Day trips out of London always provide the opportunity to escape from the city’s energetic pulse and take some time to breathe in the beauty of the English countryside. And now it’s easy to do with Rabbie’s www.rabbies.com.
These small group tours, with a driver who’s also a storyteller, are a fascinating way to discover more of the history of the towns and cities all within easy reach of the capital.
Today our journey takes us west to visit Avebury, Lacock and Bath (in that order). There are eleven in our group hailing from around the world and we’re soon settled in comfort and excited to discover new lands.
First stop Avebury. It’s famous for its Neolithic stone circle which is older and bigger than its famous cousin, Stonehenge. We’re dropped off in the middle of town and given plenty of time to explore on our own.
The stones are scattered across the charming town, radiating a subtle yet haunting aura. Their origins and placement remain shrouded in mystery, whispering age-old legends of druids, pagan rites and ancient spiritual ceremonies. Today we wander freely among them, immersed in a sense of calm, before retreating to the local pub to savour a well-earned latte.
Then it’s back onto our luxurious little bus and our journey continues through winding lanes to the ancient village of Lacock. On our way we encounter even more intrigue.
The massive prehistoric mound that is Silbury Hill is believed to have been constructed in around 2400BC and its purpose is still a mystery. And there’s the Uffington White Horse, sketched in chalk in the hillside, believed to date back to 1000BC. The achievements of humanity thousands of years ago that have left their footprints never cease to amaze me.
Lacock is slightly younger by comparison, having been around for about 900 years (so not that youthful in fact). It’s one of those villages that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook – all honey-hued stone cottages, crooked chimneys, and cobbled streets.
It’s no surprise the village has been the location for many film and television series, including Pride & Prejudice, Downton Abbey, Harry Potter and period drama Cranford, which starred Judi Dench.
We walk its streets and soak up the history (because yes, it’s dripping with it), before making a stop at the irresistible bakery for a snack, and finding a cosy pub. There’s even a signed picture of Dame Judi to welcome us. Things couldn’t get more quintessentially English.
Our next, and final, destination is the historic city of Bath. It’s built in a natural bowl in the Avon Valley with the Cotswold Hills rising gently around it, giving the city its iconic layered views with terraces and homes climbing up the slopes. It’s known for its elegant Georgian terraces in creamy stone and ancient Roman baths.
We wander the streets and visit the famous Royal Crescent with its elegant Georgian facade standing as a timeless tribute to architectural grace and 18th-century opulence. It’s like you’ve just stepped out of a period drama. Again we have plenty of time to explore before (somewhat sadly) returning to our Rabbie’s bus for our return trip to London.
It’s been a day of learning and contemplation. There’s something entrancing about the way these places hold their history — not just in the buildings, but in the way they feel. It’s a part of Wiltshire that weaves an ancient spell, drawing historians and dreamers alike into its enigmatic embrace. And it’s great for an easy journey of discovery from London.
Rabbie’s offers a range of tours lasting one to nine days. Find out more at www.rabbies.com
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith