Stonehenge: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognisable prehistoric monuments. It attracts visitors from across the globe to the Wiltshire countryside.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has puzzled archaeologists and fascinated travellers for generations. Its massive stone circle was built over 5,000 years ago.
Many questions about its original purpose and construction remain unanswered.
Planning a visit to Stonehenge requires understanding ticketing options, transport connections, what to expect at the Visitor Centre, and how to make the most of the wider landscape and nearby attractions. The site offers far more than a quick glimpse of the famous stones.
Visitors can explore exhibitions, walk through reconstructed Neolithic houses, and experience the landscape that ancient people shaped thousands of years ago.
This guide covers everything needed to plan a memorable visit, whether travelling from London, Bath, or elsewhere in England. Readers will find practical advice for booking tickets, choosing tours, understanding the site’s history, and attending special events like the solstices.
Planning Your Visit to Stonehenge
You must book timed tickets in advance to visit Stonehenge. Visitors typically spend 2-3 hours exploring the stone circle and visitor centre.
The site operates year-round. Opening hours vary by season.
Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors
Booking tickets in advance is essential. The timed entry system often sells out during peak season.
Purchase tickets through English Heritage or authorised tour operators. English Heritage members receive free entry.
National Trust members do not receive free entry, but they can park for free if they display their membership details.
Important things to bring:
- Sturdy walking shoes for uneven terrain
- Weather-appropriate clothing (the site is exposed)
- Headphones for the included audio guide
- Water and snacks (limited café options)
Parking costs £3 for non-members. The car park is at the visitor centre, and a shuttle bus transports visitors to the stone circle.
The walk from the visitor centre to the stones takes about 20 minutes if you choose to go on foot.
How Long to Spend at Stonehenge
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours at Stonehenge. This allows time to explore the stone circle, the exhibition centre, and the reconstructed Neolithic houses.
The stone circle itself takes 30-45 minutes to walk around. The visitor centre houses exhibitions about the site’s history and construction.
The Neolithic houses offer insight into how the builders of Stonehenge lived. Visitors on tight schedules can complete a basic visit in 90 minutes.
History enthusiasts should plan for at least 2.5 hours to fully appreciate the exhibitions and displays.
Opening Hours and Best Days
Stonehenge opens daily except 24-25 December. Opening times are usually 9:30am-5pm in winter and 9:30am-7pm in summer.
The last admission is two hours before closing. Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays is the best time to visit.
Crowds are smallest during winter months and on rainy days. Peak visitor times are between 11am-3pm, especially during school holidays and summer weekends.
Busiest periods to avoid:
- Summer solstice (21 June)
- Bank holidays
- July and August weekends
- Mid-morning to mid-afternoon
Winter mornings offer dramatic lighting and fewer crowds. Spring and autumn provide moderate weather and less congestion.
How to Get to Stonehenge
Stonehenge sits near Salisbury in Wiltshire, about 90 miles southwest of London. Visitors can reach the site by train to Salisbury, by car via the M3 and A303, or through organised tours from London.
Stonehenge from London
The journey from London to Stonehenge takes between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on transport. Most visitors travel via Salisbury, the nearest major town with a railway station and coach connections.
Guided tours from London offer a convenient option for those who prefer not to arrange transport themselves. These tours depart from central locations like Victoria Coach Station and typically last 6-7 hours.
Many tours combine Stonehenge with other attractions such as Bath or Windsor. Tours include admission tickets, transport, and audio guides.
Prices vary depending on the itinerary and included sites. Early booking is recommended as popular tour dates fill quickly during peak season.
By Train: London Waterloo to Salisbury
Direct trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Salisbury throughout the day. The journey takes about 90 minutes.
Upon arrival at Salisbury Station, visitors take the Stonehenge Tour Bus directly to the Visitor Centre. Combination tickets covering both train fare and bus travel can be purchased online in advance.
Return train fares range from £30 to £60 depending on booking time and ticket type. Off-peak tickets offer better value for flexible travellers.
Early booking usually secures lower prices, especially during summer months. The total journey time from central London to Stonehenge is about 2.5 hours, including the bus transfer from Salisbury.
By Car and Parking
Driving offers the most flexibility for visiting Stonehenge. The route from London follows the M3 motorway, then the A303 towards Amesbury.
