Day Trip from London to Stonehenge
The United Kingdom is an incredible country loaded with beautiful sites. While visiting London,
you might think about taking a detour and exploring surrounding cities and landmarks,
such as the fascinating, world famous Stonehenge,
located in the English countryside in the south east county of Wiltshire.
If you're a travel or history enthusiast or are considering traveling to Great Britain,
Stonehenge is a well-known destination because it is one of the most significant
ancient historical landmarks in the world. It's no surprise that Stonehenge is among the
most visited, and intriguing tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
One of the most amazing stone age sites on the face of the planet, it is a significant landmark
that is still standing in mystery as to why and how it was built and who went about building it.
If London has given you a tantalizing taste of history, and you’re curious about more,
you mustn't overlook checking out this unique Historical landmark
on Salisbury Plain in England. If you're into the idea of ancient adventure, checking
out the extraordinary and love scenic travel, a Stonehenge tour from London is the best for you.
Here's everything you need on a day trip to Stonehenge.
Getting to Stonehenge from London In order to start a journey to reach Stonehenge,
there are several ways to take depending on your preferences. It is easy to get to Stonehenge
from London, and there are several modes of public transport, or you can rent a car and
drive yourself, or book certain guided tours that include transportation to and from the henge.
If you want to travel at your own pace, driving is best, but the use of public transportation
is preferable to driving or participating in guided tours if you’re looking for ease and
extra spending money. When it comes to public transportation, British trains are generally
pretty good, and taking the train from London to Salisbury is one of the cheaper and more
convenient options. It’s also worth noting that there are frequent shuttle bus services from
Salisbury train station to Stonehenge. Driving to Stonehenge
Planning to drive instead of joining guided tours and riding public transportation has its perks.
But you might be wondering how long is the drive from London to Stonehenge?
Great question. Stonehenge is roughly 90 miles from London and, when driving,
can be reached faster than buses or tour groups and around the same time on trains.
To drive to Stonehenge, you’ll likely need to rent a car in London
and navigate to the historic landmark.
The great thing about renting a car is that it gives you lots of flexibility.
If driving, you will have less problems keeping track of your group, won’t have individual
train tickets to fret over, and have a level of privacy you don’t get with public transport.
Note that it is better to book a car and ticket to Stonehenge in advance to avoid travel
inconveniences caused by traffic and ensure that you have an easy entrance to the site.
The easiest route to Stonehenge is via artery highways, known as motorways or M roads and
smaller trunk roads, typically in the form of A roads. The easiest route from London to Stonehenge
is taking the A4 to the M4, then to the M25, then the M3 and then taking the A303 to the henge.
Expect to spend just over two hours on the road if you are driving.
Traffic can have a significant impact on your travel time.
Tickets at Stonehenge In order to access the site,
you must first reserve a ticket for your visit to Stonehenge in order to be able to admire it.
Although you do not need to reserve your visit in advance, doing so will
always result in the best pricing, guaranteed access and hassle-free travel if you do so.
If you prefer to pay for your entrance on the day of your visit, the fee will be higher. If
you’ve booked ahead, you must also arrive inside the 30-minute time period that you have reserved,
after which you are free to stay as long as you want.
So, how much does a ticket to Stonehenge cost? Adults, children, and students pay different
ticket prices, as do groups and families who purchase a ticket package at the same time.
The fees range from £11.70 to £60, depending on the package.
However, if you decide to join a day trip excursion from London to Stonehenge, the cost may
increase up to £180. This price jump could depend on additional destinations that are included in
the tour. The day trip also depends on the number of hours or days of the tour you like to join.
While participating in guided tours, you can learn about Stonehenge and other places visited
throughout the day trip from the stories and information shared by your tour guide.
Ultimately, it is more expensive and will last longer, but it is the best way to learn about
the henge and removes some of the headache regarding getting to and from Stonehenge.
Best time to visit Stonehenge When contemplating a visit to these
magnificent megaliths on Salisbury Plain, it is important to be aware of the best time to
visit to avoid the crowds so you can take in their breathtaking beauty in a more peaceful atmosphere,
as well as taking the temperamental British weather into account.
The number of people who come to Stonehenge varies greatly depending on the day of the week
and time of year they visit. If you're traveling to Stonehenge on your own and driving,
arriving early in the morning is recommended, or as late in the afternoon as possible before
closing time. It allows you to tour around Stonehenge with fewer crowds
and take advantage of more parking space. Some visitors choose to arrive at Stonehenge
at sunset to take in the breathtaking view of the sun setting in the south west.
For most of the year, the ideal time of day to visit and take in the wonder of Stonehenge
is around 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning. You’ll have enough sunlight to appreciate the henge and fewer
visitors to contend with. In the summer, it’s worth trying a visit after 4pm and in the winter,
visiting the monument in the early afternoon is preferable, 2pm being the sweet spot.
The summer months, from July to mid-September, are the busiest for visitors to the monument.
