Woodhenge
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Woodhenge

4.2
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

A free, quiet Neolithic timber monument near Stonehenge, marked by concrete posts, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Woodhenge

Woodhenge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A free, quiet Neolithic timber monument near Stonehenge, marked by concrete posts, offering a glimpse into ancient rituals.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"Less visually dramatic but also quieter and free to visit."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy this historical site without any admission or parking fees. :moneywithwings:

Quick Visit Recommended

Allow about 10-15 minutes to explore the site and read the information boards. :stopwatch:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Concrete Circle

The Concrete Circle

The main site

Concrete markers precisely show the layout of the ancient timber circle, sparking imagination about its past use.

Peaceful Meadow Setting

Peaceful Meadow Setting

Surrounding area

Nestled amidst lush meadows and forests, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection.

Informative Placards

Informative Placards

Around the monument

Limited but useful information boards provide context about this ancient Neolithic site.

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Planning Your Visit

A Quieter Neolithic Neighbor

Woodhenge offers a glimpse into prehistoric life, a less crowded and free alternative to its famous neighbor, Stonehenge. It's a quick visit, perfect for those seeking a more intimate historical experience.

Plan for a Brief, Free Visit

Woodhenge is a free-to-enter site with open parking. Expect to spend about 10-15 minutes here, as the main attraction is the arrangement of concrete markers indicating where ancient wooden posts once stood.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Farm Fresh Strawberry Shortcake?   Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury is a year round spot for fresh made ice cold cider and Summer Weekdays Eleanor's Lunch Box has everything you need for an instant picnic, including the best views and kids meals to give them enough energy to explore the farm.  And, they have their awesome fresh made Cider Donuts available year round and a large section of flowers. @C...
@tasteofmassachusetts
15.2K likes • 243.5K views

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy this historical site without any admission or parking fees. :moneywithwings:

Quick Visit Recommended

Allow about 10-15 minutes to explore the site and read the information boards. :stopwatch:

An 11-year-old boy died when a car hit a parked lorry near #Stonehenge - #wiltshire #wiltshirenews #wiltshirepolice #amesbury #ukcrash #ukpolice #crash #crashes #ukroads #ukcrime #ukcrimetok #roadspolicing #collision #collisioninvestigation #crashdetectives #lorrydriver #lorrydrivers #uklorrydrivers #hgvdriver #hgvdrivers
@wiltshire999s
14.3K likes • 706.3K views
Woodhenge is an atmospheric Neolithic site close to Stonehenge and built around 2500 BC #woodhenge #englishheritage #wiltshire #england #unitedkingdom
travel_alan1
32 likes • 627 views

Combine with Stonehenge

It's a short drive from Stonehenge, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. :car:

Imagine the Past

The concrete markers help visualize the original wooden structure, encouraging historical imagination. :brain:

Woodhenge, very close to Stonehenge, is relatively unknown. It is not far from Durrington where it is thought many people lived 5,500 years ago, so maybe was used in a similar way to Stonehenge itself, but we aren’t quite sure. Certainly it is mathematical in its construction of 6 rings of posts, which would have been made out of wood. Here is the reconstruction which anyone can pull off the road ...
annaoflondon
172 likes • 5.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry & Parking

Enjoy this historical site without any admission or parking fees. :moneywithwings:

Quick Visit Recommended

Allow about 10-15 minutes to explore the site and read the information boards. :stopwatch:

Combine with Stonehenge

It's a short drive from Stonehenge, making it an easy addition to your itinerary. :car:

Imagine the Past

The concrete markers help visualize the original wooden structure, encouraging historical imagination. :brain:

Check Information Boards

Some visitors noted missing or outdated placards, so manage expectations. :clipboard:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Woodhenge is appreciated as a free, quiet alternative to Stonehenge, offering a glimpse into Neolithic history with its concrete markers. Visitors note its brief duration and the potential for outdated information boards, but praise its serene setting and accessibility.

"Interesting place! Good for a quick visit, some good information provided. Could be spruced up a bit and made more of."

Liezel Teague

"10 mins drive from Stonehenge, open parking across the road. You need to unlatch the gates to enter then you will find roughly 1 feet high circular concrete pillars across in a circular manner.
Surrounded by lushy meadows and forest nearby.
There is no ticket needed here and no parking charges either.
10 mins is enough here."

Shailendra

"Such a nice place to visit but I think the National Trust need to renew their information boards. One was completely missing. Didnt like the rv parked up with their fire right next to the stone."