Journey time is typically 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. The postcode for the Stonehenge Visitor Centre is SP4 7DE.
Visitors cannot park directly at the stone circle. All vehicles must use the car park at the Visitor Centre.
Parking costs £3 per car. A free shuttle bus operates between the Visitor Centre and the monument, with the journey included in admission tickets.
The walk from the car park to the stones is about 1.5 kilometres if you prefer to go on foot. Travelling outside peak hours helps avoid heavy traffic.
Stonehenge Tour Bus Options
The official Stonehenge Tour Bus operates from Salisbury Station and provides direct transport to the Visitor Centre. Buses run throughout the day with departures coordinated to train arrivals.
Combined tickets for the tour bus and site admission can be purchased online before travel. This saves time and guarantees entry at a specific time slot.
The bus journey from Salisbury to Stonehenge takes about 30 minutes. Local bus services also connect Salisbury with Amesbury, the nearest village to Stonehenge.
From Amesbury, a taxi or additional local bus completes the final stretch to the Visitor Centre. This option suits budget travellers but requires more planning for connections.
Tickets, Tours, and Booking Advice
Stonehenge uses a timed ticket system that requires advance booking. Several ticket types are available, ranging from standard admission to special access experiences.
Visitors can choose between independent visits with audio guides or organized tours from London and other cities.
Types of Tickets and Pricing
Standard admission tickets include entry to the monument, a shuttle bus to the stones, and an audio guide. Timed tickets must be booked for a specific time slot to manage visitor numbers.
The Stone Circle Experience offers special access inside the roped-off area during early morning or evening hours. This option allows visitors to walk amongst the stones for a more intimate experience.
These visits cost more than general admission but remain highly sought after. The Stonehenge Explorer Tour provides expert-led experiences across the prehistoric landscape.
This guided option takes visitors beyond the main monument to explore the surrounding archaeological features. Standard tickets usually range from £20-25 for adults, while the Stone Circle Experience costs around £50-75 per person.
Children’s tickets and family passes offer reduced rates.
Booking in Advance
Advance booking is required. Stonehenge does not accept walk-up visitors without pre-booked timed tickets.
The site often sells out days or weeks ahead, especially during summer and school holidays. Tickets can be purchased through English Heritage’s website or authorized tour operators.
Booking online allows visitors to select their preferred time slot and guarantees entry. Most tickets include free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit.
Peak visiting times (10:00-14:00) tend to sell out first. Early morning or late afternoon slots usually have better availability and fewer crowds.
Guided Tours vs. Independent Visits
Independent visits with the included audio guide suit those who prefer exploring at their own pace. The audio guide covers the monument’s history and significance in multiple languages.
Stonehenge tours from London combine transport, admission, and expert commentary. Many tours pair Stonehenge with Bath, Salisbury, or other nearby attractions.
Guided tours provide historical context and answer questions in real time. Independent visits offer flexibility in timing and pace.
Both options include the same general access to the monument. Some tours may include the Stonehenge inner circle access or Stone Circle Experience.
What to See at Stonehenge
A visit to Stonehenge includes access to the iconic stone circle, a modern visitor centre with exhibitions, and reconstructed Neolithic houses that bring prehistoric life into focus.
Stone Circle and Key Features
The stone circle forms the centrepiece of any visit. Visitors walk along a path that circles the monument at a close distance.
This path allows clear views of the massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones arranged in a distinctive pattern. The outer circle consists of sarsen stones, each weighing around 25 tonnes.
Inside this circle stand five trilithons—pairs of upright stones capped with horizontal lintels. These trilithons increase in height towards the centre of the monument.
The bluestones, transported from Wales over 150 miles away, form an inner horseshoe arrangement. The Altar Stone, a large flat block, lies near the centre.
Outside the main circle, the Heel Stone stands alone and marks the midsummer sunrise alignment. The Stonehenge landscape extends far beyond the stones themselves.
Ancient earthworks, burial mounds, and ceremonial pathways surround the monument across the grassland.
Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Exhibitions
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre houses exhibitions about the monument’s construction, purpose, and the people who built it. Interactive displays explain how prehistoric communities moved and erected the massive stones without modern machinery.
The exhibition space features over 250 archaeological objects found in the area. Visitors can examine tools, pottery, and personal items from Neolithic people.
