The Stonehenge Tourist Guide.

Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Celebrations: 22nd September 2024

2024-09-16T00:41:00.000-07:00

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 22nd September.

Entry to the monument will begin between 05:45 – 06.15 hours (or when it is light enough to safely enter) on Sunday 22nd September.

The Stonehenge car park will open at 05:15am. All vehicles must vacate the car parks by 11am.
Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

There will be a shuttle bus to the stones operating once the monument field has been opened (see times above).

he Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.

Book this exclusive tour now!

Stonehenge Stone Circle (“Special”) Access Experience

2023-10-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

Before 1978 you were free to walk around inside the stone circle at Stonehenge once you’d paid your admission fee. The lack of any guards overnight meant people also hopped the fence once the site had closed.

Finally, in response to the over 800,000 annual visitors, access was restricted. An article entitled “Heritage Under Siege” in New Scientist (Sept 27th, 1979) reports the Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings as saying:

“The whole problem of Stonehenge is numbers … all through the year. What menaces Stonehenge are the millions of feet (and hands) of the ordinary visitors.”

… and continues:

“An archaeologist calculated that if each visitor walked around the central area just twice during his or her visit, the effect would be the same as having one man standing on each square foot inside the ring and jumping up and down on that spot 62 times every day throughout the year.”

After March 1978, everyone was banned from inside the circle – including archaeologists and other researchers, much to their annoyance. Department of the Environment officials said that the plans to allow out-of-hours access to “those with a special interest” had to be abandoned because the custodians were unwilling to work overtime. And so it remained for a long time.

Eventually things changed and these days it’s possible to book to go inside the stone circle on what is called a “Stone Circle Access” or “Special Access” visit. These are one-hour long slots before and after the monument is open to the public during the day, and a maximum of 30 people are allowed inside at a time.

You can book as an individual, or via a tour company who may (or may not) provide a well-informed guide to show you some of the hidden features that you might otherwise miss.

Once inside, if the light’s right you can pick out some of the hundreds of examples of carved initials and names on the stones. One of them might even be that of Christopher Wren – a local lad who made good and went on to design the new St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666.

One thing that a lot of people fail to notice is the sound of the place – there’s a definite sense of entering into an enclosed, peaceful space a soon as you come in through the primary entrance beneath the central lintel of the three on the northeast side of the circle.

It’s only when you’re up really close to the monument that the epic scale of the stones really strikes you – the tallest one is over 7m from grass to top, and there’s a further 2.5m in the ground. Weighing in at over 40 tons it’s a beautifully shaped monolith that was part of the tallest trilithon on the site. Sadly its partner upright fell and broke long ago, leaving the lintel they both supported lying on its side in the southwest part of the central area.

The bluestones, though much smaller than the sarsens, are still impressive rocks – the tallest one stands leaning in front of the highest sarsen stone and has a wide groove worked all the way down one edge. No-one knows why.

There are a few rules – no standing on the stones, no touching them, no smoking – but apart from that you’re free to wander around and properly appreciate both the enormity of the large sarsen blocks, the elegance of the bluestone pillars and the ingenuity of the builders who created the monument over 4,500 years ago.

If you have the chance, by far the best way to see Stonehenge is through a Stone Circle Access visit.

Stonehenge Guided Tours pioneered these Stonehenge access tours and offer frequent scheduled coach tours at sunrise and sunset. They can often arrange private custom inner circle tours with expert guides. The Stonehenge Travel Company are based in nearby Salisbury and are considered the local Stonehenge experts.

You can also book big coach tours from London including inner circle access.

Stonehenge is set to be Europe’s most sought-after UK attraction post-Covid. Best Stonehenge Tours you can book now.

2021-03-24T02:50:00.002-07:00

WILTSHIRE’S historic Neolithic site at Stonehenge appears to be top of most people’s bucket list of attractions to visit following the end of the Covid pandemic lockdown.

Having been unable to travel as freely as possible for the past year, thousands of Brits and Europeans have begun to plan their post-pandemic holidays and create a bucket list of items they would like to tick off with any extra money they have saved during the Covid-19 crisis.

Exxclusiv Stonehenge private access tours can sell out months in advance so
we recommend booking earlier rather than later

A new study by Audley Villages reveals which destinations and attractions are on our bucket lists, and exactly how much they will cost to complete.

In order to do this, the company looked into Google search data, Instagram hashtags and press mentions of 141 bucket list items including destinations, landmarks, theme parks and activities.

