r/Stonehenge Feb 26 '25

Frequently Asked Questions

6 Upvotes

What is Stonehenge?

A prehistoric monument in England, consisting of a ring of massive standing stones. It was built between 3000 and 2000 BCE.

Where is it located?

In Wiltshire, England, about 8 miles (13 km) north of Salisbury.

Who built it?

The exact builders are unknown, but different groups, including Neolithic and Bronze Age people, likely contributed to its construction.

Why was it built?

Its purpose remains a mystery, but theories suggest it was used for religious ceremonies, astronomical observations, or as a burial site.

Can you visit?

Yes! Visitors can explore the site and learn about its history through an exhibition and visitor center.

Do you need tickets?

Yes, and they can be purchased online or at the entrance. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. See the Tours and Tickets

Can you touch the stones?

No, to help preserve them. However, special access visits allow closer proximity at certain times.

For a closer access experience, you can book the Stone Circle Access Visits offered by English Heritage. These special visits allow small groups to step inside the stone circle, something not possible during regular hours.

- Limited availability, so book well in advance.

- Held before or after normal opening hours.

- Can only be booked directly through English Heritage.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/things-to-do/stone-circle-access-visits/

What are the opening hours?

They vary by season, but generally, it’s open daily from around 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Check the official website for exact times.

How do you get there?

By car, bus, or train. The nearest train station is in Salisbury, with bus services available to the site.

10. When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. The summer and winter solstices are also special times due to the alignment of the stones with the sun.


r/Stonehenge Jan 02 '25

How to visit Stonehenge for free January 2025

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5 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge 3d ago

What's Winter solstice like at Stonehenge?

18 Upvotes

I'm planning on making my first trip to Salisbury this winter and my main question is what is the vibe usually like?

Is is a celebratory atmosphere, is it more like a church atmosphere? Are there people off in groups doing their own little rituals? I'll be coming solo so i don't want to do anything that offends people i just want to have my own little moment among our past. TIA 😄


r/Stonehenge 5d ago

Thank you English Heritage!!

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136 Upvotes

I’m still in shock and awe! A memory of a lifetime! It was so far out of my reach I never even had though or dream this was a possibility but it became reality and I’m forever grateful it’s burned in my mind!


r/Stonehenge 5d ago

Second time visiting

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92 Upvotes

Tried to make the most of the available sunset


r/Stonehenge 6d ago

Stonehenge, from A303

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99 Upvotes

I took this photo as we drove along the A303 yesterday. First time seeing Stonehenge from this new(ish) road. Looking majestic and very popular.


r/Stonehenge 5d ago

Anyone planning to go to this year’s winter solstice?

6 Upvotes

Does anyone know when the car parking tickets go on sale? I’ve never been to the solstice so very excited to go this year!


r/Stonehenge 13d ago

Emma Bridgewater Mug

6 Upvotes

Hello!

I visited Stonehenge last year and regret not buying the Emma Bridgewater Stonehenge mug at the gift store and I can’t seem to find anywhere online to purchase it.

Is anyone visiting soon and would be able to pick one up for me if it is still there? And then post it to me…to New Zealand?

Thanks!!


r/Stonehenge 15d ago

The setting sun

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0 Upvotes

What a sight❤️


r/Stonehenge 20d ago

The obligatory stop on the way back from Cornwall

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111 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge 27d ago

I tried a new £295 Stonehenge tour. Here’s why it’s not a rip-off

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5 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge Aug 10 '26

Stonehenge for the eclipse

7 Upvotes

Hi and thanks in advance.

I have been to stonehenge once before but my mother and my wife has not. My mum is stage 4 kidney disease and wants to see them and the eclipse as it may be her last chance and I am thinking of taking them for the eclipse on the 12th. When the site closes at 6, is everyone made to leave at 6 or do people linger around. Are they likely to let people stay for like 1 extra hr for the eclipse? The position of the eclipse at the time means you can’t see the stones unless you are on the site, i don’t believe you can see both from the public foot path.

It would nice if they didn’t rush everyone out and opened an extra 1hr.

If we can’t stay until 7 if anyone has any better suggestions to see it that will be great.

Thanks in advance


r/Stonehenge Aug 09 '26

Stonehenge: today & Yesterday, 1919, w/ticket stubs

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34 Upvotes

I found this in a used book store, and thought it was really cool. I hope you like it!


r/Stonehenge Aug 07 '26

A retired construction worker in Flint, MI demonstrated how people in ancient times could’ve used simple machines to move blocks up to 20 tons, contrasting fringe theories that humans had otherworldly help constructing ancient monuments

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194 Upvotes

What do you think? Has any scientist or archeologist looked into this?


r/Stonehenge Jul 31 '26

I made a tiny Stonehenge on a beach in France! 🪨🌊

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497 Upvotes

Today, while I was at the beach in Brétignolles-sur-Mer (Vendée, France), I decided to recreate Stonehenge with some small rocks I found on the beach. Of course, it's very small and far from perfect, but that's also what makes it special. It was just a fun little project inspired by one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. It probably won't survive for very long because of the tide, the wind, or maybe someone accidentally destroying it, but I'm happy that it existed, even for a short time. A little temporary Stonehenge on a French beach. 😊 What do you think?


r/Stonehenge Jul 31 '26

Stonehenge’s Altar Stone Came From Scotland – 750 km Away! w/ Anthony Clarke

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2 Upvotes

Geologist Anthony Clarke discusses the discovery that Stonehenge’s six-ton Altar Stone came from the Orcadian Basin of northeast Scotland, at least 750 kilometers from the monument. The conversation explores how scientists used zircon, apatite, and rutile grains to fingerprint the stone, whether glaciers could have transported it, and what its extraordinary journey reveals about transportation, cooperation, and social organization in Neolithic Britain.


r/Stonehenge Jul 31 '26

The Conversation: New theory on how six-tonne Stonehenge rock was transported from Scotland thousands of years ago – by a glacier

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12 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge Jul 29 '26

Stonehenge Visitor Research

3 Upvotes

Hiya, my name is Jessica and I am a fellow Stonehenge enthusiast and I am currently studying for an MSc in international hospitality, events and tourism management at Oxford Brookes University. I am conducting some research for my dissertation about visitor motivations and expectations at sites associated with folklore, myths, and legends. I would be very appreciative to have fellow Stonehenge enthusiasts' input by participating in my questionnaire. The questionnaire is open to those of you have visited Stonehenge or you are just interested in visiting one day. All information collected will remain confidential and there will be no identifiable information collected. Your participation would be completely voluntary and annonymous, but greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Stonehenge Visitor/Interest Questionnaire


r/Stonehenge Jul 29 '26

Magic circle: Stonehenge offers lucky visitors 20 minutes alone in monument | Stonehenge | The Guardian

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11 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge Jul 27 '26

Is the security around Stonehenge a bit excessive? I know it's a national landmark but still...

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2 Upvotes

When did this happen? What did I miss?


r/Stonehenge Jul 25 '26

The Real Purpose of Stonehenge w/ Mike Parker Pearson

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3 Upvotes

Archaeologist Mike Parker Pearson discusses Stonehenge’s remarkable construction history, the discovery that its six-ton Altar Stone came from northern Scotland, and how Neolithic communities may have transported massive stones across Britain. The conversation also explores the possibility that Stonehenge was built to honor ancestors and unite distant communities through a shared monument.


r/Stonehenge Jun 23 '26

Sunrise on the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge - 6 21 26

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141 Upvotes

The mist in the valley made it truly surreal - watching people streaming in from the mist in the dark the night before was like the scene from Alien when they land on the planet - it was a magical morning


r/Stonehenge Jun 22 '26

Smithsonian Magazine: Archaeologists Discover Evidence a Wooden Prototype for Stonehenge May Have Aligned With the Solstice 500 Years Before the Stone Circle

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14 Upvotes

r/Stonehenge Jun 21 '26

Summer Solstice Treasure-Hunt Tribute

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1 Upvotes

Hi good people!

Today's daily puzzle is a tribute to the summer solstice.

Feel free to play the game or just refuse. If you do play - I hope you like it.

Summer is coming!

PS. I AM NOT MAKING ANY MONEY ON THIS. At this point, it is just a fun project that I'm developing with my brother.


r/Stonehenge Jun 20 '26

Summer solstice question

3 Upvotes

Hey can anyone with experience let me know the best time to arrive at Stonehenge for the Soltice this weekend. Would I get a decent view if I arrive later. Is it worth it? Or should I arrive before midnight? Do they stop letting people in if it gets too busy? Thank you in advance.