This tour made me fall in love with England. During my two-week stay in Europe and having been able to visit eight countries, I would say England captured my heart the most and I would do my very best to live there at least once in my life.
I booked my England in one day tour with Premium Tours before I even left Canada for Europe. The tour cost £88. Premium Tours offers hotel pickup but since I was staying at a friend’s flat, I had to find my way to the Victoria Coach Station myself. The meeting time at the station was 8:15 a.m.
My friend, Aaron, took me and dropped me off at the station before 8 a.m. I bought a bottle of water for £0.99 and the grossest ham and mayo sandwich I’ve ever had for £2.79. I boarded the coach and off we went to Stratford-upon-Avon, where the greatest playwright, William Shakespeare, was born.
According to our tour guide, Stratford-upon-Avon means street across the river. Avon is a Celtic word meaning river and Strat meaning street.
Entrance to the house/birthplace of Shakespeare was included in the tour. Before entering Shakespeare’s house, we even got a free glass of champagne or orange juice and a scone. While eating, there were performers to entertain us.
Fun fact: Shakespeare’s dad, John Shakespeare, was the mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon when William was four years old!
Another fun fact: If you are looking of buying a guidebook, it is cheaper to get it at the entrance than at the exit. 
After touring Shakespeare’s house, actors were at the courtyard performing some scenes from different plays written by Shakespeare. I stopped and watched them for a bit before heading to the shop to buy some souvenirs. 
Although Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town and the fact that I am a big city girl, I could actually see myself living in Stratford-upon-Avon. Only because even if it is a small town, there are plenty of things to do, eat, and see. There are a lot of plays and buskers singing to keep me entertained, cafes and restaurants to choose from, and shopping to keep me busy. On that day, I left my money at my friend’s flat and I only had £20 in my pocket, so I tried really hard not to spend so much money. I did buy £2.90 souvenirs and £2.75 toffee for my parents. Even though, I had my credit card with me, I try not to use it as much as possible.
Anyways, after a visit to Shakespeare’s town, we boarded the coach to go to Bath but with a mini-stop at Cotswolds. We were there for maybe less than half an hour for anyone who wants to go on a pee break. According to our tour guide, Cotswolds is a pretty expensive place to live in!
After a few hours of driving, we have arrived in Bath. I never expected Bath to be this beautiful! Well, to be honest, I did not really know what to expect. All I knew was I was going to see the Roman Baths but the town of Bath itself, oh my God! It took my breath away with its beauty! In fact, I hurried to see the Roman Baths and did not take my time inside so I can come back outside and marvel at the beauty of Bath itself.
I seriously wanted to cry because of its beauty. Every street I turn to, it’s just pure magic. I would definitely want to go back! I think there is more to do there than just to visit the Roman Bath. Okay, I’m adding that to my things to do: VISIT BATH AGAIN!
Back to the Roman Baths… When we got there, I found out that entrance to the Roman Baths is not included so I bought a ticket to go inside. It was £14.50. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed that entrance to the Roman Baths was not included. I was expecting it to be an all-inclusive tour but oh well. 
As usual, the architecture inside the Roman Bath (just like everywhere in Bath really!) is incredible!
Here you go, folks! The Roman Baths! There was an audio tour that comes with the entrance fee but I did not listen to it so I did not learn anything because I was just so preoccupied with the beauty of everything I saw that I decided to just focus my attention to it. I mean, I can always go online and read about it right? But I don’t have all the time in the world to actually look at what is right in front of me!
Before leaving the Roman Baths, I bought a map of Bath for £2.
When I got out of the Roman Baths, I walked and explored the streets of Bath some more. There were a lot of neat shops and cafes sprinkled all over. I bought a £2.65 Bath beer to give to a friend back in Canada.
I was getting hungry so I looked for a place to eat but with only a little over £1.50 left in my pocket, I was debating whether or not I should grab some food. I really, really did not want to use my credit card. I saw a sandwich/panini place and their cheapest one is £1.65 and I was £0.05 short. I was so tempted to beg for coins but I didn’t. I, eventually, gave in and used my credit card and bought an empanada and a bottle of water from Pasty Presto. I did not want to be hangry because the tour is not over yet! 
I bought a travelling beef empanada and a bottle of water for a total of £4.10 and yes, I did use my credit card. The empanada was served warm and fresh. It was sweet and spicy at the same time and the beef was tender! The filling reminds me of some Filipino dish I can’t quite put my finger on.
We headed straight to the Stonehenge after leaving Bath. Entrance to the Stonehenge was also included on the tour package. So, YAY!
From the souvenir shop and ticketing centre, one can take the shuttle or walk to the Stonehenge. Everyone from the tour took the shuttle. It was about a three-minute shuttle ride to the Stonehenge. On the way back, you also have the option to take the shuttle or walk.
