Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing? What You Need To Know
Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing in 2024?
Do you want to know if Stonehenge is really worth seeing? Maybe you just want to know who built the massive structure all those years ago. Well, I’m here to answer these questions and much more. As a resident Brit and travel expert, I’ve visited the stones on more than one occasion and now I want to give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit!
We’ve all wondered what Stonehenge was really built for. Was it an ancient burial site? Maybe it was used as an astronomical observatory. Some people (you know who you are) even believed that the stones were put there by aliens!! Whatever your theories are, a visit to Stonehenge should be on everyone’s UK bucket list.
The mystery surrounding Stonehenge brings in tourists from all over the world. On average, over 800,000 people visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site every year. In 2014, a record 1.3 million people, including former president Barrack Obama, visited the ancient monument. Other ‘celebrities’ who have visited Stonehenge in the past include Russell Brand, Stephen Merchant, Christopher Walken and Miley Cyrus.
I’ve visited these rock stars (get it?) a few times now and I want to tell you everything you need to know. Who built Stonehenge? What was it used for? What else is there to do in the area. How do you buy tickets and when are the aliens scheduled to return? I’ll finish by answering some FAQs to ensure you’re fully prepared for your visit.
Visiting Stonehenge
Before visiting Stonehenge or any popular monument, it’s a good idea to read a little about what you will see.
Much of Stonehenge’s history is relatively unknown which makes this more difficult but there are some things we do know due to things like carbon dating. The rest is speculation with a touch of touch of imagination but here’s what you should know before your visit.
History Of Stonehenge
The history of Stonehenge is long, dating back thousands of years. Although it’s unclear who originally laid the first foundations, the structure was part of a much bigger monument during its heyday.
It is believed that the site was built in many stages over centuries and millennia. The first known manmade structures in this area were poles or posts dating back to 8,500 – 7,000 BCE! That’s pretty old!
The first stones were placed in the centre of that area around 2,500 BCE. Over the centuries, more stones were placed to create the famous stone circle you see today.
How Did They Move The Stones At Stonehenge?
With the help of a lot of people and some clever engineering! The large stones (called sarsen stones) and smaller bluestones were shaped to create interlocking joins. These stones would then be lifted using nothing but rope, a wooden frame and a lot of manpower! I can’t imagine how their knees and backs felt!
The large, heavy sarsen stones (up to 30-ton blocks) were thought to have been transported by wooden rollers from the Marlborough Downs some 20 miles (32km) away. And the ‘smaller’ 5-ton bluestone came from Preseli Hills in Wales. Some 150 miles (250km) away!!
If that doesn’t make Stonehenge an impressive feat of engineering then I don’t know what is!
What Was Stonehenge Used For?
It is unclear exactly what Stonehenge was used for but there is evidence that it had been used as a burial site in addition to a place of worship at various times.
However, the mystery of Stonehenge was supposedly solved in 2022. The stone circle is believed by many to be a giant calendar! This theory was put forward many times in the past but researchers have recently confirmed the positioning of the stones was to help people keep track of the days, weeks and months of a 365.25-day year.
There would have been 30 stones in the circle, each representing a day in the calendar month as it was during 2,500 BCE. The calendar was so accurate that it even accommodated the extra day in the leap year we have today.
To top it off, summer and winter solstices would’ve been framed by a pair of stone pillars every year in the same place. Possibly to represent the start and end of the year.
No doubt there will be another theory brought forward at some time in the future. Probably even by the time you read this!
Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing?
In a word, yes! Stonehenge is certainly worth seeing for anyone who is fascinated and intrigued by ancient mysteries and wants to know more about the history of these giant structures.
Sure, you can just ‘rock up’ to the site with a less-than-positive attitude and walk away thinking you have just seen a pile of rocks. Unfortunately, this is the case for some visitors! For most though, the attraction of Stonehenge lies in its history, both known and unknown.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is thought to have been built (the foundations at least) around 5,000 years ago. That makes Stonehenge older than Machu Picchu in Peru, the Colosseum in Rome and even the Parthenon in Athens. You can even walk through the Neolithic village and see how people lived thousands of years ago and learn how they moved the gigantic rocks from an area 20 miles away!
