Visiting Stonehenge - What To Expect

A Logistical Guide To Your Visit to Stonehenge

Stonehenge
Stonehenge

The world famous Stonehenge is situated around 90 miles west from Central London and is well within a comfortable day trip.


The nearest town with good public transport and facilities is Salisbury, a medieval cathedral city. Worth a visit in its own right. About 24 miles north of Stonehenge is Avebury, another World Heritage Site with even larger stone rings to Stonehenge and unlike Stonehenge with free access to the stones themselves.

Stonehenge Overview
What To Expect
Stonehenge Times Prices
What is Stonehenge
Stonehenge Mysteries
 
Special Access Visits
Getting To Stonehenge
Stonehenge Bus
Tours From London
Stonehenge Plus
Special Access
Tours To Stonehenge
Stonehenge & Avebury
(Stonehenge in Depth)
Private Tours

Getting To Stonehenge From London

From a central London hotel its just under two hours one way to Stonehenge by vehicle. Most visitors stay at Stonehenge around one hour.

Stonehenge can be visited independently using public transport but overall this will not be much if any cheaper than taking a tour.

We have a detailed page on getting to Stonehenge by public transport from London via Salisbury.


The easiest way to get to Stonehenge is by guided tour. Your problem here will be the vast choice available that run from London daily. What is more, visiting by guided tour is no more expensive than traveling independently.

We guide you through the tours available on our Stonehenge Tours page.

Stonehenge Explained - A Pre Visit Briefing

Heel Stone Stonehenge

There is no doubting that a significant number of people approach Stonehenge, stop, shrug their shoulders and move on wondering what all the fuss is about. We would suggest that if you just turn up 'cold' at Stonehenge waiting to be entertained you too may become one of these people, you really need to go to Stonehenge full of anticipation about what you are going to see and experience.


Our What is Stonehenge? page lays out details about when Stonehenge was built, by who and what they built.


More intriguingly we follow this by discussing all the mysteries and theories about Stonehenge. Nobody knows for sure why Stonehenge was built nor how and when, its a whole industry providing you with often conflicting 'facts'.


We try and lay out the main strands addressing what Stonehenge was used for plus all the other associated mysteries on our Stonehenge Mysteries page.

Special Access Visits

During normal opening hours you cannot walk up to the stones themselves.

The nearest you will get to the stones is about 10 yards, the monument being roped off by a low barrier, (see picture below).


However it is possible to walk up to and among the stones at Stonehenge outside public opening hours. These are called Special Access visits. During these sessions of one hour duration, only 26 people are allowed onto Stonehenge going beyond the barriers and walking amongst the stones.


The fact that these Stonehenge Special Access visits are outside public opening hours mean that they are at dawn or evening. Given that London is 2 hours drive from London this obviously provides logistical issues in getting there.


The Special Access Visits are also immensely popular, demand far outstrips supply and they are often sold out months in advance.

We have dedicated pages for people independently wanting to partake in a Stonehenge Special Access Visit and also a page on scheduled Stonehenge Special Access Tours From London.


Image Depicting How Close You Can Get To Stones At Stonehenge During Public Opening Hours

Get To Understand Stonehenge Like Few Others

The average tour bus spends at the very most one hour at Stonehenge. Time enough for those just curious to witness in person this world famous monument, get a few photographs, a better understanding of the mysteries of Stonehenge and perhaps a memento from the gift shop.


If you want something more than this, then this maybe is for you.


We have a team of local guides who specialise in Stonehenge and the Neolithic era. We can offer a detailed tour that explores all facets connected to Stonehenge, going well beyond what you hear on the audio tape.

Nothing is taboo, we cover in depth the archeological, planetary and mystical/pagan strands that intertwine in uncovering what Stonehenge is, and what it is all about.

Its not a dry lecture tour either, its very much a hands-on tour, we'll track ley lines,enter inside Neolithic burial mounds and walk the ceremonial routes into the henges. You'll also see some of the very best of the English Countryside and if you wish visit a village pub, away from the tourist crowds.

Understanding Stonehenge Tour - More Details