Planning on visiting Stonehenge? Right here’s all the things it is advisable find out about discovering one of many world’s most mysterious historical monuments…
Stonehenge is a kind of locations I assumed could be a bit overrated… till I really went. Standing in entrance of these large stones, with the wind whipping throughout the plain, I lastly obtained it. There’s an odd, nearly otherworldly feeling in regards to the place – and it’s not simply the myths and mysteries that encompass it.
That mentioned, it will also be heaving with folks. The primary time I went, I wasn’t fairly ready for the crowds and I positively discovered just a few classes about timing (and persistence!). Since then, I’ve discovered the very best methods to expertise Stonehenge with out it feeling like a theme park queue.
On this submit, I’m sharing all the things I’ve picked up alongside the best way – from when to go to if you would like some peace and quiet, to little ideas that can enable you to take advantage of your journey. Whether or not you’re there for the historical past, the thriller, or simply the photographs, I’ll enable you to discover your individual magic on this historical web site.
BOOK YOUR DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR STONEHENGE HERE
1. Travelling to Stonehenge
Travelling to Stonehenge is a breeze.
In the event you’re driving, merely comply with the clearly signposted route from the A303 and park on-site. Throughout peak intervals, you’ll have to queue to get on-site and there’s a parking cost should you haven’t pre-booked (though that is totally refundable whenever you purchase a Stonehenge ticket).
Alternatively, hop on a practice to Salisbury, the closest station to Stonehenge, and catch a taxi or bus to the location. The hop-on hop-off tour bus from Salisbury Reds is a good way to see the sights en path to Stonehenge. However whichever mode of transport you select, you’re in for a deal with – the journey is simply as stunning because the vacation spot!
2. The very best time to go to Stonehenge
The very best time to go visiting Stonehenge is both very first thing within the morning or later within the night. In the event you’re an early fowl and occur to be driving, it’s a good suggestion to show up when the location opens at 9.30am. You’ll beat the coach excursions, which are likely to arrive after 10am, and may be capable of benefit from the web site in relative tranquillity.
The crowds additionally die down after 5pm on summer season evenings, when the location shuts at 7pm.
3. Take pleasure in a VIP Stonehenge go to
In the event you’re keen to pay further to keep away from the crowds utterly, English Heritage’s Stone Circle Expertise is a good possibility. Tickets value £70 for adults however for that, you’ll be capable of enter the location earlier than it opens to the general public permitting you to rise up shut and private with the stones and absorb their energy and thriller.
4. Guide forward, lower your expenses
Need to take advantage of your Stonehenge go to with out breaking the financial institution?
You’ll get the very best value by reserving your Stonehenge ticket on-line upfront. You possibly can arrive inside half an hour of your chosen time and keep so long as you want. And should you’re an English Heritage or Nationwide Belief member, you will get in free of charge – simply bear in mind to convey your membership card with you.
5. Seize the second
Don’t neglect your digital camera!
Stonehenge is a photographer’s dream, with beautiful landscapes and dramatic skies offering a backdrop for the long-lasting stones. The landmark takes on an ethereal high quality at dawn and sundown, with the sunshine casting lengthy shadows, so the sooner (or later) you could be on web site, the higher your images!
6. Unlock the Stonehenge secrets and techniques
Having seen the stones, it’s a good suggestion to pop into the Customer Centre should you’re nonetheless struggling to get your head across the historical monument (and belief us, you gained’t be the one one).
It’s residence to an exhibition that is sensible of what life was like for the builders of Stonehenge, with artefacts that embody historical jewelry, pottery and instruments, and even human stays.
7. Crack Stonehenge’s thriller with an audio information
Let’s face it – Stonehenge is fairly enigmatic. To make sure you don’t find yourself feeling utterly misplaced amongst the stones, obtain the Stonehenge audio information to your cellphone upfront. It’s free, is available in 12 languages, and gives fascinating insights into the stone circle, the encircling panorama, and the exhibition contained in the Customer Centre.
I informed my mother and father to do that previous to their go to and so they have been thrilled. By the point you’ve walked out to the stones it’s good to have one thing to information you, in your ears, so that you don’t have to face and stroll round the entire web site repeatedly. You possibly can sit on a bench and be taught, whereas trying.
8. Deliver a brolly (and a solar hat)
Stonehenge is one factor – however as mysteries go, the English climate is unfathomable. The uncovered location on Salisbury Plain could make for some significantly unpredictable situations. Will it’s sunny and heat? Will it’s wet and chilly? Will it’s each within the area of 5 minutes? Nobody is aware of, so be ready for something and pack accordingly.
