Stonehenge

What is Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is a prehistoric stone circle made up of an outer ring of massive sarsen stones and an inner horseshoe-shaped setting of smaller bluestones. It includes notable features such as the Great Trilithon, Heel Stone, Slaughter Stone, the Altar Stone, and the surrounding circular bank and ditch.

Archaeologists, including Mike Parker Pearson, believe Stonehenge may have been built for purposes ranging from ancestor worship and ceremonies linked to astronomical events like solstices and solar eclipses, to unifying gatherings for ancient communities. Its alignment with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset shows the Stonehenge builders' sophisticated understanding of the skies and supports the idea that Stonehenge was once used as a religious site.

Evidence of wooden posts, a Neolithic village at nearby Durrington Walls, and other stones spread across the landscape highlights its evolution over thousands of years.

Where is Stonehenge Located?

Stonehenge is located near Amesbury, Wiltshire (SP4), about 8 miles north of Salisbury and 90 miles west of London.

• By train: The nearest station is Salisbury. From there, a regular bus service, the Stonehenge Tour Bus, runs directly to the site.

• By car: Parking is available at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre (included in your ticket price).

• By tour: Many day trips run from London, Bath, and Bristol, often combining Stonehenge with other attractions like Windsor Castle or Bath.across the landscape highlights its evolution over thousands of years.

Key Features of the Stonehenge Monument

The Great Trilithon and Sarsen Circle

The Great Trilithon is the tallest structure at Stonehenge, consisting of two upright stones capped by a horizontal lintel. It once stood at over 7 meters high and served as a central focal point of the monument. Surrounding it is the sarsen circle, a series of mighty sarsen stones arranged in a near-perfect circle. These stones were transported from the Marlborough Downs, over 20 miles away, showcasing the incredible effort and coordination of Neolithic builders. The precise layout and engineering of the sarsen circle suggest astronomical and ceremonial significance, particularly its alignment with the sun during solstices.

The Heel Stone, Altar Stone and Aubrey Holes

The Heel Stone is a solitary upright stone located just outside the main circle, aligned with the sunrise during the summer solstice. It may have served as a marker or gateway to the sacred space within. The Altar Stone, positioned within the central area, is thought to have played a vital role in the site's ceremonial functions. The Aubrey Holes, a ring of 56 chalk pits found just inside the outer ditch, are believed to have held timber posts or stones in earlier phases of the site's development. Archaeologists think these holes may have functioned as part of a calendrical system or even as burial sites. Together, these features highlight the site's layered use over millennia and reinforce its importance as a religious site.

Tips for Visiting Stonehenge

Stonehenge Tickets & Admission Fee

The standard adult admission for Stonehenge is approximately £28--£30.90, including access to the Visitor Centre and stone circle, with higher-priced options like the Stone Circle Experience available for around £41.50, and it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak times like the summer solstice.

Best Time to Visit Stonehenge

The site is especially popular during the summer solstice, when crowds gather to witness the sunrise perfectly aligned with the stones. This event typically occurs around June 21st. If you plan to visit during this time, it's essential to book your tickets well in advance and prepare for large crowds.

Accessibility and Visitor Tips

• Wheelchair-friendly paths around the monument.

• Visitor shuttle bus runs between the stone circle and the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.

• Allow at least 2--3 hours to explore.

• Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather---Stonehenge is exposed and often windy.

Stonehenge Visitor Centre

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre is the perfect starting point for your visit. Highlights include:

• Exhibitions on archaeology, astronomy, and the significance of prehistoric stone circles.

• A reconstructed Neolithic village showing how the builders may have lived.

• Artefacts discovered during excavations, including tools, pottery, and human remains.

• Interactive displays explaining theories about ancestor worship, astronomical events, and even links to Arthurian legend.

Recently, the centre has hosted exhibitions by exciting emerging artists, such as Sally Barton, who explores themes of heritage and identity inspired by other stones and circles across Britain. These works highlight how Stonehenge continues to influence creativity today.

Stonehenge: Surrounding Monuments and Attractions

Beyond the stone circle, the Stonehenge landscape includes several important Neolithic and Bronze Age sites.

• Durrington Walls: A large Neolithic settlement thought to house the builders of Stonehenge

• Woodhenge: A timber circle believed to have ceremonial links to Stonehenge

• The Cursus: A long earthwork running parallel to the Avenue, purpose still debated

• The Avenue: A processional route linking Stonehenge to the River Avon

• Barrows and Burial Mounds: Scattered across the landscape, these offer insight into the ancient funerary practices

This broader sacred landscape continues to inspire historians and artists alike, especially those involved in the Echoes Stone Circles community, drawing modern meaning from ancient mysteries.