury and explore the city at your pace.
Kent Wine Country & Lunch
From $119 per person
Return to London this morning and enjoy a free afternoon—or maybe join your new friends on a tasty trip into the East End.
Whichever you choose, regroup in the evening for a farewell drink as a group.
London’s East End: Brick Lane & Curry Dinner
From $139 per person
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Reviews
Hotels, flights & FAQ
Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.Hotels
We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.This upscale hotel is located in London, steps away from the St Pancras railway station. Guests enjoy on-site restaurants, the leisure club, and a fit...
This elegant hotel is located in Salisbury’s historic center. Guests enjoy the garden, an on-site restaurant, and spacious rooms. Nearby, you’ll find ...
This Georgian townhouse is located in the center of Bath. Guests enjoy house-baked bread and croissants, individually styled rooms, and a trendy on-si...
This modern hotel sits just outside of Oxford’s City Centre neighborhood. Guests enjoy the fitness center, lobby lounge, and outdoor terrace. Nearby, ...
Rising out of the English countryside, this grand estate crowns the town of Berkhamsted. Accommodations are located in a modern extension near the mai...
This contemporary hotel is located right in the heart of Canterbury. Guests enjoy the fitness center, bar, and snack bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Cant...
This stylish hotel is located in London’s East End. Guests enjoy the fitness center, on-site coffeehouse, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Spitalfi...
Flights
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
- Find out more about flights
FAQ
Print FAQ- In order to enter the United Kingdom, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- There’s no visa requirement for U.S. or Canadian citizens.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ASH.
- You’ll walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with some hills and stairs.
- You should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
- You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times.
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from London. When you first arrive, a representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. If you don’t see them, please remain in the arrival lounge: They might be escorting one of your fellow travelers.
- Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who’ve purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchased their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
- All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights may have tighter size and weight limits than your round-trip airfare to and from tour.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any bags or exceed their size and weight restrictions. Be advised: You’re responsible for any luggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- Churches and other religious sites require visitors to cover bare legs and shoulders; you may be denied entry on this basis.
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov, for the latest updates and entry requirements.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour, as well as any possible delays you may encounter.
- If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging into your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ASH.
- English cuisine typically revolves around meat and dairy. For traditional fare at a reasonable price, order a pub meal of fish and chips or bangers and mash. Stilton cheese, steak and kidney pie, and Cumberland sausages are also worth a try.
- Modern-day London boasts an array of diverse international restaurants. Popular options for the adventurous palate include Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian, Greek, and West African cuisine. Sip afternoon tea with delicious finger sandwiches and scones at Harrods for the ultimate in English tradition.
- The United Kingdom operates on 230–240 volts and uses a Type G plug with three large, flat pins.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or any device without one built in.
- The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it’s usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
- Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
- You’ll use the pound sterling on tour.
- Better exchange rates are usually available overseas, but it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. You can also use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10–$12 per person, per day for your Tour Director and $3 per person, per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2 per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you’re on tour.
- Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or Mastercard as payment for excursions.
- Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for it to be charged.
- Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.