There are few more iconic sights than the mysterious stones which have stood sentinel on Salisbury Plain for 5000 years. Stonehenge has captured the imaginations of generations stretching back into time immemorial. The key location in a fascinating Neolithic ritual landscape, Stonehenge is the ideal location to cast your mind back to some of the earliest settled communities in the country and explore their world. With constant archaeological works in the area, our understanding of these mysterious stones continues to evolve year on year, even after all this time.
Oxford sits 51 miles north of London and there you’ll find the oldest, and perhaps most famous, university in the English speaking world. Since the medieval period, the cobbled streets of Oxford have attracted the best and brightest to study and teach. The city which has grown up around the academic institution plays host to examples of every English architectural style since the late Saxon period, lending Oxford an eclectic old-world charm. Exploring these quaint streets offers many opportunities to discover the history of academia in one of its true homes.
Cambridge is home to the world-renowned Cambridge University, founded in 1209 and consistently ranks as one of the world’s greatest. Sitting 55 miles north of London, the stunning gothic buildings which characterize the various colleges have to be seen to be believed. Sitting astride the river Cam, Cambridge has been at the forefront of technological study and development for centuries. Amongst the forging of the future, there is a deep and fascinating history encompassing academia and even espionage. An often overlooked historical quirk of the city- it has perhaps the best claim on being the “home of football”.
Stratford-Upon-Avon, normally known simply as Stratford, sits 91 miles to the North West of London. While today it’s a bustling modern town, its history stretches back to pre-Roman days, but when you visit Stratford, you have one thing on your mind: Shakespeare. Home to the Bard, perhaps the greatest English language writer in history, Stratford fully embraces its most famous son. There you’ll find the world which made the man, exploring his birthplace, the cottage named for his wife and a world of Elizabethan thatch and intrigue, scattered through a city which has continued to evolve through the centuries.
When you close your eyes and picture the tranquil English countryside, the chances are good that the images you see are of the Cotswolds. Stretching for nearly 800 square miles and over 5 counties, the Cotswolds is England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From rural idylls of rolling green fields, through quaint stone-built villages and stately homes, the Cotswolds is a world apart from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s little wonder that this region has inspired poets and writers and played host to a thousand stories. A truly inspirational backdrop awaits you.
With a history stretching right back to the Norman Conquest of 1066, Warwick Castle has stood imposing sentinel over the English landscape for nearly 1000 years. Originally built as a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was converted to stone a generation later and has continued to grow into the mighty fortress that stands before us today. At Warwick, you can get a taste for both the high chivalric romance of the nobility and the grimy, gritty lives of the peasants which supported them, set amongst medieval magnificence. With numerous exhibitions and events throughout the year, Warwick is always worth a visit.
Discover the home of British Royalty at this spectacular royal residence which embodies nearly 1000 years of architecture, history and ceremony. Windsor has played home to monarchs stretching all the way back to Henry I and is perhaps the most spectacular of the royal palaces. Today, the castle plays host to a stunning selection of the Crown’s collection- art and objects encompassing an amazing variety of works from around the world, including pieces by Da Vinci and Rembrandt. It is also the location of St George’s Chapel- site of Royal Weddings and final resting place of monarchs like Henry VIII to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Since time immemorial, people have made the journey to Bath to take the waters, believed to have medicinal properties. Perhaps most famous for the stunning and remarkably well-preserved Roman baths and temple to Aqua Sulis, the city we see today is largely a result of the Regency craze for spa treatments. A journey to Bath is the perfect excuse to explore the Roman history of England and the scandals and splendor of Georgian society in a simply stunning location. While you’re there, why not join generations of travelers in taking the waters in the famous Pump Room?
Standing proud over the skyline of London, St Paul’s Cathedral is perhaps one of the most iconic sights in a city packed with genuinely iconic sights. A key part of the identity of the city after its rebirth from the ashes of the Great Fire, St Paul’s has been the backdrop to many fascinating tales. The gleaming white dome sits over one of the most significant sacred sites in the city where many rituals of national importance have taken place over the centuries. Within the walls, designed by the great Christopher Wren, you’ll find snapshots of the city through the last nearly 400 years.
Named after the famous naval battle which cemented Britain’s place as a world power, Trafalgar Square sits in the heart of the city and has been the backdrop to many events and stories over the last 200 years. Dominated by the famous Nelson’s Column and its guardian statues, Trafalgar Square is the physical embodiment of London’s spirit. Today it hosts statues of significant figures in the history of the city and the UK at large and serves as the ideal illustration for a discussion of the story of the city from the years as an imperial capital through the modern age.
