DISTRICT GUIDE
Stonehenge
Ancient mysteries carved in stone on Salisbury Plain
Five thousand years ago, someone dragged massive stones across Salisbury Plain and arranged them in a perfect circle. We still don't know why. That's the magic of Stonehenge — standing before these ancient monoliths, you're face-to-face with one of humanity's greatest unsolved puzzles. The stones have watched empires rise and fall, yet they keep their secrets locked in silence. Today, over a million visitors make the pilgrimage to this UNESCO World Heritage site, drawn by the same mystery that has captivated humans for millennia.
Itineraries coming soon
We're working on adding amazing itineraries for Stonehenge. In the meantime, try the app to create your own!
Stonehenge wasn't built in a day — try 1,500 years. Construction began around 3100 BCE with a simple earthwork enclosure. But the iconic stone circle we know today came much later, around 2500 BCE, during the height of the Bronze Age. The massive sarsen stones, some weighing 25 tons, were hauled from Marlborough Downs 20 miles north. The smaller bluestones traveled an incredible 150 miles from Wales — a feat that still baffles archaeologists. Was it a temple? An astronomical calendar? A healing center? Theories abound, but the truth remains elusive. What we do know is that Stonehenge was continuously modified and used for over 1,500 years, suggesting it held profound significance for countless generations. The site aligns perfectly with the summer and winter solstices, when thousands still gather to witness the sun rise through the ancient stones.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1.Buy the English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass (£42 for 9 days) if visiting multiple historic sites — it pays for itself after just two attractions
- 2.Pack your own lunch and drinks — the visitor center café charges London prices (£8 sandwiches) with limited options
- 3.Book Stone Circle Access tours directly through English Heritage to avoid third-party markup fees
- 4.Free parking at Amesbury town center, then take the £2 local bus to avoid the £15 site parking fee
- 5.Visit during shoulder season (April-May, September) for 30% cheaper accommodation in nearby Salisbury
- 6.The Stonehenge Tour Bus day ticket (£16) includes stops at Old Sarum, making it better value than separate admissions
- 7.Download the free English Heritage app before arriving — it has detailed audio content without the £3 rental fee
Travel Tips
- •Arrive 30 minutes before your timed slot to explore the visitor center exhibition without rushing
- •Bring layers — Salisbury Plain is notoriously windy and weather can change quickly
- •The best photos are from the outer path, not the inner viewing area where everyone crowds
- •Visit during the equinoxes (March 20, September 22) for shorter queues but still dramatic lighting
- •Download offline maps — mobile signal is patchy on Salisbury Plain
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes — the path from visitor center to stones is gravel and can be muddy
- •Check the sunrise/sunset times if booking Stone Circle Access — winter slots can be as early as 7am
- •Bring a portable phone charger — you'll take more photos than expected and battery drains quickly in cold weather
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the stone circle is roped off and you must stay on the designated path about 10 meters away. Only the special Stone Circle Access tours (£75) allow you to walk among the stones, and even then touching is prohibited to preserve the ancient monument.