Angela Coveney

What People Like

Free entry and parking
Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Brief visit duration
Outdated information boards

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Woodhenge is conveniently located just a short drive (about 10 minutes) from Stonehenge. If you're driving, there's open parking available across the road from the site. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is open parking available across the road from Woodhenge, and it is free of charge. Reddit

While it's a short drive, walking might be an option depending on your starting point. However, it's most commonly accessed by car due to its proximity to Stonehenge. Instagram

Information on direct public transport to Woodhenge is limited. It's best to combine it with a visit to Stonehenge, which has more transport links. Instagram

The most practical way to visit Woodhenge is by car, especially if you are already visiting Stonehenge. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Woodhenge is a free-to-enter site. There are no admission fees required to visit. Reddit

Parking at Woodhenge is free. You can park your vehicle across the road from the site without any cost. Reddit

Woodhenge is an open-air site and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's always a good idea to check for any local advisories. Instagram

Woodhenge is managed by English Heritage. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site, Woodhenge is typically accessible during daylight hours. Visitors often enjoy the site for its quiet atmosphere. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Woodhenge features concrete markers that indicate the positions of the original wooden posts of a Neolithic timber circle. It's surrounded by meadows. InstagramReddit

Most visitors find that 10-15 minutes is sufficient to explore Woodhenge and read the available information. Reddit

Woodhenge is less visually dramatic than Stonehenge, as it primarily consists of concrete markers. However, it offers a quieter and free historical experience. InstagramReddit

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Woodhenge. Visitors should plan accordingly. Reddit

Woodhenge was a Neolithic timber monument built around 2500 BC, consisting of six concentric rings of wooden posts. Its exact purpose is debated, but it likely held religious or ceremonial significance. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique arrangement of concrete markers against the backdrop of the surrounding meadows. The site offers a sense of ancient mystery. Instagram

Drone footage can offer a unique perspective of the circular layout of Woodhenge and its landscape. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

Late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the atmosphere of the site. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the information boards, but be aware that some may be outdated or missing. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permission. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Woodhenge is a great, quick stop for families looking for a free historical experience. The concrete markers are easy for children to see and can spark their imagination about ancient times. Instagram It's a short visit, so it won't tire out younger ones, and the open parking makes it convenient. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding meadows after exploring the site. Reddit

While there aren't specific play areas, the open space around Woodhenge allows kids to move freely. It's a good opportunity to talk about history in a tangible way, using the markers as a guide to what once stood there. Instagram

Budget Travelers

Woodhenge is a dream for budget travelers. It's completely free to enter, and parking is also complimentary. Reddit This makes it an ideal attraction for those looking to experience historical sites without incurring significant costs. Reddit

Combine your visit with a packed lunch to enjoy in the scenic surroundings, further minimizing expenses. Its proximity to Stonehenge also means you can experience two major historical sites with minimal financial outlay, especially if you're driving. Instagram

History Buffs & Archaeologists

For those fascinated by Neolithic history and archaeology, Woodhenge offers a unique insight into timber monument construction. While the physical remains are limited to concrete markers, the site's layout and its connection to nearby settlements like Durrington Walls provide valuable context for understanding prehistoric life and rituals. Instagram+1

Engage with the information boards to learn about the theories surrounding its purpose and construction. Its less-visited status allows for a more personal and contemplative study of the site, encouraging deeper reflection on the lives of its ancient builders. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystery of Woodhenge

Woodhenge is a fascinating Neolithic monument located near the iconic Stonehenge. Built around 2500 BC, it predates even some of the earliest Egyptian pyramids. Instagram Unlike Stonehenge's stone circles, Woodhenge was constructed from timber, with evidence suggesting six concentric rings of wooden posts arranged in an oval shape within an earthwork. Instagram The exact purpose of Woodhenge remains a subject of archaeological debate, but it is widely believed to have served significant ceremonial or religious functions for the prehistoric communities that inhabited the area, possibly including the people who lived at nearby Durrington Walls. Instagram

Today, the original wooden posts have long since vanished, but their positions are clearly marked by concrete posts, allowing visitors to visualize the monument's scale and layout. Reddit This makes it a site that encourages imagination, prompting visitors to ponder the rituals, gatherings, and beliefs of Britain's ancient past. Instagram While it may not possess the imposing visual grandeur of Stonehenge, Woodhenge offers a more intimate and contemplative experience, allowing for a deeper connection with the ancient landscape. Reddit

Visiting Woodhenge provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity and spiritual practices of Neolithic peoples. The site's serene setting amidst meadows adds to its allure, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in history and archaeology. Instagram+1

Woodhenge vs. Stonehenge: A Comparison

While both Woodhenge and Stonehenge are significant Neolithic sites in Wiltshire, they offer distinct visitor experiences. Stonehenge, with its massive sarsen stones and bluestones, is a world-renowned icon of ancient engineering and mystery, drawing large crowds and requiring pre-booked tickets. TikTok Its scale and enduring presence are awe-inspiring, but it can feel more commercialized and less personal due to visitor numbers. Reddit

Woodhenge, on the other hand, is a quieter, more understated site. It consists of concrete markers indicating where wooden posts once stood, making it less visually dramatic than Stonehenge. Instagram However, its key advantages are its free entry and parking, and its significantly smaller crowds. Reddit This allows for a more peaceful and reflective visit, where you can truly imagine the ancient ceremonies that took place there without the hustle and bustle. Reddit Many visitors find Woodhenge to be a valuable, albeit brief, addition to a trip to Stonehenge, offering a different perspective on prehistoric life in the region. Instagram+1

Ultimately, the choice between or combination of visiting both depends on your priorities. If you seek iconic grandeur and a bucket-list experience, Stonehenge is essential. If you prefer a tranquil, free, and more contemplative historical encounter, Woodhenge is an excellent complement. Reddit

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