Not only is Stonehenge worth visiting, but the surrounding area is also a great place to explore. In the county of Wiltshire, there’s another stone circle, Avebury, which is thought to be around the same age as Stonehenge.
You can also visit the lovely little cathedral city of Salisbury, the ruins of Old Sarum, Woodhenge and the beautiful city of Bath is only one hour away.
Is Stonehenge Overrated?
Personally, Stonehenge is not overrated. However, many others might tell you otherwise. I’ve heard people mention that it’s ‘just a pile of rocks’ and essentially that’s what it is.
The reason why many people think that Stonehenge is overrated may be due to the lack of accurate information, overcrowding during peak times, high ticket prices and the realisation that you cannot touch the stones.
People expect to visit Stonehenge and have all their questions answered which unfortunately will not be the case. Stonehenge’s history is shrouded in mystery and much of it seems to feel like guesswork based on archaeological findings. Like much of history is I guess.
The audio tour is free and can be downloaded onto your phone. I highly recommend this as it gives a clearer insight into what you see. However, you’ll hear a lot of ‘this may have been…’ or ‘it is thought that…’
Like any major tourist site, the monument needs to be protected and there’s always going to be crowds. If you can get past these issues then you’ll enjoy your visit much more.
Stonehenge Tickets
There are several ways to buy tickets to Stonehenge. The easiest and most obvious way is just to turn up and pay at the visitor centre. Although this is the easiest option, you will also pay a little more than if you prebooked your ticket. It may take a little more planning but pre-booking a time slot would be the option I recommend!
When buying your ticket online, you can purchase it with or without a donation. During off-peak season, without a donation, adult tickets can be as low as £22.70. At the height of peak season on a weekend, with a donation, an adult ticket can be as high as £31. A child (5-17 years) ticket is considerably less – £13.60 to £19 and you will save even more by buying a family ticket. You can see the full list of prices and purchase your ticket on the official website.
You will need to choose your date of visit and a time slot however you can arrive within half an hour of this. Booking ahead can save you 15% off the price you would pay if you were to purchase your ticket on arrival. You would also skip the queue to purchase the actual ticket.
The first time I visited, I spent nearly an hour in the rain, without an umbrella, waiting to purchase my ticket. I definitely had a better experience when I prebooked my ticket for my next visit.
How Far Is Stonehenge From London?
If you’re staying in London then there’s good news! Stonehenge is only around 85 miles from the capital and getting there is pretty straightforward with plenty of transport options.
If you can drive on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right, through the crazy London traffic, then you can hire a car. The journey takes around 2 hours and you can easily make it there and back on a Stonehenge day trip. This is a great option as it gives you the freedom to make your own itinerary and you can visit the surrounding sites.
Another option is using public transport from London although this can also be quite time-consuming and a little complicated. One option is to take the train from Waterloo Station to Salisbury which is still another 30 minutes to the site. Unfortunately, there are no public buses but the Stonehenge Tour offers a hop-on hop-off service with the entry fee included.
You can also take a public bus from Waterloo Coach Station but this will also terminate at Salisbury. Although is normally the cheapest option, it will take up a lot of your time and therefore, I don’t really recommend this option.
An organised tour of Stonehenge from London would be the easiest option if you don’t mind sticking to a schedule. You won’t need to worry about driving or bus/train schedules either. Tours from London usually combine your trip with a visit to somewhere like Windsor or Bath.
➡️ Check Out This Combined Tour Of Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath From London
Best Time To Visit Stonehenge?
The best time to visit Stonehenge is straight after the opening time in the morning when there will be fewer visitors. You can also visit late afternoon an hour or so before closing and of course, weekdays will be less busy than weekends.
In winter, you will need to arrive at 14:00 latest if you want to spend a couple of hours exploring. The sun sets at approximately 16:00 and even earlier in December.
