Stonehenge Summer Solstice | History and Significance

What is the summer solstice?

When the Earth's axis reaches its peak of its tilt, positioning the northern half most directly towards the sun, the Northern Hemisphere experiences its summer solstice. This astronomical event, usually on June 20 or 21, signifies the end of spring and the beginning of summer. For all locations north of the equator, it brings the longest day of the year.

This year, the solstice occurs on June 21 at roughly 3:42am GMT. Simultaneously, the North Pole enters six months of daylight, while the South Pole enters six months of darkness.

Importance of the Stonehenge summer solstice

Built around 2500 BCE, Stonehenge stands as a testament to the ancient understanding of celestial movements. While its exact purpose remains a mystery, its alignment with the solstices is undeniable.

Historians believe Neolithic builders, recognizing the importance of seasonal shifts for agriculture, designed the stone circle to mark these key solar events. The massive sarsen and bluestones were precisely positioned to capture the sunrise at the summer solstice and the sunset at the winter solstice. Some of the stones were even shaped to enhance the framing of the solstice sunrise for those standing at the center.

The (re)discovery of the Stonehenge summer solstice

Stonehenge forgotten: The precise period of Stonehenge's abandonment is uncertain, but it was likely at the end of the early Bronze Age, around 1500 BCE, when its original purpose was forgotten.
Rediscovery and popularity: The monument's astronomical alignment with the solstices remained unknown for centuries, only to be rediscovered by the antiquarian and archaeologist William Stukeley in the 1700s.
Rise of new religions: The 20th century witnessed the rise of neo-Druidism, paganism, and Wicca. These newly emerging religious movements claimed Stonehenge as a sacred site. This inspired the Stonehenge Free Festival during the 1970s and 1980s.
Stonehenge Free Festival: This annual event, attracting thousands, featured live music, camping, and communal celebrations of the summer solstice. In 1984, when over 30,000 people arrived for the festival, much of the surrounding landscape and Stonehenge were damaged, prompting authorities to ban the festival and restrict public access to Stonehenge at midsummer for 15 years.
Stonehenge reopened: In 1999, English Heritage, the organization responsible for managing the site, granted open access to Stonehenge during the solstices. This allowed practitioners of neo-Druidism, paganism, and Wicca to conduct their rituals and celebrate at their historically sacred location.
Present: Today, Stonehenge draws thousands of visitors annually on both the summer and winter solstices.

Historical rituals or events

Seasonal changes: Stonehenge’s layout indicates that it was a focal point for rituals and ceremonies tied to the change of seasons, particularly on the solstices. The alignment of the sarsen and bluestones with the sun's movements only confirms this theory.
Summer solstice: The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, likely held particular significance. The extended daylight hours and warmer nights would have been perfect for gatherings and celebrations. They may have included singing and dancing, processions, and even speeches – we may never know for sure.
Sacred space: Archaeological excavations have revealed a clean site, with no signs of feasting, fires, or the deposition of objects. This suggests that the monument may have served primarily as a sacred space for rituals rather than a site for everyday activities. Access to the inner circle was probably restricted to priests or leaders.
Human remains: The cremated remains of approximately 150 individuals suggest that Stonehenge also served as a burial ground or a place of ancestral commemoration. The solstices may also have been occasions for honoring and remembering these ancestors.

What to do at the Stonehenge summer solstice

See the sunrise

On the summer solstice, the sun rises a little to the left of the Heel Stone on the northeast part of the horizon, and rays of sunlight are channelled into the centre of the monument. Archaeologists have found a large hole to the left of the Heel Stone, which may have held a partner stone: the two stones would have framed the sunrise.

Celebrate other cultures

The summer solstice celebration brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary tourists and party people. For many, the impulse to arrive at Stonehenge in time for the Solstice is akin to a spiritual experience.

Go on a guided tour

Book a guided Stonehenge tour and enjoy round-trip transfers from central London. These tours offer transfers in a luxury AC coach with live commentary onboard, adding more depth and understanding to your experience at the summer solstice. Learn about the history and significance of the Stonehenge summer solstice and arrive at Stonehenge just before the sun rises.

Get up close to the stones

Unlike other visits to Stonehenge when this sacred site is roped off, on the summer solstice, you will be allowed to be amongst the stones and maybe even actually touch them as long as the monument is preserved. Note that access to the stones will be limited, so look for tours that allow this access.

Plan your visit

Sunrise: In 2025, the sun will rise on the summer solstice (June 21) at 3:42am BST (02:42am GMT).

Car park: 7pm (June 20) to 6am (June 21)

Tours: Most tours depart at 8-9pm from London the previous day (June 20), arriving at Stonehenge just after 2am. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy the festivities and settle in before the sunrise. You will spend 2-3 hours at Stonehenge before departing to London at 6am.

