Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and one of the most captivating areas of England. It is situated on the Salisbury Plain and has been standing for more than 5,000 years. Enigmatic, grand and fantastic, it is one of the most famous British landmarks. Best for history lovers, photographers and travellers who are curious about all the little things.
This guide will tell you A to Z about Stonehenge. All the information you need to know, including the ticketing, directions to Stonehenge and local attractions, visitor tips, and frequently asked questions, among others, to make your visit to Stonehenge the best.
Stonehenge is one of the oldest artificial structures to date in the world. It was made in the year 3000 BC. It is constructed in a vertical form with huge standing stones in the shape of a circle, built in a series. One stone weighed over 25 tons and had been dragged as far as 150 miles away, to Wales.
Historians think that Stonehenge was a ceremonial and astronomical place, perhaps following the motions of the sun and moon. The reason behind its existence is one of the biggest mysteries of archaeology.
Stonehenge is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserved and cared for by English Heritage and visited by more than 1.5 million people every year.
It is advisable to reserve tickets in advance before visiting Stonehenge to ensure you can make a visit, because the number of visitors per day is very high.
Ticket options include:
Normal Approach: The Stone Circle and Visitor Centre.
Guided Tour Tickets: It consists of the skill of an expert commentator.
Family Tickets: A family ticket that has a discounted rate and is suitable when bringing a family along.
Stone Circle Experience: You get to visit the stone circle early morning or late in the evening (stats on limited frequency).
Online ticket prices are lower than on-site prices; hence, pre-booking is very advisable.
On the Stonehenge ticket, you can pick up the ticket at the Visitor Centre, which is approximately 2 km away, adjacent to the stones. And there you can either walk the scenic route or ride the free shuttle bus.
Stonehenge is available day in, day out, though hours are changed according to season:
June to August: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
September to May: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closing admission is two hours before closing.
The best time to visit Stonehenge is in the middle of the day when the crowd is minimal, early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not shining directly and the light allows you to capture the best photographs.
Salisbury to Stonehenge is around 9 miles. It is well connected through the roads, trains and planned tours.
From London:
By Car: Around 2 hours via the M3 and A303.
By Train: It is a two-hour journey by rail from Waterloo, London, to Salisbury and then the Stonehenge Tour Bus would take an hour to take people to the place.
From Bath: About 1 hour by car via A36.
From Bristol: Around 1 hour 30 minutes via A4 and A36.
From Salisbury: 20–25 minutes by bus or taxi.
If you are visiting Stonehenge, then hiring a Mercedes S-class chauffeur service will be the most useful addition in starting your journey, especially to Salisbury or as part of a guided tour of Stonehenge.
Several day trips and guided excursions also leave London, Bath and Oxford and usually include Stonehenge and Windsor Castle or Bath.
There is a free ticket holder car park called Stonehenge Visitor Centre Car Park that visitors can use. The parking space is large, safe and contains special places for disabled visitors and electric cars. It is advisable to come early enough in case there are long queues during the high season in summer.
It is a short shuttle ride (or 25-minute scenic walk) to the stones.
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is the entrance to Stonehenge and a source of information about the history and the importance of the monument.
Inside, you'll find:
Live Exhibits and Three-dimensional Displays on the way the stones were constructed.
On-site archaeological Artifacts (tools and human remains).
A Gift Shop with souvenirs, books and local crafts.
The Cafe is a light meal, Sandwich, and beverage establishment.
Bathrooms and baby changing rooms.
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre also has a shuttle service to Stone Circle and vice versa (every few minutes).
It is a lovely experience that is felt when standing in front of the Stone Circle. You have the option of strolling around the outer trail to have a 360-degree view of the stones and the surrounding scenery.
Don't touch the rocks, but get close to the monument for the pictures. You can have the special Stone Circle Experience ticket if you want to get into the circle.
Audio tours are also available in various languages, which provide interesting information on the history and mysteries of the monument.
Outside the stone circle is the Bronze Age burial landform. These fertile hills are the graves of ancient people, which were found, with the pottery, jewelry, and tools, giving us hints concerning those people who constructed and worshipped at Stonehenge.
The best known is the Amesbury Archer, an early Bronze Age man whose remains are displayed and provide valuable information concerning prehistoric life.
Durrington Walls are also close to Stonehenge, which is one of the largest Neolithic settlements in Britain. Archaeologists say that Durrington Walls is the place where the masons of Stonehenge lived.
Timber buildings, animal bones and tools were also found during excavations, indicating that it was a busy society in the past, which held huge feasts and rituals. Investigating this field enhanced a better understanding of the efforts of the individuals whose work resulted in the creation of Stonehenge.
The Stonehenge Circular Trail is a 2.6-mile (4.2 km) route loop that will allow you to explore breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites if you like scenic walks.
Highlights include:
The Cursus: An ancient earthwork still more ancient than Stonehenge.
King Barrow Ridge: The plains can be viewed here.
Woodhenge: Timber building believed to be related to Stonehenge.
Wear comfortable shoes, water and a camera- because the walk is serene and suitable for nature lovers.
After you have completed your Stonehenge tour, there is much more to visit there:
Reserve ahead of time so as not to occupy any time slots that are already occupied.
It is better to come early to see fewer people and get photos.
Put on comfortable shoes - you will walk a great deal.
Wear according to the weather - it is an open area that may be windy.
Always come with a camera, the sunrise and the sunset are great times to take pictures.
The Stonehenge map includes:
The parking lot and Visitor Centre.
Lane connecting the Centre and the stones.
Stepping paths and perspectives.
Places of local routes, barrows and Durrington Walls.
You are free to download digital copy of Stonehenge map from the English Heritage site ahead of your visit.
In case you intend to spend the night in Stonehenge, these are the best places in Stonehenge to stay:
Luxury:
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
Mid-range:
Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge
The Cathedral Hotel, Salisbury
Budget:
The Antrobus Hotel
Stonehenge Inn
The site has a majority of hotels within 10-30 minutes that are comfortable and easy to get to, providing access to Salisbury and nearby places.
Q1: What’s the best time to visit Stonehenge?
Early or late morning to visit peacefully and to have the golden light.
Q2: Can I touch the stones?
No one is allowed to touch Stonehenge, and that will conserve the monument.
Q3: How long does a visit take?
Approximately 2-3 hours, such as the Visitor Centre and riding on the shuttle.
Q4: Is there food available?
Yes, the Visitor Centre cafe provides beverages, snacks and light meals.
Q5: Can I visit Stonehenge without a tour?
Yes, one may make independent visits, yet guided tours are more informative.
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