London to Bath – A Rail & Road History Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive London

Our overseas travellers flew into London Heathrow and independently caught the Heathrow Express to central London. We arranged a 3-night stay at the boutique St Leonard Hotel in Mayfair with breakfast included – an ideal location to explore the capital.

Days 2 & 3 – Explore London

Two days to take in the sights of London at their own, leisurely pace.

Ffestiniog Travel organised a Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Cruise ticket which enabled them to plan their own sightseeing, hopping on or off the cruise boat as many times as they wanted in a 24 hour period. The package meant they could sit back and admire the city’s iconic sights as they glided along the Thames between each of their chosen destinations and landmarks.

Day 4 – Oxford

A mid-morning train departure from Marylebone Station to Oxford for an overnight stay at the stunning Head of the River Hotel. Their day visit to Oxford enabled them to take a taxi to stunning Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site, to enjoy a tour of the stately home. The tour options included a 35 minute Duke's Floor Tour, a 40 minute ‘Downstairs' Tour and a 50 minute 'Upstairs' Tour.

Day 5 – Warwick Castle

After a leisurely breakfast the family caught the train to Warwick Castle to enjoy an unforgettable guest experience! The splendour of being a castle guest included complimentary champagne on arrival and accommodation in their own private chambers inside the Castle. Each suite is located on its own private floor of the 14th Century Caesar’s Tower and comprises of an opulent bed chamber with a four-poster bed. The castle boasts a wealth of Royal connections and the interior design and furnishings complement the mediaeval architecture and exceptional surroundings. Their stay also included a private tour of Warwick Castle by a resident History Team specialist, breakfast served in their suite or in the castle’s State Rooms and a 2-day Warwick Castle entrance, including the Castle Dungeon.

Day 6 – Via the Cotswolds to Bath

Today the family hired a car in Warwick city centre to drive through the beautiful Cotswolds. Their journey took them through scenic countryside and some quintessential English villages including Lacock. This 13th Century village is owned entirely by the National Trust and is a great place for history buffs to explore. The village Abbey was erected in the 13th Century and has had additional elements constructed over time. During the 16th Century, it was turned into a country house and in the Victorian era, a beautiful garden was cultivated which remains immaculate today. On arrival in Bath the family had a 2-night stay at the Bailbrook House hotel with breakfast included.

Day 7 – At Leisure in Bath

A chance to spend the day exploring the beautiful spa town of Bath, famous for its Roman and 18th Century Georgian architecture. It is home to one of the best-preserved Roman bathhouses and many other architectural treasures that has earned the whole city UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Day 8 – Return to London

The family’s tour ended with an afternoon rail journey back to London.