We are considering the 15 day British Heritage Tour with Globus this fall. I requested a list of optional tours and realized when I added them up that they total close to $800 per person.. ..also, only 4 dinners are included. Many of the tours I've looked at refer to "viewing" famous sights. It appears that you pay quite a bit extra ifyou actually want to go inside and tour the sight. Has anyone gone on this tour or does anyone have recommendation for a tour pf England, Scotland and Wales that they enjoyed?

Similar to yourselves, we want to take some independant tours to at least Windsor Castle/Hampton Court and the Twr of London which will be "optional" according to the tour itinerary and at our own expense. SO we have some of the same questions. We are in the decision making stage but we are seriously considering this Globus Tour for 15 days -British Heritage- and would love some response from others who have taken this tour. We are wondering if the visit to Stonehenge is actually a visit into the site, a drive-by or just the bus parking on the side of the p. lot with a quick view in. Also, while independantly checking out the hotels on this tour, they all sound excellent with the exception of the hotel in Chester which seems to have its share of poor reviews. Chester, I am sure is interesting but 2 nights . .. .? This poses a question as to whether or not we'd prefer to view so many other optional places or do a different UK trip.
We liked the idea of this tour because it is rated as leisurely or comfortably paced and it gives more time in London as well as Edinbrough -our 2 musts when in the UK, for now. If anyone has taken this tour, plse. share your experiences and for anyone who has done it on their own with the various day tours from London - what are the pros and cons? Thanks!

quote "travellers2": "We liked the idea of this tour because it is rated as leisurely or comfortably paced and it gives more time in London as well as Edinbrough -our 2 musts when in the UK, for now. - unquote
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You've chosen one that suits your requirements. That's a good start.

No I've not done "British Heritage" but similar package to England, Wales and Scotland. I'll try my best to tell you what happened on our trip.

Travellers2 asked: "We are wondering if the visit to Stonehenge is actually a visit into the site, a drive-by or just the bus parking on the side of the p. lot with a quick view in."

Ours was a different package from "British Heritage". . Our coach stopped at the carpark for 25 mins. There was time to purchase tickets and walked around the site. Some just rushed tothe washroom and coffee. Others took photos of Stonehenge from the wirefence at the perimeter.
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Travellers2 asked: "Also, while independantly checking out the hotels on this tour, they all sound excellent with the exception of the hotel in Chester which seems to have its share of poor reviews. Chester, I am sure is interesting but 2 nights . .. .? This poses a question as to whether or not we'd prefer to view so many other optional places or do a different UK trip.

Sometimes, hotel reviews may turn out differently for others. You can always bring up to your TD if you find your room not properly cleaned, etc.; but avoid addressing it directly to the hotel staff who are usually short of manpower and overwork.
Chester was a lovely mediaeval town. We did stay overnite and loved it.
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Travellers2 asked: "we want to take some independant tours to at least Windsor Castle/Hampton Court and the Twr of London which will be "optional" according to the tour itinerary and at our own expense.

If anyone has taken this tour, plse. share your experiences and for anyone who has done it on their own with the various day tours from London - what are the pros and cons?"

We visited Buckingham Palace, Windosr Castle, Hampton Ct, Twr of London, Wimbledon, Kew Gardens, Westmnster Abbey/Big Ben, Soho/Trafalgar Sq, Harrods, theatres - using subway and buses, very easy convenient and cheap. The only thing not cheap are the entrance tickets. lol.

A great advantage when exploring London and Edinburgh there is no language barrier and the people are so friendly and helpful. The only optional excursions I took there were the "River Thames + dinner", the trip to "Roslyn Chapel" and the famous "Scottish dinner complete with haggis, music songs and dance". .