Digital displays recreate the monument at different periods throughout its 1,500-year construction timeline. A 360-degree projection immerses visitors in the stone circle during different seasons and times of day.
The centre also includes a café and shop.
Neolithic Houses Experience
Five full-scale Neolithic houses stand outside the visitor centre. These structures are reconstructed using ancient techniques and materials.
They show how people lived during Stonehenge’s construction period, around 4,500 years ago. Visitors can enter the houses to see authentic furnishings, tools, and household items.
Animal hides, simple pottery, and stone tools fill the interiors. The houses smell of wood smoke and earth, providing a sensory experience of prehistoric domestic life.
Costumed interpreters sometimes demonstrate ancient crafts such as flint knapping, rope making, and hide preparation during busy periods.
Exploring the Stonehenge Landscape
Stonehenge sits within a vast ancient landscape on Salisbury Plain. The surrounding area includes ritual monuments, burial mounds, and settlement sites.
These features reveal how prehistoric communities used this sacred space.
Salisbury Plain and Surroundings
Salisbury Plain stretches across southern England as a chalk plateau dotted with prehistoric monuments. The Stonehenge landscape covers roughly 2,600 hectares and contains over 350 ancient sites and features.
Visitors can walk designated paths that reveal burial mounds, called barrows, clustered around the stone circle.
The landscape holds evidence of human activity from 8500 BC onwards. Ancient people chose this location for its elevated position and natural resources.
Chalk grassland dominates the terrain. During the Neolithic period, forests covered parts of the plain.
Old Sarum, an Iron Age hillfort about 10 kilometres south, shows how communities continued using Salisbury Plain for settlement and defence after Stonehenge’s construction.
The wider landscape includes the River Avon, which flows nearby and likely served as a transport route for the massive stones.
Woodhenge and Durrington Walls
Woodhenge stands about 3 kilometres northeast of Stonehenge and dates to around 2300 BC. This timber circle once consisted of six concentric rings of wooden posts.
Concrete markers now show where the original posts stood, creating a pattern visible from ground level.
Durrington Walls lies just north of Woodhenge as one of Britain’s largest henge monuments. This massive earthwork enclosure spans 500 metres in diameter.
Archaeologists discovered evidence of a large Neolithic settlement here. Hundreds of houses suggest seasonal gatherings of workers who may have built Stonehenge.
The Durrington site includes two timber circles and reveals details about daily life during Stonehenge’s construction.
Excavations uncovered animal bones, pottery, and tools that show people feasted here on pork and beef.
Avenue and Nearby Monuments
The Avenue is a ceremonial pathway that connects Stonehenge to the River Avon over 2.8 kilometres. Two parallel ditches and banks form this ancient processional route, which aligns with the summer solstice sunrise.
The Avenue follows natural ridges in the landscape that point towards the midsummer sunrise.
Several burial mounds line the route near Stonehenge. The Cursus, a long rectangular earthwork stretching 3 kilometres, runs north of the stone circle and predates it by 500 years.
Lesser-known henges and barrow cemeteries scatter across the landscape, creating a network of sacred sites.
Bluestonehenge, discovered in 2009, once stood at the Avenue’s riverside end. This smaller stone circle likely served as a starting point for ceremonial journeys towards the main monument.
Practical Information and Accessibility
Stonehenge offers facilities for visitors with mobility needs, including wheelchair-accessible paths, free shuttle services, and dedicated parking bays. The site provides accessible toilets, a café, and a visitor centre to ensure comfort for all guests.
Stonehenge Wheelchair Access
English Heritage designed Stonehenge’s visitor facilities to accommodate wheelchair users throughout the main areas. Tarmac and grass paths connect the car parks, visitor centre, and Stone Circle, though grass sections may be affected by weather.
Two wheelchairs are available at the admissions tills on a first-come, first-served basis. The visitor shuttle buses can accommodate wheelchairs and Class 2 mobility scooters with maximum dimensions of 600mm wide by 1000mm long.
Twenty-two accessible parking bays are located about 100 metres from the visitor centre. Carers and companions receive free entry when accompanying disabled visitors—staff can arrange this at arrival or visitors can book the free place online.
The entire site operates on a single level with no stairs. Benches are positioned in the visitor centre and car parks, though seating around the Stone Circle is limited.
The surrounding landscape beyond the main paths is not accessible to standard wheelchairs due to uneven terrain.
