Bath To Stonehenge | How To Reach And Essential Info

Stonehenge Overview

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Stonehenge is an ancient monument consisting of prehistoric stones and is one of the most famous sights in Britain. The circle monument has been used as an expression of power and wealth of the chieftains, aristocrats, and priests, who were buried here. It is an incomplete structure, whose sarsens and bluestones are believed to be taken away during Britain’s Roman and mediaeval periods. Stonehenge was built in several stages, during the first stage (3000 - 2935 BCE) its oldest part was built in a circular enclosure which continues to stand still. And a second, smaller bluestone circle with 25 welsh bluestones, called Bluestonehenge was also built. Between the first and Second stage (2640 - 2480 BCE) there have been human burials at the Stonehenge.

During the third stage (2470 - 2280 BCE) as per radiocarbon dating, the side ditches and banks of ceremonial avenue were dug from the monument to the River Aton. Bluestones were rearranged to form a circle during the fourth stage (2280 - 2030 BCE), and in the fifth stage (2030 - 1750 BCE), a ring of pits also called Z Holes was dug outside the circle. Bath is a beautiful nearby destination which receives a massive influx of tourism for pleasure and relaxation. Tourists often stay in Bath and travel from Bath to Stonehenge to explore and visit Stonehenge.

Getting To Stonehenge From Bath

By Car/Cab

Bath is one of the big West Country sights and a Georgian city. Tourists often explore and visit Bath and Stonehenge one after another. One can travel to Stonehenge from Bath by private or public transport. Opting for private transport would consume less time and remain comfortable and hassle free. There is a direct route from Bath to Stonehenge via A36 and B390 with an approximate distance of 33 to 35 miles which takes around an hour to cover the same.

Do Checkout: Facts About Stonehenge

By Train

There are direct train routes for the Bath to Stonehenge tour, by boarding train from Bath Spa railway station heading towards Portsmouth Harbour. It will take approximately two hours via train to reach Stonehenge. Alternatively, there is an indirect route with one halt at Salisbury, in which one may board a train to Salisbury Railway station and board another train heading to Stonehenge. This is usually recommended when a visitor wishes to explore Salisbury.

Recommended Read: History Of Stonehenge

By Bus

Several service provider companies provide Bath to Stonehenge tour services. It involves a guided tour through scenic villages, including the pretty village of Lacock. You may opt for a return journey from Stonehenge to Bath. The details of the tour will be mentioned at the ticket provided. Travelling by public transport allows visitors to enjoy the journey to Stonehenge. One may also book the Bath to Sonehenge bus tour in advance and it takes around one and half hours to reach.

Also Read: Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Essential Information About Stonehenge

Location: Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain, at around 13 kilometres in the north direction of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.

Timings: The vicinity consisting of Stonehenge remains open from 9: 30 AM to 5 PM during all days of the week that is from Monday to Sunday. The last admission time in the premises is two hours before closing time i.e., 3 PM. Thus, visitors will not be allowed to enter into the premises after 3 PM.

Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Stonehenge is during the morning hours, just after the opening time or during the afternoon before closing time. During this time, the vicinity remains less crowded, and allows optimum exploration and good visit. The best months to visit the monument are during the months of April, May and October, during the spring or autumn season. The weather is pleasant during these months, and since summer is the busiest season, you may plan your itinerary accordingly.

Suggested Read: Stonehenge Exhibitions

What To Expect At Stonehenge

At Stonehenge, you may expect a visitor centre at a mile distance from the stone circle with facilities for car parking, exhibition, a cafe, gift shop, a collection centre with multi-language audio book guides and restrooms.

The ticket to Stonehenge allows you access to the visitor centre, shuttle bus besides the landscape of the Stonehenge.

In the exhibition at the centre, about 300 archeological treasures used for burial at Stonehenge are displayed along with information upon construction of the monument.

There is an exclusive range of books, souvenirs and gifts at the cafe. The indoor cafe at the centre has 110 seating capacity and serves beverages, drinks, and snacks.

One may also expect audio guides available in ten languages i.e., English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Dutch and Swedish.

Besides, there is shuttle service for to and fro of visitors from the entrance of the premises to the circle, which operates free of charge from visitors.

In Special Access visits, tourists may expect private or special access to the stones in which a maximum of 26 people can go beyond the barriers for other tourists and walk amongst the stones.

Do Checkout: Theories About Stonehenge