Stonehenge, England: Visitor Information

Did you know that Stonehenge’s largest sarsen stone weighs a staggering 30 tons, and was transported over 20 miles to its current location some 4,500 years ago—without the benefit of wheels or metal tools? This remarkable feat of prehistoric engineering is just one of the many mysteries that make Stonehenge one of the world’s most fascinating ancient monuments. Standing majestically on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, this iconic stone circle continues to captivate visitors from around the globe with its enigmatic presence and astronomical alignments.

What is Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing approximately 25 tons. Built in several stages between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, it predates the Egyptian pyramids and continues to baffle archaeologists and historians with questions about its construction and purpose.

The stone circle is precisely aligned with the movements of the sun. On the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone and its first rays shine into the heart of the monument. This astronomical precision suggests Stonehenge may have functioned as a kind of calendar, used to predict eclipses and solar events important for agricultural cycles.

Archaeological evidence, including human remains discovered at the site, indicates Stonehenge likely served multiple purposes over time—from a burial ground to a ceremonial site and a place of healing. The discovery that some stones were transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away, adds to the monument’s mystique.

Planning Your Visit to Stonehenge

Stonehenge Opening Hours

Stonehenge welcomes visitors year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day (December 25th). Opening hours vary by season:

The last admission is two hours before closing time. During peak season (June-August), arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the largest crowds.

Tickets and Admission

Advance booking is essential, especially during summer months and around solstice events. Tickets often sell out days or weeks ahead, particularly during peak tourist season. Adult tickets range from £22-£30, with discounts available for children, seniors, and families.

Best Time to Visit Stonehenge

Seasonal Considerations

Each season offers a different experience at Stonehenge:

Solstice Events

The summer and winter solstices are particularly significant times to visit Stonehenge. During these special events, English Heritage provides “managed open access” to the stone circle itself—a rare opportunity to walk among the stones, which is not permitted during regular visits.

How to Get to Stonehenge

Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Stonehenge is accessible via several transportation options. The visitor center, where your experience begins, is located 1.5 miles from the stone circle itself.

By Car

Driving offers the most flexibility for your visit. Stonehenge is located about 2 hours from London, just off the A303 road. Use the postcode SP4 7DE for GPS navigation. The visitor center has a paid parking lot (free for English Heritage and National Trust members).

By Public Transportation

If you prefer not to drive, these options are available:

• Train + Bus: Take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury station (journey time approximately 1.5 hours), then catch the Stonehenge Tour Bus that departs hourly from the station. This hop-on-hop-off service also stops at Old Sarum.
• Direct Bus: National Express operates direct coach services to Salisbury from London Victoria Coach Station. From Salisbury, take the Stonehenge Tour Bus.

Guided Tours

Organized tours are perhaps the most convenient way to visit Stonehenge, especially if you’re staying in London or another major city. These tours handle all transportation logistics and often include expert guides who provide historical context and fascinating insights about the monument.

The Stonehenge Visitor Experience

A typical visit to Stonehenge begins at the visitor center, located 1.5 miles from the stone circle. From there, you have two options to reach the monument:

• Shuttle Bus: A free shuttle bus runs continuously between the visitor center and the stone circle, with a journey time of approximately 10 minutes.
• Walking: A scenic walking path connects the visitor center to the stones. The walk takes about 30 minutes each way through the beautiful Salisbury Plain landscape.

Stonehenge Visitor Center

Before heading to the stone circle, spend time exploring the excellent visitor center. It features:

• Exhibition Space: Displays featuring over 300 archaeological treasures discovered at the site, including human remains, tools, and pottery.
• 360° Audio-Visual Experience: An immersive presentation that places you in the center of the stones, showing how the monument changed through the seasons and millennia.
• Neolithic Houses: Full-scale reconstructions of Neolithic houses, furnished with authentic replica items, offering insight into how the builders of Stonehenge may have lived.
• Café and Gift Shop: A place to relax with refreshments and browse Stonehenge-themed souvenirs and educational materials.

At the Stone Circle

When you reach the stone circle itself, you’ll follow a designated path that circles the monument. While visitors cannot enter the stone circle during regular opening hours (except during special solstice events), the path brings you close enough to appreciate the scale and arrangement of the stones.

Special Access Tours

For those seeking a more intimate experience with the stones, English Heritage offers “Stone Circle Access” visits outside normal opening hours. These special tours allow a limited number of visitors to enter the stone circle itself, providing a rare opportunity to get up close to the megaliths.

These tours take place early in the morning or late in the evening and must be booked well in advance as they sell out quickly. The experience of standing among the stones as the sun rises or sets is truly unforgettable.

Exploring Beyond Stonehenge

While Stonehenge is the main attraction, the surrounding area offers several fascinating sites that complement your visit. Consider extending your trip to explore these nearby destinations:

Practical Tips for Visiting Stonehenge

Weather Considerations

Stonehenge is completely exposed to the elements with no shelter at the stone circle itself. The Wiltshire weather can be unpredictable, so come prepared:

• Summer: Bring sun protection, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Despite England’s reputation for rain, summer days can be quite hot.
• Winter: Dress warmly in layers. The open plain can be particularly cold and windy. Waterproof clothing is advisable.
• Spring/Autumn: Be prepared for changeable conditions with layers and a waterproof jacket.

Facilities at Stonehenge

Understanding the available facilities will help you plan your visit more effectively:

Accessibility Information

Stonehenge strives to be accessible to all visitors:

• The visitor center is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and level access.
• Accessible toilets are available at the visitor center.
• The shuttle bus to the stones is wheelchair accessible.
• A dedicated viewing area for wheelchair users is available near the stone circle.
• The walking path to the stones is not suitable for wheelchairs due to uneven terrain.
• Audio guides are available with transcripts for hearing-impaired visitors.
• Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site.

Where to Stay Near Stonehenge

While there is no accommodation at Stonehenge itself, several charming towns and villages in the vicinity offer a range of places to stay:

Experience the Mystery of Stonehenge

Standing before the massive stones of Stonehenge is a profound experience that connects you to our distant ancestors and their remarkable achievements. Despite centuries of research, this ancient monument continues to guard many of its secrets, inviting visitors to form their own theories about its purpose and significance.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an archaeology buff, or simply curious about this iconic landmark, Stonehenge offers an unforgettable glimpse into humanity’s past. By planning your visit with the information in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your time at this extraordinary World Heritage Site.

From witnessing the perfect astronomical alignments during solstice events to exploring the excellent exhibitions at the visitor center, Stonehenge rewards visitors with a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and vision of our Neolithic ancestors. Begin your journey to unravel the mysteries of Stonehenge today!