Stonehenge

As old as time itself

A prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is considered one of the world’s most famous and mysterious landmarks. The monument is estimated to have been constructed between 3000 and 2000 BCE, and it consists of a circular arrangement of massive stones, some of which weigh up to 50 tons each.

The purpose of Stonehenge remains a subject of much debate among archaeologists. Some theories suggest that it was a site of religious worship or ritual ceremonies, while others suggest that it may have served as an astronomical observatory, marking the movements of the sun and moon.

The construction of Stonehenge was an impressive feat of engineering for its time. The stones were transported from as far away as Wales, a distance of over 150 miles (about 241 km), using sledges and boats. The stones were then erected in precise positions, with some standing over 20 feet tall (about 6 meters).

Today, Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the monument and its surrounding landscape, as well as learn more about the history and mystery of this ancient wonder. While much about Stonehenge remains unknown, its enigmatic presence continues to captivate and intrigue people from all over the world.

How to get there

Stonehenge is easily accessible by several modes of transportation. Here are some options for getting to Stonehenge:

By Car: If you have access to a car, you can drive to Stonehenge and park in the designated car park. The monument is located just off the A303 road, about 2 miles (about 3km) west of Amesbury.

By Public transportation: There are several bus and train options for getting to Stonehenge. From London, you can take a train to Salisbury and then catch the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which operates from Salisbury train station to Stonehenge. Alternatively, you can take the local bus from Salisbury to Amesbury and then walk to Stonehenge.

By Tour bus: There are several tour companies that offer guided tours to Stonehenge from London and other cities. These tours typically include transportation to and from Stonehenge, as well as admission to the monument and a guided tour.

By air: While there is no airport directly serving Stonehenge, there are several nearby airports that offer connections to the area. The closest airports to Stonehenge are Southampton Airport and Bristol Airport, both of which are about 1.5 hours’ drive from the monument.

Tickets and visiting hours

Tickets for Stonehenge can be purchased online in advance or on-site at the monument’s visitor center. Admission to Stonehenge includes access to the monument, the visitor center, and the museum, and audio guides are available for an additional fee.

As of April 2023, the visiting hours for Stonehenge are:

• 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (January 1 to February 12)
• 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (February 13 to March 24)
• 9:30 am to 7:00 pm (March 25 to August 31)
• 9:30 am to 6:00 pm (September 1 to October 31)
• 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (November 1 to December 15)
• 9:30 am to 3:00 pm (December 24 and 31)
• Closed on December 25 and 26

Do keep in mind that the last admission is 2 hours before closing time, and the visiting hours may be subject to change due to special events or other circumstances.

Places to get food and drinks

Suggestions for food and drinks:

• Harvester Old Castle Salisbury: Wide array of meals between 8-20 pounds sterlin
• The Wood Bar | Barista Coffee, Brunch & Lunch: Serves breakfast, brunch and lunch (kitchen closes at 2PM); can get a meal for 5-10 punds sterling and a wide array of coffes for 2-4 pounds sterling
• The Boot Inn: Old pub with tradition; can get a meal for 8-15 pounds sterling and has a wide array of beers
• Amesbury Archer Harvester: Wide array of meals and drinks; can get a steak starting from 17 pounds sterling and beers are around 4-6 pounds sterling depending on assortment

Accomodation

Places to go camping:

• Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping: Located very close to Stonehenge, this campsite offers a range of camping options, including pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
• Stonehenge Touring Park: Situated in the nearby town of Orcheston, this family-friendly campsite offers pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as glamping pods and lodges.

Hotel, motel and other accomodation suggestions:

• Stonehenge Inn & Shepherd’s Huts: One of the closest inns to the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, the Stonehenge Inn & Shepherd Huts has a great value 2 for £20 restaurant and a garden area. The Inn has its own water well, replica Stonehenge and its own 1882-1885 restored railway carriage along with a selection of stunning shepherds hutsThe rooms at Stonehenge Inn & Shepherd’s Huts come with a flat-screen TV. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with towels. All rooms have tea/coffee making facilities and complimentary high-speed WiFi.
• Rollestone Manor B&B and Restaurant: Rollestone Manor B&B and Restaurant is a beautiful, award-winning Grade II listed historic house, located just minutes from the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. Bath is less than an hour’s drive away. Free WiFi is available in the main areas of the house and the rooms. In each of the individually decorated en-suite room you will find a Smart TV and USB plug access.
• Stunning 1700’s Grd 2 listed cottage near Stonehenge: Located in Amesbury, 10 km from Old Sarum, 13 km from Salisbury Train Station and 14 km from Salisbury Cathedral, Stunning 1700’s Grd 2 listed cottage near Stonehenge – Elegantly Refurbished Throughout – Winner of Booking’s Travellers Award 2023 – “Exceptional” provides accommodation with a patio and free WiFi. Situated 3.8 km from Stonehenge, the property features a garden and free private parking.
• Ground Floor Garden Cottage: Situated in Shrewton, just 7 km from Stonehenge, Ground Floor Garden Cottage, near Stonehenge features accommodation with a garden, a terrace and free WiFi. This holiday home is 19 km from Salisbury Cathedral and 20 km from Salisbury Racecourse. The holiday home consists of 1 bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Towels and bed linen are available in the holiday home.