Stonehenge was not built in a single moment of time, but over several stages spanning more than 1,500 years. Its construction began around 3100 BC, making it over 5,000 years old today. The large stone circle we see now took shape around 2500 BC, during the late Neolithic period.

A Feat of Engineering

The structure is composed of two distinct types of stones. The sarsen stones, towering up to 25 tons each, were sourced locally from the Marlborough Downs, while the smaller bluestones were transported an astonishing 140 miles (225 km) from the Preseli Hills in South Wales. This transportation achievement was remarkable given the technological limits of the era. Even more impressive, the builders used advanced woodworking-style joints, such as mortise and tenon fittings, to secure the stones — a feature found nowhere else among ancient monuments.

Purpose and Mystery

The true purpose of Stonehenge remains one of archaeology’s most captivating mysteries. Excavations show it served as a massive prehistoric cemetery during its earliest phases, suggesting ritual or ceremonial functions. The monument’s precise astronomical alignment — particularly with the sunrise on the Summer Solstice and sunset on the Winter Solstice — reveals its role as an ancient observatory and solar temple. Many researchers believe it was designed to mark seasonal changes and celebrate cosmic cycles, acting as a sacred calendar for early societies.

Beyond the Circle

The broader Stonehenge landscape is filled with barrows (burial mounds), ritual avenues, and ancient settlements such as Durrington Walls, believed to be home to the builders. Together, they form one of Europe’s richest archaeological landscapes. Stonehenge, Avebury, and related sites were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, underscoring their immense global significance.

The Modern Visitor Experience

Today, Stonehenge is carefully managed by English Heritage and features a Visitor Centre with museum-quality exhibitions, a café, and reconstructions of Neolithic houses. The shuttle bus service connects the Visitor Centre to the stone circle, located about 1.5–2 miles away, allowing guests to either ride or walk through the ancient terrain.

• By Train: Take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury Station (about 1 hour 30 minutes). From Salisbury, board the Stonehenge Tour Bus or take a taxi to the site (about 30 minutes).

• By Car: Follow the A303 road from London or the southwest. Use postcode SP4 7DE for navigation. Paid parking is available (free for English Heritage or National Trust members).

• By Tour/Coach: Numerous guided tours depart from London daily, often combining Stonehenge with Windsor Castle, Bath, or Oxford. These tours usually include round-trip transport, entry tickets, and professional guides. 

• Book online in advance via English Heritage to save money and secure your preferred time slot.

• Visit early morning or late afternoon (before 11 AM or after 3 PM) to avoid peak crowds.

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothing, as the area is open and often windy.

• Don’t miss the Visitor Centre exhibitions and Neolithic village reconstruction for deeper insight.

• For a magical experience, consider booking the Stone Circle Access (VIP) Tour for sunrise or sunset entry.

Admission Fee:

• Adults: £28.50 – £31.50 (seasonal variation)

• Children (5–17): £16.00 – £20.00

• Family (2 Adults + 2/3 Children): £66.00 – £83.00

• Stone Circle Experience: approx. £70 per adult (must be booked far in advance)
  Online advance booking is cheaper than purchasing on-site.

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