Stonehenge

Stonehenge has certainly earned its reputation as one of the most talked about tourist attractions. It has baffled archaeologists, inspired visitors, and even resulted in two Fred Flintstone lookalikes attending a court hearing in Wiltshire, England.

Explore the spiritual meaning of this iconic site in Amesbury and many just look up in awe and wonder how they built The Stone Circle.

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Private Tour of Stonehenge

An iconic symbol of Britain, a walk around the Stone Circle is the centrepiece of any visit to the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

With a history spanning 4,500 years, Stonehenge has many different meanings to people today. It is a wonder of the world, a spiritual place and a source of inspiration. The Stone Circle is a masterpiece of engineering, and building it would have taken huge effort from hundreds of well-organised people using only simple tools and technologies.

Wander around the Neolithic houses outside the visitor centre and step inside to imagine how people lived 4,500 years ago. Chat with your private guide and discover how the houses were built using authentic materials and techniques, based on the evidence of dwellings found nearby.

Watch the volunteers demonstrate ancient domestic skills - flint knapping, making rope out of rushes, and grinding grain with a quern and a rider.

We can arrange for private access inside the Stone Circle during your visit, giving you a unique opportunity to experience up close this world-famous monument.

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Sunrise or Sunset at Stonehenge

Stonehenge at sunrise and sunset gives you a unique opportunity to experience the mysterious monoliths. Stand in awe of this world-famous monument as your expert guide explains the history of this ancient site whilst the dawn or dusk sunlight bounces off the towering rocks.

These visits take place before and after normal general admission so you will have a unique opportunity to discover the altar, slaughter and heel stones enjoying the peace and tranquillity whilst the sun rises dramatically on the summer solstice. It is the most mystical and atmospheric experience not to be missed.

The times for the exclusive visits are dependent on the sunset and sunrise times and are hugely popular. The site opens at 9 am each morning between March and September.

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Avebury Henge and Stone Circles

Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. Built and much altered during the Neolithic period, roughly between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, the henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch, encircling an area that includes part of Avebury village.

Within the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain - originally of about 100 stones - which in turn encloses two smaller stone circles. Avebury is part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape. They include West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. Many can be reached on foot from the village. The Alexander Keiller Museum also displays many notable finds from the Avebury monuments. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.

Avebury is within a 45-minute drive of Stonehenge and is five times larger than Stonehenge as it encloses a large village.

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West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill

West Kennet Long Barrow
West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the largest, most impressive and most accessible Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain. Built in around 3650 BC, it was used for a short time as a burial chamber, with nearly 50 people being buried there before the chambers were blocked. Part of the Avebury World Heritage Site. West Kennet Long Barrow is rarely visited and there is a superb view of the English Countryside from the hilltop where the barrow is situated.

Silbury Hill
Silbury Hill is the largest artificial mound in Europe, mysteriously comparing in height and volume to the roughly contemporary Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remain unknown. Silbury Hill is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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Woodhenge

Woodhenge is an atmospheric Neolithic site close to Stonehenge. Probably built about 2300 BC, it was originally believed to be the remains of a large burial mound, surrounded by a bank and ditch almost completely destroyed by ploughing.

Aerial photography detected rings of dark spots in a crop of wheat, and today concrete markers replace the six concentric rings of timber posts which are believed to have once supported a ring-shaped building.

There is evidence that it was in use around 1800 BC. It is possible that the banks and ditches were used for defensive purposes in addition to their ceremonial function.

Woodhenge is 10 minute drive away from Stonehenge and takes 20 minutes to visit and is part of the Stonehenge story.

Stonehenge with blue skies and green grass

Visit Stonehenge

Car journey time from London:

  • 2hrs - 90 miles / 145 km

Recommended accommodation:

  • Heckfield Place
  • Whatley Manor
  • The Royal Crescent

Other History and Culture experiences:

View our suggested itinerary:

The 3 Days of History and Culture Experience

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