Facilities and Amenities
The visitor centre houses exhibitions detailing Stonehenge’s history and construction. Audio guides are available for free download to smartphones or tablets, including audio-described versions for visually impaired visitors.
The exhibition includes tactile objects and two large touching stones near the Neolithic houses. All audio exhibits feature subtitles and BSL interpretation.
Tills and audio installations have induction loops for hearing aid users. A café provides refreshments with water refills available for visitors.
Water bowls for assistance dogs are positioned at both the visitor centre and the stones. Easy-read materials can be requested from staff members.
Environmental Commitments
The site manages its grassland areas carefully, filling rabbit holes promptly to prevent trip hazards. Visitors should exercise caution on grassed areas during wet weather due to potential slip risks.
The shuttle service operates frequently without pre-booking requirements, taking ten minutes to reach the stones. The shuttle stops at Fargo Plantation halfway along the route, allowing visitors to walk part of the distance if preferred.
The History and Mysteries of Stonehenge
Stonehenge began as a simple earthwork around 3000 BC. The iconic stone circle took shape by 2500 BC.
Experts still debate its exact purpose. Evidence points to ceremonial use aligned with solar events, and recent archaeology reveals new details about the people who built it.
When and How Stonehenge Was Built
Work on Stonehenge started about 5,000 years ago. The monument took shape over many centuries in distinct phases.
The earliest structure was a circular ditch and bank built around 3000 BC. The famous stone circle appeared much later, around 2500 BC during the late Neolithic period.
Builders used two types of stone: massive sarsen stones from nearby Marlborough Downs and smaller bluestones from the Preseli Hills in Wales. The bluestones travelled over 150 miles from Wales to reach the site.
Experts remain unsure exactly how Neolithic people moved these stones such distances. Theories include rolling them on logs, dragging them on sledges, or transporting them by water.
The builders showed remarkable engineering skill. They used mortise and tenon joints, techniques normally found only in woodworking.
These joints do not appear at any other prehistoric stone circle. Workers shaped the stones and raised them without metal tools or modern equipment.
Purpose and Theories
The exact purpose of Stonehenge remains one of archaeology’s greatest puzzles. The monument’s alignment with the sun provides important clues.
On the summer solstice, the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone. During the winter solstice, it sets over the same stone.
This solar alignment suggests Stonehenge functioned as a prehistoric temple or calendar. People likely gathered here for ceremonies marking seasonal changes.
Evidence of feasting and large gatherings supports this theory. Early theories attributed Stonehenge to Druids or Romans, but archaeology disproved these claims.
The monument predates both groups by thousands of years. The Druids arrived in Britain around 300 BC, and the Romans came even later.
Some researchers suggest it served as a healing temple. Others propose it was an astronomical observatory.
The presence of cremated remains indicates it also functioned as a burial site for important individuals.
Key Archaeological Discoveries
John Aubrey studied Stonehenge scientifically in 1666. He recorded circular pits now called the Aubrey holes.
These pits held cremated remains and may have supported earlier wooden posts. Modern archaeology shows Stonehenge sits within a vast ceremonial landscape.
Hundreds of burial mounds, ditches, and other monuments surround the stone circle. This complex shows the area held special significance for prehistoric communities.
Recent excavations uncovered evidence of large feasts near the site. Animal bones show people travelled from across Britain to gather here.
Chemical analysis of these remains reveals details about diet and farming practices during the Neolithic period. Stonehenge experts continue using new technology to study the monument.
Ground-penetrating radar has found previously unknown structures. DNA analysis of buried remains provides information about the people who built and used Stonehenge.
These ongoing discoveries constantly reshape our understanding of this ancient wonder.
Special Events: Summer and Winter Solstice
Stonehenge opens its gates for free managed access during both solstice events each year. Thousands of visitors gather to witness the ancient monument’s precise solar alignments.
The summer solstice draws larger crowds, whilst the winter solstice offers a more intimate atmosphere.
The Summer Solstice Experience
The summer solstice at Stonehenge occurs around 21st June each year. The monument was built to align with the sun on this day, when sunrise appears behind the Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon.
The first rays shine directly into the heart of Stonehenge. English Heritage typically opens the site from 7pm the evening before, allowing visitors to celebrate throughout the night.
Thousands of people from around the world attend this free event. Druids, pagans, and curious visitors gather in a peaceful and special atmosphere.
