Stonehenge is a breathtaking Neolithic site which dates back over 5,000 years. Admired for its incredible structure and renowned for its ancient mystery and the wonder it inspires, this famous UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely recognised as one of the greatest prehistoric locations in the world.
Situated just over an hour from London, Stonehenge is a conveniently located, well-connected site which makes for an inspiring and fascinating day trip. Read on for a comprehensive visitor’s guide.
When to Visit
Due to the splendour and renown of the site, Stonehenge can get extremely busy, especially on summer weekends. To experience Stonehenge in a quiet, calm environment, it is best to avoid weekends, school holidays, and warm, sunny days. Please also note that Stonehenge is closed on Christmas Day.
For the best chance of having the stones all to yourself on your visit, aim to go between Monday to Thursday during cold weather, ideally arriving before 11am.
Opening Times
Stonehenge has different opening times depending on the time of year:
Summer Opening Times
From the end of May to the beginning of September, Stonehenge is open from 9:30am to 7:00pm, with final entry at 5:00pm.
Winter Opening Times
From the beginning of September to the end of May, Stonehenge is open from 9:30am to 5:00pm, with final entry at 3:00pm.
The Mystery of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a megalithic circle on Salisbury Plain. For thousands of years, people have debated about the monument’s mysterious past.
Folklore claims Stonehenge was conjured by Merlin, the famous wizard of Arthurian legend. The stones were said to have been magically transported from giants in Ireland. Others have claimed that, when the Vikings invaded England, the invading Danes erected the stones. Others have theorised that Stonehenge are the ruins of an ancient Roman temple.
The leading modern day interpretations are that it is either a holy site or a scientific observatory. Both interpretations are based on the site’s celestial influence, with signs pointing towards the site being used as a megalithic calendar for plotting dates and predicting astronomical events and solar eclipses.
Facilities
During your visit, enjoy your pick of a selection of fresh sandwiches, cakes, and other refreshments at the Stonehenge café, or bring along a picnic to enjoy in the site’s designated picnic area. Also, the Stonehenge gift shop offers an extensive range of gifts, souvenirs, and other items to peruse following your visit to the monument.
Male, female, and accessible toilets, as well as baby and adult change facilities, are available at the visitor centre.
