There’s nowhere else in the UK that quite matches Stonehenge for history, atmosphere and mysticism.
An ancient burial site dating back to at least 2,500 BC, the iconic stone circle is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Surrounded by burial mounds, and Bronze Age and Neolithic monuments, Stonehenge offers a unique glimpse of England’s pre-history.
The state-of-the-art visitor centre has over 250 archaeological exhibits discovered around the site, alongside a 360-degree virtual experience of standing among the stones. Next to the centre, a clutch of re-created Neolithic houses gives an insight into how people lived 4,500 years ago.
While much has been discovered about the site, Stonehenge remains shrouded in mystery to this day. No one is sure for certain what purpose the structure once served. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, or simply an elaborate burial site?
Most mysterious of all is how our Neolithic ancestors – more than four millennia ago and using only primitive tools – managed to manoeuvre the huge stones, the heaviest of which weighs around 50 tons. It was once thought the stones had been transported from the Preseli Hills in Wales (more than 150 miles away), but a recent theory suggests the stones may have come from much closer, deposited near the site by the Irish Sea Glacier during the last Ice Age.
While you’re there
Salisbury’s medieval cathedral, a short drive from Stonehenge, is another must-visit, home to the best-preserved of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta, a highly significant historical document from 1215.
The Magna Carta Libertatum was an English legal charter that required King John of England to proclaim certain rights, respect certain legal procedures, and accept that his will could be bound by the law, thus limiting his powers.
Logistics
Price from: £22
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Trains from London Waterloo take just over an hour to reach Salisbury. Driving to Stonehenge from London takes about two hours. The site lies off the A344, and there’s ample parking. Taxis and local bus services are available from the station to the visitor centre, and shuttles run from the centre to Stonehenge itself (included in entry price).
Check the website to see if tickets must be booked online ahead of time – but it’s always recommended as capacity can be limited. Audio guides are available to rent at the visitor centre.
The Stonehenge Tour is a hop-on, hop-off bus service that picks you up in Salisbury town centre and runs to Stonehenge from Salisbury cathedral, via Old Sarum and Amesbury. On the way you get commentary about Stonehenge and other local history and legends.
When to do it
The site and visitor centre are open all year round, seven days a week. Last entry is two hours before closing time.
Stonehenge is at its most atmospheric as dusk creeps in, so stay on until closing time and try to visit outside high summer, when it remains light until late into the evening.
Who to go with: organised tours
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
This Tour combines three iconic destinations in one day, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and stunning scenery. Travelers can explore the prehistoric marvel of Stonehenge, the royal grandeur of Windsor Castle, and the exquisite Georgian architecture of Bath.
Benefit from knowledgeable guides who provide fascinating insights and stories abut each location, enhancing the overall experience and making the history come alive.
Explore the beautiful scenery of the English countryside on this full-day tour of Windsor, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath. Head to Windsor, home of the British Royal Family famous for Windsor Castle. Over 900 years of royal history are waiting for you there. Continue onward to the 5,000-year-old prehistoric site of Stonehenge with a guide, and ponder over its use in centuries past. Visit the charming English village of Lacock for a traditional pub lunch, and finally, enjoy a coach tour of Georgian city of Bath as well as a short walking tour.
Entry to Windsor Castle State Apartments
Visit Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel
Visit Mysterious Stonehenge
Entrance to Roman Baths and Pump Rooms with spa water–tasting
Luxury air–conditioned vehicle*
Sit back and relax as you travel by air-conditioned coach from London to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath. On your way, discover the iconic prehistoric stone formation of Stonehenge. Spend a full afternoon exploring Bath, and take advantage of the opportunity to see the ancient Roman Baths or the Jane Austen Visitor Centre.
Windsor has been the home of Kings and Queens for centuries. Wander its cobbled streets and see the largest occupied castle in the world - home of the English and British monarchy for almost 1,000 years and today one of the official residences of His Majesty The King.
Stonehenge is a must-see icon of England and, with a history spanning 4,500 years, has many different meanings to people today. Stonehenge is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration.
Plus, discover the beautiful English city of Oxford, home to the world-famous university and incredible architecture dating back to Saxon times.
- See the beautiful historic town of Royal Windsor
- Visit Windsor Castle, the ancestral home of the British monarchy (if option selected)
- Unravel the mystery of Stonehenge with an interactive audio map (if option selected)
- Explore the beautiful city of Oxford with an expert guide
- See the exteriors of the world-famous Colleges of Oxford University
