Stonehenge, Avebury & Cotswolds: Small Group Day Trip Bath

Summary

Stone circles, quiet villages & film spots on a relaxed Bath day trip

You’ll start early from Bath to reach Stonehenge before crowds gather, walk among ancient stones at Avebury, stop for lunch in Lacock’s film-famous streets, and wander Castle Combe’s storybook lanes with your local guide leading the way. Expect real conversation, small group energy, and plenty of time to linger where you want—this isn’t one of those rushed bus tours.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the pickup because I couldn’t find my other sock. Typical. But our guide (I think her name was Helen?) just grinned and said, “No worries, we’ve got time.” That set the tone: easygoing, not rushed. We left Bath before most people had even had their tea. Driving through that morning mist toward Stonehenge felt weirdly cinematic — fields rolling by, sheep blinking at us like we’d woken them up too early.

Getting to Stonehenge first meant it was just us and the crows for a while. It’s quieter than you’d think out there — wind whistling, someone’s phone camera clicking. The stones look colder up close, almost blue in the early light. Our guide sorted the tickets so we skipped the line (which I appreciated because I get twitchy waiting around), then pointed out some details about how they moved those massive rocks. There was something earthy in the air — damp grass and that faint chalky smell you only get in Wiltshire.

Avebury was next — if you haven’t heard of it, it’s this village literally inside a giant stone circle. You can actually walk right up to the stones here; I tried dowsing with those bent wires they hand out (felt silly but hey, when in England). We wandered past a pub with a thatched roof older than my country and watched two locals argue over which ale was best — sounded serious but they were laughing by the end. The main keyword for this tour is really “small group day tour from Bath,” and honestly, it made all these stops feel more like a road trip with friends than a bus tour.

There was a photo stop at Silbury Hill (still no one knows what it’s for), and then Lacock for lunch — I grabbed a pasty and sat on a stone wall watching kids feed ducks near the abbey gates. The village looks like someone pressed pause on time; apparently half of Harry Potter was filmed here but nobody acts impressed about it anymore. Castle Combe came last — tiny cottages, crooked lanes, that sound of water running under old bridges. I took way too many photos of doors and windows because everything looked like it belonged in an old storybook.

I still think about how quiet Stonehenge felt that morning or the way sunlight hit those honey-colored stones in Castle Combe. Sometimes tours blur together but this one stuck with me — maybe because nothing felt forced or hurried, or maybe just because Helen let me finish my coffee before we drove back to Bath.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Stonehenge, Avebury, and Cotswolds

• Arrive early at Stonehenge
• Pick up Stonehenge tickets
• Visit Stonehenge information centre
• Walk among Stonehenge stones
• Try dowsing at Stonehenge
• Wander Avebury village and pub
• Photo stop at Silbury Hill
• Photo stop at Cherhill white horse
• Lunch in Lacock National Trust village
• Explore Lacock village and optional Abbey visit
• Visit Castle Combe village in Cotswolds
• Walk cobbled streets and see market cross
• Relax by stream and see medieval clock

Top questions

How early does the Stonehenge day trip from Bath start?

The tour leaves Bath early in the morning to reach Stonehenge before most visitors arrive.

Is entrance to Stonehenge included?

No, you’ll need a debit or credit card on the day to pay for your own Stonehenge ticket; your guide will collect tickets to skip queues.

How big is the group on this tour?

The small group day tour from Bath has a maximum of 15 people per group.

Are there stops for food or lunch?

Yes, there’s time for lunch in Lacock village where you can choose from several options; food isn’t included in the price.

Can I walk among the stones at Avebury?

Yes! At Avebury you’re free to walk right up to and among the ancient standing stones.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchairs?

The tour is suitable for children aged 5+, collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated, and service animals are allowed.

What film locations will we see on this trip?

Lacock village features in Harry Potter and Pride & Prejudice; Castle Combe appears in Stardust and Warhorse among others.

Do I need cash or can I pay by card during stops?

You’ll need a debit or credit card specifically for your Stonehenge ticket; most other places accept cards as well.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Bath with an expert local guide leading your small group (max 15), reserved entrance slots at Stonehenge (tickets paid separately), plenty of free time at each stop including Avebury stone circle and Silbury Hill photo stop, plus lunch break in Lacock village before finishing at Castle Combe—all transport included before returning to Bath late afternoon.