Stonehenge consistently comes above Buckingham Palace and the London Eye as the most sought-after British landmark to visit.

The research suggested if everyone who searched for Stonehenge were to visit the location once in their lifetime the attraction could generate over £34 million in revenue. With over one million Google searches Stonehenge is set to be one of the most popular UK attractions post-Covid.

Many of the attractions which Europeans want to visit in the UK highlight our rich history – and they don’t come at a high price point.

Visiting Stonehenge costs £21.50 per adult, while the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace will cost an adult just £26.50, and Hadrian’s Wall being free to visit if you pick the right spot.

You should book your discount Stonehenge tickets in advance and our Stonehenge tours are limited to small groups so plan ahead

FULL STORY – WILTSHIRE TIMES

We recommend booking your Stonehenge tour in advance.

Stonehenge Tickets must be booked in advance

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
www.Visit-Stonehenge.co.uk

The Stonehenge VIP Special Access Experience

2020-09-09T01:41:00.000-07:00

“The whole problem of Stonehenge is numbers … all through the year. What menaces Stonehenge are the millions of feet (and hands) of the ordinary visitors.”

… and continues:

You can book as an individual, or via a tour company who may (or may not) provide a well-informed guide to show you some of the hidden features that you might otherwise miss.

If you have the chance, by far the best way to see Stonehenge is through a Stone Circle Access visit.

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Stonehenge will open on 4 July.

2020-07-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

English Heritage have introduced limits on visitor numbers to help keep everyone safe, and you won’t be able to visit without your booking confirmation. If you’re a Member or Local Resident Pass Holder, your ticket will be free, but you still need to book in advance. To book your visit, click here.
Although things might be a little different when you visit, you’ll still be able to enjoy exploring the places where history really happened. And you’ll still be given a warm and safe welcome by our friendly – if socially distant – staff and volunteers.

Please click here for more information about the safety measures you can expect when visiting, as well as their Q&As.

The stone circle, exhibition and visitor centre are all open for you to enjoy while keeping to social distancing rules.
Shuttle bus - The shuttle bus will be prioritised for those who need it. All visitors using the bus will be required to bring and wear a face covering.
Walking to the Stones - We’ve introduced a 2.6 mile circular route to the stones and back on unmade paths through the surrounding ancient landscape which is owned and cared for by the National Trust.
Cafe - A takeaway catering offer will be provided in our outdoor seating area or you are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy near the stones.
Shop - The shop will be open and most items are also available online.
Audio guide -Free to download to your own smartphone in advance. Don’t forget your headphones!
Toilets - Our toilets are open as usual. Additional hand sanitising stations will be available across the site.

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Virtual Stonehenge

2020-04-03T01:25:00.002-07:00

Take an interactive tour of Stonehenge with the 360 degree view from inside the monument. Visit the English Heritage website and click the hotspots to find out more.

There is a also a great panoramic tour inside the stones created by Howard Goldbaum whose website Voices of the Dawn mainly concentrates on the Folklore of Ireland’s Ancient Monuments. Back in 2010 he spent many sessions taking thousands of photographs inside Stonehenge, when it was closed to the public, which have been ‘stitched’ together to unique set of views of the inner circle. All similar ones we have seen are taken from just one spot, but what makes this unique is that you can take a panoramic view from several different places inside Stonehenge – just choose your viewpoint on the plan in the bottom left hand corner and away you go.

INTERACTIVE MAPS OF THE STONEHENGE LANDSCAPE: Discover what the landscape around Stonehenge has looked like from before the monument itself was first built through to the present day. Move between the four maps to see the Stonehenge landscape at different periods, and open the image windows to find out more about each feature. Click here

If this has whetted your appetite and you want to go inside Stonehenge and learn more about the other monuments in the surrounding landscape which help explain why the stones are where they are, then have a look at the Stonehenge special access tours

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Stonehenge Opening Times and Entrance Prices 2019

2019-01-02T00:00:00.001-08:00

The English Heritage Visitor Centre at Stonehenge is located 2 kilometers from the monument. This is your entry point to Stonehenge and the place where you pick up your tickets, souvenir guides and optional audio guides. The new Visitor Centre also offers a modern exhibition with prehistoric objects on display, and a spacious café and gift shop. A Stonehenge shuttle transports you between the Visitor Centre and Stonehenge (included in your ticket price). English Heritage advise to expect a visit to last around two hours. Please see the table below for opening times for 2019, with some seasonal variability, and entrance prices for adults, children, families, seniors and groups.