Address: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By coach: Stonehenge Tours, Anderson Tours
Nearest stop: Stonehenge coach park
By train: South Western Railway
Nearest station: Salisbury Station
By car: Via M3 and A303
Nearest parking: Stonehenge Car Park

Toilets: Toilets are available in the Visitor Center on the Stonehenge site as well as portaloos nearby.
Parking: Parking is available near the Visitor Center. Parking costs £5.
Food and drink: Water dispensers and catering vans are available on site.
Shuttle bus: A free shuttle service is available from the car park to the stones. While walking takes around 40 mins, the shuttle takes just 15 mins.
Audio guides: Audio guides are available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish, Korean, and Brazilian Portuguese. They can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Center if case you want to download the audio guide or need internet access during your visit.
Gift shop: There is a gift shop at the Visitor Center where you can purchase a wide variety of souvenirs, from books and replicas of the stones to local crafts and jewelry.
Wheelchair accessibility: Stonehenge is wheelchair-accessible, with pathways leading to viewing points near the stone circle. Accessible restrooms and parking are provided at the Visitor Center.

Do not touch the stones: Avoid touching and do not climb on the stones to preserve the monument and its surroundings.
Do not litter: Dispose of your rubbish responsibly at designated trash cans and recycling points, and do not take anything else to the inner circle.
Food and drinks: Catering services are available on site, and some personal food and drinks are allowed in small bags on your visit. However, do not consume them near the stones.
Prohibited items: Large rucksacks, glass, blades, sharp objects, alcohol, drones, or remote-controlled flying devices are not allowed on the site.
Security check: All bags will be checked before you get closer to the stones. Please allow extra time for the security check so you don’t miss the sunrise.
Camping: Camping is not permitted at Stonehenge, and sleeping on the ground is a trip hazard that can interfere with the work of the emergency services.

Visitor tips

Book tours in advance: Since most tours are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, book your inner circle tours in advance to gain access to the stones.
Where to stay: Book a hotel in Salisbury or Amesbury months in advance to make it in time for the sunrise. We recommend booking one near the Salisbury Station, as there are free shuttle buses from the railway station to Stonehenge.
What to bring: Bring bottled water as there are long queues surrounding the water dispensers and the portaloos. Carry a torch or flashlight as it will be dark on the 20-30 min walk to Stonehenge from the car park, and it’s better to be able to see where you step, especially if it has rained and the ground is muddy.
Arriving by car: Most people arrive the previous night to be there in time for the sunrise. If you’re driving to Stonehenge, arrive as soon as the parking area opens at 7pm as it fills up quickly.
Other viewpoints: If you’re in a rush or want to avoid crowds at all costs, you can also see Stonehenge from the A30. Note that you can’t do this on the day of the summer solstice as the roads will be closed off by the police, but you can visit on the previous or the day after the solstice.
Beyond Stonehenge: When booking a Stonehenge summer solstice tour, make sure to book one that includes a tour of Salisbury to enhance your experience. Walk the streets of the ancient market town, see black and white Tudor houses, the Salisbury Cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain, the original surviving texts of the Magna Carta in the Chapter House, or visit the traditional local market.

Beyond Stonehenge

Salisbury

Explore Old Sarum or visit Salisbury Cathedral, famous for the tallest church spire in the UK. It also houses the best-preserved copies of the Magna Carta and the world's oldest working mechanical clock.

Woodhenge

Stonehenge is not the only Neolithic monument in this landscape with astronomical alignments. The concentric timber ovals at Woodhenge in Amesbury were also oriented on the midsummer sunrise.

Skyscape

The Skyscape has been created by English Heritage to enable people to see the skies above Stonehenge, to learn about the movements of the sun, and to see the solar alignment at Stonehenge.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Stonehenge summer solstice

What are the best tips for photographing Stonehenge during the summer solstice?

For breathtaking photos, aim to capture the sunrise through the stones. Arrive early to find your ideal angle, and consider using wide-angle lenses to capture the crowd, monument, and sunrise.

Is there a time limit on how long I can stay at Stonehenge during the summer solstice?

No time limit is enforced, but many visitors leave shortly after sunrise to avoid crowds. You can linger to take in the views and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Can I bring a wheelchair or stroller?

It may be possible to accommodate a folding wheelchair/stroller/some luggage, but most coaches have limited storage space, so please get in touch with your requirements before booking. Stonehenge itself is wheelchair accessible. However, large bags are not allowed on the premises.

Is the Stonehenge summer solstice event family-friendly?

Absolutely! The solstice event is suitable for all ages, and children often enjoy the wonder of the sunrise and the magical atmosphere.

Why don't the solstices happen on the same days or times every year?

The Earth takes approximately 365¼ days to go around the Sun. This is why we have a leap year every four years to add another day to our calendar. For the same reason, the precise time of the equinoxes is not the same each year. Generally, they will occur about six hours later each year, with a jump of a day (backwards) on leap years.

Why isn’t the summer solstice in the middle of summer?

The tilt of the Earth produces the seasons, including the changes in weather associated with them. When the northern hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight and for a longer portion of the day, so the temperature increases. However, the atmosphere and the oceans take time to heat up. Even though the solstice marks the longest day (and the most direct sunlight), there is a considerable lag between that and the peak of warm weather. As a result, meteorological summer starts at the beginning of June and ends with the last day of August.

What is the difference between Midsummer's Day and the summer solstice?

Midsummer's Day occurs annually on June 24 and is one of the four Quarter Days in the UK Legal Calendar. The other Quarter Days are Lady Day (March 25), Michaelmas (September 29), and Christmas Day (December 25).

When is the winter solstice?

In 2025, the winter solstice will occur on December 21 at 3:03pm GMT.