Consequently, if you want to avoid the long lines and crowds, or excessive sweating in
the blazing sun, the ideal time to visit and marvel at the ancient stones is usually during
the spring or autumn months. There’s a good-ish chance the weather will still be sunny and warm,
and not as bone-chillingly damp and cold as it is in the winter months.
Facilities near Stonehenge Before visiting Stonehenge,
it is a good idea to research what else you might find in the area and whether or not there are
any facilities at the monument. In addition to the henge itself,
there is also a Stonehenge visitor center only a short distance away from Stonehenge.
The center provides restrooms, baby changing rooms, free internet access,
and a gallery containing around 300 ancient artifacts for you to examine
and learn more about ancient life in the British Isles.
If you plan to stay in the area while seeing Stonehenge during your visit to the UK,
you’re in luck. Accommodations are available in the area. The county of Wiltshire is home
to a wide variety of wonderful accommodations, whether you're looking for townhouses, cottages,
BnBs or hotels, you'll be able to find something that meets your style and budget.
It’s also possible to camp near Stonehenge as
there are several camping and caravan sites nearby.
Try to solve the mysteries of Stonehenge.
Located on the Salisbury Plain in the county of Wiltshire in the South East English countryside,
Stonehenge is one of the world's most famous ancient archaeological sites.
Like the Statue of Liberty, Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Pyramid,
Stonehenge is an iconic tourist monument instantly recognizable upon arrival.
Unlike them however, no-one quite knows what it was built for.
Although there are many theories, the real purpose of the site is a mystery
and likely will be forever— the fact is no one truly knows why or how the circle was
constructed in the first place, or even how the stones even got there.
Archeologists have concluded the stones themselves were likely sourced from Wales, 140 miles away.
That might not seem like a big deal now, but do consider that each of these giant stones weighs 40
tons and was likely moved on sleds without wheels over 5000 years ago. Yup.
Taking a guided Stonehenge tour from London will not only take you to the stones, but it will
also allow you to hear theories and discuss ideas about the many mysteries surrounding the henge.
The history and function of mystical Stonehenge Researchers believe that England's most renowned
prehistoric ruin was created in various stages, with the earliest
being built more than 5,000 years ago. Stonehenge was constructed in an area
that Mesolithic and Neolithic peoples had already inhabited before its construction.
Common theories conclude that there were six steps to the construction process.
The first stage was constructed between 3000 and 2935 BC, the second tier between 2640 and 2480 BC,
the third stage took place between 2470 and 2280 BC, and the fourth to the final
stages took place between 2280 and 1520 BC. The most popular theory is that Stonehenge
may have been used as a site for astronomical observations, such as monitoring the movements
of the Sun, Moon, stars, and solar neighbors and utilized on calculating the farming calendar.
Alternatively, it is believed to be a possible location dedicated to the realm of the ancestors
and was either a sacred area isolated from the living world or a healing sanctuary.
It is also believed to have been utilized as a ceremonial site to commemorate and
possibly spiritually communicate with dead ancestors or engage in animal sacrifice.
Significant archaeological findings have shown that Stonehenge was used
as a burial ground for a portion of its existence.
Whatever it’s past purposes, Stonehenge has a similar sort of religious significance
as Mecca to Britain’s Druid community. A Day trip to Stonehenge is not
complete without checking Salisbury. On the journey to Stonehenge, it is
worth stopping by Salisbury. It is a Cathedral city of timeless beauty and compelling history,
welcoming guests and travelers since 1227 AD. Salisbury Cathedral, located in the heart of
the city, is a must-see attraction whilst in town. It is the most prominent landmark in town,
attracting visitors for centuries. It is a World Heritage Site and home to one of the
original copies of the Magna Carta, arguably the most significant political document in history.
Aside from taking in the splendor of the cathedral, there are plenty
of other activities to do in Salisbury. You will have the opportunity to learn about
the town's intriguing history, participate in entertaining activities, sample the amazing food,
and enjoy the creative, and surprising traditions of this charming medieval city.
Visit Arundells, the former home of Prime Minister Ted Heath and the Salisbury Museum
to learn more about the area. Other sights in Salisbury include the lovely Mompesson House,
and the Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum,
dedicated to the historic infantry regiments from Berkshire and Wiltshire as well as
being one of several museums dedicated to their descendant light infantry regiment, The Rifles.
FINALE
What do you think? Sounds like a pretty incredible journey, right?
A Stonehenge Day Trip from London is unquestionably one of the most
memorable experiences you can have while visiting the United Kingdom.
Touring Stonehenge is a worthwhile experience, and the ride there through England’s gorgeous
countryside is particularly remarkable. It is a beautiful escapade from the hustle and bustle of
London, and your journey could include super stops at scenic locations, historic sites, and museums.
If you are planning a visit to the United Kingdom, consider taking a day
trip from London and including Stonehenge in your schedule for your next adventure.
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