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Visiting Stonehenge: Everything you need to know to plan your visit

Stonehenge | Visitor information at a glance

Visiting Stonehenge
  • What are Stonehenge opening hours?
    Stonehenge is open from 9:30am - 5pm during the winter and 9:30am - 7pm during the summer.
  • Where is Stonehenge located?
    Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom. Get directions.
  • How old is Stonehenge?
    Stonehenge is over 5000 years old, built during the Neolithic period.
  • Who built Stonehenge?
    It is unclear who built Stonehenge. It is believed that ancient Britons from 3100 BCE may have built it. Some believe it was modified by multiple groups over time, while others think the Druids, ancient Celtic priests, built it.
  • Is Stonehenge a UNESCO World Heritage Site? 
    Stonehenge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, for its cultural and historical significance as one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world.
  • How many number visitors does Stonehenge see per year?
    Stonehenge sees an average of 1 million visitors every year.



Book your Stonehenge tickets & tours

Stonehenge Entry Tickets
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Mobile ticket
Flexible duration
Audio guide
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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath & Roman Baths Day Trip
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11 hr. 30 min.
Guided tour
Transfers included
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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Oxford Day Trip
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Mobile ticket
11 hr.
Guided tour
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From London: Stonehenge & Bath Day Trip
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Mobile ticket
10 hr. 30 min.
Audio guide
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from
£88.66
Stonehenge Entry Tickets with Transfers from London
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Mobile ticket
6 hr.
Audio guide
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From London: Stonehenge & Windsor/Bath With Exclusive Walk Between The Stones Experience
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Mobile ticket
11 hr.
Audio guide
Guided tour
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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath Guided Tour with Access to Roman Bath
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11 hr.
Guided tour
Transfers included
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Stonehenge opening hours

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Best time to visit Stonehenge

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Peak season vs low season

The best time to visit Stonehenge is between March to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant, albeit a little chilly during winter. Stonehenge is linked to the annual solar cycle. In June, thousands gather at Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice to see the perfect sunrise between the stones. Similarly, people also visit it during the Winter Solstice to get a view of the sunset. 

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Weekend vs weekday

The best days to visit Stonehenge are on weekdays as the landmark is most crowded on the weekend. The best time of day to visit would be as soon as it opens at 9:30am so that you can avoid crowds and explore the sprawling landscape. If you are visiting on a weekend, visit before 11am or after 2pm.

Where is Stonehenge located?

Address: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom

Find on Map

Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire, England, is approximately 140 km from London.

Closest landmark: Woodhenge

Closest train station: Salisbury

Getting to Stonehenge

Visiting Stonehenge

Public transportation

  • By train: You can take a train from London to Salisbury, the closest station to Stonehenge. From Salisbury station, you can board a Stonehenge tour bus, which will take you directly to the Stonehenge Visitor’s Centre. This route will take about 1.5 hours.
  • By bus: Similar to the train journey, you will need to take a bus to Salisbury, and then take the Stonehenge tour bus from the station. The journey will take you about 3 hours.
Visiting Stonehenge

By car

Driving is a direct way to get to Stonehenge, where you can directly drive to the venue. This route will take you a little over 2 hours. To get to Salisbury, use the M4, then go onto the M3 and take exit 8 onto the A303. Follow signs from Amesbury, which will take you on the A360 and then to Stonehenge.

visiting stonehenge

By coach

Booking a tour from London to Stonehenge saves you the trouble of figuring out the logistics of your day trip. These tours include round-trip transfers in AC coaches or buses with free Wi-Fi and USB charging ports, from central London (usually Victoria Station). These coaches also have an English-speaking guide or a multilingual audio guide.

Know before you visit Stonehenge

Facilities
Accessibility
Guided tours
Shop
Eat
Stay
Nearby
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  • The premises do not have a cloakroom or a luggage storage facility. However, if you have luggage, you can leave it at the Railway Tavern, located 100 meters down the road from Salisbury station.
  • Male and female toilets, including accessible, baby, and adult change facilities, are available at the visitor center.
  • Parking is available on-site. However, there is a parking charge for non-members. 
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  • Assistance dogs are allowed throughout Stonehenge, even in the Stone Circle. As for dogs on leashes, they are not allowed in the Stone Circle & monument field, visitor buses, exhibition, Stonehenge café, and the gift shop. They are only allowed in the visitor center, where water bowls are available. 
  • A shuttle bus is available for those who need it, such as the elderly and those with reduced mobility.
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  • Stonehenge offers visitors a multilingual audio guide in English, Mandarin, German, Russian, Spanish, Polish, French, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, and Ukrainian. You can download these in advance or on the site. Headphones for Android phones can be purchased at admissions and in the gift shop for £2.
  • Most day trips from London include an English-speaking guide on the coach as well. You can ask them questions too and learn more about the Heritage Site.
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The Stonehenge Shop has a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, books, and gifts, most of which are made in the UK exclusively for Stonehenge. You can even visit the online store and buy your souvenirs.

