Stonehenge Visitor Centre – Facilities, Parking, Tickets & Tips

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The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is the main gateway for visitors exploring the world-famous Stonehenge monument. Located around 1.5 miles from the stone circle, the centre houses exhibitions, a café, gift shop, toilets, and the shuttle bus that takes visitors to the stones.

This guide explains everything you need to know before visiting, including facilities, parking, tickets, opening times, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

All standard tickets include access to the Visitor Centre, exhibitions and shuttle bus — view Stonehenge ticket prices and entry options before your visit.

What is the Stonehenge Visitor Centre?

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is a modern, purpose-built facility designed to enhance your understanding of Stonehenge before you see the stones themselves. Inside, visitors can explore a detailed exhibition that explains how the monument was built, who constructed it, and why it remains such an important prehistoric site.

The exhibition includes archaeological artefacts, interactive displays, and reconstructions that bring the story of Stonehenge to life. Most visitors spend between 45 and 60 minutes inside the visitor centre before travelling to the ancient stone circle.

Stonehenge Visitor Centre Facilities

The visitor centre offers a range of facilities to make your visit comfortable and convenient. Car parking at Stonehenge is available on site and is included with a valid Stonehenge ticket. Dedicated disabled parking spaces are located close to the entrance.

The café at Stonehenge inside the visitor centre serves hot meals, light snacks, and drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating available. There is also a Stonehenge gift shop selling Stonehenge-themed souvenirs, books, jewellery, and locally inspired gifts.

Modern toilet facilities are available, including accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. The entire visitor centre is fully wheelchair accessible.

Getting from the Visitor Centre to the Stones

Visitors are not permitted to drive directly to the stone circle. Instead, access is provided via a free shuttle bus that runs regularly throughout the day from the visitor centre. The journey takes around ten minutes and is included in the ticket price.

For those who prefer to walk, there is a clearly marked 1.5-mile walking route across the surrounding landscape. Walking allows visitors to experience the wider prehistoric setting and often provides excellent photo opportunities.

Stonehenge Visitor Centre Opening Times

Opening times for the Stonehenge Visitor Centre vary throughout the year, with longer hours during the summer months and reduced hours in winter. Last entry times can change seasonally, so visitors are advised to arrive well before the final admission slot to allow enough time to enjoy both the visitor centre and the stone circle.

Do You Need Tickets for the Stonehenge Visitor Centre?

Access to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre is included with a Stonehenge admission ticket. Tickets cover entry to the exhibition, use of the shuttle bus, and access to the stone circle itself.

During busy periods, particularly in spring and summer, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot.

How Long Should You Spend at the Visitor Centre?

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and one hour at the visitor centre, followed by 30 to 45 minutes at the stone circle. Allowing at least two to three hours in total will ensure a relaxed visit without rushing.

Tips for Visiting the Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid the busiest periods, especially when coach tours arrive. Visiting the exhibition before travelling to the stones provides valuable context that enhances the overall experience.

If the weather is good, consider walking back from the stones instead of taking the shuttle bus, as this offers scenic views of the landscape. Visiting the café outside peak lunch hours can also make your visit more comfortable.

All Stonehenge Entrance Tickets include Visitor Centre Access…

Adults: £25 Child: £15

Discount Entrance Tickets to Stonehenge

Adults: £73 Child: £63

Stonehenge Day Trip 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Stonehenge Visitor Centre worth visiting?
The visitor centre provides important historical and archaeological context, helping visitors better understand Stonehenge before seeing the monument.

Can you visit the visitor centre without seeing Stonehenge?
Access to the visitor centre is included as part of a Stonehenge admission ticket, which also covers entry to the stone circle.

Is parking free at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre?
Parking is included with a valid Stonehenge ticket.

How far is the visitor centre from Stonehenge?
The visitor centre is located approximately 1.5 miles from the stone circle.

When did the visitor centre open to the public?

The Stonehenge visitor centre opened on the 17th of December 2013 in partnership with the National Trust. It opened with over 250 archaeological treasures and came at the cost of £27m.

Can you see Stonehenge from the visitor centre?

Yes, you can see Stonehenge, although it’s still approx. a 1.7 mile walk from the centre to the Stones.

Is it free to enter the visitor centre?

Yes, you need to have a fully paid Stonehenge ticket to enter the Visitor Centre, you don’t need a ticket to enter the café or shop and during off peak times its free to park in the car park at Stonehenge.

Where is the Stonehenge Exhibition?

The Stonehenge Exhibition is located in the Visitor Centre at Stonehenge, there are over 250 archaeological objects from thousands of years ago on display. Occasionally, the British Museum also puts on exhibitions in London but generally the one at Stonehenge is the main place to see everything together while also seeing the Stones themselves.

How much did the Visitor Centre cost?

The visitor centre cost a total of £27m in 2013. The idea of a visitor centre first came about in 1927, however, it took almost 90 years for it to become a reality. Prior to the visitor centre being there, Stonehenge was still seeing about 1m visitors every year. However, now there is a suitable place to visit, have lunch and learn about the history of the famous Stones.

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.

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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