Stonehenge
An iconic prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shrouded in mystery and ancient wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Stonehenge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shrouded in mystery and ancient wonder.
"The landscape is stunning. Visiting ancient Stonehenge was a unique experience, full of history and mystery."
🚶♀️ Walk the Public Footpath
Access Stonehenge for free via public footpaths, like Fargo Road, for an 18-minute walk to the site.
🎧 Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the essential audio guide and app for understanding the history and significance of the stones.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Stone Circle
The main monument
The iconic arrangement of massive sarsen stones and bluestones, a testament to ancient engineering and astronomical knowledge.
The Exhibition and Visitor Centre
Visitor Centre
Discover thousands of years of history with interactive displays and ancient artifacts, including the Amesbury Archer.
The Surrounding Landscape
Salisbury Plain
Explore the wider World Heritage Site, including Woodhenge and Cuckoo Stone, offering peaceful walks and stunning views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Consider Avebury for a Free Alternative
Book Inner Circle Access in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Public Footpath
Access Stonehenge for free via public footpaths, like Fargo Road, for an 18-minute walk to the site.
🎧 Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the essential audio guide and app for understanding the history and significance of the stones.
🐶 Dog Policy Note
Dogs are not allowed around the stones or on the shuttle bus, but can access adjacent public rights of way.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the stunning landscape, especially if visiting early.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Public Footpath
Access Stonehenge for free via public footpaths, like Fargo Road, for an 18-minute walk to the site.
🎧 Download the Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the essential audio guide and app for understanding the history and significance of the stones.
🐶 Dog Policy Note
Dogs are not allowed around the stones or on the shuttle bus, but can access adjacent public rights of way.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy amidst the stunning landscape, especially if visiting early.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Enjoy complimentary parking at the visitor center, but register your vehicle in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the stunning landscape and the sheer historical significance of Stonehenge, often finding the surrounding area as captivating as the monument itself. While the standard viewing distance can be a point of contention for some, the visitor center and the option for special access tours enhance the experience. The site is well-organized, with friendly staff and ample parking, making it a memorable journey into ancient history.
"The landscape is stunning. Followed the map
Display and saw things I never noticed on my first trip to Stonehenge. This time I saw rings, woodhenge, cuckoo stone and the whole thing from afar. Lovely walks around too."
P_Addler
"Stonehenge is free for National Trust. You can show with just your membership cards but the site will give you a discount code for "affiliates" if you want to book in advance. You also need to register your vehicle for free parking. Go as early as you can. Bring lunch!
No words needed for Stonehenge itself but the landscape is gorgeous. There is a shuttle to take you to the site; we took advantage due to the on/off rain. But we walked back, through the landscape that was just lovely and peaceful."
L Ali
"Why not visit when you have a chance to free view through National Trust walking tracks.. Visiting ancient Stonehenge was a unique experience, full of history and mystery. This is UNESCO World Heritage Site and this prehistoric site was built around 5,000 years ago which offers to have a glimpse into ancient engineering and astronomical alignments.
Its a nice walk through woods and open fields. Better to visit this stone circle early in the morning or late in the afternoon for less crowded and getting nice photos. This is located in open fields with wild beauty. So you can enjoy more while walk around as I love fields full of yellow flowers. It's one of must visit place and highly recommend."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive from London (approx. 2 hours) or take a train to Salisbury (about 1.5 hours) and then catch a bus or taxi to Stonehenge.
Yes, you can access Stonehenge via public footpaths for free, such as the one from Fargo Road. Alternatively, National Trust members may get discounts or free entry. +1
Yes, there is free parking available at the visitor center. It's recommended to register your vehicle in advance.
A shuttle bus is available from the visitor center to the stones, or you can enjoy a pleasant mile-long walk along a designated pedestrian lane.
Amesbury is a small town close to Stonehenge, and Salisbury offers more accommodation options and is a common base for visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there's a fee for the main visitor experience, you can view Stonehenge from public footpaths for free. National Trust membership can also offer discounts or free entry. +1
Limited 'Stone Circle Experience' tours are available, allowing you to walk among the stones. These need to be booked in advance through English Heritage.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information for your visit.
Generally, you cannot touch the stones during standard visits due to preservation efforts. Special access tours may offer closer proximity.
Yes, National Trust members can often get discounts or free entry to Stonehenge. Ensure you have your membership card and register your vehicle for parking.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the wider World Heritage Site, including Woodhenge, Cuckoo Stone, and the interactive exhibition at the visitor center.
Yes, the visitor center features an excellent exhibition with ancient artifacts and information about the site's history and construction.
A henge is a prehistoric circular earthwork, typically consisting of a bank and ditch. Stonehenge is a famous example of this type of monument.
Thousands gather annually for the Summer Solstice (around June 20-21) to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the stones, a tradition rooted in ancient pagan practices.
Dogs are not permitted on the shuttle bus or around the main stone circle. However, they can be walked on adjacent public rights of way.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the monument and its surrounding landscape.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check the official English Heritage guidelines before your visit, especially for professional photography.
Standard visits keep you on a path around the stones. For closer shots, consider booking a 'Stone Circle Experience' tour.
Experiment with different perspectives from the designated path, or explore the surrounding landscape for wider shots that include the monument in its context.
Drone usage is generally restricted at World Heritage Sites like Stonehenge to protect the monument and wildlife. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Active Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Stonehenge's Construction and Purpose
The purpose of Stonehenge is equally enigmatic, fueling centuries of speculation. While its exact function is unknown, evidence points towards astronomical alignments, particularly with the solstices. The famous alignment with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice suggests a connection to solar worship or calendrical functions. Other theories propose it was a burial ground, a healing center, or a place for ceremonies and rituals, possibly linked to death and the afterlife.
+2Recent archaeological findings, such as the Amesbury Archer, suggest that people traveled great distances to Stonehenge, indicating its significant cultural and possibly spiritual importance across prehistoric Europe. This individual, buried with a wealth of grave goods, is believed to have originated from continental Europe, highlighting Stonehenge's role as a focal point for ancient communities.
Navigating Access and Visiting Options
For a more intimate experience, English Heritage offers 'Stone Circle Experience' tours. These are limited in number and allow visitors to walk directly among the stones, providing a profound connection to the ancient monument. Booking these special access tours well in advance is crucial due to their popularity.
Alternatively, for those seeking a free and more hands-on experience, the nearby village of Avebury boasts a large stone circle that is freely accessible, allowing visitors to touch and walk among the stones without restriction. This offers a different, yet equally compelling, encounter with prehistoric monuments.
The Mystique of the Solstices and Equinoxes
+1Similarly, the Winter Solstice also holds significance, with open access events allowing people to witness the sunrise or sunset during the shortest day of the year. These events often attract pagans and those interested in ancient traditions, creating a unique atmosphere of ritual and celebration.
While the solstices are the most famous, Stonehenge's alignment with other celestial events, like the equinoxes, further solidifies its role as a sophisticated monument designed to track the passage of time and the movements of the sun and stars. Understanding these alignments adds another layer of appreciation to the site's mystery.
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