Stonehenge

Stonehenge is an iconic monument of Britain. This prehistoric monument together with the surrounding landscape is very archaeologically significant hence regarded as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1986. Although many theories have been introduced to explain the purpose behind its creation and who/when it was initiated, the actual reason still remain as a mystery. Archaeologists believe it was constructed between 3000 BC to 2000 BC and presumed to be used as a burial ground during its early Neolithic times. The truly astonishing fact is that some of these massive stones were transported to the site from up to 150 miles away, shaped and raised using sophisticated techniques. There have been many explanations about how the prehistoric people could have achieved this, but there is little evidence to support any of the theory. As well as its construction, its purpose is also has been debated as some archaeologists believe it was astronomically significant for the ancestors for predicting eclipses and solar events as well as a holy place for worshipping.

Address: Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7DE

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Opening time:

• 1st June- 31st August 9am- 8pm
• 1 September-15 October 9:30am- 7pm
• 16 October-15 March 9:30am -5pm
• 16 March- 31 March  9:30am-7pm

Opening times vary each year so check on the English Heritage website in advance.

Price: Adult £15.50, Child (aged 5-15 yrs) £9.30, Concessionary rate of £13.90 available for students and senior citizens upon presenting a valid NUS card/ID, Family of up to 2 adults+3 children can purchase a pass for £40.30.
Book your tickets in advance as it can get really busy during peak times, all the prices shown above are advanced booking prices.

English Heritage members go free. For information regarding how to take English Heritage membership, visit their website. It gives unlimited entry to up to 400 historic sites in Britain (Individual adult membership charge of £52 per annum) and is very cost effective if you enjoy visiting castles and other historic ruins like i do 🙂 .

Please note that all of the above information is correct at the time of writing this post and are subject to change hence check in advance before travelling.

Things to remember:

• Read the historic importance of Stonehenge before you visit, you will look at it in that perspective if you understand its prehistoric significance. Otherwise it is a circle of gigantic stones!
• During my visit in autumn, it was very windy and cold as it is a vast open space and on top of the hill. Make sure you are clothed properly for the cold.
• Unlike the past, you cannot park near the site anymore, there is a visitor centre about a mile from the site where you park the car (refundable parking ticket) and purchase your ticket for Stonehenge. From here you can either walk or get a shuttle bus which runs frequently to the site. There is also an exhibition, shop and cafe as well as toilet facilities at the visitor centre.
• Remember that last admission to the site is 2 hours before the closing time, tickets are expensive so arrive in good time and make the most of your day.