If you come by car you will park in the car park outside the visitor centre. It is free for people purchasing tickets to enter Stonehenge, there is a charge if you are not. Tour buses have their own separate coach park.

All Members of English Heritage or National Trust must show a valid membership card on arrival to be granted free parking and site access.

To enter the Stonehenge Exhibition at the Visitor Centre you need a full ticket to Stonehenge, anyone can access the café, gift shop and toilets though, for free.

Very Important! Book Your Stonehenge Tickets in Advance
To be assured of entering Stonehenge the best way is to reserve timed tickets in advance on the English Heritage web site or if you need more flexibility and without the time constraint you can purchase discount advance Stonehenge tickets here

Tickets to Stonehenge are booked by half hour time slot, the website showing you how many tickets are still available for your chosen date and time.

Note: you cannot reserve tickets on-line on the day of your visit, you must reserve before midnight latest on the day before. Only a very small number of tickets are held back each day for walk-up visitors.

Note: the last admission time is two hours before closing time of Stonehenge. Closing times are variable according to month of the year (see below)

Stonehenge Admission & Opening From 1st January 2019 – October 2019
	Admission	Opening Times
Adult	£17.50	16 Mar – 31 May	09.30 – 19:00
Child (5-15)	£10.50	1 Jun – 31 Aug	09.00 – 20:00
Students/Seniors *	£15.80	1 Sep – 15 Oct	09.30 – 19:00
Family Ticket †	£45.40	16 Oct – 15 Mar	09.30 – 17:00
Last entry 2 hours before closing Members of the National Trust & English Heritage enter free Prices are valid until 31st March 2019* 16-18 yr olds + seniors 60+† 2 Adults and 3

2019 STONEHENGE OPENING TIMES (Last entry 2 hours before closing)

1st JANUARY 2019 – 31st MARCH 2020

Monday	9:30 – 17:00
Tuesday	9:30 – 17:00
Wednesday	9:30 – 17:00
Thursday	9:30 – 17:00
Friday	9:30 – 17:00
Saturday	9:30 – 17:00
Sunday	9:30 – 17:00

1st APRIL 2019 – 31st MAY 2019

Monday	9:30 – 19:00
Tuesday	9:30 – 19:00
Wednesday	9:30 – 19:00
Thursday	9:30 – 19:00
Friday	9:30 – 19:00
Saturday	9:30 – 19:00
Sunday	9:30 – 19:00

1st JUNE 2019 – 31st AUGUST 2019

Monday	9:00 – 20:00
Tuesday	9:00 – 20:00
Wednesday	9:00 – 20:00
Thursday	9:00 – 20:00
Friday	9:00 – 20:00
Saturday	9:00 – 20:00
Sunday	9:00 – 20:00

1st SEPTEMBER 2019 – 15th OCTOBER 2019

Monday	9:30 – 19:00
Tuesday	9:30 – 19:00
Wednesday	9:30 – 19:00
Thursday	9:30 – 19:00
Friday	9:30 – 19:00
Saturday	9:30 – 19:00
Sunday	9:30 – 19:00

16th OCTOBER 2019 ONWARDSOpening times will be available nearer the time

For more information please visit the official English Heritage website. If you are looking to book a tour of Stonehenge, we recommend using Stonehenge Guided Tours

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

2018 Stonehenge Winter Solstice

2018-12-01T09:56:00.002-08:00

English Heritage will welcome people to Stonehenge to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Sunrise is just after 8am on Friday 22nd December and visitors will be able to access the monument as soon as it is light enough to do so safely. Please read the information below before planning your visit and visit the English Heritage website.

Access to Stonehenge for Winter Solstice is free and is subject to the Conditions of Entry. Please read these before deciding whether to attend. Stonehenge is in a field on Salisbury Plain and the weather in December will be cold and wet. Even if it isn’t raining…
Access to Stonehenge for Winter Solstice is free and is subject to the Conditions of Entry.Please read these before deciding whether to attend. Stonehenge is in a field on Salisbury Plain and the weather in December will be cold and wet. Even if it isn’t raining, the ground will be wet from the dew and there may also be frost. Sensible footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is essential. Please note, parking charges apply.
The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

2019 STONEHENGE PRIVATE ACCESS INNER CIRCLE TOURS. BOOK NOW!

2018-11-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

Be one of a rare few to walk inside the UNESCO-listed prehistoric stone circle of Stonehenge.. Select a sunrise or sunset tour for early or late access to the Stonehenge site, and walk inside the inner circle of stones — an experience only available with these special guided tours — without the daytime crowds and when the site is closed to the public.

