In & Beyond Bath

ML4 weeks ago

4 weeks ago

Our half-day Stonehenge tour with Simon was the high point of our family's trip to the UK, and six months later it's still what we come back to when we talk about the trip. That's saying something, because we spent real time in London and traveled elsewhere in the country.<br><br>Simon picked us up at our hotel in Bath and set the tone immediately. He treated us as guests in his country rather than passengers on a route. What followed wasn't a lecture but a day of learning through immersion. He moved across history, myth and fact, current scientific developments around the site, literary connections, and popular culture, and he kept it engaging without performing. He read the four of us quickly (my husband and I, plus our two adult children in their twenties) and shaped the day around what we were actually interested in. He asked us questions and answered ours, and he pointed out things in the countryside we would have driven past.<br><br>The vehicle was clean and well-appointed, and the small group size made real conversation possible. Small-group tours cost more. I had done my research before booking and it was worth every additional pound. Stonehenge had been on my husband's bucket list for years, and by the time we left we had learned more about the site and the surrounding area than any of us expected, past and present, the kind of detail you can only get from someone who has firsthand experience.<br><br>Simon also made recommendations throughout the day for places to visit and things to read, and every one of them has held up. They've extended my reading and given me threads to pull on long after the trip ended.<br><br>I've been on many tours, including several trips through Europe with students and different tour companies, and this one stood apart. Simon works with a small group of guides from “In &amp; Beyond Bath” who treat this as a craft rather than a job, and it shows in every part of the day. I rarely write reviews, but if you're heading to the UK and Stonehenge is on your list, book this one.

Zeyad Ghamdi1 month ago

1 month ago

In &amp; Beyond Bath provided us with a truly wonderful Cotswolds tour experience. From the organisation to the overall flow of the day, everything felt professional, thoughtful, and well arranged. The tour was relaxed, enjoyable, and beautifully planned, allowing us to experience the charm of the Cotswolds in a very authentic and memorable way.<br><br>Our guide, Simon, was absolutely brilliant. He was knowledgeable, warm, and engaging, with a great ability to bring each place to life through his stories and insights. He paced the tour perfectly, gave us enough time to enjoy every stop, and made sure everyone felt comfortable throughout the day.<br><br>Simon’s professionalism, attention to detail, and friendly approach made the experience even more special. We left with beautiful memories of the Cotswolds, and I would highly recommend In &amp; Beyond Bath, and especially Simon, to anyone looking for a well-organised, personal, and unforgettable tour experience.

Asheley Burke6 months ago

6 months ago

Simon was the best tour guide ever! He fulfilled all our wishes for the tour and we couldn’t imagine a better experience through the Cotswolds and Stonehenge. He thoroughly explained the rich history of every sight we visited/saw and encouraged us to ask questions/provide feedback. It was clear Simon has a lot of passion for the English countryside. We would love to tour with him again and have nothing but positive things to say about our excursion :)