Stonehenge – 10 Tips for First-time Visitors

Photos by Iza Sanchez, ©takethetravel.com

Stonehenge is the most iconic prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. People have come up with countless theories about these peculiar rocks, Some historians suggest it was a shrine while others believe it was used for ritual sacrifice. My favorite theory is that it was built by aliens who were once in contact with ancient human civilizations.

The mysteries surrounding Stonehenge and its status as a top UNESCO World Heritage site is why hundreds and thousands of visitors are drawn here all-year-round. Here are a few tips for travelers visiting for the first time.

It’s a long drive

Located amidst the grasslands of Wiltshire in South West England the closest town from the rocks is about 30-minutes away. The long and winding road that leads to Stonehenge, cuts through endless pastures and rolling hills. It’s a long drive but offers travelers a glimpse of the bucolic landscapes of England. 

You Can’t Get too Close to the Stones

For conservation purposes you can only view the stones from a certain distance. Ropes keep visitors from entering the perimeter because experts believe that too much activity on the surface may adversely affect the ground beneath the stones.

Book a Stone Circle Access Ticket

In 2016, President Obama took an impromptu side-trip to Stonehenge. He had a blast as seen in the video below. But you don’t need to be a president to have the same privilege. If you really want to see the rocks up close, you can avail of the Stone Circle Access ticket, it costs more than a regular ticket and slots are limited so visitors have to pre-book online.

The Stone Circle Access ticket allows visitors to go into the center of the stones in small groups. This is done outside normal operating hours either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

(Video Courtesy of telegraph.co.uk)

 Immerse in Neolithic Culture at the Visitor Center

The reinvented visitor center gives valuable insights about the history and culture of the communities  that lived around Stonehenge in prehistoric times. Go early so that you won’t have to waltz through the exhibit in a rush.

Grab an Audio Guide

If you’re not big on exhibits you can just hop in and out of the visitor center and get yourself an audio guide. It’s free and you can listen to it as you walk around the rocks.

Layer-up if you’re Going in Winter or Autumn

The top question I was asked about my visit to Stonehenge was, “Did you feel the energy?” Honestly, I wish I did, but there was nothing of that sort. What I did feel was the numbing cold since we visited the site on a sunny, albeit chilly November afternoon. The stones are located in the middle of a vast valley so make sure you have enough layers on.

 Getting to the Stones from the Visitor Center

From the visitor center the stones are about two kilometers away. Shuttles leave every 5 to 10 minutes so visitors don’t have to walk  the distance. The shuttles are quite slow, but the short trip allows you to soak in the idyllic, countryside landscapes.

The Stones look Smaller Up-close

Like the president I was slightly surprised at how much smaller the stones looked in real-life. In fact, as our shuttle closed in I thought they were a replica of the actual stones and the real ones were maybe farther out. But then we stopped and I realized they were the real ones. Anyway, as you walk up to the rocks they somehow become more captivating.

Tickets Cost More than other Heritage Sites

While other English heritage sites are free or charge a minimal admission fee, the Stonehenge admission fee is considerably higher. See the updated fees here – English-Heritage Sites.

If it’s grey outside, reschedule your trip

Winter is a low peak travel season which is great if you want to avoid crowds. However, sunny days are so rare in the UK especially in winter or fall,  rain showers are frequent too. So do note, that if you visit Stonehenge on a rainy day some sections of the walking path may not be accessible. Also, it could get painfully cold out there, so check what the weather looks like before you visit and reschedule if necessary. 

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