In terms of weather, May to September is supposedly summertime. English weather is usually pretty reliable at putting a dampener on things though, literally. You can get glorious days in the winter and rainy days in the summer. The best days are ‘usually’ the summer as the opening hours are longer. However, pay attention to the weather reports as it can rain at any time.
If you want a quieter experience then the off-season (winter) would be a better option as long as you wrap up warm. You will also pay less for your entry ticket at these times.
Where To Stay Near Stonehenge
While you can’t stay at the famous site or its grounds, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options nearby. There are many hotel options in Salisbury, the closest city 30 minutes from Stonehenge however staying in Aymesbury will mean you’ll be a lot closer to the monument.
📍Fairlawn House – This charming Georgian townhouse in Amesbury is just 2 miles from Stonehenge. Guests can enjoy continental breakfasts sourced from local produce in the quaint dining room, while modern amenities like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs ensure a comfortable stay.
📍Rollestone Manor B&B and Restaurant – Just minutes away from Stonehenge is this Grade II listed historic house. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and individually decorated en-suite rooms equipped with Smart TVs and USB plug access. Each morning, guests are treated to a freshly cooked breakfast made with local produce, alongside a variety of cereals, yogurts, and fruits.
📍Holiday Inn Salisbury – Offering stylish accommodation and free parking the Holiday Inn in Amesbury is the closest hotel to Stonehenge. Featuring modern decor, all rooms include amenities like high-speed internet access and interactive TVs. Guests can enjoy dining at the Solstice Bar and Grill restaurant, which also offers a cosy lounge area.
📍The George Hotel – A historic establishment dating back to the 13th century, the George Hotel is a short 5-minute drive from Stonehenge. Featuring charming rooms with private bathrooms and tea/coffee facilities, some rooms boast original period features. Guests can enjoy the cosy atmosphere of the bar with exposed oak beams and open fires, while the restaurant offers classic English cuisine and hearty breakfasts.
FAQs: Visiting Stonehenge
Now that I’ve gone through whether Stonehenge is worth seeing or not, let’s go through some FAQs to fully cover the matter.
How Much Time Do You Need At Stonehenge?
The recommended time you need at Stonehenge is 2.5 hours but most people are done in 1.5 to 2 hours. We spent a little longer as we took lots of photos and explored the visitors centre and Neolithic village.
Can You Walk Around Stonehenge Without Paying?
Yes and no. There is a public footpath that leads from the main road to the stone circle. While you’ll be in full view of Stonehenge, you won’t be able to walk around the stone as you’ll have to stick to the public footpath.
Can I Touch The Stones At Stonehenge?
No, except during the summer and winter solstice. Touching the stones is strongly forbidden but on the morning of the summer and winter solstice, visitors can walk right up the stones.
How Much Is The Entrance Fee To Stonehenge?
An adult entrance ticket, during peak season, is £31 with a donation and £28.10 without a donation. Children’s tickets (aged 5-17) are £19 with a donation and £17.20 without a donation. Expect to save £2-£3 during standard times and another £2-£3 at off-peak times.
Wrapping Up: Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing?
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognised structures and is worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.
From the car park at the visitor’s centre to the stones themselves, the whole visit is a rewarding experience for anyone who wants to uncover the history and mystery of this ancient monument.
Not only will you see one of the most iconic tourist sites in Great Britain but you’ll have the chance to explore other prehistoric stone circles and nearby cities such as Salisbury and Bath.
Having said that, I’ve met quite a few people who didn’t enjoy their Stonehenge experience for whatever reason. Whether it be the weather, the long queue for expensive tickets or they didn’t do their research so they weren’t sure what they were looking at!
I really enjoyed my second visit to Stonehenge as I pre-booked my ticket online and read a little about the history. We also made a weekend of it by exploring nearby places and the sun happened to be shining the whole time we were away. That helps!
If you are intrigued by the mystery of these stone circles and want to understand more about this ancient monument then Stonehenge is definitely worth seeing.
