Shore Excursion Southampton Cruise terminal to Salisbury & Stonehenge

Explore Salisbury and Stonehenge in a Convenient Private Tour from Southampton

This half-day private shore excursion offers a well-organized way to visit Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge during a cruise stop in Southampton. Priced at $470.87 per person, the tour is designed for those wanting a hassle-free experience with port pickup, private transportation, and admission tickets included for Stonehenge. While Salisbury Cathedral entrance fees are extra, the tour duration of approximately 5 hours provides enough time for sightseeing without feeling rushed—though some reviews suggest that more time at each site would be appreciated.

This tour suits travelers seeking a comfortable, guided visit with the flexibility of being dropped off either back at the cruise port or in specific areas of London. The private vehicle ensures a personalized experience, and the free time at each stop allows for some independent exploration. However, it’s important to note that Salisbury Cathedral admission is not included, and additional time at each site might be necessary for those wanting a more thorough visit.

Key Points

• Private half-day tour departing from Southampton cruise terminal or hotels.
• Includes admission tickets to Stonehenge with 2 hours of viewing time.
• Flexible drop-off options include return to Southampton or drop-off in select areas of London.
• Comfortable, private transportation in air-conditioned vehicles with options for sedan, minivan, or van.
• Tour duration is approximately 5 hours, with 2 hours and 30 minutes allocated for sightseeing.
• Salisbury Cathedral entrance fee is not included, but viewing of the Magna Carta is free with a small additional fee for cathedral entry.

Salisbury and Stonehenge: Highlights of the Tour

This tour takes you to two iconic sites: Salisbury Cathedral and Stonehenge. The first stop is Salisbury Cathedral, where 30 minutes are dedicated to viewing the cathedral from outside, with a small fee required if visitors wish to go inside. The Magna Carta is also visible from outside at no charge, adding a historic touch to the visit.

The main event is the 2-hour visit to Stonehenge, with admission tickets included. This allows ample time to explore the mysterious stone circle, take photos, and absorb the atmosphere without feeling hurried. The inclusion of admission ensures a smooth experience, avoiding long lines or additional costs upon arrival.

Following the sightseeing, the driver transports guests back to Southampton, completing the tour in about 5 hours total. For those interested in extending their trip, drop-off options in London are available for specific postcodes, offering a convenient way to continue sightseeing or head directly to a hotel.

Comfortable Private Transportation in a Private Vehicle

Travel in style in a private, air-conditioned vehicle that accommodates groups of 1 to 8 people, depending on the selected vehicle type. The options include sedans, minivans, or vans, making this tour suitable for couples, families, or small groups.

The driver is responsible for both transportation and timing, ensuring punctual pickups and drop-offs. The 30-minute waiting time at Salisbury and Stonehenge provides flexibility for quick photos or small explorations, but travelers should plan accordingly if they wish to spend more time at each site.

The pickup can be arranged directly from the Southampton cruise terminal or hotels, streamlining the process. Once sightseeing concludes, guests can enjoy the convenience of being dropped off either at the cruise port or at pre-selected London areas, including Soho, Mayfair, Kensington, and Westminster.

Logistics of the Tour: Timing and Flexibility

The journey from Southampton to Stonehenge takes about 1 hour, giving ample buffer time for comfort and any delays. The total tour duration is around 5 hours, with 2 hours and 30 minutes dedicated to sightseeing at Salisbury and Stonehenge.

The tour operates on a non-refundable basis, meaning cancellations are not possible once booked. Travelers are asked to provide disembarkation details such as the cruise ship name and disembarkation time, ensuring timely pickup.

The drop-off options in London are limited to specific postcodes and exclude popular areas such as the City of London or Tower of London. This makes the tour ideal for guests wanting to explore certain parts of London after their sightseeing.

What to Expect at Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

The first stop offers 30 minutes to view Salisbury Cathedral from outside, which is renowned for its medieval architecture and tall spire. Visitors can see the Magna Carta displayed there, but entry to the cathedral requires a small fee and is not included in the tour. Guests interested in visiting inside should plan accordingly.

While the outside view is free, the interior visit provides a chance to see the cathedral’s famous cloisters and chapels. The limited time means only a brief overview is possible, so those wanting a comprehensive visit might find this schedule tight.

Experience at Stonehenge: Included Admission and Time

The highlight of the tour is the 2-hour visit to Stonehenge, with admission tickets included. This allows guests to get up close to the prehistoric stone circle, take photos, and enjoy the site’s mystery and history.

The included tickets help avoid long queues and additional fees, making for a smooth experience. The 2-hour window is enough for a leisurely visit, but some may wish for even more time to explore the visitor center or undertake a guided audio tour.

Drop-off Options: Southampton or London

After sightseeing, the driver returns guests to Southampton cruise terminal or hotels, based on their preference. For those wishing to explore further, drop-offs in London are available in select areas such as Soho, Westminster, Kensington, and Bayswater.

This flexibility is a notable advantage, especially for guests who want to transition directly to sightseeing or accommodation in London. However, drop-offs outside the specified areas are not available, so planning ahead is recommended.

Realities of the Tour: Strengths and Limitations

The main strengths of this tour include the private, comfortable transportation, admission to Stonehenge, and the flexibility of drop-off points. The pacing is generally well-organized, giving ample time for sightseeing without feeling overly rushed.

However, some limitations are noted. The admission fee to Salisbury Cathedral is not included, and more time at each site might be desirable for visitors wanting a deeper experience. The reviews point out that the van can feel worn and that communication with the driver can sometimes be a bit challenging if English is not clear, though this is based on individual experiences.

Who Should Book This Tour

This private tour is ideal for cruise passengers wanting a seamless, guided experience to Salisbury and Stonehenge with admission tickets included. It works well for small groups or families seeking comfort and flexibility.

Those who value timeliness, convenience, and privacy will find this package suits their needs. Conversely, travelers wanting more extensive site visits or a more narrated experience might prefer other options or additional guided tours at each site.

Final Thoughts on the Salisbury & Stonehenge Shore Excursion

The Southampton cruise port to Salisbury and Stonehenge tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see two of England’s most famous landmarks in half a day. The private vehicle and included admission to Stonehenge are significant advantages, streamlining the experience for busy cruise travelers.

While the ticket to Salisbury Cathedral is not included, the viewing from outside combined with the 2-hour visit to Stonehenge provides a balanced itinerary. The drop-off flexibility in London adds extra convenience for those extending their visit.

This tour best suits guests who want a comfortable, guided experience with efficient sightseeing and are okay with limited time at each site. For travelers seeking more in-depth exploration or spending extra time at Salisbury Cathedral, additional arrangements might be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
No, the tour is private and accommodates groups of up to 8 people, depending on vehicle choice.

Does the tour include lunch or food?
No, food and drinks are not included in the package.

Can I be dropped off in central London?
Drop-offs are available only in specific London areas, including Soho, Mayfair, Kensington, and Westminster.

Are entrance fees to Salisbury Cathedral included?
No, the admission to Salisbury Cathedral is not included, but viewing the exterior and the Magna Carta at no charge is possible.

How long is the drive from Southampton to Stonehenge?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour each way.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, as long as the group can manage the walking and the timing, the tour suits families and small groups.

What vehicle options are available?
Options include sedans, minivans, and vans, accommodating 1 to 8 passengers.

What happens if I want more time at the sites?
The tour allows 2 hours and 30 minutes for sightseeing, but additional time may require arrangements outside of the standard package.

Can I cancel this tour?
No, this experience is non-refundable once booked.

How do I confirm my pickup details?
You’ll need to provide your disembarkation time and cruise ship name when booking to ensure timely pickup.