See Stonehenge for Free (What You Can & Can’t Do)
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments — and yes, it is possible to see parts of it for free. There are legitimate ways to view the stones without paying an entrance fee, but it’s important to understand what those free options include, and what they don’t.
Below, we explain where you can see Stonehenge for free, how to get there, what free viewing really looks like, and when it might make sense to book tickets to Stonehenge for the full experience.
Is It Possible to Visit Stonehenge for Free?
You do not need a ticket to see Stonehenge. The monument is located in open countryside, and there are public areas nearby where the stones are visible without entering the paid visitor site.
However, free viewing does not include access to the main Stonehenge site, the visitor centre, or the managed paths around the stones.
Understanding this distinction helps avoid disappointment on the day.
Where Can You See Stonehenge Without Paying?
Public Footpaths Near the Monument
A public footpath runs close to the Stonehenge site and allows walkers to approach the stones from outside the ticketed boundary. From here, you can clearly see the monument and take photos, although you remain some distance away.
This option:
- Is open all year
- Does not require booking
- Involves walking across open land
You will not be able to walk around the circle or enter the central area.
Viewing from Nearby Roads
Stonehenge is visible from certain nearby roads and stopping points. While this offers only a brief or distant view, it is technically a free way to see the stones, especially if you are passing through the area.
This is best suited for:
- A quick look
- Visitors short on time
- Those not planning to stop for long
Adults: £73 Child: £63
Our popular half-day tour…
Stonehenge Day Tour from London
Access to the Stones, return coach tickets from central London, multilingual audio guide to Stonehenge, a perfect way to enjoy a stress-free experience.
Cheapest Way To Visit Stonehenge By Car from London – Total £148.33
The first option is to hire a car from London, typical rates for a car for a day that can carry four people are approx. £65, which doesn’t include additional insurance or petrol/diesel. The journey from London to Stonehenge is approximately 88 miles one way, so the return journey is 176 miles. This roughly equates to (given a car that does 35MPG and the cost of diesel/petrol being £1.20 per litre) coming to £27.43. So that’s travel there and back (total £92.43), but what about tickets to Stonehenge?
Current prices for tickets for Stonehenge entrance fees are £55.90 (2 adults and 2 children including small donation). These are for the paid experience, and paying for a ticket includes access to the main path around the stones, visitor amenities, and educational materials. So that takes the total £148.33 – and you have flexibility in terms of timings etc. But you do have the challenge of navigating your way out of London and back in from Stonehenge.
During off peak season parking at Stonehenge is free, however, there is a charge during peak times but you will get this back for your Stonehenge admission fees on the day. Some visitors have parked along nearby roads to access the public path for free views, but be sure to follow local parking regulations.
Alternatively, another option is to simply drive past Stonehenge on the A303 for a quick and scenic view from your vehicle without paying for tickets or parking.
Cheapest Way To Visit Stonehenge By Train from London – Total £224.30
The nearest train station to Stonehenge is , approximately 8.9 miles or a 15-minute drive. Although you can get a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury, roughly a 1-hour 32-minute journey, the cheapest cost for a return ticket for a family of 4 is approximately £128.40. From there you would still need to get a taxi from Salisbury Station to Stonehenge and back. Alternatively, there are also buses and shuttle buses from Salisbury to Stonehenge for those who prefer public transport. Some visitors choose to walk from Salisbury to Stonehenge, passing by Old Sarum along the way—this walk is a scenic alternative for those who have walked the route. The taxi fares are about £20 one way – so it would be £40 on top, plus entrance fees as described would take it to £224.30 and you are heavily dependent upon the rail system as well as taxis.
Cheapest Way To Visit Stonehenge By Coach from London – Total £196.00
One of the most popular ways to see Stonehenge while staying in London is an organised Stonehenge Express tour. Most Stonehenge tours from London pick you up from Victoria Coach Station and drive you directly to Stonehenge in the morning. Ticket holders on these tours are transported from the visitors centre to the stones via a shuttle bus or shuttle buses, making access to the site convenient and efficient. Give you a couple of hours to spend at Stonehenge, and then drive you back to central London for the afternoon. The tours are a one-off cost, including travel on a luxury coach with Wi-Fi and USB plug points, entrance fees, and a map and audio guide. The price for this on a per-adult basis is £54 or for children £49, but there are also family discounts which mean the total cost for a family would be £196.
What Free Viewing Does NOT Include
Seeing Stonehenge for free means missing out on several key parts of the experience:
- No access to the visitor centre or exhibition
- No audio guide or interpretation displays
- No shuttle transport to the stones
- No walking route around the monument
- No inner circle or special access experiences
If you want to explore the site properly, including walking the full circuit around the stones, you will need a ticket.
For full access, including close views and the visitor centre, you can book Stonehenge tickets here.
Combining Stonehenge with Other Destinations
Stonehenge is perfectly situated in the West Country, making it an excellent base for exploring some of England’s most beautiful and historic sites. After visiting Stonehenge, you can easily head to the elegant city of Bath, renowned for its Roman baths and stunning Georgian architecture. The nearby Neolithic site of Avebury offers another fascinating stone circle, while the city of Salisbury boasts a magnificent cathedral and charming medieval streets. The rolling countryside of Wiltshire provides endless opportunities for scenic walks and picturesque drives. With free parking and convenient amenities at Stonehenge, it’s easy to plan a day trip or a longer adventure in the region. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or returning to discover more, the area around Stonehenge is full of surprises and delights for every visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Free viewing does not allow access inside the stone circle. Walking among the stones is only possible with a paid ticket or during special access sessions. Free viewing areas keep visitors at a distance from the monument.
You can see Stonehenge for free from public footpaths and roadside viewpoints near the site, including paths that run close to the outer perimeter. These areas are open year-round and do not require a ticket.
With free viewing, you’ll see the stones from a distance rather than up close. You can still clearly make out the monument and take photos, but you won’t be able to approach, circle, or touch the stones.
There is very limited free parking near the public footpaths, and roadside parking is restricted in many areas. The main Stonehenge visitor car park is paid and reserved for ticket holders.
Free viewing can be worth it if you’re on a tight budget, short on time, or simply curious to see Stonehenge from the outside. However, if you want historical context, facilities, and close access, paid entry or a guided tour offers a much fuller experience.
Sunrise and sunset are free only from the public viewpoints, just like daytime visits. Special access inside the stone circle at sunrise or sunset requires a pre-booked ticket and is not free.
Yes, children can enjoy seeing Stonehenge from the free viewing areas, but there are no on-site facilities such as toilets or visitor exhibits. Parents should be prepared for walking and exposed conditions.
Unfortunately, you cannot see Stonehenge for free from the car park. However, there is a public pathway (or path) nearby that allows you to view the stones from one side. Ticket holders and paying visitors can walk around the other side of the monument for a more complete experience. The same view of Stonehenge is available from the public pathway as from certain paid areas, and many visitors take photos from both locations. The view from the public pathway is considered a great view by many, even though it is from a different angle than the paid area. All visitors must pay to park their cars at the designated car park. The fee for entry and parking helps maintain the site and preserve the monument for future generations. However, it is much cheaper to pay to see it from the car park, but obviously, you don’t get the full effect of being up close to the stones. You also won’t get to experience the fabulous Stonehenge visitor centre that offers a wealth of information to all interested visitors.
There is one single day that Stonehenge opens itself up to visitors for free! On the 20th June (Stonehenge Summer Solstice) it opens itself up for free – but be warned that many people do this, and numbers will be limited on the day. Many people come to visit for a sunrise solstice or sunset solstice also! It is a great time to visit, with lots of dancing, fun and activities taking place.