Stonehenge Cursus
Explore the vast, mysterious Stonehenge Cursus, an ancient earthwork and burial landscape offering a free, immersive historical experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light enhances the landscape.
Stonehenge Cursus
Best Time
Golden hour light enhances the landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the vast, mysterious Stonehenge Cursus, an ancient earthwork and burial landscape offering a free, immersive historical experience.
"The walk through the meadow plains, by the mounds, into fargo woods and by the cursus is totally enchanting."
Free Access Paths
Explore public footpaths near Larkhill for free views of the Cursus.
Wear Sturdy Boots
The ground can be uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Cursus
North of Stonehenge
A vast, ancient earthwork, longer than Stonehenge itself, its purpose remains a mystery.
Cursus Barrows
South of the Cursus
A cemetery of Neolithic and Bronze Age round barrows, offering a glimpse into ancient burial practices.
The Ancient Avenue
Connecting Stonehenge to the River Avon
Walk in the footsteps of ancestors along this processional path, a key part of the Stonehenge landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Cursus
Best Footwear and Weather Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Access Paths
Explore public footpaths near Larkhill for free views of the Cursus.
Wear Sturdy Boots
The ground can be uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential.
Pack for All Weather
Wiltshire weather is unpredictable; layers are key. :umbrella:
Explore Beyond the Stones
The surrounding landscape, including the Cursus, is as fascinating as Stonehenge itself.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Access Paths
Explore public footpaths near Larkhill for free views of the Cursus.
Wear Sturdy Boots
The ground can be uneven and muddy; good footwear is essential.
Pack for All Weather
Wiltshire weather is unpredictable; layers are key. :umbrella:
Explore Beyond the Stones
The surrounding landscape, including the Cursus, is as fascinating as Stonehenge itself.
Respect the Site
These are ancient burial grounds; tread lightly and leave no trace. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the walk around the Stonehenge Cursus and its barrows to be a more immersive and peaceful experience than the main Stonehenge site. The free access via public footpaths is a significant draw, allowing for exploration of the wider ancient landscape. However, some note that getting very close to Stonehenge itself requires a ticket.
"This is a must visit site especially if you are in southern England region. Tickets are £34 which gets you a to-and-fro bus tide from the reception to the stones + access to go within the actual stone circle. The other option is to walk. The distance is roughly 2 KMs and takes about 25-30 mins. However, the walk is one to remember. One you start walking your path Would be through the best of english service side. You wont be we able to get close to the stones but you’ll get ample places to take pictures."
Varun Jain
"Lovely for a stroll very mountaineering so take strong boots and take care of the conditions Lovely marking change from time to time facilities are all in the visitor centre toilets and disabled access available wouldn't recommend the walk unless aided brilliant and well preserved place and lots of help by volunteers around the place friendly and welcoming"
Matthew Brookes
"Personally, I enjoyed the walk between the entrance and the Stonehenge than the actual henge itself. It's a really relaxing and beautiful stroll if you have 30 min to spare and if the weather permits."
Chen Wei Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cursus is located north of Stonehenge. While direct access can be tricky, many visitors access it via public footpaths from areas like Larkhill. Parking near Larkhill and walking is a common method for free access to the surrounding landscape.
Limited parking is available in nearby villages like Larkhill. From there, you can access public footpaths that lead to the Cursus.
Direct vehicle access to the Cursus itself is generally restricted to preserve the site. It's best to park in designated areas and walk.
From London, you can take a train to Salisbury (approx. 1.5 hours) and then a bus or taxi to Stonehenge. From the Stonehenge visitor centre, you can walk or take a shuttle bus towards the Cursus area.
Some local tour operators may offer excursions that explore the wider Stonehenge landscape, including the Cursus. It's worth checking with local tourism providers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Stonehenge Cursus itself is an open landscape feature and generally accessible via public footpaths without an entry fee. This differs from the ticketed access to the main Stonehenge monument.
Visiting the Cursus via public footpaths is free. This offers a way to experience the ancient landscape without the cost of a Stonehenge ticket.
As it's an open landscape, there are no official opening hours. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Yes, you can walk around the area of the Cursus barrows. Please be respectful of these ancient burial sites and stay on marked paths where available.
The Cursus is accessible year-round, though weather conditions can significantly impact the walking experience, especially in winter.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Stonehenge Cursus is a large, ancient earthwork consisting of two parallel banks and ditches, approximately 2.5 km long. Its exact purpose is unknown, but it's believed to have been ceremonial or processional.
The Cursus barrows are a cemetery of Neolithic and Bronze Age round barrows located south of the western end of the Cursus. They represent ancient burial sites.
Stonehenge is a famous stone circle monument, while the Cursus is a much larger, linear earthwork that predates the main stone phase of Stonehenge. They are part of the same wider ceremonial landscape.
Sturdy, waterproof walking boots are highly recommended due to potentially uneven and muddy terrain. Dress in layers as the weather can change.
Walking paths near the Cursus offer views of the Stonehenge monument from a distance, but you won't be able to get as close as with a paid ticket.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, creating dramatic shadows and a beautiful atmosphere.
Yes, the walking paths offer scenic views of Stonehenge from a distance, allowing for unique landscape photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the Cursus and the surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for framing Stonehenge from afar. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is generally restricted in the vicinity of Stonehenge and its World Heritage Site to protect the monuments and wildlife. Always check current regulations. :drone:
The Cursus stretches for a considerable distance, so exploring different sections of the public footpaths will reveal various perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚶♂️ Walkers & Hikers
Pack plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited once you're out on the paths. The changing Wiltshire weather means layers are essential. Enjoy the tranquility and the expansive views, which are often enhanced during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the ancient earthworks, saving money on food. Research local bus routes to get as close as possible to the starting points of these footpaths, such as near Larkhill.
📸 Photographers
The surrounding barrows also add texture and historical depth to your shots. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the Cursus and the surrounding ceremonial landscape.
You can also frame Stonehenge in the distance from various points along the paths, offering a different perspective than the close-up views from the main visitor site. Remember to check local regulations regarding drone photography. :camerawithflash:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Cursus
The sheer scale of the Cursus suggests a significant purpose, but its exact function remains a subject of debate among archaeologists. Theories range from a ceremonial avenue for processions to a ritualistic race track or even a boundary marker. Walking along the Cursus today, you can still feel the weight of its ancient past. The vastness of the earthwork, combined with the surrounding barrows, creates a profound sense of stepping back in time. It's a powerful reminder that Stonehenge was not just a single monument, but the focal point of a much larger, complex ceremonial landscape.
+1Many visitors find the walk along the Cursus and through the surrounding fields to be a deeply moving experience, offering a different perspective on the prehistoric significance of the area compared to the immediate vicinity of the stone circle.
+1Exploring the Cursus Barrows
These barrows are scattered along an east-to-west ridge, testament to the long history of human activity and burial practices in this sacred landscape. While some barrows may be less visible today due to erosion or time, their presence underscores the importance of this region as a place of remembrance and ritual for ancient communities. Walking among these mounds offers a tangible connection to the people who lived and died here thousands of years ago.
+1It's crucial to treat these sites with respect. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths to help preserve the integrity of the barrows and the surrounding environment. The Cursus Barrows, alongside the Cursus itself, contribute to the rich tapestry of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, revealing layers of history beyond the iconic stone circle.
The Free Walking Experience
The walk itself is often described as beautiful and relaxing, passing through quintessential English countryside.
+1Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit