How to Visit Stonehenge – Everything You Need to Know
Planning to visit Stonehenge? This guide covers everything you need to know — from the best Stonehenge tickets and tours to opening times, how to get there, what to expect at the Visitor Centre, and insider tips to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re travelling from London, Bath or Southampton, we’ll help you plan the perfect visit to Stonehenge.
Some Of Our Most Popular Tours from London
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Customer Trip Reviews
Our afternoon was the best couple of hours spent in the UK! The Stones were fantastic and the experience centre brought it to life! A great trip out of London for all the family!
Pippa Rogers, New York USA
We had a fantastic time visiting the stone circles, Windsor Castle, and the Roman Baths. The shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the Stones was especially helpful, as my wife isn’t the best walker. It made our experience much more relaxing.
David Williams, California USA
I’ve visited many National Trust sites across the UK, but my Stonehenge visit is my favourite by far. I recently went for the Summer Solstice, and it was amazing to experience the vibe. It felt surreal to think that people have been doing this for thousands of years.
Amanda B, Warrington UK
Frequently Asked Questions
You can visit Stonehenge easily from London by joining a direct coach tour, driving yourself, or taking a train to Salisbury and using a shuttle bus to the site. The simplest and most popular option is a Stonehenge tour from central London with return transport included.
Yes — Stonehenge operates on timed-entry tickets, and peak times often sell out. Booking in advance guarantees your entry and usually saves money compared with buying on the day.
A typical visit lasts 2–3 hours, including time at the Visitor Centre, the exhibitions, the Neolithic houses and the shuttle ride to the Stone Circle. If you’re travelling from London, allow 5–6 hours for an express trip or a full day if combining Stonehenge with other destinations.
You can view the Stones from a distance for free by walking in the surrounding National Trust landscape, but you won’t be able to access the Stone Circle path or the Visitor Centre without a paid ticket. Most visitors choose a ticket so they can explore everything properly.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the quietest and often the most atmospheric. Midday tends to be busier, especially during weekends and school holidays. Sunrise and sunset tours offer the most dramatic views.
Other Interesting Nearby Attractions To Stonehenge
Woodhenge
A popular spot is Woodhenge, just 2.5 miles away. Built around 2500 BC and discovered in 1925, Woodhenge offers a great walking route from Stonehenge. Many visitors enjoy stopping there for lunch at a local pub before heading back.
Avebury
You might also be interested in visiting Avebury, a larger stone circle than Stonehenge. Avebury is free to visit, so you can enjoy two great attractions for the price of one. It’s 24 miles away, so you’ll need transport, but there are great pubs for lunch. There’s debate about which site is better, but Avebury also has a fantastic museum.
Salisbury
Finally, Salisbury, just 10 miles away, is a popular nearby destination to visit. It has the nearest mainline train station to Stonehenge. Salisbury Cathedral, over 800 years old, houses one of four original copies of the Magna Carta. Many sightseeing tours include Salisbury along with Stonehenge. Note that there is an entry fee for the cathedral, but it’s free for children under 13.
Visiting Stonehenge for Solstice…
There are two Solstice events: Summer and Winter. The biggest is the Summer Solstice on June 22nd, when the sun rises over the Heel Stone, visible through the outer circle. English Heritage opens Stonehenge early, allowing visitors to walk among the Stones and experience the festive atmosphere. It’s magical to think this ritual has been happening for over 5000 years. Druids often visit during these times to celebrate their pagan history.
