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Opening times for Stonehenge and best time to visit

Planning a visit to Stonehenge? Knowing the exact opening hours helps you avoid crowds and catch the monument in its best light. Here's everything you need to know before setting off for this iconic ancient site.

Stonehenge opening hours

opening times for stonehenge

Stonehenge is open daily from 9:30am to 7:00pm during summer months (April to September) and from 9:30am to 5:00pm in winter (October to March). Last entry is two hours before closing. The site remains closed on December 25.

Below is a quick guide to the starting times and durations of popular Stonehenge tours from London:

  • Half-Day Trip to Stonehenge – Starts at 8:30am, lasts around 6 hours
  • Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip – Starts at 8:30am, lasts approximately 10.5 hours
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Day Trip – Starts at 8:30am, lasts 9 to 10.5 hours
  • Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip – Starts at 8:00am, lasts 11 to 11.5 hours
  • Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip – Starts at 8:00am, lasts 11 to 12 hours
  • Small Group Tour: Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath – Starts at 7:30am, lasts about 11 hours
  • Inner Circle Access: Stonehenge & Windsor Tour – Starts early at 5:30am, lasts around 11 hours

Best time to visit Stonehenge

Stonehenge stone circle at sunset in England with colorful sky.

Early morning advantage

Arriving right after opening offers a quieter visit and fewer crowds. Morning light is soft and ideal for photos, and you’ll have more space and time to enjoy the monument in peace.

Aerial view of Stonehenge with surrounding green landscape in Wiltshire, England.

Ideal visiting season

May through September brings longer daylight, pleasant temperatures, and scenic green fields. It’s the most comfortable time to visit. Winter visits are shorter and colder but can feel more atmospheric and less busy.

Stonehenge silhouetted against a vibrant sunset during the equinox in Wiltshire, England.

Timing for events

Plan around solstices or equinoxes to experience Stonehenge’s astronomical alignments. Special access and ceremonies take place during sunrise or sunset. These events require early booking as tickets are limited and high in demand.

Stonehenge with blue sky and yellow flowers during daytime.

Quietest times to go

Visit midweek on Tuesday or Wednesday, avoiding weekends and holidays. The first and last hour of opening hours typically sees fewer people, offering a calmer atmosphere and better photo opportunities.

Child and adult at Stonehenge with ancient stones in the background.

Kid-friendly hours

Mid-mornings during school breaks work best for families. Activity packs, shuttle access, and interactive exhibitions at the visitor centre make it easy to keep kids engaged while exploring the site comfortably.

Tourists at Stonehenge, viewing ancient stone structures on a day trip from London.

Best light for photos

Sunrise and sunset provide soft, golden lighting perfect for capturing Stonehenge’s structure and surroundings. Mornings offer fewer visitors, while late afternoons give dramatic skies and long shadows for impactful photographs.

How long should I spend at Stonehenge?

opening times for stonehenge

Under 2 hours

Within 1.5 to 2 hours, you can view the stone circle, browse key exhibits at the visitor centre, and make a quick café or gift shop stop. Most guided tours follow this efficient timeline.

opening times for stonehenge

2 to 5 hours

This duration allows time to explore exhibitions, walk nearby trails, and use the audio guide. It suits visitors wanting a fuller experience, with space for photographs, learning, and a relaxed café or gift shop break.

opening times for stonehenge

Over 5 hours

Spending over five hours is ideal if you’re visiting nearby sites like Woodhenge or Avebury, taking long landscape walks, or joining special tours. Great for photography enthusiasts and anyone seeking deeper archaeological context.

Frequently Asked Questions about Stonehenge timings

Does Stonehenge operate on different opening hours during solstice or equinox events?

Yes, solstice and equinox access often follows a different schedule, usually with pre-dawn or sunset entry for special ceremonies. These timings are announced separately and require advance registration or special tickets.

Are shuttle buses from the visitor centre affected by closing time?

Yes, the last shuttle usually departs from the stones to the visitor centre about 30 minutes before the site closes, so plan your return walk accordingly if visiting near the end of the day.

What time should I arrive if I want to catch the first shuttle to the stones?

Aim to arrive at the visitor centre at least 10–15 minutes before the official opening time. Queues often begin early, especially in summer, and the first shuttles fill up quickly.

Can I stay at the stone circle until the exact closing time?

No, the last allowed entry to the circle is typically 1.5 to 2 hours before closing, and staff begin clearing the site around 30 minutes prior to the official closing time.

Are Stonehenge timings affected by weather or seasonal daylight?

While the site is open year-round, extreme weather (fog, storms, snow) can occasionally affect the access or shuttle service. Daylight length affects visibility but not the posted hours.

Is there a set time for Inner Circle access tours?

Yes, Inner Circle tours occur only at sunrise or after general opening hours, usually early morning or late evening. These are scheduled by providers and follow separate time slots.

Do Stonehenge timings differ for those arriving by private vehicle vs. tour bus?

No, all visitors follow the same opening hours regardless of arrival method. However, some tour groups are timed precisely, so check with your provider for group-specific schedules.

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