Stonehenge
United Kingdom · South West England · 101 m
Description
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, located on Salisbury Plain in the English county of Wiltshire. The roughly 5,000-year-old stone circle consists of massive Sarsen stones and smaller bluestones transported over great distances. Its precise alignment with the solstices suggests an important ceremonial or religious purpose, although its exact function remains debated by archaeologists. Stonehenge formed part of a much larger prehistoric landscape of burial sites, earthworks and processional avenues and, together with Avebury, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monument offers a remarkable insight into the engineering skills, social organization and religious beliefs of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age communities.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Stonehenge stone circle (UNESCO)
- Stonehenge Visitor Centre & museum
- Salisbury Cathedral(Day trip)
- Neolithic houses at Stonehenge
- Avebury Stone Circle (UNESCO)(Day trip)
- Salisbury historic city centre(Day trip)
- Summer Solstice sunrise at Stonehenge (June)
- Winter Solstice sunset at Stonehenge (December)
- Old Sarum(Day trip)
- Stonehenge landscape & prehistoric monuments
- West Kennet Long Barrow(Day trip)
- Silbury Hill(Day trip)