In 2010, my fiancée and I took a guided day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath—three iconic destinations that gave us a glimpse into England’s rich history. Back then, we relied on guidebooks, printed maps, and the structure of a tour to navigate the day. Fast-forward to 2025, and trips like this have evolved, with smartphones, travel apps, and social media shaping every step.
Yet, even with all the changes in travel technology, the magic of exploring new places and creating lasting memories remains timeless.
Back then, smartphones weren’t the travel lifeline they are today, and social media wasn’t driving our choices. But the excitement of exploring new places, learning about history, and creating memories? That’s timeless.
This guide looks back at our day trip to three of England’s most iconic destinations: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath. It was our second full day of our 30-Day European 2010 Tour.
Windsor Castle: A Royal Start
Our first stop was Windsor Castle, the world’s largest occupied castle. This royal residence felt like stepping into a fairytale.
The castle’s rooms were grand yet welcoming, with a seamless flow that made it easy to imagine life as a royal. We also visited St. George’s Chapel, where Henry VIII is buried. Cristina, my travel partner and at the time fiancée, couldn’t resist sneaking a photo of his tomb, even though photography was prohibited. I (not so proudly) distracted the docent to give her the chance. It’s a memory we still laugh about today.
Windsor was more than just a castle—it was a glimpse into centuries of history. Whether you’re a history buff or not, this is a must-see destination. And I say that as a person who finds tours of houses and castles often very boring. This one captivated me in ways few others have.
Stonehenge: England’s Ancient Wonder
After Windsor, we hit the road for Stonehenge, the second stop on our Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath day trip. At first glance, I thought, It’s just a bunch of rocks. But as we got closer, the scale and precision of this prehistoric site became clear.
The free audio guide was helpful, explaining the history and theories behind the stones. But there’s something magical about standing there in silence, imagining how and why it was built. Even 15 years later, I can still picture the mysterious beauty of this ancient wonder.
Stonehenge is one of those places you have to see in person to appreciate truly. Photos don’t do it justice.
Lunch in Lacock: A Charming English Village
Before heading to Bath, we stopped for lunch in Lacock, a village so well-preserved it feels like traveling back in time. It’s no wonder scenes from Harry Potter were filmed here.
We ate at The George Inn, one of England’s oldest pubs. My steak pie was hearty and delicious, the perfect meal after a morning of walking. Cristina ordered fish and chips but didn’t finish—it turns out winding countryside roads don’t mix well with motion sickness!
After lunch, we took a short stroll through Lacock’s cobblestone streets, passing a medieval abbey and picturesque cottages. It was a quiet moment in our busy day, but one that made the trip even more special.
Bath: Roman History and Modern Charm
Our final stop was Bath, a city that effortlessly blends ancient history with modern life.
First on our list? The Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world.
The museum’s thermal pools were fascinating, and you could even touch the warm spring water. Cristina tried a sip of the water, which is rumored to have medicinal properties, and swore she felt better afterward.
After the museum, we stopped for ice cream at a local shop. Cristina loved hers, especially when she realized the milk came from a nearby farm she saw on our way out of town. It’s the little moments like this that stay with you long after the trip is over.
What Travel Taught Us in 2010
In 2010, guided tours were our safety net. They helped us see so much in just one day without worrying about the logistics. While some people dismiss tours as too structured, they gave us the confidence we needed as new travelers. We still highly recommend them and often do them when we explore a new city.
Guided tours are also great with kids. They often try to do a lot (almost too much), but this is perfect for kids, so they don’t get bored. Our little one still talks about the sights she saw on a bus tour of NYC.
By the end of our day trip, we felt ready to explore on our own. That sense of independence became the highlight of the rest of our trip.
How Travel Has Changed Since 2010
Travel technology back then meant doing a lot of research before your trip. We scoured the web for tours, tips, and tricks. Knowing we would have some free time in Bath, I used Google Maps Street View.
Travel in 2025 will look very different from what it did 15 years ago. Now, I don’t feel the need to have a Master’s degree worth of knowledge before the trip, because phone plans for our trip are way more affordable.
Here’s how things have evolved—and what’s stayed the same.
What’s Changed
- Technology: In 2010, we relied on guidebooks and maps while we were there. Now, apps like Google Maps and TripAdvisor handle everything both before and during the trip.
- Pre-booking Everything: This also meant we had to plan for everything. Today, with affordable international plans, it is much easier to book on the fly.
- Social Media: Back then, photos were shared with close friends in person after the trip. In fact, this is one of the biggest reasons we started this blog—it was an easy way to share our stories with people we didn’t see often. Now, we could post every night or even go live on platforms like TikTok.
- Sustainability: Travelers now prioritize eco-friendly options, from green hotels to carbon-neutral flights. People did this back then, but it is much easier now because of things like social media.
- Health and Safety: The pandemic reshaped travel, making health precautions and flexible bookings a priority. I would also consider travel insurance more now due to things like getting older, having a kid, and the various variations of the pandemic.
What’s Stayed the Same
- The Joy of Exploration: Discovering new places and cultures will always be magical.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respecting customs—like standing on the right side of escalators in London—remains essential.
- Unplanned Moments: From sneaking a photo to enjoying ice cream, it’s the little things that make travel unforgettable.
- Guidebooks: Even with modern technology, I would never go on a European trip without a copy of Rick Steves, either in book or digital form. And it would always be close by. If you are reading these blogs, you will see his name in every single one. Simply put, Rick Steves has made our European travel a success.
TL;DR: FAQs about a Day Trip to Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath!
Ready to Plan Your Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip?
Whether you’re visiting England for the first time or looking to explore more of its rich history, a day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, or Bath is the perfect way to experience the country’s iconic landmarks in just one day. From royal castles and ancient wonders to charming villages and Roman history, this journey has something for everyone.
Don’t wait—start planning your trip today! Book your tickets, choose a guided tour, or create your own itinerary to make the most of your adventure. If you’ve already visited these destinations, share your favorite memories in the comments below.
And if you’re looking for more travel tips and guides, don’t forget to check out our other posts for inspiration. Let’s keep exploring the world, one unforgettable journey at a time!
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