A Guide to Visiting Stonehenge

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One of the most famous, and visited landmarks in the Untied Kingdom. Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument dating back to around 3000 to 2000 BC. It features a circle of tall standing stones weighing about 25 tons each. The larger Sarsen stones were brought from quarries 25 miles away, while the smaller bluestones came from 150 miles away in Wales.

Stonehenge likely served as an ancient observatory, marking celestial events like solstices and equinoxes. It also held ceremonial and religious importance, evident from nearby burial mounds and artefacts. The exact purpose and construction methods of Stonehenge remain debated, making it one of the world's most iconic and mysterious ancient sites.

Location & opening hours

Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England. Close to the city of Salisbury. If you’re driving on the A303, you’ll be able to get your first glimpse of this magnificent stone structure.

For visitors Stonehenge is open all year round apart from Christmas Day. Opening times and prices can vary depending on the season:

  1. Summer (April to September):

    • Stonehenge opens at 9:30 AM.

    • Last admission is at 5:00 PM.

    • The site closes at 7:00 PM.

  2. Winter (October to March):

    • Stonehenge opens at 9:30 AM.

    • Last admission is at 3:00 PM.

    • The site closes at 5:00 PM.

It's always a good idea to check the official English Heritage website for the most current opening hours before planning a visit. Additionally, during certain times or events, Stonehenge may have special opening hours or be closed to the public, so it's advisable to plan ahead if you're making a trip to see this historic monument.

Cost to visit Stonehenge

Below are the standard price tickets. There are off-peak tickets which are cheaper, and the peak time tickets come up more expensive. It’s best to book online before travelling to Stonehenge, as you’ll save 15% rather than paying on the day tickets.

Standard Admission:

  • Adults (aged 18 and over): £25.40 online price, £30 on the day price.

  • Children (aged 5-17): £15 online price, £18.10 on the day price.

  • Children under 5: Free.

  • Concessions (students, seniors, disabled visitors): £22.70 online price, £27.20 on the day price.

English Heritage Members:

  • Free (membership fees apply).

What to expect at Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of those places you have to tick off your bucket list. We still don’t 100% know what it was built or used for. However when you visit you’ll realise the magnitude of strength and knowledge they must have had, so many years ago.

You have the option to use an audio guide (included with admission) to learn more about Stonehenge's history and significance while walking around the site. Interpretive panels are also placed strategically to provide additional information.

From the visitors centre, there’s a lovely walkable path leading up to the stone circle. You can’t physically touch the stones (for good reason) but you can get very close. On the way back, you must check out the exhibition, where you’ll be enlightened by the history and find out where Stonehenge is placed in time - it’s mind blowing!

If you visit on a freezing January day like we did, you’ll want to warm up with a cup of tea at the Stonehenge cafe before heading home.

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