Stonehenge Visitor Centre – An Essential Guide

This is where people learn about the History of Stonehenge, the myths, and the facts while also visiting the world famous . The new visitor centre is a building with a modern architectural design that blends into the surrounding landscape, using sustainable materials and a low-impact approach. The centre features interesting and ancient artefacts that will transport you back in time and really bring to life the story that surrounds the mystery of Stonehenge.

There are artefacts and multi-media displays that will bring to life the evolution of this ancient wonder and will help you learn easily and enjoyably. One of the most popular tours is an audio-visual 360-degree tour that will take you (virtually) inside the stones. Visitors can also download an audio guide to enhance their experience. Outside the centre are Neolithic Houses where you can get a feel for how people lived 1000’s of years ago and how advanced they were back in that time! You can get close to the reconstructed houses, but there are restrictions on how close you can get to the actual stones to help preserve the monument.

Around the visitor centre is also a large café, changing rooms, and a well-stocked for any Stonehenge memorabilia you would like to purchase. The visitor centre and Stonehenge is also very disabled friendly to enable an enjoyable experience for all and the car park is just a short walk away from the centre. The car park is accessible via the main road, and while parking is free, there is a charge for entry to the visitor centre and the main site.

All Stonehenge Entrance Tickets include Visitor Centre Access…

Adults: £25 Child: £15

Discount Entrance Tickets to Stonehenge

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Adults: £73 Child: £63

Our popular half-day tour…

Direct Stonehenge Express 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.

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Introduction to Stonehenge

Stonehenge stands as one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments, located on the sweeping Salisbury Plain in the UK. This remarkable stone circle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, has captivated the imagination of visitors for centuries with its enduring mystery and ancient origins dating back over 5,000 years. Each year, millions of people from around the world make the journey to this legendary site to experience its unique atmosphere and learn about its fascinating past.

To enhance the visitor experience, a new Stonehenge Visitor Centre opened in December 2013, offering a state-of-the-art gateway to the site. The centre is thoughtfully designed to help you make the most of your visit, with a wide range of facilities including a spacious gift shop, a welcoming café, and an engaging exhibition space. Whether you’re interested in the story behind the stones, want to browse for unique gifts, or simply enjoy a relaxing lunch, the visitor centre is an essential part of any Stonehenge adventure. Located just a short distance from the stone circle itself, the centre provides everything you need to enjoy your visit to this world-famous site.

Planning Your Visit

Planning your visit to Stonehenge is straightforward, with a variety of ticket options to suit every traveller. It’s highly recommended to pre-book your tickets online, especially during busy times, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues. English Heritage members benefit from free entry, making it even easier to explore the site and all its attractions. When you arrive, you can expect to spend at least half a day discovering everything Stonehenge has to offer, from the awe-inspiring stone circle and reconstructed Neolithic houses to the immersive exhibition at the visitor centre.

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is conveniently located near the stones, and visitors can choose to walk the scenic route or hop on a shuttle bus that runs regularly between the centre and the stone circle. If you’re travelling from Central London, there are frequent coach services that make Stonehenge an easy and popular day trip. With a range of ticket options, including discounts for pre-booked tickets and free entry for members, planning your visit is simple and stress-free.

Top 5 things to see at the Visitor Centre

The Stonehenge Exhibition

You will get a chance to see over 250 ancient archaeological objects that were found during the time of excavation at Stonehenge. These are all on display for visitors to see, along with helpful information to help bring to life the story of how people lived at the time of Stonehenge’s inception.

The 360-degree experience

This is a fascinating audio-visual exploration of the seasons that pass through Stonehenge from inside the stone circle. It’s particularly popular for children who visit Stonehenge.

The Special Exhibition

This changes depending on when you are visiting; however, the exhibition often brings new artefacts that show the relationship of Stonehenge with other ancient people and traditions from across the world. For example, the most recent collection was about Stonehenge and Jomon Japan.

Neolithic Living and Houses

You will get a chance to see and walk into replicas of neolithic houses. See and feel how people lived over 4,500 years ago.

Stonehenge Gift Shop and Café

The gift shop is hugely popular with all sorts of gifts, from clothes to magnets, to give you the perfect memorabilia of your time at Stonehenge.

Visitor Centre Facilities

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is designed to make your visit as enjoyable and informative as possible, offering a fantastic range of facilities for all visitors. The well-stocked gift shop is a highlight, featuring a wide selection of Stonehenge-themed gifts, from beautiful jewellery and handcrafted pottery to books and unique souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to find a special memento of your trip.

When it’s time for a break, the café offers a delicious range of food and drinks, including freshly made sandwiches, salads, hot meals, and a variety of snacks and beverages to suit every taste. Inside the centre, the exhibition space brings the story of Stonehenge to life with interactive multi-media displays, fascinating artefacts, and even human remains discovered at the site. For those who want to dive deeper into the mystery of Stonehenge, an audio guide is available and can be easily downloaded to your phone, providing expert insights as you explore. With these excellent facilities, the visitor centre ensures a comfortable and memorable experience for everyone.

Getting Around

Navigating the Stonehenge site is easy and convenient, with several options to suit your preferences. The stone circle is located about 1.5 miles from the visitor centre, and visitors can choose to enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Salisbury Plain or take advantage of the regular shuttle bus service that runs between the centre and the stones. For those arriving by car, there is plenty of parking available near the visitor centre, and English Heritage members can park for free.

Whether you prefer to walk and take in the stunning countryside views or use the bus for a quicker journey, getting around the site is straightforward. The well-marked paths and helpful staff ensure that all visitors can make the most of their time at Stonehenge, with easy access to all the main attractions.

Conservation and Management

Preserving the magic and mystery of Stonehenge for future generations is a top priority, and the site is carefully managed by English Heritage in partnership with the National Trust. The new visitor centre was designed with sustainability at its core, featuring eco-friendly elements such as solar panels and a living green roof to minimize its environmental impact. Conservation efforts extend beyond the stone circle itself, encompassing the reconstructed Neolithic houses and the surrounding landscape to protect the site’s unique heritage.

Visitors can learn more about these important conservation initiatives through informative exhibits and displays at the visitor centre. By supporting English Heritage and the National Trust, you’re helping to ensure that Stonehenge remains a world-class site for centuries to come. Your visit not only connects you with the ancient past but also plays a vital role in safeguarding this extraordinary place for future generations to enjoy.

Interested in seeing the Visitor Centre? Check out tickets below…

Adults from: £20

Discount Stonehenge Ticket

If you are wanting to visit Stonehenge and the popular visitor centre, then don’t forget you can pre-book your tickets online and get a discount, plus 24-hour cancellation policy.

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