Regarded as one of the 7 Wonders of the World, 5000 year old Stonehenge is a circular structure of large stones about a 2 hour drive from London. As a popular tourist spot, there are some tips that will come in handy to know for your visit.
Here are 7 Tips for Visiting Stonehenge:
About Stonehenge
While Stonehenge is famous throughout the world, the actual purpose of it varies in theories. Was it a giant sundial? Was it a place to worship the dead or a sacrificial element of religion?
Beyond the confusion about the use of Stonehenge is the one underlying factor that makes it one of the wonders of the world: How were these stones brought here? Archaeologists have discovered that the bluestones, weighing around 4 tons each, can only be found in a certain region of Wales, around 200 miles away. The fact that these heavy stones could be transported that far 5000 years ago baffles historians today, thus attracting a slew of tourists searching for the answer behind this mysterious structure.
Tips for Visiting Stonehenge:
#1: Arrange Your Own Transportation
While there are many options of bus tours to Stonehenge from London and beyond, using your own transportation will benefit you in many ways. Not only are you able to take the scenic route to Stonehenge through the rolling fields of the UK, but you also have the flexibility of staying as long as you want and adhering to your own schedule. You’ll have more of a chance to miss the crowds when you’re not on a bus tour and, the best part, you can explore more areas on your own after you finish your visit to Stonehenge.
#2: Arrive Early
We departed for Stonehenge from London at about 7 a.m., allowing us to arrive right when it opened. I didn’t realize how good of a decision this was until 5 tour buses showed up after us. To get to Stonehenge, you can either walk the 1.5 miles or take a shuttle and by arriving early, we didn’t have to wait in a line of hundreds of people to snag a seat on the shuttle. By getting to Stonehenge early, you’ll also have the opportunity to take better pictures without too many people in the background.
#3: Book Your Ticket Online Beforehand
To help preserve the historic area, only 7650 visitors are allowed to enter Stonehenge each day. With that said, booking a ticket online beforehand is your best bet. If the day falls on a busy tour bus day, with say 7000 people previously booked to enter, only 650 people who show up without a ticket will be admitted. We arrived early enough that we were able to get in but on our way out, they were turning people away. How terrible it would be to come all this way and be denied entrance?!
#4: Check the Weather Forecast
While the visitor’s center has an indoor area, the entirety of Stonehenge and ancient sites around it is all outdoors. Before departing on your trip, check the weather forecast. If rain’s in the area, pack a poncho and wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty because the paths around Stonehenge would quickly turn to mud. For the best phone apps to track weather, click here!
#5: Buy the Overseas Visitors Pass
The Overseas Visitor Pass is something I wish I knew about before visiting Stonehenge. With this massively-discounted package, get access to over 100 different UNESCO World Heritage Sites throughout the UK.
#6: Participate in the Stone Circle Access
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the stones here, check the dates for the Stone Circle Access. Outside of general admission hours, you can visit in the early morning or late evening. This tour also grants access to get closer with Stonehenge with a tour guide.
#7: Make a Day Trip Out of It
We didn’t plan on going anywhere else after visiting Stonehenge but realizing we’re so close to Oxford we drove there and then to Stratford-Upon-Avon. Making a day trip out of our visit to Stonehenge was one of the best days we had on our visit to the UK.
My Experience at Stonehenge:
During my trip to London, I was searching for a day trip to take. Stonehenge was first on our list as an easy option just 2 hours outside of the city. The highway to the entrance of Stonehenge runs parallel with the structure so visitors can see it from the road.
After entering the visitor’s center, I’m surprised to learn that Stonehenge is part of a large area of ancient sites. Upon entering through the gates, ancient Neolithic houses dot the scenery, displaying tools and objects from that era.
Taking a shuttle to Stonehenge, which run about every 15 minutes, is possible from the visitor center. Feel like walking? It’s about 1.5 miles from here. At Stonehenge, you can walk around the perimeter and then head off to see the other ancient burial sites.
Read More European Travel Posts Here
Like This Post? Pin It!
| This post contains affiliate links which means that, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase one of these products I may receive a small commission. This helps me maintain my blog as a free space to you. Check out my Disclaimer for more info.
Lovely read about a historical heritage that I have visited many of times! I am glad you enjoyed yourself 🙂
Emma | http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk
It was such a beautiful place! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to go, it had been on my list for ages!