Stonehenge | Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments! Located in Wiltshire, England, Stonehenge is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, archaeology lovers, and anyone fascinated by ancient wonders. What makes Stonehenge truly unique is its enigmatic purpose—built over 5,000 years ago, it remains one of the world’s greatest archaeological mysteries. Its massive stone structures, aligned with the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset, hint at its possible use as an astronomical calendar, a religious site, or a burial ground.

With its rich history, UNESCO World Heritage status, and awe-inspiring presence, Stonehenge is a destination that sparks curiosity and wonder. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning explorer, this guide will help you make the most of your trip.

Location

Stonehenge is situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, approximately 2 miles (3 km) west of Amesbury. Its exact address is near Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7DE. Nearby landmarks include the town of Amesbury and the city of Salisbury, about 9 miles (14 km) south. For precise navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps with the postcode SP4 7DE.

Opening Hours

Stonehenge is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. Opening hours may vary seasonally, particularly during winter or holiday periods, so it’s recommended to check the English Heritage website for the most current schedule.

How to Get There

• By Train: Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From Salisbury station, take a taxi (12 miles/19 km) or the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which departs hourly from the station forecourt and offers an optional stop at Old Sarum.
• By Coach: Numerous tour companies offer day trips from London Victoria, operating 364 days a year. Small group and private hire options can be booked online through providers like Visit London.
• By Car: Stonehenge is approximately 2 hours from central London via the M3 and A303. Follow brown and white tourist signs to the site, using postcode SP4 7DE for Sat Nav. Parking costs £3 for non-members, payable via the Pay By Phone app, and is free for English Heritage members displaying a membership sticker.
• By Bike: Cyclists are welcome, with cycle racks available in the visitor center car park. Walking or cycling from Amesbury (2 miles) or Durrington (¾ mile) is possible via bridleways.
• Tips: Use apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates to plan the most efficient route.

Best Time to Visit

To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning (before 9:30 AM) or late in the afternoon (after 4:00 PM in summer or 2:00 PM in winter). Weekdays and shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) are typically quieter than summer months (July to mid-September) or bank holidays. For photography, late afternoon offers softer light, while early morning provides a serene experience.

The summer solstice (around June 21) features special events but attracts large crowds, so plan accordingly. As an outdoor site, clear weather enhances the experience, though rain is common, so check forecasts.

Tickets and Costs

Ticket prices vary by season (Standard, Off-Peak, and Peak pricing) and visitor type. As of October 2024, approximate prices are:

Ticket Type	Price
Adult (16+)	£21.50
Child (5-15)	£12.90
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)	£55.90
Stone Circle Experience	£41.50 per person
Audio Guide	£4.00 per person

• Free Entry: English Heritage and National Trust England members enter free with a valid membership card. Carers accompanying disabled visitors also enter free.
• Discounts: Concessions for students and seniors may be available, except during peak times. Group rates and online booking discounts are offered through third-party sites like Stonehenge Tickets.
• How to Purchase: Book online via the English Heritage booking page to guarantee entry, or purchase on-site. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
• Additional Costs: Non-members pay a £3 parking fee. A guidebook costs £6.00.

Check the English Heritage website for current prices and availability.

What to Expect

A visit to Stonehenge offers a rich experience:

• Stone Circle: Walk the visitor path around the iconic stone circle, getting as close as 5 meters (16 feet) at some points. Photography is encouraged, but touching the stones is prohibited unless on a special tour.
• Visitor Center: Explore world-class exhibitions, including artifacts from nearby museums and a 360-degree audio-visual experience that simulates standing inside the circle. A special exhibition, “Echoes: Stone Circles, Community and Heritage,” runs from February 15 to September 7, 2025.
• Neolithic Houses: See reconstructed houses near the visitor center to learn about the lives of Stonehenge’s builders.
• Duration: A typical visit lasts about 2 hours, covering the visitor center, shuttle ride, and time at the stones.
• Facilities: The visitor center includes restrooms, a café with scenic views, a gift shop with souvenirs, and water refill stations. A free shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes from the visitor center to the stones (1 mile away), though many choose to walk the scenic path.
• Special Features: Free audio guides are available via the English Heritage app. The Stone Circle Experience allows small groups to enter the circle at sunrise or sunset, bookable until September 2025.

