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'Great Tours of London, Britain & Ireland'  

TOUR 27:     The Alternative Big One TouJavascript DHTML Drop Down Menu Powered by dhtml-menu-builder

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(14 hours - Please note: best in May, June, July and August when the days are longer)

For those short of time but long on ambition - an alternative Big One! Tour

Designed as a suitable alternative but also "ambitious" tour to THE BIG ONE!, this tour will please those who've already seen some of the more popular sights on that tour. You'll find some less well known, but equally interesting places on this very big day out.

The tour's theme is "The King Arthur Legend and the great Cathedral cities of the West". We commence with a drive past RUNNYMEDE, scene of the Magna Carta, then on through WINDSOR GREAT PARK to join the motorway heading towards the South-West of England.

Canadian Girl Scouts at Magna Carta Memorial     Ruddick Tours - Summer countryside tour ..     A springtime sight in England

 

An hours drive brings us to WINCHESTER, the Anglo-Saxon capital, where Queen Mary I was married to King Philip II of Spain, marking the beginnings of a bloody and turbulent period in English history. We'll visit the great Cathedral, one of the finest in Europe and see where many ancient Saxon Kings of England lie, together with famous characters from more modern times, among them writers Jane Austen and Izaak Walton, author of The Compleat Angler.

We'll visit the Great Hall of the original Norman Castle (built in 1235), which is now an Assize Court. Sir Walter Raleigh was condemned to death here in 1603. On the wall we'll see "King Arthur's round table" - marked out and inscribed for his legendary Knights.

Camelot site?            Salisbury Cathedral              Arthur's grave?

Leaving Winchester we shall be continuing in a westerly direction through SALISBURY with its much admired Cathedral, often depicted by artists, most famously John Constable. We have time for a brief stop here, an explanation about the origins of the Cathedral and its' City, plus a chance for a coffee, some shopping or just take photographs of the lovely setting.

A short drive brings us to SHAFTESBURY, a charming small town - with a hill where the cottages seem to tumble down, leaning on each other. This charming spot will take our attention for a moment before we drive on to neighbouring SHERBORNE, a beautiful small town which seems stuffed with antique dealers - you have been warned! We'll check out Sir Walter Ralegh's castle and enjoy a good picnic lunch (included).

On the road again, briefly, as nearby a half-hour or so break will give the fittest members of your family a chance to explore an ancient Hill Fort with me. It was long-believed to have been the site of King Arthur's Camelot. There are great views from the top to reward those who made the climb! Then it's onward into the Somerset Levels; we're in Avalon country now and all will be explained.

Our final destination is the very untypical market town of GLASTONBURY. This atmospheric little town has attracted pilgrims and "searchers after truth" for centuries. They say that the Chalice used at the Last Supper is buried on the hill or "tor" overlooking the town, and that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were re-buried in the monastery here. All can be visited and a tour of the monastery will prove not only interesting but educational to all ages, the monks certainly knew how to organise, build and farm to an impressive way even by today's standards!

There are good places to grab an early dinner here before we commence our return journey to London.

If you're into history, architecture or just trying to discover how "merrie olde England" used to be, then this day out will be a good choice for you!

IMPORTANT!Before booking this tour and paying your deposit please check my availability using my online diary

Up to 8 persons:    £680* Book and pay deposit securely by PAYPAL here

N.B. Price is for the car NOT per person * The price includes: Car, driver-guide and all mileage, an excellent picnic lunch. The price excludes: Entry fees, meals and gratuities.

(Recommended for first timers: T.26 - THE ORIGINAL BIG ONE! A large part of England in a single day!).

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