These exclusive Stonehenge special access tours sell out quickly, so book without delay.

We have included a 2019 calendar on our website with some of the secured dates and will add more as and when they become available.

Visit the Visit-Stonehenge website for more details

The Stonehenge Tourist BlogSponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Stonehenge News and Events: Open days, talks, exhibitions, guided walks and family activities taking place at the World Heritage Site.

2018-10-17T01:55:00.001-07:00

There is always something happening around the Stonehenge World Heritage Site with events such as open days, family activities, lectures and guided tours for both adults and families. Please check the websites below to see what Stonehenge current events are available to book.

English Heritage Stonehenge
Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Visit their Stonehenge Events page for exhibition news, special events and exclusive ‘members only’ events. They also publish posts on their news blog.

National Trust’s Stonehenge Landscape
A World Heritage Site for its ancient ceremonial landscape of archaeological and wildlife interest. Visit their events page

Amesbury History Centre
The Amesbury History Centre is the place to visit to find out all you need to know about the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Britain.

Wiltshire Museum
Award-winning Museum display – Gold from the Time of Stonehenge. Britain’s best Bronze Age archaeology collection. Visit their events page

Salisbury Museum
The Salisbury Museum. Showcasing the medieval Cathedral town of Salisbury and the ancient wonders of Stonehenge. Visit their events page

Visit Wiltshire
Click here to find out all you need when visiting Stonehenge Wiltshire!…Easily search Attractions, Events and Accommodation suitable for your needs!…FREE MAPS & GUIDES!

Wessex ArchaeologyWessex Archaeology is proud to have had a long history of work at Stonehenge and to have played a leading role in their research, management and investigation. Visit their news blog

Stonehenge Guided Tours
The longest established Stonehenge tour operator run daily Stonehenge tours from London and offer exclusive inner circle access tours allowing you to walk amongst the monument at sunrise or sunset.

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Our ancient ancestors’ relationship with the Continent will be revealed in a new exhibition at Stonehenge

2018-10-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

Stonehenge exhibit shows relations of ancient Britain and Europe.

The collection, including a 6,500-year-old jade axe made in Italy, will go on display at Stonehenge on Friday.

Organisers say it highlights how there were different periods of connection with, and relative isolation from, Europe in Britain's history.

It will be the first time the objects have been displayed together.

Visit the English Heritage website for more details

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Celebrations 2018

2018-09-21T23:53:00.001-07:00

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon)The 2018 Autumn Equinox is September 23rd at 02.54am GMTSunrise will be 6.55am

English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.30am) until 08:30am on the 23rd September this year.

Read the full story (source) here:

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Stonehenge Stone Circle celebrates 100 years through online photo album.

2018-09-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

To commemorate 100 years since being donated to the nation, the guardian of Stonehenge wants as many photos donated as possible to create a digital photo album, dating from 1918 - 2018.

Over the summer members of the public were asked to recreate their photos once taken decades ago at the stones, and today the ‘then and now’ images have also been revealed.

English Heritage’s Director of Stonehenge, Kate Davies said: “Stonehenge is an important place in many people’s memories, and each and every person who has visited the monument is part of its story. This archive is a way of making us all part of the on-going history of this incredible place.”

All the images will be displayed in an online archive on the Stonehenge 100 website.

Read the full story (source) here:

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Stonehenge builders may have transported megaliths down ‘stone highway’ from Wales

2018-07-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

RESEARCHERS believe they may have solved the mystery of how the huge stones of Stonehenge were transported to the iconic structure.

It is claimed that the megaliths for Stonehenge, located near Amesbury, in Wiltshire,were moved from Welsh quarries using a "stone highway" - potentially explaining how they travelled from Wales to Salisbury Plain.

Stonehenge, located near Amesbury, in Wiltshire, is an iconic site but historians often debate the origins of its construction and how the stones reached there

The journal Antiquity claims that the route initially thought to be true - proposed by H.H. Thomas in 192 - is wrong.

It reads: "New analytical techniques, alongside transmitted and reflected light microscopy, have recently prompted renewed scrutiny of Thomas's work.

"While respectable for its time, the results of these new analyses, combined with a thorough checking of the archived samples consulted by Thomas, reveal that key locations long believed to be sources for the Stonehenge bluestones can be discounted in favour of newly identified locations at Craig-Rhos-y-felin and Carn Goedog."

