Single and Multi-day Trips Exploring London’s Neighboring Cities and Nearby Countries Expand the Olympic Experience Beyond the Games.

As the week started off with record numbers of travelers arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport, the spotlight began to shine even more brightly on the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and, the crowds that would follow through the beginning of September. Viator.com – the leading resource for researching and booking more than 10,000 tours and activities in 800-plus destinations in more than 150 countries – offers a selection of the best things to do in London, but is also highlighting some ways to take a break from the games and the crowds for both Brits and visitors alike.

Trade Water Polo for Windsor and Hogwarts   Known as the city of spires, Oxford is a delightful day trip from London for exploring historic colleges and relaxing along the riverbank while rowers glide by. Viator’s Best of England Small Group Tour: Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath and Oxford gets travelers out of London for four days with stops at the most famous English landmarks and sights in each city including Christ Church College, or Hogwarts Dining Room to Harry Potter fans. Another famous college town – Cambridge – is only an hour north of London by train and well-explored during Viator’s Cambridge and Oxford Historic Colleges of Britain Day Trip.

On a Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock, an expert tour guide will help unlock the secrets of the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed monument. For a little history and a little pop culture, the Private Tour: ‘Downton Abbey’ Film Locations Tour led by a private chauffeur and guide visits Highclere Castle (the real-life Downtown Abbey) and the village of Bampton (the real-life Downton village).   Leave Phelps in the Pool for Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon   History buffs will enjoy the three-day Heart of England Tour: North Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon and Buxton, where they can trace Shakespeare’s footsteps, explore beautiful castles and enjoy the great outdoors.

A three-day tour to Devon and Cornwall gives travelers a glimpse of King Arthur’s reign with stops at historic ruins such as King Arthur’s Round Table. The small-group Day Trip to Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge highlights some of the most beautiful and historic sites in England, including the history of the Roman Baths. For a glimpse of royalty, the Hampton Court Palace Bike Tour along the River Thames is a great way to experience the home of Henry VIII, now a historic palace museum with wonderful gardens and a famous maze.   Forgo the Fencing for Family Fun

Beatles fans young and old will enjoy hopping onboard the Independent Three-Day Trip to Liverpool, which includes round-trip train travel from London, two-night accommodations in the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel and admission to the award-winning Beatles Story Experience.

Kids with a passion for trains will enjoy riding the rails on the London to Dublin Rail Trip, the Edinburgh Rail Day Trip or the Paris Rail Day Trip – and mom and dad will enjoy ample time exploring the capital cities of nearby Ireland, Scotland and France. And the entire family will enjoy a traditional English lunch in the Cotswolds, an area seemingly unchanged by the modern world and famous for beautiful villages and rolling hills.

For more things to see and do in London and the surrounding area during the Olympics – or any time of the year – as well as the latest deals, promotions, contests and Viator news, visit the Viator Travel Blog as well as Viator’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/7/prweb9711326.htm

The Stonehenge Tour Company – www.StonehengeTours.com