It was wonderful final time I visited, however you won’t be so fortunate!
9. Staying fuelled at Stonehenge
If strolling amongst the stones has left you in want of a caffeine repair, the on-site cafe – which additionally serves cold and hot meals – has obtained you lined. The queues for this will get fairly loopy although. Though it wasn’t that busy on the stones final time we went, the cafe was completely rammed.
Alternatively, convey a packed lunch and a flask and luxuriate in a snack with a view within the picnic space.
10. Look however don’t contact
Everyone knows that feeling – you see one thing unbelievable and might’t resist reaching out to the touch it. However relating to Stonehenge, struggle the urge – the stones are lined in historical lichens which are essential to their preservation, and your curious fingers may trigger some critical harm. Plus, you in all probability wouldn’t endear your self to the location stewards.
11. Plan a day journey within the Stonehenge space
Certain, Stonehenge is fairly superb, however why cease there? Two hours is nearly sufficient time to take in the majesty of the location, and should you’re up for a bit journey, there are many different close by points of interest to discover…
Bathtub from Stonehenge
This historic metropolis is known for its Georgian structure and Roman baths, and is slightly below an hour’s drive from Stonehenge. There’s hundreds to do in Bathtub, I adore it there – particularly at Christmas!
Glastonbury Tor from Stonehenge
This mystical hilltop tower’s deep historical past, affiliation with King Arthur and Avalon, and ties to pagan and New Age beliefs contribute to its non secular significance and sense of mysticism. Glastonbury is simply over an hour’s drive from Stonehenge.
Go and you’ll go to the Tor you see within the pic above, which makes for an unbelievable spot for a picnic. You can too discover Glastonbury city – and all the brand new age retailers that make it so distinctive.
I’d positively advocate popping into Glastonbury Abbey too. Helen and I principally spent the entire time both buzzing or singing about ‘Maria within the abbey’ (a la Sound of Music).
Previous Sarum from Stonehenge
This historical hill fort and settlement is a must-visit for historical past buffs, with fascinating ruins and views over the encircling countryside. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Stonehenge, and should you’re visiting by public transport the tour bus from Salisbury stops at each historic websites.
Salisbury from Stonehenge
The medieval metropolis of Salisbury is residence to the beautiful cathedral, in addition to a bustling market sq. and a wide range of retailers and cafes. It’s simply 20 minutes’ drive from Stonehenge.
Wells from Stonehenge
One of many UK’s smallest cities, Wells is massive on character and allure. Pay a go to to the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace, and browse the various impartial retailers. It’s simply over an hour’s drive from Stonehenge.
Fast listing: Ideas for Visiting Stonehenge
Arrive early or late to keep away from the crowds
Guide English Heritage’s Stone Circle Expertise for a VIP go to
Guide tickets on-line to economize
Obtain the free Stonehenge audio information
Don’t neglect to convey a digital camera
Take a look at the Customer Centre for extra info on Stonehenge
Plan for all weathers!
Seize a espresso on the on-site cafe or convey your individual packed lunch
Look however don’t contact the stones
Plan a day journey to close by points of interest
Stonehenge Customer Info
Stonehenge FAQs
Is Stonehenge free to go to?You possibly can see the stones from sure viewpoints exterior the paid space, however to stroll the customer path and entry the exhibition, you want a ticket. Entry is free for English Heritage and Nationwide Belief members.
How lengthy do you want at Stonehenge?Most individuals spend round 1.5 to 2 hours on the web site, together with time on the Customer Centre and exhibitions.
Are you able to contact the stones at Stonehenge?No – the stones are protected, and touching them isn’t allowed. The one exception is in the course of the particular Stone Circle Expertise, when you’ll be able to step contained in the circle (however nonetheless not contact).
Are you able to go to Stonehenge at dawn or sundown?Sure, however solely with the Stone Circle Expertise, which permits entry earlier than or after regular opening hours. Customary tickets don’t permit dawn or sundown visits.
What’s the very best time of 12 months to go to Stonehenge?Summer time brings lengthy opening hours, but additionally crowds – particularly across the summer season solstice (twenty first June). Spring and autumn are quieter and infrequently have dramatic gentle for images. Winter visits are peaceable, although chilly!
Is Stonehenge value visiting?Completely – even should you’re sceptical, the environment is exclusive, and the encircling Wiltshire countryside makes it an ideal day trip.
Extra about England from me…
I’ve written extensively about England and the UK for a variety of publications and web sites. These are three of the very best!
Expertise England
with Lonely Planet
Expertise GB
with Lonely Planet
Day Out in England
my devoted web site!