To See & Do
Take the opportunity to explore the countryside and monuments surrounding Stonehenge instead of just viewing the stones and leaving. The National Trust offer excellent guided tours of the landscape. A great deal of information can be gained from the information boards around the area that isn’t available from the Stonehenge centre.
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Visit Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice (21 June), Winter Solstice (21st, 22nd or 23rd December), or the Spring and Autumanal Equinox, in order to gain free entry to the stones (and sometimes walk amongst them), and to venerate nature with the neo-pagans and druids who gather here at these dates.
Stonehenge Cursus – A huge and mysterious monument, the cursus is a 3km long earthwork just north of Stonehenge. Consisting of a ditch and bank running east-west, it is still visible on the landscape, although its purpose remains unknown.
The Avenue – A ceremonial approach way to Stonehenge, the Avenue links the monument to the river Avon. Its ditch and embankment can still be seen from the stones, and its path can be followed up to King Barrows Ridge.
Winterbourne Stoke Barrows – A mile west of Stonehenge is a collection of every type of burial mound found in the UK. A neolithic long barrow creates an alignment that later Bronze Age barrows have been built on, including distinct bowl, bell, pond, saucer and disc barrows.
King Barrows Ridge – So called because of its commanding views of Stonehenge, King Barrows Ridge is on the course of the Avenue, and delivers one of the most breathtaking views over Stonehenge bowl.
Durrington Walls – Just north of Woodhenge, Durrington Walls has been revealed as the site of a great Neolithic village, and likely home of several religious activities. The walls themselves are the remains of the largest henge (earthworks) monument in the UK – some 500 in diameter .
- Souvenirs are available to paying visitors at the English Heritage shop at Stonehenge, although a wider range of merchandise can be obtained from Salisbury. For those wanting something a little different, Stonehenge Lamb is available to buy from local famers.
Drink – Hop Back Brewery based in Salisbury and Stonehenge Ales produce several fine ales that can be obtained from most of the local pubs.
Accomodations – Visits to Stonehenge can easily be combined with a visit to Salisbury where many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and hostels are available.
Camping is prohibited on the open land around Stonehenge, but campsites are available outside Old Sarum in Salisbury (8 miles), Upavon to the north (10 miles), or Stonehenge Touring Park near Shrewton (4 miles).
The Legend of King Arthur – Locations & Activities
Stonehenge