A study claims that the stones were moved from Pembrokeshire to Wiltshire on route using roads and rivers.

Read the full story (source) here:

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog
Sponsored by Stonehenge Guided Tours

Visiting Stonehenge and want to be involved in research at Stonehenge?

2018-04-20T22:16:00.002-07:00

By completing a questionnaire as you walk around Stonehenge you can help archaeologists to understand how people from different backgrounds view the landscape. This will help with interpretations of important sites like Stonehenge. If you would like to take part, simply access the questionnaire via the QR code or URL below. All you need to do is fill in some information about yourself and answer the questions as best as you can.

Why does this research matter?
Archaeologists try to study past people who have very different cultural backgrounds from themselves. Certain perceptual theories suggest that this will cause us to see landscapes differently than the people we study, whilst others state that this is not an issue. If we see landscapes differently, then how we interpret them may not accurately reflect the past.

This questionnaire forms part of PhD research looking into this issue and will be analysed for the final thesis.

Why me? Why here?
With visitors from all over the world Stonehenge is the perfect place to carry out this kind of study. We are not just looking for archaeological experts, but all sorts of people. You must be over 18 and give your consent to take part.

What information do you need?
In order to understand what attributes affect perception of the landscape we will ask you to fill in information such as age, gender and cultural background. All information will be completely anonymous and will be held securely in compliance with the Data Security Act and University of Southampton policy. Only the researcher will have access to the questionnaire responses.

What if I change my mind?
If you decide that you no longer want to take part, simply close this webpage without submitting the questionnaire.

Important Information
Please read this information carefully before deciding whether to take part in this research. By checking the box at the start of the survey you are indicating that you are aged over 18, and you are consenting to participate in this survey.

Please select your language by clicking here

Visit the Stonehenge Survey website here.

If you are on a Stonehenge Tour or visiting independently your feedback is valuable.

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

English Heritage going green with new fleet of Stonehenge tour buses

2018-01-19T22:41:00.001-08:00

GREENER buses to transport visitors to and from Stonehenge have arrived.

The new fleet of buses, which will be operated by Tourist Coaches, will be powered by the latest in clean diesel technology.

According to English Heritage, the buses will reduce the impact on the historic landscape and provide a more comfortable ride for visitors.

Jennifer Davies, head of operations at Stonehenge, said: “We are really excited to be taking delivery of our new greener buses. They’re better for the environment and more fuel efficient than the old buses.

“The great news for us and our visitors is that as each vehicle can carry more people than our old buses, which means less time to wait on busy days before your journey to the stones begins.”

To mark the launch six local schools have been given the chance to name each of the new buses, with the winning classes being given the opportunity to be picked up in their named bus for a day at the 5,000-year-old stone circle

Ms Davies added: “We can’t wait to hear the names that the school children have come up with and we’re looking to welcoming our first visitors on board.”

Read the full story in the Salisbury Journal

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

2018 Stonehenge Opening Times, Prices and Ticket Information

2018-01-07T00:51:00.000-08:00

Stonehenge is Europe's most famous neolithic monument dating from 2800 BC. Stonehenge was built in four main stages from 2800 BC - 1550 BC. This is a temple to the sun, moon, planets and stars, an astronomical clock. Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge – one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in England.

Stonehenge Guide Prices

Ticket Type	Ticket Tariff
Adult Advance Ticket (Non Gift Aid)	£16.30 per ticket
Child Advance Ticket (Non Gift Aid)	£9.80 per ticket
Concession Advance Ticket (Non Gift Aid)	£14.70 per ticket
Family Advance Ticket (Non Gift Aid) 2 + 3	£42.40 per ticket

Above prices are for pre-booked tickets via green button above through VisitWiltshire (advance booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry) English Heritage and National Trust members admitted free. Please note: All Travel Trade, paying group and education group visits must be pre-booked.

