Stonehenge

Introduction

Stonehenge

© stevedana

Stonehenge in Wiltshire was believed to be first built in the 3100BC. However, the more recognisable bluestones followed around 2150BC, and originated in Wales nearly 400 kilometres away. It is approximately horseshoe-shaped and a number of theories abound as to its original use, including religious worship grounds, astronomical calendars and UFO landing sites.

There is also a tourist information site for Stonehenge.

Opening Hours

• Spring: 9:30am to 6:00pm
• Summer: 9:00am to 7:00pm
• Autumn: 9:30am to 6:00pm
• Winter: 9:30 to 4:00pm

Note: the summer solstice (21 June) attracts large numbers of crowds.

Up to date times can be found at the Stonehenge website.

Cost

Stonehenge

© gypcgirl

Adult entry price (2009) is currently £6.40, with a child's being £3.20. Concessions and family discounts are available. National Trust and English Heritage members have free entry. There is a car parking fee in addition to entry for all visitors.

Up to date prices are available from the Stonehenge website.

Getting There

By Train

The closest station is Salisbury, which is 15 kilometres from the site. From London, trains depart Waterloo station.

From Salisbury, the Stonehenge Tour bus travels to the site. The bus travels approximately every 30 minutes from Salisbury Rail Station and Bus Station to Stonehenge. On the return trip the bus stops at Old Sarum, an old Iron Age Hill Fort subsequently used by the Romans and Normans. This is 'Old Salisbury', the town moved down into the valley below in medieval times. Information on the bus is available at the Stonehenge Tour website.

The bus costs £11 for an adult or £17.50 with admission to Stonehenge, £5 for a child (£8 with admission to Stonehenge) and £11 for a student or £14.50 with admission to Stonehenge.

For a purely public transit trip, take the number 5 or 6 bus from Salisbury Bus Station to Amesbury, a 25-minute ride. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes Monday to Saturdays, every 2-3 hours Sunday. The direct walk up to Stonehenge from Amesbury is about 20-30 minutes.

By Car

Travelling from London, the most direct route is:

• M3 southbound to Basingstoke for 50 kilometres.
• At junction 8, exit onto A303 westbound towards Andover and Salisbury for 50 kilometres.
• Continue on to the A344 for a kilometre.

By Bus

Dedicated services run from London Victoria coach station and stops within a couple of kilometres of the site at the village of Amesbury. Local bus services operate from here to the site, although it can be walked.