Honey from Salisbury Plain, wine from Lyme Bay, and pottery from Staffordshire are the most frequently bought souvenirs. The Stonehenge keyrings and fridge magnets are also a popular memento. You will also find a collection of jewelry crafted from local Sarsen stone and Preselli bluestone at the store.

visit stonehenge

The Stonehenge Shop has a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, books, and gifts, most of which are made in the UK exclusively for Stonehenge. You can even visit the online store and buy your souvenirs.

Honey from Salisbury Plain, wine from Lyme Bay, and pottery from Staffordshire are the most frequently bought souvenirs. The Stonehenge keyrings and fridge magnets are also a popular memento. You will also find a collection of jewelry crafted from local Sarsen stone and Preselli bluestone at the store.

visiting stonehenge
visit stonehenge
  • Salisbury Cathedral: Over 750 years old, this cathedral has well-preserved original copies of the Magna Carta. It also has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom, at 404 feet, along with one of the oldest working clocks in the world.
  • Avebury: Co-listed with Stonehenge as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avebury features naturally-shaped stones (megaliths) in a ring. Within the ring are two distinct henges with their inner rings of stones.
  • Salisbury Museum: This museum has a stunning collection related to Stonehenge and other artifacts and architectural marvels found locally.
  • Durrington Walls: The largest Neolithic henge in the country, Durrington Walls is about 3 kilometers away from Stonehenge. This early settlement is considered to be related to the Stonehenge complex.

Visitor tips and rules

  • It’s recommended to book at least a week in advance during the busy summer months, but you can generally find tickets available even a few days beforehand. Special events like the solstices may require booking months in advance.
  • For a truly unforgettable experience, consider booking a Stone Circle Access tour, which allows you to get up close to the stones at sunrise or sunset.
  • Stonehenge is an outdoor attraction, so it’s best to check the weather forecast. The site is open in most weather conditions, but be prepared for rain or strong winds, especially in winter. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the ground can be uneven. In colder months, bring layers and waterproofs, as the area can be windy and exposed.
  • The Stonehenge Visitor Centre features a 360-degree audio-visual experience that allows visitors to "stand" in the middle of the stones at different times of day and during different seasons, offering an immersive glimpse into its past. Try not to miss this interactive experience.
  • Carry a water bottle and some snacks. Please ensure you dispose of any wrappers and trash properly.
  • You can download the audio guide in advance. Please carry your headphones, as these may not be available at the venue.
  • The best time to photograph Stonehenge is either at sunrise or sunset when the light casts shadows over the stones. If you want to avoid crowds in your shots, early morning or late afternoon visits are ideal.
  • There is no cloakroom or facility to keep luggage, so ensure you only carry essential things.
  • Don't climb on, stand on, or lean against the stones, including fallen stones. 
  • Drones and remote-controlled flying devices are not permitted.
  • Camping is not permitted at Stonehenge and sleeping on the ground is a trip hazard.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Stonehenge

What’s included in the Stonehenge entry ticket?

The standard ticket includes access to the Stone Circle, the exhibition at the Visitor Centre, and the reconstructed Neolithic houses. The Visitor Centre also houses over 250 archaeological treasures.

How long does a Stonehenge tour from London take?

If the tour involves just Stonehenge, then you can expect your Stonehenge tour from London to take about six hours. However, a combo ticket that includes Bath or the Windsor Castle, for example, will take much longer, up to 11 hours.

How long should I plan to spend at Stonehenge?

Most visitors spend about 2 hours exploring the site. This includes time to walk around the stone circle, visit the exhibition at the Visitor Centre, and explore the surrounding areas, including burial mounds, ancient pathways, and the Avenue.

What other attractions can I cover on my Stonehenge tour from London?

Some nearby attractions you can cover on your trip to Stonehenge include Windsor, Oxford, Avebury, Lacock, and Bath. Here are some more tour options from London.

Are there any discounts available for Stonehenge tickets?

Yes, discounts are available for students and children under the age of 17. English Heritage members and National Trust England members also enjoy free entry. 

Can I walk among the stones at Stonehenge?

General visitors must stay on the designated path around the stones. However, you can book a special Stone Circle Access ticket, which allows you to enter the inner circle of stones outside normal opening hours.

Can I visit Stonehenge at night?

Stonehenge is not typically open to the public at night, but special events, such as solstice celebrations or exclusive Stone Circle Access tours at sunrise or sunset, may provide unique opportunities for out-of-hours visits.