West of London
Below are listed some of the main attractions to be found travelling west of London.
It is possible to combine two or three of these locations in a day trip out of London. The cost of a tour will depend upon distance travelled and the length of the tour. For suggestions of popular itineraries, visit the prices page.
If the tour you want is not listed, please get in touch using the contact form to discuss and plan your preferred itinerary.
Windsor
Windsor Castle is the favourite home of Queen Elizabeth II. It has been used as a royal residence for almost 900 years.
Most of the castle is open to the public and you can see the changing of the guard, St George’s Chapel, the final resting place of many monarchs and, in the State Apartments, view works of art by Holbein, Van Dyck and Rubens.
The town is situated by the River Thames and it is a pleasant walk to Eton on the opposite side of the river.
Bath
The beautiful City of Bath has Britain’s only natural hot spring has attracted people to the area for over 2,000 years. The Roman Baths must not be missed and you too can relax in the bath spa.
The 18th Century architecture blends in perfectly with the surrounding hills. Other attractions include Bath Abbey, the site of the coronation of the first King of England and the Jane Austen Centre.
Stonehenge
Salisbury
You could chart the history of England from pre-historic times to the modern day in Salisbury alone. Many of the timber framed buildings date from the 16th Century. Salisbury’s Cathedral boasts the highest spire of any church in the UK and on display is an original, 13th Century, Magna Carta, an important document in English history.
Winchester
Winchester was the capital of the Anglo Saxon kingdom of Wessex, its most famous king being Alfred the Great. Included in the City’s heritage is a magnificent Cathedral.
Hampton Court
Hampton Court was used as a royal residence from the early 16th Century to mid 18th Century. The kitchens and Great Hall, built in the reign of King Henry VIII, survived the 17th Century demolition. Much of the Tudor palace was replaced with a magnificent baroque palace for King William III and Queen Mary II. The extensive gardens also include a maze.
Syon Park
Syon Park has been home to the Dukes of Northumberland for 400 years. This stately home was redesigned in the 18th Century by Robert Adam.
Osterley Park
Osterley Park was purchased by 16th Century, City of London financier Thomas Gresham. It was re-modelled by Robert Adam in the 18th Century.
Brooklands Museum
Brooklands Museum is for motor racing and aviation enthusiasts. On display are vintage motor racing cars that raced on the world’s first, purpose built, racing circuit. Pioneering aviation occurred at Brooklands. Aircraft on display include Britain’s first production Concorde.
The Thames Valley
The Thames Valley is attractive countryside following the River Thames through villages including Henley on Thames, Marlow and Cookham. Used as a location for TV and movies including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Midsomer Murders.
Lacock
Lacock, a beautiful Cotswolds village with its twisted streets, gabled roofs and timber buildings is one of the prettiest in England. The houses span the centuries, dating from medieval times to the 18th Century, but none is later than about 1800. The village has been used as a location for TV and movies including Harry Potter.