Plan Your Visit to Stonehenge: How to Reach, Location & Timings

Stonehenge Overview

Stonehenge is a historically important place located in London with its roots being several thousand years old, making it a significant symbol of ancient culture in the city. The large grounds, cafes and museums of this prehistoric monumental site offer a space for visitors irrespective of their age and professional backgrounds. The various theories about Stonehenge around the techniques utilised in its construction and the reason why they were built at first, fascinate visitors the most. On strolling around the mammoth sized stones aligned in a pattern of circle, you would wonder what purpose might they originally serve? The story behind it goes as the site was a graveyard but your guide would tell you different perspectives of the history behind this structure in more detail.

The most endearing aspect of the site that attracts visitors during the summer and winter solstices is around its engineering. The positioning of uprightly standing sarsens (the large stones) is such that they trace the movement of the rotational cycles of earth and moon. If you're already feeling lost in the stories of these magical stones, you must then discover more at the Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire museum. The Gnomus at Stonehenge would tell you about the stories of the origin of earth along with that of these stones as you follow him on the trail of finding his age-old friend.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Stonehenge?

Peak Season

Peak season at Stonehenge sets in around June and continues through August and the beginning of September that is from 9am to 8pm the attraction is open for visitors. This is the time of the summer solstice and attracts a huge influx of visitors from all across the world. Check out the Stonehenge opening times during these months to witness the stones at sunrise as the sun aligns with the stone and marvel at the architectural wonder of the stone formations. Temperatures during the summer season are very pleasant with clear skies and sunny days. However, this is also the time that sees the maximum number of visitors here, especially during the weekends.

Off Season

The late autumn and winter months are considered off-peak seasons and usually last from November through March. While the winter months can be a great time to visit, you should be prepared in advance for bad weather conditions. This may also cause the Stonehenge opening times to vary during the winter season. However, the place is usually open from 9am to 5pm during the off season. The temperatures can get quite cold and there are also high chances of rainy days during this time. However, it is otherwise a nice time to visit if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful tour without having to jostle with large crowds. Since December is the month of the winter solstice, you can experience why the stones held such religious significance during ancient times.

Know Before You Visit Stonehenge

Essential Information

How To Reach?

Location- Salisbury Plain, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England.
Timings- The prehistoric monumental site is operational between 09:30 AM to 07:00 PM. Please take a note that last admission within the premises is allowed only 2 hours before the closing time while the last saver tickets are available from 04:30 PM.
Best Time To Visit- The best time to visit Stonehenge London is during the early morning hours or late evening hours. The beauty of dawn and dusk enhances multifolds when experienced standing behind sarsens and taking a stone circle around. The place is very less crowded in the early hours, those considering to spend some peaceful and quiet time should visit then. The positive and inspiring energy felt in the morning is worth troubling yourself in the early hours. Evenings would undoubtedly be the best time to visit Stonehenge London, though it would be crowded at this time but the beauty of a setting sun illuminating the area is worth the trouble.

Tips To Visit Stonehenge

You will be glad to know that pets are allowed inside the premises of the monument but it’s advisable to know that they are permitted in some selected areas only.
Assistance dogs are an exception to the rules, they can accompany you all along. For all other sorts of your pets contact Customer Services for advice in advance to save yourself any sort of convenience.
It’s just not permissible to leave your dogs inside the cars as the parking doesn’t have even a mild shade. The temperature shots up real quick leaving the animal in distress.
Guests are advised to dress in loose or comfortable clothing and footwear as a visit here would require you to walk a lot.
Carry your own water bottles, it would avoid extra plastic usage and help fulfil one of the sustainability goals of the authorities at Stonehenge.
Pack the most delicious dishes along and sit down in the lush green grounds of Stonehenge for a family picnic.

Check This Out: History Of Stonehenge

Food And Drink at Stonehenge

Welcome yourself into this elegantly decorated modern Cafe of Stonehenge which seems to cheerfully invite you to relax in its indoor and outdoor seating. The commissioned artwork by Catherine Headley is all here to inspire you and fill you with delight.
About the snacks and meals option don’t worry as you get to choose from soups, hotpots, vegetarian and traditional pastries, sausage rolls, sandwiches, salads and other sweet items.
The menu of the cafe is well chosen, their Rock Cakes are made inside the cafe, the famous ice cream is coming all the way from Marshfield Farm, juices from bensons Totally Fruity and beer from Stonehenge Brewery.
Want to make your day more memorable by arranging a picnic at Stonehenge. Pick your picnic-ready sustainable takeaway packaging, visitors can also bring their picnic. Open up lunch boxes in the evening, when the sun sets in the background as it certainly is the best time to visit Stonehenge London.

Do Checkout: Stonehenge Exhibitions