‌

Stonehenge Visitor Centre: A complete guide to your visit

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre sits 2.5 kilometres from the stone monument and offers essential context through displays of ancient tools, burial objects, and immersive exhibits. With hands-on features for children, Neolithic house replicas, and visitor amenities, it’s designed for families, history fans, and curious travellers alike. Visitors can take a shuttle or walk to the monument from here.

Why visit the Stonehenge visitor centre?

  • Historical context: The centre explains how Stonehenge was built, who might have built it, and what the monument meant to ancient people through artefacts and exhibits.
  • Weather shelter: It provides shelter from sun, wind, or rain, making it a comfortable place to rest or wait before heading to the stone circle.
  • Family-friendly features: Interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, and outdoor Neolithic houses keep kids engaged while helping them understand prehistoric life in simple, fun ways.
  • Shuttle access point: The shuttle bus to the Stone Circle departs from here, so it's a natural stop for anyone visiting the stones, especially with limited time.
  • Modern facilities: Clean restrooms, seating areas, and a well-stocked café make it a useful place to relax before or after walking to the monument.
  • See rare artefacts: Over 250 ancient tools, pottery pieces, and human remains from nearby burial mounds are on display, helping you see the site in context.

Stonehenge visitor centre highlights

360° Stonehenge experience

A digital theatre recreates the stone circle across all seasons and centuries. You can stand inside a panoramic projection, watch how light, shadow, and weather have shaped the monument over thousands of years.

Archaeological treasures

Over 250 artefacts are on display, including pottery, tools, and decorative items found near Stonehenge. These pieces help explain daily life, spiritual beliefs, and burial practices of prehistoric communities in the area.

Burial objects and remains

Human remains and cremation fragments unearthed from nearby barrows offer insight into ancient funerary customs. Some are believed to be among the earliest cremated remains ever found in the British Isles.

Multimedia displays

Screens, videos, and soundscapes will guide you through Stonehenge’s construction theories, solar alignment, and cultural importance. These exhibits are designed to be accessible and engaging for all ages and knowledge levels.

Ancient tool replicas

Full-scale replicas of tools and construction aids show how the massive stones were transported and raised. You can examine these up close to understand the scale and effort involved.

Educational visuals

Large timeline panels, diagrams, and 3D models provide a clear context for Stonehenge’s development across centuries. These visuals help connect the monument to other prehistoric sites across Britain and Europe.

Know before you go

  • On-site café: The 110-seat café offers hot and cold meals using local ingredients, with both indoor seating and outdoor views available.
  • Gift shop: A spacious gift shop sells Stonehenge-themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials for visitors of all ages.
  • Family facilities: Accessible toilets, baby-changing areas, and high chairs support families and visitors with limited mobility throughout the centre.
  • Toilets location: Restrooms are available only at the visitor centre, so plan accordingly before heading to the Stonehenge monument.
  • Parking access: Visitor parking is available 1.5 kilometres from the stones, as direct vehicle access to the monument is now restricted.
  • Sustainable design: The centre uses eco-friendly systems including natural ventilation, borehole water, and energy-saving heating to reduce environmental impact.
  • Wheelchair access: Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the visitor centre. Paved and grass paths provide access, though grass may be slippery when wet.
  • Accessible restrooms: Toilets with handrails and adult changing areas are available at the centre and car park for visitors needing extra support.
  • Mobility scooters: Class 2 mobility scooters can be borrowed, and shuttle buses accommodate scooters up to 600mm wide and 1000mm long.
  • Shuttle buses: Accessible shuttle buses run often between the visitor centre and the stones. No booking needed. Midway stops allow optional walking routes.
  • Disabled parking: Twenty-two Blue Badge parking bays are near the visitor centre, with a set-down area about 100 metres from the entrance.
  • Hearing support: The centre offers hearing loops, BSL tours, audio transcripts, and systems compatible with hearing aids for enhanced communication.
  • Assistance dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site. Water bowls are placed near the visitor centre and stone circle.
  • Step-free access: Ramps and pedestrian tunnels help visitors move safely between parking, the centre, and pathways around the stones.

Visitor tips

  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before your Stonehenge time slot to explore exhibitions, use facilities, and catch the shuttle or walk to the stones.
  • The shuttle to the stone circle takes around 10-12 minutes each way. Factor this in when planning return transport or later ticketed activities.
  • The pedestrian route to the stones is 2.4 km and passes ancient burial mounds not visible from the shuttle, offering a more scenic approach.
  • Only the Visitor Centre holds original artefacts, tools, and human remains. The stone circle itself has no interpretation boards or museum-style explanations.
  • Download the free English Heritage audio tour app at home, as mobile signals around the site are often unreliable and can interrupt downloads.
  • The reconstructed Neolithic houses outside the Visitor Centre are interactive and open to visitors. You can enter them and examine the building techniques closely.
  • Temporary exhibitions often rotate throughout the year. Check the English Heritage website to see if there’s a special display running during your visit.
  • The café stops serving food around 30 minutes before the site closes. Plan to eat earlier if you have a late afternoon ticket slot.
  • You can bring a foldable pushchair, but rugged terrain near the stones may make walking with infants or toddlers easier than wheeling a stroller.

Frequently asked questions about Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Can I visit the exhibitions at the visitor centre before my timed ticket slot for the stones?

Yes, the exhibitions and Neolithic houses are open all day, and you're encouraged to explore them before your entry time for the stone circle.

Do I need to book a separate ticket for the visitor centre exhibitions?

No, your main Stonehenge admission ticket includes access to the visitor centre galleries, outdoor reconstructions, shuttle, and all facilities.

Are there any interactive or hands-on exhibits at the visitor centre for kids?

Yes, children can explore recreated Neolithic homes, touch replica tools, and use tactile models in the exhibition, making it a family-friendly learning stop.

Can I walk from the visitor centre to the stones and return by shuttle?

Yes, the route is flexible. Many visitors walk one way to enjoy the landscape and take the shuttle in the other direction, depending on preference.

Are there staff at the centre who can provide historical insights beyond the exhibits?

Yes, English Heritage staff and volunteers often share deeper context, current research, and recent archaeological updates at the information desk or Neolithic houses.

What’s the best time of day to visit the visitor centre to avoid crowds?

Early morning and late afternoon tend to be quieter. Midday sees peak footfall, especially during weekends and school holidays.

How much time should I set aside just for the visitor centre?

Set aside at least 45-60 minutes to enjoy the exhibitions, houses, café, and shop. Rushing through reduces the value of the indoor experience.

Can I visit only the visitor centre without seeing the stones?

While rare, if accompanying someone not entering the monument field, you can remain at the centre, but full admission is still required.

Top Things to do in London
Top Attractions in London:
Attractions in London:
Entertainment:
Best Tours in London:
Transportation:
Other Popular Airport Transfers in UK:
Stonehenge
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.