Stonehenge
A legendary neolithic monument shrouded in mystery, built with stones transported from afar for unknown purposes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Stonehenge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary neolithic monument shrouded in mystery, built with stones transported from afar for unknown purposes.
"The energy here is amazing, feels magical. Seeing the ancient stones up close is a truly powerful experience."
🎯 Book Inner Circle Tickets Early
These sell out fast! Secure your spot for an unforgettable experience among the stones. :ticket:
🚶 Walk or Shuttle to Stones
The visitor center is a 20-min walk, or take the shuttle. Choose what suits your pace! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Stone Circle
Salisbury Plain
Stand in awe of the massive sarsen stones and bluestones, a testament to ancient engineering and mystery.
Inner Circle Experience
Within the stone circle
Walk amongst the ancient stones for a truly profound and magical connection to history.
Exhibition and Neolithic Houses
Visitor Centre
Explore fascinating exhibits detailing the site's evolution and see reconstructed Neolithic homes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Inner Circle Access: Plan Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Inner Circle Tickets Early
These sell out fast! Secure your spot for an unforgettable experience among the stones.
🚶 Walk or Shuttle to Stones
The visitor center is a 20-min walk, or take the shuttle. Choose what suits your pace! :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Consider the Headset Tour
Enhance your visit with a self-guided headset tour for deeper insights. :iphone:
☀️ Aim for Golden Hour
Sunset or sunrise photos are magnificent! Plan your visit for magical lighting. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Inner Circle Tickets Early
These sell out fast! Secure your spot for an unforgettable experience among the stones.
🚶 Walk or Shuttle to Stones
The visitor center is a 20-min walk, or take the shuttle. Choose what suits your pace! :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Consider the Headset Tour
Enhance your visit with a self-guided headset tour for deeper insights. :iphone:
☀️ Aim for Golden Hour
Sunset or sunrise photos are magnificent! Plan your visit for magical lighting. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Fee
There's a parking fee, but it's reasonable for a full day. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are often awestruck by Stonehenge's historical significance and the sheer scale of the ancient monument. The Inner Circle experience is frequently cited as a highlight, offering a profound connection to the past. However, some find the ticket prices steep for the time spent on-site, especially when considering the walking distance from the visitor centre.
"Plenty of parking, free to cadw, English heritage, and historic Scotland. Very Busy even at 10am. Free Busses taking visitors down every 5 to 10 mins. And bringing back. No going on the stones. Very impressive visitors centre. Toilets, shop, cafe. All wheelchair friendly. Great audio guide app. Friendly staff. Soooo many nationalities visiting. Heard soooooo many languages. Wonderful place to visit. Better when not so many people, but over a million people visit so not any quiet time."
Jackie Robinson
"A definitely must visit place!
Stonehenge is not just a bunch of stones erected next to each other! It's an amazing structure with a 4,000-year-plus history! The initial structure was erected long before the Pyramids or Persepolis (which was surprisingly missing from their timeline display).
The stones weigh up to 30 tonnes and were brought from very long distances, which tells us just how much the site mattered to the people of that time!"
Ali Jafari-Gh.
"I didn’t go through the visitor center — instead I took a lovely, easy path through the fields. The walk was beautiful and peaceful, and it leads you right up close to Stonehenge without needing to pay. The site itself is amazing and well-kept. Totally worth it, especially if you prefer a quiet nature walk over the crowded official route."
Amit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours), then catch a dedicated Stonehenge tour bus or a local bus service to the visitor centre. Driving is also an option, with parking available at the visitor centre.
It's challenging but potentially doable if you arrive very early. Aim to be at the visitor centre by opening time to maximize your visit before needing to return to Salisbury station.
You can walk the approximately 20-minute path to the stone circle, or take the shuttle bus service provided by English Heritage.
Yes, trains to Salisbury are frequent, and from there, tour buses and local services connect to Stonehenge.
Driving is a convenient option, and there is a parking fee at the visitor centre. This allows flexibility for your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around £28-£30 for the full experience, which includes access to the visitor centre, exhibition, and shuttle to the stones. Booking in advance is recommended.
Historically, there might have been free access, but currently, a ticket is required for entry to the visitor centre and access to the stone circle.
Access to the Inner Circle is limited and requires booking a specific 'Stone Circle Experience' tour with English Heritage, usually available at specific times of the day.
Yes, English Heritage offers special access tours for the Summer and Winter Solstices, allowing visitors to be within the stone circle during these significant events.
A standard ticket typically includes access to the visitor centre, the exhibition, the Neolithic houses, and the shuttle bus to the stone circle.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The site includes a world-class exhibition, reconstructed Neolithic houses, and the surrounding landscape, offering a comprehensive prehistoric experience.
No, visitors cannot touch the stones. They are roped off to protect them, but the Inner Circle tours allow you to get very close.
Many find it a profound and magical experience, especially with Inner Circle access. Others feel it's overpriced for what it is, but the history is undeniable.
A henge is a prehistoric monument consisting of a circular bank and ditch, often with standing stones. Stonehenge is a prime example.
Its exact purpose remains a mystery, but theories suggest it was a ceremonial site, astronomical observatory, or calendar.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon during the 'golden hour' offers the most dramatic lighting. Solstice events also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional equipment may require special permission.
Yes, photography is permitted within the Inner Circle during your tour, allowing for close-up shots of the stones.
Experiment with different angles from the perimeter path. For unique perspectives, consider the Inner Circle tour or drone photography (if permitted).
While the main site is well-trodden, exploring the surrounding landscape can offer different views. The visitor centre's exhibits also provide visual interest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Solo Travelers
The site's historical and mystical aura can be particularly profound when experienced individually. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of Stonehenge's Purpose
Theories abound, ranging from a sophisticated astronomical observatory and calendar to a sacred burial ground or a place of healing. +1Some researchers propose that Stonehenge was a place of pilgrimage and ritual, drawing people from across ancient Britain and even continental Europe, as evidenced by the discovery of the Amesbury Archer, who was buried with grave goods indicating a high status and a journey from mainland Europe.
Recent archaeological findings and ongoing research continue to shed light on the lives of the people who built and used Stonehenge. While definitive answers are elusive, the ongoing exploration of its history and the surrounding landscape offers a compelling glimpse into our prehistoric past.
Experiencing Stonehenge: Beyond the Perimeter
English Heritage offers 'Stone Circle Experience' tours that allow you to walk amongst the ancient sarsens and bluestones, providing a much more intimate and profound connection to the monument. These tours are limited and book up quickly, so planning ahead is crucial for those seeking this deeper engagement. Beyond the stones themselves, the Stonehenge Visitor Centre offers a wealth of information to enrich your visit. The exhibition space details the history and archaeology of the site, showcasing artifacts and explaining the various theories surrounding its construction and purpose.
Solstice Celebrations at Stonehenge
+1 The Summer Solstice, around June 20-21, sees thousands gather to witness the sunrise perfectly align with the Heel Stone, a tradition that has been observed for centuries. +1 This event is free to attend, but due to the large crowds, it requires careful planning and adherence to site rules. The Winter Solstice, on the longest night of the year, also draws crowds for a more subdued but equally meaningful celebration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit