Stonehenge
Salisbury, WiltshireAbout Stonehenge
Have you heard about Stonehedge, England? It's a world-famous prehistoric monument built as a ceremonial centre! Beginning 5000 years ago, this megalithic monument was remodelled several times in the following 1500 years.
Nestled in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, the Stonehenge landscape stands as one of the world's most iconic prehistoric monuments. In a horseshoe-shaped setting, this ancient stone circle is steeped in mystery and history, offering families an unforgettable day out. Whether your kids are budding archaeologists or simply curious explorers, Stonehenge provides a captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
Are you ready to uncover the incredible story of one of the world's most famous places? This UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic monument are a powerful testament to human ingenuity, imagination and creativity, and a visit today offers something for everyone to enjoy. The Stonehenge Landscape is also part of the National Trust, so those with a National Trust membership can visit for free.
Stonehenge History
The huge stone lintels are mortice-and-tenoned to the upright stones and are curved to follow a circle. Some stones weigh over 50 tons each, with some brought from the Preseli Mountains in Wales! When you're here, you can walk through the historic Neolithic houses of the Neolithic people who lived there 4,000 years ago.
The reason for these archaeological landscapes is unknown. The earthen monuments don't have a purpose, although according to geophysical surveys, the outer circle of sarsen stones are said to have been carefully aligned with the sun's movements. And are placed in the place of the summer solstice and winter solstice. Only a little known is about Stonehenge, but some say it could have been used as a ceremonial landscape, and pig bones were found here. Also, human bone deposits have been found that date back to 3000 BC - it could be from a cremation burial site! There are also stone or wooden structures and burial mounds that could date back to 4000 BC.
Stonehenge now also boasts a fantastic new Stonehenge Visitor Centre and exhibition space, which includes a 360-degree virtual experience. Plus, over 250 objects of international importance will be on display, and the reconstructed face of an Early Neolithic man is a highlight. Learn the history of the British monument from 2500 BC throughout the 17th century, 18th century and beyond. Explore why Stonehenge was reconstructed and discover the timber structures also built. The immediate surroundings of the stones are also undergoing dramatic improvement, so it's worth a visit with kids more than ever. Please also note the recent changes regarding timed bookings.
William Gowland and William Stukeley, for example, have restored the prehistoric stone circle multiple times, like straightening the 56 Sarsen stone.
An interesting fact is that geologists think the ancient stones might have been brought over by ice-age glaciers instead of human agency! Either way, they're certainly key monuments that help us understand our history.
Things To Do
One of Stonehenge's most intriguing aspects is the mystery surrounding its construction. Share the various theories with your kids, such as the idea that it was an ancient burial ground, a place of healing, or an astronomical calendar. This can lead to exciting family discussions and encourage kids to come up with their own theories.
The circular enclosure consists of 56 stone which are called the Aubrey Holes, which is named after John Aubrey when he identified them in 1666! They have a north-eastern entrance and a south-east entrance.
Visiting this English Heritage site and neolithic monument, is more than just seeing the incredible Stonehenge. You can also explore the Stonehenge exhibits, and tour the history and landscape of the area with an after-hours Stonehenge experience. Where you can see the prehistoric stone circle, sarsen stone, the Altar stone, burial sites and more, closer than most!
Why not join the Stonehenge Tour? These tours take place throughout the day and give you the perfect opportunity to learn all about this famous stone circle. An audio guide is also available.
Bringing your little archaeologists with you? They'd definitely love Playhenge and Kids' Dig at Stonehenge. Whether they want to build their dream play structure using natural materials or unearth the past in a special Stonehenge sandbox, they'll have an absolute blast at Stonehenge! These events happen throughout the year, so keep an eye out for them!
To avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit, plan your trip early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Stonehenge is open year-round, but summer months offer longer daylight hours, perfect for exploring the site at a leisurely pace. You might even catch the summer solstice, too!
Food & Drink
Feeling peckish? You can bring your own picnic to enjoy or head to the cafe, where visitors can indulge in a range of delicious meals, including soups, hotpots, salads, sausage rolls, and more. Vegan, Vegetarian, and Gluten-free options are available, too.
Gift Shop
No trip to this world-famous monument would be complete without stopping by the gift shop before you leave! Shop for souvenirs like magnets, prints, t-shirts, pendants, bracelets, and bags. There's something for every family.
With plenty for the whole family to discover, book your ticket now for the best price and prepare for an unmissable day out at this iconic attraction. It's truly an amazing experience.
Why We Recommend Stonehenge Landscape For Families
- Come face to face with a 5,000-year-old man in the exhibition
- Get a glimpse into ancient history
- The Stonehenge Tour is educational, exciting and fun
- Step into a Neolithic village and find out if you have what it takes to move mighty Sarsen stones
- Get up close to the beautiful Stone Circle and take the perfect picture
Looking for festive fun this holiday season? Check out nearby events on our Christmas Events 2024 page!
Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Exhibits
The Stonehenge Visitor Centre features a 360-degree virtual experience, over 250 objects of international importance, and the reconstructed face of an Early Neolithic man.
Explore The Ancient Engineering Marvel
Stonehenge is renowned for its incredible engineering feats, achieved over 4,000 years ago. The site is made up of 56 massive stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, carefully arranged in a circular formation. The stones were transported from great distances, including the smaller "bluestones" from Wales, over 150 miles away.
Enjoy An Interactive Visitor Experience
Families can enjoy Playhenge and Kids' Dig, interactive activities designed to engage children with hands-on learning experiences, making the visit both educational and fun for young archaeologists.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Gift Shop
- Onsite Parking
- Accessible Toilets
- Baby Changing
- Food Available
- Wheelchair Friendly
- Pushchair Friendly
- Wheelchair Hire
Opening Times
- Monday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Tuesday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Wednesday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Thursday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Friday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Saturday, 09:30 - 19:00
- Sunday, 09:30 - 19:00
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (4-17) : £25.00
- Adult (17-18+) : £15.00
Due to changes in the ticketing system at Stonehenge, the only way to guarantee entry on the day of your choice is to pre-book.
Online Booking
Member - Free
Adult - £22.70 (£25.00 with donation)
Child (5-17 years) - £13.60 (£15.00 with donation)
Concession - £20.00 (£22.00 with donation)
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)- £59.00 (£65.00 with donation)
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £36.30 (£40.00 with donation)
On the day
Member - Free
Adult - £27.20 (£30.00 with donation)
Child (5-17 years) - £16.30 (£18.00 with donation)
Concession - £23.60 (£26.00 with donation)
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)- £70.70 (£78.00 with donation)
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children) - £43.50 (£48.00 with donation)
You can also buy your tickets with Day Out With The Kids. After all, we ensure families always get the best value for money when visiting family-friendly attractions.
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Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
The café serves soup, hotpots, vegan and traditional pasties, vegan and traditional sausage rolls sandwiches, salads and other sweet and savoury items, using regional produce.
Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten-free options are available. You can find vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, salads, soups, biscuits and cakes as well as vegan and dairy-free soups are also available.
Water refill stations are available in the cafe too.
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Transport Information
By Train
The nearest train station is Salisbury station. There is a direct line from London Waterloo which takes around 1h30m.
From Salisbury you can take a taxi from the station or take the Stonehenge Tour Bus which departs hourly from the station. You have the option to stop off at Old Sarum if you take the bus.
By Car
Stonehenge is located just off the A303.
For Sat Nav, use the postcode SP4 7DE and follow the brown and white tourist signs to the Visitor Centre. There is a parking charge for non-members and those who have not pre-booked tickets.
Verification & Last Updated
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Last Updated: 08:08 11/10/2024
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