Winter Day Trip Ideas From Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire

coach hire - Stonehenge

The winter is a lovely time to explore some of the country’s heritage and tourist attractions, getting ahead of the busier times in spring and summer. The weather can also add to the atmospherics, helping you experience familiar landmarks in a new light. 

If you choose to travel by the convenience of a coach hire company, you can relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of navigation and parking. Here are some suggestions for the best winter day trips from Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. 

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most famous sights in the world, and nothing compares to seeing the iconic monument first hand. The ancient stone circle on Salisbury Plain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the original purpose of the Neolithic creation remains a matter for debate.

It continues to intrigue scientists and historians, and spark the imagination of writers and artists. Whatever your stance, the area has an undeniable spiritual power and is full of historical and archaeological interest. 

The low winter sun can make the mysterious stones appear even more memorable at this time of year. There’s also a visitor centre with a fascinating exhibition and a recreation of a Neolithic village. 

Salisbury Cathedral

The charming historic city of Salisbury is just a short journey from Stonehenge, so it’s an ideal opportunity to combine the two destinations in one day. The heart of the city is the stunning cathedral, which contains the best preserved of the four surviving Magna Carta manuscripts dating from 1215AD. 

The 800-year old structure is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and boasts the tallest cathedral spire in the country. The interior is full of fascinating historical artefacts and the exterior is surrounded by extensive green lawns. You can book a guided tour or explore the destination at your leisure.

The city of Salisbury contains an excellent range of independent shops, brand names, and plenty of options for food and drink. The outdoor Charter Market is held throughout the year, in all weather conditions, and offers good quality products that are excellent value for money. 

Bath

The famous Georgian city of Bath is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, and it can get very busy at the height of the season. However, winter tends to be a less crowded time, so it can be an excellent time to plan a visit. 

The city is of course celebrated for its thermal Roman spa baths, and venues such as the Thermae Bath Spa allow you to experience a combination of these ancient and modern facilities. There are a range of treatments and wellness sessions available in the hot mineral rich waters, so you can treat yourself to an extra special day of pampering and relaxation.

Bath is also packed with fine architecture, many museums and galleries of national and international note, and a superb array of shops and restaurants. 

Take a tour through the Cotswolds

The Cotswolds are famed for their gently rolling landscape and honey-coloured villages, and the views can be particularly attractive in winter when dusted with a touch of frost or snow. Organise a coach tour to take in the pleasant views, and stop off for a brisk riverside walk. Round off the day for some hearty country food and drink at a cosy pub in one of the charming villages such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Burford, or Snowshill. 

If you want to do some last-minute Christmas shopping, visit historical market towns such as Twekesbury, Cirencester or Stow-on-the-Wold. They have a superb range of independent shops and thriving markets full of local produce and arts and crafts. For larger urban markets, pay a visit to Gloucester or Cheltenham, another famous spa town.

After a pleasant day trip, you won’t need to face the hassle of navigating home in the fading daylight or icy conditions, as our experienced drivers will take care of everything for you. Our modern space vehicles have heating controls and reclining seats to keep you warm and comfortable throughout your journey.

All you need to do is focus on reflecting on a very enjoyable day out, and sharing your experience with the rest of your group.