Few things have mystified scientists, historians, and the general public as Stonehenge, UK. The origins and purpose of this mighty Stone Circle remain a mystery. One thing is for sure, every single visitor who stands in the shadow of these sarsen stones cannot miss the energy radiated from them!
If you are spending a couple of days at the Grand Royal London Hyde Park and would like to include a day out of London, Stonehenge is a top contender. The site is always a hit with families, couples, and solo explorers.
The Stonehenge monument consists of sarsen stones and bluestones arranged in a circle. Each stone is around 13 feet high and weighs close to 25 tons. Archaeologists believe the Stone Circle was erected during the Neolithic and Bronze ages, 4,500 years ago. As the stones correspond with the movements of the sun. For this reason, Stonehenge is considered to be a place of ritual and mysticism.
Before you go, spend some time reading the online literature and theories over a Hyde Park Hotel afternoon tea. It will warm you up for your day out!
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain, 8 miles north of Salisbury.
There are three main options for getting to Stonehenge from London.
for a trusted recommendation.
Stonehenge is located 88 miles west of London. For that reason, it is advisable to stay in a hotel in the West End, to reduce travel time across London. Hotels near Bayswater Station are convenient for accessing either train station. You can walk to Paddington or ride the District and Circle Line to Waterloo.
Admission to Stonehenge is free for those with an English Heritage membership.
General admission is tiered as per standard, off-peak, and peak.
Standard admission is £22 (£20 minus the suggested donation). Family tickets are available for £35.20 (one adult, three children) and £57.20 (two adults, two children).
Peak pricing applies on weekends over summer and public holidays. Off-peak prices apply during the winter months on weekdays.
You can purchase a ticket online in advance from your Hyde Park accommodation to reduce time spent queuing. However, advance booking is not mandatory.
Once you reach Stonehenge, you can absorb the unique history of the place through the English Heritage site.
Naturally, the star attraction is the Stone Circle itself. As you explore the base of the stones, you will wonder how they were constructed without the help of modern tools and technology. You can examine the stones from the base and we recommend stepping back for a wider perspective of how the Stone Circle sits within the landscape. Remember, it is forbidden to touch the stones.
The Stonehenge Experience is an upgrade to the regular admission package. You will join a small tour group of no more than 30 people and have the opportunity to spend a tranquil 45 minutes roaming the grounds. Feel free to ask your guide as many questions as you wish.
The Stonehenge Visitor’s Centre contains 250 archaeological treasures from the Neolithic and Bronze ages that shed light on the people who lived near Stonehenge. The centre hosts ever-changing special exhibitions that glean further insight into the history of Stonehenge and observe the impact the site has had on visitors over the centuries.
Five Neolithic houses are located next to the visitor’s centre. Each of these consists of a single-room dwelling with white chalk walls and floors designed to reflect sunlight and retain the heat from the fire. They were built to give visitors a sense of the everyday life of those involved in building Stonehenge and are staffed by guides who will share insight.
English Heritage hosts a regular programme of events, performances, and kid-friendly activities at Stonehenge. These occur at the time of the summer and winter solstices, over the summer months, and during the British school holidays. Check what’s on while planning your day trip from your Hyde Park accommodation.
If time allows, you can spend some time exploring Salisbury. This historic town features a cathedral and several museums that display prehistoric, Roman, and Saxon artefacts. You can wander the bankside of the River Avon, the Queen Elizabeth Gardens, and the scenic Harnham Water Meadows.
These are our tips to help you maximise the experience of seeing Stonehenge.
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