Stonehenge Opening Times

Open New Year

2018(01st January - 29 Mar 2018)
Day	Times
Monday	09:30	17:00
Tuesday	09:30	17:00
Wednesday	09:30	17:00
Thursday	09:30	17:00
Friday	09:30	17:00
Saturday	09:30	17:00
Sunday	09:30	17:00

2018/19(30 Mar 2018 - 31 May 2019)
Day	Times
Monday	09:30	19:00
Tuesday	09:30	19:00
Wednesday	09:30	19:00
Thursday	09:30	19:00
Friday	09:30	19:00
Saturday	09:30	19:00
Sunday	09:30	19:00

2018 Summer(1 June 2018 - 31 Aug 2018)
Day	Times
Monday	09:00	20:00
Tuesday	09:00	20:00
Wednesday	09:00	20:00
Thursday	09:00	20:00
Friday	09:00	20:00
Saturday	09:00	20:00
Sunday	09:00	20:00

2018 Autumn(1 Sept 2018 - 15 Oct 2018)
Day	Times
Monday	09:30	19:00
Tuesday	09:30	19:00
Wednesday	09:30	19:00
Thursday	09:30	19:00
Friday	09:30	19:00
Saturday	09:30	19:00
Sunday	09:30	19:00

26 Dec & 1 Jan, 10am-5pm
24-25 Dec Closed

2018 Closed days-
20th June
21st June
24th December
25th December
On the 22nd June for Summer Solstice it will not open until 11:30

Last admission is 2 hours before the advertised closing time.

Book Stonehenge Tickets here

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Stonehenge Winter Solstice Open Access Arrangements

2017-11-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

English Heritage will once again welcome people to Stonehenge to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Sunrise is just after 8am on Wednesday 21st December and visitors will be able to access the monument as soon as it is light enough to do so safely. Please read the information below before planning your visit.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

DATE AND TIMINGSWEDNESDAY 22nd DECEMBER 2017
MONUMENT FIELD OPENS: 07.45am (approximately, depending on light levels)
MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES: 10am

Please note, access to Stonehenge for Winter Solstice is free. Parking charges apply.

Blue Badge Parking – Blue badge parking is in the visitor centre car park and permits must be booked in advance. There is accessible transport to the monument field from the visitor centre beginning at approximately 6.30am. Permits available from Solstice.Stonehenge@english-heritage.org.uk

Parking and parking charges Limited parking is available in the winter solstice car parks, which will open at 5.30am on the 22nd December.

As you approach Stonehenge, there will be signs to direct you to the car park – please ensure that you follow these. Please do not arrive early as there is no waiting on the roads in the area and you will be moved on.

Parking may involve a shuttle journey to the visitor centre and wherever you park there may be a 30 minute walk.

Cars, private hire minibuses and live-in vehicles £5
Motorbikes £2
Commercial coaches £50

The car parking charge is designed to encourage people to car share and will help the charity offset the costs of providing additional staffing and lighting in the car parks.

Please note, car parking charges apply to all users of the Winter Solstice car parks, including Blue Badge holders, and members of English Heritage and National Trust.

Motorists have access to a park and ride shuttle from the off-site solstice car parking to the visitor centre. A shuttle will also be provided between the visitor centre and Stonehenge, however visitors are asked to note that disabled people have priority on this bus and should therefore be prepared for a 30 minute walk, in low light, from parking areas to the monument.

We cannot guarantee entry to the car parks and recommend coming by public transport as cars will be turned away when the car parks are full.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

Access to Stonehenge for solstice is subject to the Conditions of Entry – please read these before deciding whether to attend.

COME PREPARED

Stonehenge is in a field on Salisbury Plain and the weather in December will be cold and may be wet and windy. Even if it isn’t raining, the ground will be wet from the dew. There may also be frost.

Please be prepared for a 30 minute walk (in low light or darkness), from the bus drop off and from parking areas to the monument. You are strongly advised to wear warm and waterproof clothing and footwear and bring a torch with you.

Toilets at the Monument Field will only be available once the access period begins. There are no catering facilities in the monument field, however the café at the visitor centre is open for hot drinks and breakfast rolls from 6am.

Please note that there are no other amenities or facilities available to visitors until the Monument Field opens.

Please visit the official English Heritage website for full details.

Stonehenge Guided Tours are offering their usual small group Winter Solstice guided tour from London and Bath, ideal if you do not have your own transport and want to learn more about the history and mystery of Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape. Visit their website to book.

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

The grave of the Amesbury Archer found near Stonehenge is one of the most important discoveries in Europe.

2017-09-15T22:38:00.002-07:00

The Amesbury Archer. Late Neolithic, 2400–2200BC

Found near Stonehenge, the burial is over 4000 years old. It is one of the earliest bell beaker graves in Britain. The archer was 35–45 years old when he died and placed in a wooden chamber beneath a low mound. His left kneecap was missing which would have caused him to have a bad limp. Isotope analyses of his teeth show that he grew up outside Britain, probably near the Alps

His grave contained an unusually large number and variety of objects. They include five beaker pots, 18 arrowheads, two bracers (archer’s wristguards), four boars’ tusks, 122 flint tools, three copper knives, a pair of gold hair ornaments, and a cushion stone. The gold and copper metal objects are currently the oldest found in Britain.