Important details for attending:
- No advance tickets required for entry
- Car parking requires advance booking (often sells out)
- Regular bus services operate from Salisbury city centre
- Visitors must read and accept the Conditions of Entry before attending
The event celebrates a ritual that has occurred at this location for roughly 4,000 years.
Winter Solstice and Other Celebrations
The winter solstice takes place around 21st December. During this event, the sun sets to the south-west of the stone circle.
The stones have marked this occasion for thousands of years. This celebration has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Visitors should book car parking well in advance, as spaces sell out quickly. When parking is unavailable, bus services from Salisbury provide alternative transport.
The winter solstice typically attracts smaller crowds than its summer counterpart. This creates a more intimate experience for those wishing to connect with the monument’s ancient purpose.
English Heritage provides the same free managed access system as the summer event. Both solstice events allow visitors to experience Stonehenge in a unique way, outside normal visiting hours and without the usual barriers separating people from the stones.
Attractions Near Stonehenge
Stonehenge sits in Wiltshire, surrounded by historic sites and charming English destinations. Visitors can explore ancient stone circles at Avebury, admire medieval architecture in Salisbury, discover Roman history in Bath, or venture to Windsor Castle and the Cotswolds.
Avebury and the Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury lies 25 miles north of Stonehenge and contains the largest stone circle in Britain. The Avebury Stone Circle stretches across the village itself, allowing visitors to walk amongst and touch the standing stones—something not permitted at Stonehenge.
The site dates to roughly 2850 BC, making it older than Stonehenge. The stone circle contains three separate circles and originally consisted of around 100 standing stones.
The village of Avebury developed within the ancient monument, creating a blend of prehistoric and medieval England. Nearby attractions include Silbury Hill, a massive prehistoric mound, and West Kennet Long Barrow, a chambered tomb visitors can enter.
The area requires at least half a day to explore properly. The National Trust manages many of the sites.
Entry to the stones themselves is free, though the museum and manor house charge admission.
Salisbury Cathedral and City
Salisbury sits just 10 miles south of Stonehenge, about 20 minutes by car. The cathedral, completed in 1258, features the tallest church spire in Britain at 123 metres.
It houses one of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta from 1215. The medieval city centre contains timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and traditional pubs.
The Salisbury Museum displays archaeological finds from Stonehenge and the surrounding area. Market days occur on Tuesdays and Saturdays in the historic market square.
Old Sarum, located on the city’s outskirts, marks the site of the original cathedral and a Norman castle. The fortified settlement sits on Iron Age earthworks, showing thousands of years of occupation.
The ruins offer panoramic views across the Wiltshire countryside.
Bath and the Roman Baths
Bath lies 35 miles west of Stonehenge, about one hour by car. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptional Georgian architecture and Roman remains.
The Roman Baths, built around 70 AD, allowed Romans to bathe in the area’s natural hot springs. Visitors can tour the remarkably preserved bathing complex, including the Great Bath, temple courtyard, and museum displaying Roman artefacts.
The water still flows from the springs at 46°C. Bath Abbey, built in the 15th century, stands next to the Roman Baths.
The city’s Georgian architecture includes the Royal Crescent and the Circus, both designed in the 18th century. The Jane Austen Centre celebrates the author’s connection to Bath, where she lived from 1801 to 1806.
The city contains numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops within walking distance of the main attractions.
Windsor Castle and the Cotswolds
Windsor Castle stands about 70 miles east of Stonehenge. To reach it, you need to navigate around London.
The castle is an official residence of the British monarch. It is also the largest occupied castle in the world.
When the Royal Family is not in residence, visitors can tour the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the grounds.
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that stretches across several counties, including parts of Wiltshire. This region features honey-coloured stone villages and rolling hills.
Traditional market towns add to the Cotswolds’ charm. Lacock, 25 miles from Stonehenge, preserves medieval and Tudor architecture and has appeared in several films.
Oxford lies about 60 miles northeast. It contains the oldest university in the English-speaking world.
Visitors can explore historic college quads and chapels, such as those at Christ Church and Magdalen. The Bodleian Library and Ashmolean Museum are among Britain’s most important cultural institutions.
Conclusion
Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most remarkable ancient sites. With proper planning, visitors can make the most of their trip.
The monument offers a unique glimpse into prehistoric life. Its massive stones and mysterious origins captivate millions each year.
