Visit Stonehenge

The mystery of the Stonehenge enchants historians, archeologists, and visitors alike.
Stonehenge, one of England’s most famous landmarks, is an iconic destination that is classified as a world heritage site. Located on the Salisbury plain in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is a relic of a prehistoric civilization that has withstood the test of time. The site was believed to consist of 82 sarsen stones and 80 bluestones when built. Today, only 40 sarsens and 43 bluestones remain. Yet, the monument is no less awe inspiring.

Even more baffling is how the design of the stones aligns perfectly with the sun on both solstices, suggesting that the builders had a complex understanding of astronomy. This leads many to believe that Stonehenge was used as a calendar. Others theorize that it was a site for Bronze Age burial mounds, with the monument constructed to symbolize remembrance.

As you visit Stonehenge, it’s important to think about the motivation behind the construction, the science they used to achieve the task, and the legacy of a people long lost to time.

There are many important factors that you have to consider while you plan your visit. Stonehenge is open to the general public year-round, but the experience will differ significantly depending on the timing of your visit. A visit during the summer months, specifically during the summer solstice, gives you an opportunity to see Stonehenge in action, perfectly aligning with the sunrise. However, this is the peak visiting time, and if you choose to go then you will experience the largest crowds.

If you wish for a more peaceful visit, consider traveling to Stonehenge during the spring or fall while the weather is still decent. You will still have a pleasant visit and the site will be much less crowded.

For a magical scene that you can enjoy almost to yourself, consider visiting during the winter months. The cold deters many visitors, yet there is still much to see.

The solstices are the most significant and busy times of the year at Stonehenge, and visitors from all over the world flock to the site during these days.

During the summer solstice, which occurs around June 21st, the sun rises in perfect alignment with the Heel Stone, creating a breathtaking scene. Similarly, the winter solstice, around December 21st, provides a chance to see the sun as it aligns with the south-west stones. Both events are very popular with thousands of visitors, and it is during these days that you are allowed closest to the site.

For both of the solstices, there is free entry, so anyone can come to celebrate.

Stonehenge is located near the town of Amesbury, with the nearest train station situated in the city of Salisbury. For those traveling from London, Stonehenge is easily accessible and makes for a perfect, easy day trip. You can reach the site in about two hours via a shuttle bus, or opt for a quicker journey with a one-and-a-half-hour train ride to Salisbury, followed by a short bus or taxi ride.

If you prefer to drive a car, parking is available nearby, providing convenient access to the monument.

Located among the nearby ancient neolithic houses, is the Stonehenge visitor centre. This is where you can find parking, the gift shop, and purchase a physical ticket for the site. Within walking distance of the stone circle, the centre houses various other artifacts that you can learn about before or after you explore Stonehenge.

For a grand experience, you can purchase a Stone Circle experience ticket, which puts you on a tour of the site. Visits last for an hour, with 45 minutes of free time allocated for you to walk around and explore the stones. You can either choose an early morning tour or evening tour, and they occur outside the normal opening or closing time.

While walk-up tickets are available at the visitor centre, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, as discounts are often available. General admission tickets are priced at 25 euros for adults and 15 euros for children.

Open Hours

The site’s hours vary depending on the season, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly. During the summer, you get an additional two hours, as the site is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Outside the summer, the site’s hours are shorter, and the day ends at 5 p.m. Last entry occurs two hours before closing time. The site is open for the public every day of the year, except on Christmas day.

If you plan to purchase an onsite ticket, it’s important to know that the latest you can purchase a ticket is 4:30 p.m. during the summer hours, and 2:30 p.m. during the rest of the year.

English Heritage Membership

If you have English Heritage membership, you have free entry for visiting Stonehenge, along with the ability to visit hundreds of other historical sites around the country.

If you are just visiting for a few days, consider buying a Attraction Pass, which gives you access to those historical sites for the duration of your visit.

Group Tours

If you are going as a group, you can purchase family tickets at a discounted price. In the case that you are going in a tour group larger then 30 members, you will not be able to get everyone on the same Stone Circle experience, as those tour groups max out at 30 guests.

Staying in London

If staying in London, take the train from the London Waterloo station, to Salisbury on the South Western Railway line. You can find a train every 30-40 minutes, and they run from around 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. You can easily take the train in the morning, and return the same night for the perfect day trip. Once in Salisbury, a shuttle bus leaves from the station to take you to Stonehenge.

Stonehenge Tour Bus

You can take a bus tour of the stone circle from a variety of different locations.

Here are trips from:

• London
• Salisbury
• Bristol
• Birmingham

Windsor Castle, Bath and Stonehenge

If staying in London, a popular sightseeing day includes visiting the Windsor Castle, located on the outskirts of the city, then continuing on the road all the way to Stonehenge. Another optional extension involves going on to Bath, where you can find ancient Roman remains. 

Here are two tours that do just that:

• Full Day Trip: Windsor Castle and Stonehenge
• Full Day Trip: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, finishing in Bath, England

Note: Information in this guide is based on details available online and subject to change. Please verify locations and availability before booking travel.*This article uses affiliate links, enabling Silver & Smart to earn a small commission from purchases generated.