The general atmosphere of the place is just very calm and peaceful. I could not believe I was there and that I finally got to see the Stonehenge! It was surreal to say the least! It actually breaks my heart to leave that place. I could not find the right words to explain the experience of being there. It was a crazy feeling to feel that way especially since for most people it is just a bunch of rocks.
So since this was the last stop of the tour, I had more time to actually read the information provided. I learned that there were two types of stones used in the Stonehenge: sarsen and bluestone. The bigger stones used to build the Stonehenge were the sarsen and the smaller ones were the bluestone. Sarsen is a type of sandstone and is found in Southern England. On the other hand, bluestones “are a variety of different volcanic rocks, including dolerites and rhyolites” and “come from the Preseli Hills in west Wales.”
After enjoying the Stonehenge, I went to the souvenir shop and bought a postcard and magnet for a total of £8.50 using my credit card again.
And that was the end of the tour. We got back to London at around 9 p.m. I took the tube to meet my friend to get the keys to her place and some of my money I asked her to take and give to me. Then I headed back to Canary Wharf and then took the bus back to my friend’s flat. I did stop by for a hotdog dinner at a stall in Canary Wharf.
It was kind of like Subway, where you choose what kind of meat hotdog you like and what toppings you want to go with it.
I got a pork hotdog with crispy onions, ketchup, and mayo. I got a combo with chips and Coke. It cost £5.90. It was one of the best and tastiest chips I’ve ever had. The hotdog was not so great but the crispy onions were the bomb!
Expenses: England in one day Premium tour £88 (inclusive of entrance to Shakespeare’s birthplace and entrance to Stonehenge), bottle of water £0.99, ham and mayo sandwich £2.79, souvenirs £2.90, toffee £2.75, adult entrance to Roman Baths £14.50, Bath map £2, Bath beer £2.65, empanada and bottle of water £4.10, Stonehenge postcard and magnet £8.50, and pork hotdog with chips and coke £5.90 for a total of £135.08.
Would I recommend for you to go with Premium Tours?
Absolutely! They are not paying me to say this and no, I did not go to the tour for free. I am saying this because based on my experience, they are a really good tour company. I have been in touch with them before my tour and they were very prompt when answering my questions. All communications were either through e-mail or telephone. They respond within 24 hours (if e-mail) and they have answers to all my questions. At one point, I was actually considering cancelling my tour with them and just going with a friend to wing it (good thing I didn’t!) and they said they will issue a FULL REFUND as long as I cancel 24 hours prior to the tour and a 50% refund if I cancel with less than 24 hours prior to the tour. I really like that policy. Also, the tour guide is so funny, organized, friendly, and helpful. I wanted to give him a tip but I didn’t have enough cash with me and I felt really bad. I would go on a tour with them again.
If you are looking for other trips you can do within the UK, check out the following links: “A Day Trip to Richmond” and “The Ultimate UK Road Trip”
It looks like you had a fantastic tour in England! I’ve been to London a couple of times, and we did get out of the city for a one-day tour, but it was in an opposite direction of where you went. I would love to go to Stratford, Bath, and Stonehenge some day. Thx for sharing.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a decadent diversion at Pearson International Airport
Hi Doreen! Where did you go? I plan on moving to England in the next year or two for a work/holiday visa. I just fell in love with that country! I love the people, too!
Wow! You packed a lot into a short amount of time! Fun places!
The Educational Tourist recently posted…Hammam (Turkish bath) Experience
Funny but that child ticket … it always happens to me too. Nice tour by the way.
Karla recently posted…Comment on Hong Kong Night Life : To Chill or To Party? by Karilyn
Wow – you sure had a busy day!! So lovely to read someone write so enthusiastically about the country you live in. It’s easy to forget how beautiful England is when you drive on the M25 everyday ;). love that you enjoyed yourself… and I totally agree with you, Bath is absolutely magic! 🙂
Gabby
Gabby | The Globe Wanderers recently posted…Self Drive Adventures on Fraser Island (and 4 of the best bits)
Are those snapchat screen shots? If so, what’s your username? Thanks for sharing your day in England! Never imagined you can do all these in a day! Xx
Trisha Velarmino recently posted…Best Restaurants in Moscow, Russia
Hello, Trisha! my snapchat username is kimjusz <3 See you there! 🙂
everything looks so great there! That’s so awesome that you got got a free glass of champagne at Shakespeare’s house! 😉 I would love to see that stonehenge too!
Stacey Valle recently posted…Visiting the worldâs most heavily fortified border: The DMZ
It was amaziiing! When do you plan on going? 🙂
This is exactly what I was looking for! We have a layover soon and am looking for something to see! I’ll be looking into the best option of these from the airport!! Though secretly I’ve always wanted to visit Bath and this only made me want to see it more!
