Hello again, travelers! You’re reading part 2 of our UK road trip tales. If you’ve just joined us and missed the start of our journey through Oxford to Bath, catch up here. Now, let’s share the next chapter of our adventure!
Stonehenge
With a restful night behind us in Trowbridge, the day began with an eager spirit and the sun just peeking through the British sky. A mere hour’s drive laid between us and the enigmatic standing stones of Stonehenge. Rolling through the countryside, we arrived at our destination at 10 am, just as the site welcomed its early visitors.
At the Site
The advantage of an early arrival was apparent – parking was plentiful, included with our ticket, and spared us from the later rush. Stonehenge offers two options to approach the stones: a leisurely walk or a quick shuttle ride from the visitor center. We opted for the former on the way there, the path winding us through the lush landscapes, setting a reflective mood as we approached the ancient monoliths.
The sight of Stonehenge was a moment of awe. These enormous stones, set against the backdrop of Britain’s expansive history, stood as silent guardians of a past both mysterious and captivating. Theories of its purpose and construction swirled in our heads as we circled the monument, each stone casting a shadow that felt laced with stories from millennia ago.
After soaking in the history and mystery, we took the shuttle back, bidding farewell to this wonder of the world, our minds still resonating with the echoes of its ancient presence. In total, we spent around two hours at Stonehenge, including our walk and moments of quiet admiration.
Glastonbury
Ahead of us was the drive to Newport, Wales, but not before a detour to the remarkable town of Glastonbury. Known for its music festivals and Arthurian legends, Glastonbury holds a character that’s both eclectic and spiritual.
Glastonbury Tor
Parking in the town center, we couldn’t resist the pull of the Glastonbury Tor. The town itself was a tapestry of vibrant shops and mystical charm, a prelude to the ascent ahead. The hike to the Tor isn’t overly demanding, but it does ask for a bit of stamina – the path can be steep at times, yet it’s more than manageable, typically taking less than an hour to conquer.
Reaching the summit, we were greeted by panoramic views that simply took our breath away. The patchwork of fields, farms, and distant towns unfolded beneath us, while the ruins of St. Michael’s Tower stood proudly at the peak, pointing skyward as if connecting the earth to the heavens.
The descent from the Tor was a gentle wind-down, allowing us to reflect on the sweeping vistas and the spiritual ambiance that many pilgrims and visitors seek here.
Off to Newport
Our day was far from over. The next leg was to drive to Newport, Wales, which took us through more scenic routes, further highlighting the diverse beauty of the UK countryside. The drive from Glastonbury to Newport was a peaceful transition, taking around an hour and a half, setting the stage for our next adventure.
Arriving in Newport, we checked into our cozy Airbnb, the experience of Stonehenge and Glastonbury still vivid in our minds.
Checkout the highlights of Day 2 below:
Stay tuned for our next entry, where we’ll share the thrills and sights from the highest peak in South Wales, followed by a leisurely drive through a region famed for its quintessentially English charm, picturesque villages, and rolling landscapes.
