How to Plan a Visit to Stonehenge

Located in the English county of Wiltshire, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that draws thousands of visitors each year. It consists of a world famous circular setting of large standing stones that are believed to have been erected as long ago as 3200BC. Even today debate continues as to what exactly Stonehenge was built for, but many theories suggest it might have been used as an astronomical observation point or a tribute to the ancient Sun Gods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Arrive at Stonehenge via car for the easiest journey. The site is two miles west of the Wiltshire town of Amesbury on the junction of the A303 and A344/360. You could also get there using the National Express bus service from London Victoria to Amesbury (the cheapest option available) then walk to the site or get a taxi.
2. Book yourself onto one of the many guided tours from London if you’re not keen on making your own way there. For the price of one ticket, the organisers will sort out your transport on a coach, entry to the site and also usually a trip to the nearby city of Bath on the way home.
3. Have some cash ready to pay the entry fee for the Stonehenge site. Tickets are less than £10 for adults and less than £5 for children and concessions. There is also a 10% discount for groups of 11 or more and educational groups from schools and universities are often eligible for free admission if they book in advance.
4. Take advantage of the free audio guide offered to you when you enter the site. It comes in nine different languages and explains the history and myths of Stonehenge.
5. Make a visit to the nearby Avebury Complex whilst you’re in the area, which is another monument of megalithic stones and earthworks. It features over 100 stone structures, located about 24 miles from Stonehenge and admission is free.
6. Tackle the Stonehenge Heritage Hike if you’re feeling fit. The hike covers about eight miles and should take approximately four and one half hours. You’ll be able to take in the town of Amesbury and the surrounding landscapes including many prehistoric landmarks and of course Stonehenge itself. Details of the hike are listed on the English Heritage website.
7. Enjoy a beautiful sunset at Stonehenge on the eve of the Summer Solstice. The Solstice takes place at the end of June and Stonehenge is open from 8pm in the evening until 8am the next day.

Tips & Warnings

• Stonehenge is open from about 9.00am to 9.30am to 6pm in Spring and Summer and to 4pm in the Winter.
• Stonehenge and the area surrounding it are owned and managed by English Heritage and the National Trust, so members of either organisation can get into the site for free.
• Visitors to Stonehenge are not allowed to walk in between the stones, unless they have booked themselves onto a Stone Circle Access tour in advance. You can book these using the form on the English Heritage website.