Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by English Heritage, is one of the most iconic and enigmatic monuments in the world. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, it consists of a ring of standing stones arranged in concentric circles and horseshoe shapes.

The construction of Stonehenge began in the early Neolithic period, around 3000 BC, and continued for over 1,500 years. The earliest phase of the monument consisted of a circular ditch and bank enclosure, with a timber posthenge inside. Around 2500 BC, the timber posts were replaced with the sarsen stones that are now the most visible part of Stonehenge. These stones were brought from a distance of over 25 miles, and each one weighs an average of 25 tons.

The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, but it is thought to have been a religious or ceremonial site. The alignment of the stones with the solstices and equinoxes suggests that it may have been used to observe astronomical events. Stonehenge has also been associated with burial and healing practices.

Over the centuries, Stonehenge has been a source of fascination and speculation. It has been featured in numerous works of literature, art, and film. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Stonehenge is a unique and awe-inspiring monument that stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of its builders. It is a reminder of the enduring power of human creativity and the enduring mystery of the past.

Address

Stonehenge, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE

Directions from Salisbury

By car: Leave Salisbury northbound on the A360 for approx. 10 miles. At Airman's Corner, take the 3rd exit onto A344. Turn right onto Loverose Way.
By bus: Shuttle buses depart Salisbury Station.

Useful Links

Stonehenge (English Heritage) (Opens in new window) The official English Heritage website for Stonehenge serves as a comprehensive planning tool and educational resource for visitors. It provides the following key features:

Visit Planning & Tickets
The Visitor Centre Experience
Neolithic Houses
Interactive Tours
Accessibility & Families
Education & History

Facebook: Stonehenge, Durrington (Opens in new window) Provides real-time updates on site conditions and event announcements, such as Summer Solstice celebrations and live sunrise broadcasts. It serves as an interactive community hub where visitors share photos and stories, while also offering educational multimedia content, "behind-the-scenes" archaeological insights, and a platform for direct customer inquiries.

X: Stonehenge (Opens in new window) Provides real-time travel and weather alerts, immediate ticket availability updates, and live coverage of celestial events like the solstices. It also features daily photography and bite-sized historical facts, serving as a rapid information hub for active visitors and fans.

Instagram: Stonehenge Provides a visually-driven experience, featuring high-quality photography, short-form Reels of the monument, and "behind-the-scenes" archaeological content. It focuses on the site’s aesthetic beauty and seasonal changes, using Stories and user-generated posts to highlight visitor experiences and the atmosphere of the World Heritage landscape.

Private chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge (Opens in new window) Transform your London stay with a private, chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge, offering a seamless blend of luxury and discovery. Enjoy the freedom of a bespoke itinerary that lets you pair the ancient stones with the medieval charm of Salisbury or other iconic British landmarks, all from the comfort of a premium vehicle. Experience England’s heritage at your own pace with door-to-door service tailored entirely to you.