Carolann – One Modern Couple recently posted…11 Wacky Inventions Found In Japan
Which airport are you flying to? 🙂 Glad my post helped 🙂
I’m always so happy to hear someone who visits and loves England. I arrived in London over 4 years ago and can’t bear to leave it – I love it so much :). It seems a bit cloudy on your tour day, I’m glad that it still left a great impression. Your post reminds me of my visit to Stratford-upon-avon a while back. It was a really sunny day and it was beautiful, thought you might enjoy it http://www.wanderingmee.com/2014/05/finding-shakespeare-at-stratford-upon-avon/
mee recently posted…7 Reasons to Visit Bradford in 2015
Great post! I went on a tour earlier this year but it just went to Bath and Stonehenge. Such spectacular places. Stonehenge was unforgettable and the city of Bath is sooooo cute!
Oh my God! Bath is amazing! If there’s any place in the world I would go back to, that would be Bath.
Love this! I never made it to Bath or Stonehenge when i lived in London (too busy in Europe). But this makes me want to check it out when i go back for a visit. I laughed at your comment about the gross sandwich haha. Nice post!
I’m so glad you enjoyed coming to England and hope you will enjoy more travels here in future as there is so much more to see.
You have to find the time to go to Bath! It is sooooo beautiful there! Everywhere you look is just OMG!
Ahh! I’m from Crick! I grew up there and my mum and dad still live there! I’m ridiculously excited to see my village on your map!
(sorry for the out burst! That’s made my week!) the UK in a day is a tough job but I’m so please to see you avoided London, as most people who’ve been to the UK only seem to go to London, and the rest of of the country is amazing! doing it in a day is tough though, and I’m ashamed to say that despite going on loads of holidays in the UK I still haven’t seen Stonehenge! It’s one to do when I return! 🙂
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What a great post! I had no idea you could do all three in a day. We missed visiting all of those, but they are all on my list of places to visit next time we are in England! Love the photos.
Kim-Ling recently posted…How to explore Nice and the French Riviera
Great! I’m going to England this February so I will consider taking this tour.
Stratford Upon Avon looks really cute!! I had never really considered it until now! And definitely want to visit Stonehenge!
You did so much in one day!!
Would love to go to Stonehenge… such a historical and mystic place! And would love to try the hotdog, haha.
It’s also great with you get along with the tour guide, it makes the experience much better!
Dinh-Long recently posted…Why You Should Go To Benin
The empanadas have my mouth watering! I’ve heard Bath is pretty awesome, and I can see from your pictures that it is. You seem to have covered some of the most important sights in England in one day, was it a tiring day though ? I’m not a fan of taking tours, I like to go to places on my own but it seems like it was an interesting and convenient choice to make here. Aren’t the scones in England super?
Medha Verma recently posted…What you must know BEFORE travelling to Japan
I like that you document your trip with Snapchat lol I do that sometimes too!
Giving in and using that credit card for food is totally acceptable. I would have given in long before XD
I agree with you on how you spent your time admiring and taking in the beauty than listening to the history. Honestly, I would have probably done the same and read about it that night.
i love your post..with full time jobs sometime one day is all we go to explore a city. this blog i will bookmark and use it on my next visit to England
Eeeek! I loved this post. I had no idea you could do these 3 amazing places in just 1 day!!! seriously? I think you just write out my itinerary for England when on a budget too. so cool, and i love Shakespeare so it would be awesome.
Being from England, I’m glad you had a great time during your stay, Stonehenge and Stratford-upon-avon are places I haven’t actually been back to as an adult. We did school trips when I was a child and can’t remember too much of. However after reading through this, I must take another visit haha 😀
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Great itenerary! You really packed a lot in in such a short period. Would you recommend Stonehenge? It has always been on my list!
Looks like a really interesting tour! And a whole lot of fun
Ok, so I live in England (and not that far from any of these attractions) – but hands up, I’ve never been to any of them 🙁 I feel so uncultured about my own country!
One thing I will say though, the house of Shakespeare was built in 1540, and is still standing! British architecture makes me so proud. I mean it’s survived two World Wars and numerous other things – what does that tell you about how “great” Great Britain is 😉 I think it’s so funny that Canada has only just celebrated its 150th birthday, yet the house I’m in the process of buying is 50 years older than that – imagine, I’ll be living in a house that’s older than the country 36.3 million people live in! hehe – just a bit of food for thought. I’m glad you enjoyed England so much, event though it was such a short trip! xx
This looks like an amazing tour, have only been to London once, but didn’t have time to do much… have always wanted to check out Stonehedge too – the architecture and details in Stratford on Avon are amazing! Hope to go soon so I can check this out.
Sounds like an amazing day trip. I’ve only been to London in England but would love to go back and see Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, and Stonehenge.
That looks like a great tour. So, I have a question. Do people still get in the water in the Roman Baths? I love the small, old cities like the ones you visited. I would have taken so many photos. Shakespeare is my absolute favorite authors. It would be so great to visit his home and birth town.