Many of the other finds have strong continental links. Although he was buried with archery equipment the presence of the cushion stone suggests he was a metalworker.

Metalworking was a new skill and he may have brought this technique with him to Britain. This knowledge could have made him a powerful man explaining his wealthy burial. In continental Europe metalworkers’ burials were often very elaborate.

If you are visting Stonehenge make sure you take time to visit nearby Salisbury Museum

Guided tours of Stonehenge and Salisbury can be booked here

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Boost in Stonehenge visitor numbers

2017-08-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

More people than ever before are visiting Stonehenge it seems - making it one of the country's biggest tourist attractions.

1,381,855 people visited our stone circle during 2016, which is up 1.1% on the previous year.
That makes it the 7th most visited paid for attraction in the UK, with more tourists than places like London Zoo, the Eden Project and the Houses of Parliament.

The rundown's been released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions and Visit Britain.
When taking all the free of charge places into account as well, Stonehenge is ranked 22nd on the list.

Read the full story at Spire FM

Visit Stonehenge this summer for a great day out!

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

The more archaeologists study Stonehenge, the more mysteries unfold

2017-07-23T04:15:00.000-07:00

Stonehenge is one the UK’s most visited tourist attractions – and one of the world’s most enigmatic ancient monuments. People come from all over the world to stare at the iconic stone pillars and wonder how, and why, they were put in place.

Stonehenge wasn't the only significant monument in the region

The site may be instantly recognisable, but there is far more to it than first meets the eye. As archaeologists study this area, mystery after mystery unfolds. But a coherent story may be beginning to emerge.

That has been particularly true over the last decade. Researchers have been studying not just the monument itself, but the area around it, hoping to find clues in this intriguing landscape of prehistoric monuments.

Underground imaging and excavation have revealed that Stonehenge was once part of a complicated network of structures: ancient burial mounds, unknown settlements, processional routes and even gold-adorned burials. The finds paint a picture of a far more mysterious and elaborate Neolithic and Bronze Age world than previously thought.

STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE 2017

2017-06-05T02:22:00.002-07:00

Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric site which may have been a place of worship and celebration at the time of Summer Solstice for thousands of years and is seen by many as a sacred site.

Please note that the site will close at 15:00 on Tuesday 20 June with last normal day admissions at 13:00, so that we can prepare for Summer Solstice Managed Open Access. Stonehenge is closed on Wednesday 21 June and will re-open at 09:00 on Thursday 22 June. Visit the English Heritage Website for full details

English Heritage is pleased to provide free Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for Summer solstice 2017 and ask that if you are planning to join us for this peaceful and special occasion that you read the Conditions of Entry and the information provided on the following pages before deciding whether to come. These are written to ensure enjoyment and safety for everyone attending summer solstice at Stonehenge.

Please note to reduce risk to those attending and to the monument itself, alcohol is not allowed in the monument field during summer solstice.

Following recent terrorist related incidents across the UK, additional security measures will be in place at Summer Solstice this year. We are working closely with Wiltshire Police to ensure the safety of all visitors and, as a result, only small bags (approx 30cm x 25cm x 15cm) will be allowed into the Monument Field and searches will be conducted. We strongly advise you to only bring essential items and thank you in advance for your patience.

DATES AND TIMES

TUESDAY 20 JUNE 2017

SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS 19:00

ACCESS TO MONUMENT FIELD 19:00

SUNSET 21:26

WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE 2017

SUNRISE 04.52

LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK 06:00 (or when full)

STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES 08:00

SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED 12:00 (Noon)

Admission to the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is free of charge.

Parking is limited and charges apply (see Travelling to Solstice for details). We strongly recommend travelling by public transport or arranging to car share with friends or through Liftshare .

For further details and information to help you plan your journey, including details of local accommodation and other helpful advice for Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, follow links below.

Follow @eh_stonehenge on Twitter for live information during the summer solstice.

