The Avenue Stonehenge
Walk the ancient Avenue to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a free and profound connection to history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
The Avenue Stonehenge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the ancient Avenue to Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a free and profound connection to history.
"Magical experience walking the Avenue into Stonehenge. Free from Amesbury to the site. Way better than the touristic attraction."
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue for Free
Park in Amesbury and walk the ancient Avenue to Stonehenge for a free and more immersive experience.
☀️ Solstice Spectacle
Plan ahead for the summer solstice; it's free but expect large crowds and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Avenue
Connecting Stonehenge to the River Avon
Walk the ancient processional route, the original entrance to Stonehenge, offering a unique perspective.
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Solstice Sunrise
Stonehenge monument
Witness the sun perfectly align with the stones during the summer solstice, a truly ancient tradition.
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Little Amal's Visit
Stonehenge monument
See where the giant puppet of a Syrian refugee child, Little Amal, visited, symbolizing hope and resilience.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds
Getting There & Parking Smarts
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue for Free
Park in Amesbury and walk the ancient Avenue to Stonehenge for a free and more immersive experience.
☀️ Solstice Spectacle
Plan ahead for the summer solstice; it's free but expect large crowds and an unforgettable atmosphere.
🗺️ Combine with Woodhenge
The Avenue walk conveniently passes Woodhenge, making it easy to visit both ancient sites.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Salisbury Plain can be exposed; bring layers and waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Avenue for Free
Park in Amesbury and walk the ancient Avenue to Stonehenge for a free and more immersive experience.
☀️ Solstice Spectacle
Plan ahead for the summer solstice; it's free but expect large crowds and an unforgettable atmosphere.
🗺️ Combine with Woodhenge
The Avenue walk conveniently passes Woodhenge, making it easy to visit both ancient sites.
🧥 Dress for the Weather
Salisbury Plain can be exposed; bring layers and waterproofs, as the weather can change quickly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the magical and emotional experience of walking the Avenue into Stonehenge, especially when accessed for free from Amesbury. The historical significance and the connection to ancient traditions are frequently highlighted. However, some find the official visitor center experience to be expensive and not as explanatory as hoped.
"If you park on fargo road and do the 19 minutes walk to stonehenge free of charge, this is about half way down the path on the left hand side, on the way to seeing stonehenge its self via the public walk way if you visit wood henge then go hear its literally a straight drive forim one destination to another and this way you see more than planed xx"
Helen Keate
"Stonehenge Avenue is an ancient avenue on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England. It is part of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in the 18th century, it measures nearly 3 kilometres,[2] and connects Stonehenge with the River Avon.[3] It was built during the Stonehenge 3 period of 2600 to 1700 BCE."
Aaron
"Magical experience walking the Avenue into Stonehenge. Free from Amesbury to the site. Way better than the touristic attraction from the Visitors Center which is expensive and underexplicatory."
Norman Gonsenheim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Amesbury and then walk the ancient Avenue, which is about a 19-minute walk to Stonehenge. This route is free and offers a more authentic experience than the main visitor center.
Yes, there is parking at the official Stonehenge Visitor Centre, but it comes with an admission fee. Alternatively, some visitors opt to park in Amesbury and walk the Avenue.
Cycling is a great way to explore Salisbury Plain. There are cycle paths that can lead you towards Stonehenge, and you can often find bike racks at the visitor center.
The most recommended free method is to park in Amesbury and walk the ancient Avenue, which leads directly to Stonehenge. This also allows you to visit Woodhenge.
The walk along the Avenue from Amesbury to Stonehenge is approximately 19 minutes, offering scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visiting the Stonehenge monument itself via the Avenue from Amesbury is free. However, the official Stonehenge Visitor Centre and exhibition have an admission fee.
If you plan to use the official Visitor Centre and access the stone circle up close, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times. Access via the Avenue is free.
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre has specific opening hours that vary by season. The Avenue is accessible at any time, allowing for free visits outside of official hours.
The Visitor Centre and exhibition are accessible. The stone circle itself has limited accessibility due to the uneven terrain, but there are shuttle buses from the visitor centre.
No, visitors are not allowed to touch the stones to preserve the monument. You can walk around the stone circle at a designated distance.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Sunrise during the summer solstice is particularly iconic.
Drone usage is generally prohibited at Stonehenge and within the surrounding World Heritage Site to protect the monument and wildlife. Always check current regulations.
Experiment with different angles from the public footpath, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Avenue offers a unique perspective leading into the monument.
Yes, photography is allowed during the summer solstice, but be prepared for very large crowds and limited personal space.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the monument and surrounding landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, but check site rules.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Avenue is an ancient ceremonial pathway, nearly 3 kilometers long, connecting Stonehenge to the River Avon. It served as the original entrance to the monument.
Woodhenge is a Neolithic henge monument located near Stonehenge, consisting of a series of timber posts arranged in concentric circles. It's often visited on the walk along the Avenue.
If visiting the Visitor Centre, allow 2-3 hours. If walking the Avenue from Amesbury, you can spend as much time as you like exploring the monument and surrounding landscape.
Guided tours are available through the official Visitor Centre, offering in-depth historical context. You can also explore independently, especially if using the Avenue.
The Visitor Centre has a cafe, gift shop, and restrooms. If accessing via the Avenue, facilities are limited to what you bring with you.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Avenue
+1 Walking this path offers a profound sense of connection to the past, allowing visitors to approach Stonehenge as ancient peoples once did. The widening of the Avenue near the central stones, aligned with the solstice axis, suggests its deliberate design for astronomical or ritualistic purposes. Many travelers find the walk along the Avenue to be a highlight, offering a more contemplative and less commercialized introduction to the site. It's a chance to appreciate the landscape and the sheer scale of human endeavor involved in its construction.
Experiencing Stonehenge During Solstice
+1 The atmosphere is often described as magical and deeply moving, with a sense of shared human experience. While the solstice offers a unique and free experience, it's crucial to be prepared for immense crowds. The site opens overnight, and visitors often camp out to secure a good viewing spot.
It's advisable to check official announcements for access details and any specific guidelines for the event. For those seeking a less crowded experience, visiting on a regular day, particularly during the shoulder seasons or off-peak hours, is recommended. Amesbury: The Gateway to Stonehenge
The town itself has a rich history, with connections to Stonehenge dating back to prehistoric times. Exploring Amesbury before or after your visit to Stonehenge can add another layer to your trip, offering a glimpse into local life and history.
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