Explore Bath & Stonehenge Self-Guided Audio Tours

Take a day trip out of London, and discover the prehistoric UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, as well as explore Bath's medieval history and Jane Austen's home. Learn about the origins of Bath’s Roman Baths as a spring for pigs to bathe in, the story of the Roman invasion of Britain, and the mystical properties of Bath's water. In the first two Bath tours, listen to expert historians guide you through the most famous historical and cultural sightseeing spots such as Bath Abbey, home to the coronation of the first King ‘of all England’, as well as the history behind the home of Jane Austen. In the second tour, get an in-depth insight into Stonehenge's history that spans over 10,000 years. Learn about the Neolithic Village, Cursus Barrows, Aubrey Holes and the many rituals and mythical tales that surround the site. Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 min

   Our guides, Katie and Colm, will give you an overview of what to expect on this tour including the development of Bath and its early history up to the end of the 17th century. We will then meander down to look down towards the river Avon and the spectacular view of Parade Gardens and surrounding hills as Katie sets the scene of Bath in 800BC and the legend of King Bladud.

2. 2

   Sally Lunn's Museum

   Pass by

   After taking in the view, we will go past one of Bath’s major institutions - Sally Lunn’s tea shop – a key point of interest on our Jane Austen tour. The tea shops have become a key part of Bath’s history as it became a fashionable spa town.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   Pass by

   Next, we stop at Bath’s most famous landmark – the Roman Baths – formed shortly after the Romans arrival

4. 4

   Bath Abbey

   5 min

   Around the corned from the Roman Baths is Bath Abbey – we discover how the Baths were forgotten, how Bath changed during the Saxon period, the Christianisation of the country, Abbey foundation and crowning of King Edgar the Peaceful in 973AD – the birth of England!

5. 5

   Hospital Of St. John The Baptist

   Pass by

   As we continue through bath, we reach St John’s Hospital – a hospital steeped in history, particularly during medieval life in Bath.

6. 6

   The Cross Bath

   5 min

   We then reach the Cross Bath – Colm and Katie will tell the story of Mary of Modena and Bath’s reluctant role in the Glorious Revolution 1688!

7. 7

   Thermae Bath Spa

   Pass by

   We continue onto the Bath Thermae Spa where you can explore the Spa for yourself and “take the waters”

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   We then continue onto the Pump Room/Roman Baths. Katie and Colm will discuss the rise in popularity in Bath as a spa resort during the 18th century. They will also introduce you to some of the more interesting stories about Jane Austen and here time in the city.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Built in 1805, this theatre was the heart of Bath's evening pursuits and the spiritual home of Beau Nash

10. 10

    Queen Square

    5 min

    Next, we move to Queen Square and one of Jane Austen’s main residence. We’ll also discover John Wood the Elder and the unique architectural design of houses in the area.

11. 11

    Stop 11

    5 min

    Wander through the Georgian Gardens and onto the Royal Crescent, walking in the footsteps of 18th century aristocracy. We’ll explain the reason behind the wide streets and the role of “taking the air” in Bath life.

12. 12

    Stop 12

    5 min

    Once you reach the Royal Crescent, take a moment to marvel at this world-renowned architecture.

13. 13

    The Circus

    5 min

    As we continue our tour, we discover the Circus where we learn more about John Wood the Elder and neo-classical Georgian style.

14. 14

    Stop 14

    Pass by

    We then come across the Assembly Rooms and gain a fascinating insight into evening life in Bath in the 18th and 19th centuries – from dances to card games. Jane Austen loved these social events and there was a strong emphasis placed on young women to gain husbands here.

15. 15

    Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein

    Pass by

    We visit Gay Street – another one of Jane Austen’s residences and then explore the fascinating world of Mary Shelly and her best-known fictional character, Frankenstein

16. 16

    Stop 16

    Pass by

    We finish outside the Jane Austen Centre where you can continue to learn more about the history of one of Britains most famous women

17. 17

    Stonehenge

    40 min

    The tour starts at the Visitor's Centre. As we walk, we dig through some theories and learn of neolithic life. We learn more about this burial site and the "Beaker People". We discover an ancient legend involving a giant.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.