Travelling to SolsticeFacilities, safety and welfare What (and what not) to bring
Disabled access
Other useful information Please Respect the Stones
Solstice Conditions of Entry
History of the Stonehenge Summer Solstice
Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tours

The Stonehenge Tourist Guide

Major improvements for group visitors at Stonehenge

2017-04-20T00:04:00.000-07:00

English Heritage has opened a newly-designed permanent coach park at Stonehenge.

It marks the completion of the first phase of a major improvement project aimed at giving tour groups arriving by coach a better and more streamlined welcome to the World Heritage Site and at easing pressure points for all visitors at the popular site at peak times.

The re-designed coach park provides spaces for 52 60-seater coaches in an upgraded layout which makes coach arrivals and departures more efficient and enhances pedestrian safety.

A new Visitor Transit Shuttle pick up point now allows groups to go directly from the coach park to the Stone Circle, where an enlarged drop off/pick up layout has also been created.

The new system makes the shuttle service more fluid and flexible so that it can provide more visitor journeys at times of peak pressure if required.

Phase two of the improvement project is scheduled for completion by late summer.

It will see the opening of a new group reception building, complete with extensive WC facilities, located conveniently close to the coach parking bays and next to the shuttle pick up point.

The improvements are already making arrivals, parking and departures easier and the movement of pedestrians safer within the coach park.

The addition of the Group Reception Building in the summer will simplify and speed up ticketing and audio guide collection and provide double the number of WCs currently on site.

Jennifer Davies, Stonehenge general manager said: “We are delighted to have opened the first phase with minimal impact to group arrivals while the work was underway.

“The improvement project was implemented following an extensive review of our operation at Stonehenge and feedback from tourism professionals to find the best way to meet demand and ease congestion at this significant and busy attraction.

“Once complete, the improvements will help us deliver a world class experience for the 1.3 million visitors we welcome each year from across the globe, so that they can more fully appreciate this ancient wonder of human endeavour.”
Article source: Travel News

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Pilgrimage

2017-03-10T23:18:00.001-08:00

A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire is the most popular place for Pagans and Druids to celebrate the longest day because it famously aligns to the solstices. The rising sun only reaches the middle of the stones one day of the year when it shines on the central altar. Journeying to Stonehenge at the Summer Solstice is a pilgrimage spiritual significance as a tourist or reveler.

It's an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travelers and party people - 1000's of them!
For many the impulse to arrive at Stonehenge in time for the Solstice is a little like all those people drawn to the strange rock in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It's akin to a spiritual experience.

Cross it off your bucket list this year. Join an organised Solstice tour and take the hassle out of trying doing it yourself

The Stonehenge Tourist Blog

Visit Stonehenge and step back to the prehistoric era

2017-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

While London is one of the top tourism destinations in the world, there are some excellent day trips available close to the capital that should not be missed.

One of the best options is the historic Stonehenge, which is around two hours away and stands as a truly unforgettable monument.

Originally built around 5,000 years ago, the area has been wonderfully well preserved and is now a World Heritage Site alongside a selection of other historic landmarks. The complex features an enclosure at Robin Hood’s Ball, two cursus movements and rectangular earthworks.

The stone settings at Stonehenge were built at a time of significant change when the new styles of Beaker pottery and the knowledge of metalworking were becoming more popular on the continent.

From the middle Bronze Age, less effort went into the construction of ceremonial monuments and more time was spent on agricultural activities.

Thankfully, the area has been well preserved by the National Trust since 1927 when it acquired the land around the structure to restore it to grassland. Now, large areas of the local landscape are now owned by them and improvements have been made to modernise the facilities for visitors.

Work on the area is continuing, too, with the government announcing plans for a 1.8-mile tunnel past the World Heritage Site. Officials believe this move would transform the A303 by reducing congestion and improving journey times.

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has supported the idea, though it believes extending it would help to stop damage to popular views of the area.

Thanks to excellent work from conservationists, Stonehenge continues to be one of the most popular landmarks in the world, giving visitors a great insight into the UK’s history.

How can I get to Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is around 88 miles away from London, with the nearest train station to the landmark being Salisbury. While public buses do run from the station to the site, visitors will be tied to the travel schedule and, in the event of a train delay or cancellation, may not be able to spend as long at the site as they wanted.

While driving down is another option, there is often a lot of traffic in the area due to the large volumes of tourists. Plus, if you’re travelling from London, you may have to handle heavy congestion as you leave the city centre.

A better alternative could be to use a coach tour service. You can choose a time that suits you and benefit from reserved seating, ample luggage space and Wi-Fi, taking away all the stress of driving.

The Stonehenge News Blog