The official seat of the British Monarchy sits in the very heart of the capital city. Here you’ll explore the history and splendour of the kings and queens who have reigned over the UK for centuries. From the grand balcony where the royals greet their subjects to the spectacular gates, the palace oozes pomp and circumstance like nowhere else. As a royal palace, and one truly worthy of the name, Buckingham Palace is a prime example of the sumptuous splendour we’ve all come to associate with the crown. As you explore, it’s easy to see why this has become the favoured location for state visits and grand events which celebrate the UK and the monarchy today.
While you may be forgiven for thinking that the City of London is the sprawling metropolis, it is in fact a relatively small area in the middle. The City of London (as opposed to Greater London) refers to an area roughly 1 mile square and represents the original settlement. Today, the City is the financial heart of the city, with a history of merchants and adventurers which built the modern economic system that underpins all our lives. In the taverns and coffee shops, ideas and deals were forged which truly changed the world.
The imposing fortress of the Tower of London has played many roles over the centuries since it was built following the Norman Conquest; palace, fortress, barracks and, perhaps most famously, prison and site of execution. Tales haunt these walls which simply exude history. From treason and plots, through ghosts and gangsters, the Tower of London is an essential sight for any visitor to explore. If you prefer sights to stories, it plays home to the amazing collection of state splendour which is the British Crown Jewels.
Stretching 135 meters above the River Thames, the London Eye offers panoramic views which allow you to see how modernity and history sit cheek to cheek across London’s iconic skyline. From this vantage point, the whole city stretches out at your feet. This towering landmark offers unrivalled views over the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Shard and hundreds of other key locations in the city. It really does offer a tour within a tour.
Discover St Paul’s Cathedral, naval monuments at Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, the City of London's financial heart, the historic Tower of London, and the iconic London Eye with Mazza Tours. Join our London in a Day, London By Night, Morning Royal and City of London Tours to uncover the secrets of these landmarks and experience the city's rich history, royal splendor, and breathtaking views. Mazza Tours offers private and group tours, making these destinations accessible for everyone. Explore London with Mazza Tours for an unforgettable journey through its iconic attractions.
Explore the above destinations with Mazza Tours. Ready to whisk you away, Mazza Tours invites you to discover the fascinating story of English scholarship in Oxford. With numerous tours starting from the heart of London, you can explore this stunning city or combine your academic adventure with a trip to its great rival, Cambridge. Dive into the home of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon or explore royal history and the mists of time with our Oxford, Windsor Castle, and Stonehenge tour. Embark on a journey of discovery from the heart of London to the gothic grandeur of Cambridge. A key destination for history and Harry Potter fans, Cambridge awaits your exploration. Combine your Cambridge tour with a visit to its great academic rival, Oxford, for a rounded education in the history of English scholarship. Start your Shakespearian journey with Mazza Tours, setting the scene from the heart of London to Shakespeare country. Explore the lasting legacy of Stratford’s famous bard and pay homage to the bard while discovering the fascinating history of academia, warfare, and the stunning natural beauty of England on our Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, and Cotswolds tour. Escape the noise of the city with Mazza Tours, whisking you away to the peace and tranquility of the Cotswolds. Journey through outstanding natural beauty and explore stunning scenery, the story of Shakespeare, and the surprising history of study in a single day with our Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cotswolds, and Warwick Castle Tour. Travel back in time with Mazza Tours and explore the medieval world of Warwick without mounting a horse or donning armor. Discover the fascinating history of Warwick along with an exploration of academia and the world of Shakespeare, all while traversing jaw-dropping natural beauty on our Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Cotswolds, and Warwick Castle Tour. Windsor, just a short distance from the city, awaits your exploration with Mazza Tours. Journey through the fascinating history of the British monarchy on a luxury tour fit for a king. Combine your visit to Windsor with the history of academia in Oxford and the mystery of Stonehenge or the Georgian splendor and Roman history of Bath on our Stonehenge and Bath tour or Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge Adventure. Mazza Tours is ready to take you on a magnificent journey from the heart of London to the Georgian glory of England’s most famous spa-town. Explore Bath with comfort and delve into favorite stories, combining brilliantly with journeys through Stonehenge and Windsor