Safety and Accessibility

• Safety: Be cautious of trip hazards like rabbit holes and slippery grass in wet weather. Follow signage and stay aware of the visitor shuttle to avoid accidents. Staff are present to assist, and security measures are in place.
• Accessibility: Stonehenge is highly accessible, voted the UK’s most accessible heritage site in 2019 by UK Age Mobility. The car park, visitor center, and stone circle are accessible via tarmac and grass paths (weather-dependent). The shuttle bus accommodates wheelchairs and Class 2 mobility scooters (max 600mm x 1000mm). Two wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility are provided. For deaf visitors, audio guides include subtitles and BSL, and a BSL pre-visit video is available at YouTube. Visually impaired visitors can access tactile objects and large touching stones near the Neolithic houses. Assistance dogs are welcome, with water provided. The wider landscape is not fully accessible for standard wheelchairs. Contact English Heritage Customer Services for specific needs.
• Family-Friendly: The site is stroller-friendly, with interactive exhibits and open spaces for children. High chairs and bottle-warming facilities are available in the café.

History and Background

Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, is a prehistoric monument constructed in phases from 3100 BC to 1600 BC. The iconic sarsen stone circle, erected around 2600–2400 BC, consists of 13-foot-high stones weighing up to 25 tons, connected by lintel stones using unique mortise and tenon joints. Smaller bluestones, possibly from Waun Mawn in Wales, were transported over 240 km.

Aligned with the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset, Stonehenge may have served as an astronomical calendar, religious site, or burial ground. It’s part of a dense complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, including burial mounds. Owned by The Crown and managed by English Heritage, it’s legally protected since 1882. Fun fact: The Altar Stone, at the circle’s center, likely came from Scotland, showcasing the builders’ remarkable logistical skills.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring nearby sites:

• Avebury Stone Circle (20 miles, 30-minute drive): The world’s largest stone circle, where visitors can walk among the stones, part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Salisbury Cathedral (9 miles, 19-minute drive): A stunning Gothic cathedral with the world’s oldest working clock (1386) and a 123-meter spire.
• Old Sarum (5 miles, 10-minute drive): The site of an Iron Age fort, Norman castle, and cathedral ruins, offering panoramic views.
• Woodhenge (2 miles, 5-minute drive): A Neolithic site with concrete markers indicating a wooden circle, similar to Stonehenge.
• Wiltshire Museum (20 miles, 30-minute drive): In Devizes, it houses artifacts from Stonehenge and the surrounding area.

Combine these for a full day of history and culture, with approximate travel times by car or tour bus.

Practical Tips

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a rain jacket, as weather can be unpredictable. Carry water and sunscreen for summer visits.
• Rules: Photography is allowed for personal use, but tripods and drones are prohibited. Touching the stones is restricted except during the Stone Circle Experience.
• Recommendations: Arrive early or late to avoid peak crowds (11 AM–2 PM). Download the free English Heritage audio guide for insights. Check the website for solstice restrictions or special events. Consider a Stonehenge walkers’ map (£3 at the gift shop) for exploring the wider landscape.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry at 5:00 PM. Check the English Heritage website for seasonal variations.

How much does it cost to visit Stonehenge?

As of 2025, standard admission is approximately £21.50 for adults, £12.90 for children, and £55.90 for families. Prices vary by season, so confirm on the English Heritage booking page.

Is Stonehenge suitable for children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly with interactive exhibits and open spaces. The outdoor setting means weather preparation is key.

Are there any discounts available for Stonehenge?

English Heritage and National Trust members enter free. Concessions for students and seniors may apply (not during peak times). Online booking discounts are available via sites like Stonehenge Tickets.

How long does it take to visit Stonehenge?

A typical visit lasts about 2 hours, including the visitor center, shuttle, and stone circle.

Is photography allowed at Stonehenge?

Yes, personal photography is permitted, but tripods and drones are not allowed.

Are there guided tours available at Stonehenge?

Free audio guides are available via the English Heritage app. The Stone Circle Experience offers guided access inside the circle.

What’s the best way to get to Stonehenge from London?

Take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, then a taxi or Stonehenge Tour Bus. Alternatively, drive 2 hours via the M3 and A303 or join a coach tour from London Victoria.

Is Stonehenge wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the main areas are accessible via tarmac and grass paths, with an accessible shuttle bus. The wider landscape may not be suitable for standard wheelchairs. See the Accessibility Guide.

Are there dining options near Stonehenge?

The visitor center has a café with snacks and drinks. Nearby Amesbury and Salisbury offer restaurants and pubs.