Knowing details like ticket prices, opening times, and transport options helps visitors have a smooth and enjoyable experience.
If you’re planning an extended stay in Wiltshire or exploring other parts of the UK, we offer comfortable serviced apartments and rental properties across Britain’s most historic locations. Whether you need short-term accommodation near Stonehenge or a base to explore the wider region, we have options to suit your needs.
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Whether you visit for a few hours or settle in for a longer stay, Stonehenge offers an unforgettable connection to Britain’s ancient past. Find more information about our properties or reach out through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many visitors have practical questions about timing, location, facilities, and transport when planning a trip to Stonehenge. The site has specific opening hours and requires advance ticket booking.
Various amenities are available, including parking and dining options for those travelling from across the UK and beyond.
What are the opening hours and best time of day to visit Stonehenge?
Stonehenge closes at 5:00 PM for most of the year. During June, July, and August, it stays open until 7:00 PM.
The last tickets are sold at 2:30 PM in standard months and at 4:30 PM in the summer. This gives visitors enough time for a complete visit.
All Visitor Centre facilities close promptly at the advertised time. Visitors should allow time to walk back from the Stone Circle before closing.
Visiting early in the morning means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Late afternoon offers softer lighting conditions.
Book timed tickets in advance, as walk-up entry is not guaranteed if the site reaches capacity.
Where’s Stonehenge located?
Stonehenge stands in Wiltshire, England, within a prehistoric landscape managed by English Heritage and the National Trust. The monument is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) west of Amesbury and 8 miles (13 kilometres) north of Salisbury.
The site forms part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Visitors arrive at the Visitor Centre, located 2.4 kilometres from the stones, and can use shuttle buses or walking routes to reach the monument.
Is Stonehenge a wonder of the world?
Stonehenge is not one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World or the New Seven Wonders of the World. UNESCO has designated it as a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding universal value.
The monument is one of the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circles in the world. Its construction over 5,000 years ago shows remarkable engineering for the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.
Why is Stonehenge so famous?
Stonehenge is famous for its impressive scale, ancient origins, and the mystery of its purpose. Builders transported massive sarsen stones, some weighing up to 25 tonnes, from considerable distances using prehistoric technology.
The site’s astronomical alignments, especially with the summer and winter solstices, have fascinated researchers for centuries. Archaeological evidence shows the monument evolved over about 1,500 years, serving different functions over time.
Its iconic silhouette and enigmatic nature make it one of the most recognisable prehistoric monuments in the world. The absence of written records from its builders keeps much of its purpose unknown, adding to its mystique.
What facilities are available on-site for visitors, including parking and refreshments?
The Visitor Centre offers exhibitions, a café, and a shop. The café serves locally sourced food like hot-pots, soups, pasties, sandwiches, and salads, with free-from and vegan options.
Marshfield’s ice cream is available year-round, along with English beers and fruit wines. On-site parking costs £3 for non-members, and cycle racks are available for cyclists.
Baby changing facilities and microwaves for warming infant food are located at the Visitor Centre. Toilets are only at the Visitor Centre, not at the Stone Circle.
Hand sanitising stations are positioned across the site. The site does not have a cloakroom or left luggage facilities, so visitors should bring only essential items.
Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors may bring their own refreshments, and there are many picnic spots around the grounds.
How can one reach Stonehenge from nearby cities such as London, and are there any recommended travel methods?
You can drive from London to Stonehenge in about 90 minutes using the M3 and A303 motorways. The distance is roughly 90 miles (145 kilometres), depending on your starting point in London.
To travel by train, take a service from London Waterloo to Salisbury. The train ride takes about 90 minutes.
From Salisbury station, you can catch the Stonehenge Tour Bus for a direct trip to the monument. Local bus services and taxis also connect Salisbury to Stonehenge.
Organised coach tours leave from London and often include other attractions like Bath or Windsor. These tours usually provide transport, admission, and a guide.
Cyclists can use the dedicated cycle racks in the Stonehenge car park. The area has quiet country roads for cycling, but you should prepare for rural terrain and changing weather.
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About the Author
Joost Mijnarends
Joost is the co-founder of JF Property Partners, a family-run property business in the UK. His journey began with a £1 course that led to their first rent-to-rent property in 2023, and today he helps landlords and tenants find better property solutions.