From Southampton: Private Stonehenge and Salisbury Tour

Explore Wiltshire’s Treasures on a Private Day Trip from Southampton

This private tour from Southampton offers an engaging journey through history and archaeology, with visits to Stonehenge and the charming Salisbury. Priced at $336.75 per person, the 7-hour experience begins with a convenient hotel or cruise port pickup, making it ideal for those seeking a seamless and personalized day out.

The tour is perfect for history buffs, architecture lovers, or anyone curious about Britain’s ancient landmarks. With entrance tickets included for both Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral, there’s no need to worry about queues or additional costs. One notable point is the private group setting, which ensures a more relaxed pace and personalized attention from the professional guide.

While the tour packs in two major sites and historical highlights like the Magna Carta and the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, it lasts just 7 hours, so it suits those looking for a full but manageable day trip. The only potential limitation is that food and refreshments are not included, so planning for lunch is recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private group ensures a tailored experience and avoids crowded tours
• Includes entrance tickets for Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral
• Starts at 9:00 AM with pickup at Southampton Cruise Terminal
• Visits Salisbury Cathedral with its Magnificent tall spire and treasures like the Magna Carta
• Explores Stonehenge, the prehistoric stone circle, with a guided 2-hour tour
• Optional drop-off at Heathrow Airport for an extra £150

Meeting Your Guide at Southampton Cruise Terminal

This tour begins promptly at 9:00 AM when your professional driver-guide greets you outside the Southampton Cruise Terminal. The guide is there with a sign bearing your name, ready to lead you comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle throughout the day.

The pickup in Southampton ensures a smooth start, especially for cruise travelers, who can relax knowing their day of exploration is well-organized. The private nature of the tour means flexibility in timing, making it easy to customize your experience based on your preferences or cruise schedule.

Discovering Salisbury Cathedral’s Medieval Grandeur

Once in Salisbury, the cathedral becomes the first major stop. Standing for over 800 years, Salisbury Cathedral is renowned for its imposing tall spire—the tallest in Britain—and its early English Gothic architecture.

Inside, the original 1215 Magna Carta is displayed, one of only four in the world. The cathedral also features the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, which adds to its historical appeal. The guided visit lasts about 2.5 hours, giving plenty of time to admire the stained glass, chapels, and treasures.

The cathedral’s central location makes it easy to explore Salisbury’s quaint streets after the tour, or enjoy a lunch break (not included). The guide offers insights into its medieval construction and its significance in English history, making it a highlight for history enthusiasts.

Visiting the Mystical Prehistoric Site of Stonehenge

Following Salisbury, the journey continues to Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric stone circle. Your guided 2-hour tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the mysteries surrounding its construction and ancient beliefs.

Built thousands of years ago, Stonehenge’s purpose remains a subject of debate, but your guide explains the theories and archaeological insights. Visitors can walk among the standing stones, soaking in the aura of this ancient monument. The tour provides ample opportunity for photos and to absorb the atmosphere of this mysterious site.

The timing allows for a relaxed exploration, with your guide sharing fascinating facts about its construction, alignments, and possible functions. Since tickets are included, there’s no need to queue or worry about availability.

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The Story Behind Salisbury’s Historic Treasures

The inclusion of Magna Carta in Salisbury Cathedral’s exhibit is a standout feature. This charter, dating back to 1215, is a cornerstone of constitutional history and one of the most significant artifacts in the UK.

Plus, the world’s oldest working mechanical clock adds to Salisbury’s reputation as a center of medieval engineering. Your guide provides context about how such mechanisms worked and their importance in medieval timekeeping.

This combination of religious, architectural, and historic artifacts makes Salisbury a fascinating destination, especially when paired with the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge.

Transport and Comfort Throughout the Day

The modern, air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable ride between locations, with private pickup and drop-off. The driver-guide is knowledgeable and attentive, making the journey between Salisbury and Stonehenge smooth and informative.

Since the tour is private, it allows for flexibility—if certain sites need extra time or if you prefer a different pace, it can be accommodated within the schedule. The 7-hour duration is designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.

The drop-off options are flexible; besides returning to Southampton, an additional fee of £150 offers a drop-off at Heathrow Airport, convenient for travelers with ongoing flights.

Logistics for Cruise Ship Passengers and Day-Trippers

This tour is especially suited for cruise ship passengers arriving in Southampton, with pickup directly outside the cruise terminal. The timed start at 9:00 AM ensures you have ample time to return before your cruise departs.

For day-trippers not on a cruise, the tour offers a comprehensive yet manageable way to see key Wiltshire landmarks. The private nature minimizes waiting times and enhances the overall experience, making it ideal for travelers seeking a personalized tour.

Cost and Value of the Private Experience

Priced at $336.75 per person, this all-inclusive package covers entrance fees, transportation, and a professional guide. The private tour setting provides more flexibility and personalized attention than group tours, which can be a significant advantage.

While the cost might seem higher than group tours, the customized service, exclusion of crowds, and direct access to sites justify the price for those valuing comfort and exclusivity.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private day trip appeals most to history enthusiasts, architecture fans, and travelers wanting a stress-free, personalized experience. It is suitable for those interested in medieval architecture, prehistoric sites, or British heritage.

However, since wheelchair access is not available, travelers with mobility issues should consider other options. Also, those seeking a more leisurely or culinary-focused tour might find this experience somewhat fast-paced, given the 7-hour itinerary.

Final Thoughts on the Wiltshire Highlights

The From Southampton: Private Stonehenge and Salisbury Tour offers an efficient, well-organized, and insightful way to experience two of England’s most famous landmarks. Its private setting ensures a personalized experience enhanced by a knowledgeable guide.

The inclusion of key historic artifacts like the Magna Carta and the world’s oldest mechanical clock enriches the visit, making it a worthwhile choice for those interested in the depth of Britain’s past. The convenience of hotel or cruise port pickup combined with entrance tickets included makes this tour both practical and engaging.

For travelers with a passion for history, architecture, or archaeology and those seeking a comfortable, private experience, this tour offers a compelling option. Its 7-hour duration is a good fit for those wanting a full day of exploration without overextending, though it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a packed schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting time for this tour?
The tour departs from Southampton at 9:00 AM. Check availability for specific starting times.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts 7 hours, including transfers and guided visits to Stonehenge and Salisbury.

What sites are included in the tour?
You visit Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, see the Magna Carta, and view the world’s oldest working mechanical clock.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private group tour, providing a more relaxed and personalized experience.

Are entrance tickets included?
Yes, tickets to Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral are included in the price.

What is the duration spent at each site?
You spend about 2 hours at Stonehenge and 2.5 hours at Salisbury Cathedral.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food or refreshments are not included, so plan to bring or buy lunch during the day.

Can I be dropped off at Heathrow Airport?
Yes, for an extra fee of £150, you can be dropped off at Heathrow Airport instead of returning to Southampton.

Is wheelchair access available?
No, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How do I arrange pickup if arriving on a cruise?
Your driver-guide waits outside the cruise terminal holding a sign with your name, ready to escort you in the air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby