Visiting Stonehenge: Everything you need to know to plan your visit

This ancient monument in Wiltshire features giant stones arranged in a unique circular formation, built between 3100 and 1600 BC. With solstice alignments and nearby burial sites, Stonehenge offers insight into early rituals, farming calendars, and beliefs. It’s a UNESCO-listed treasure of prehistoric engineering.

Stonehenge at a glance

Stonehenge at sunset with sun rays peeking through ancient stone formations.

What are Stonehenge's opening hours?

Stonehenge is open from 9:30am-5pm during the winter and 9:30am-7pm during the summer.

Where is Stonehenge located?

Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom. Get directions.

Is Stonehenge a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Stonehenge was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, for its cultural and historical significance as one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world.

How many visitors does Stonehenge see per year?

Stonehenge sees an average of 1 million visitors every year.

What are the Stonehenge opening hours?

Timings: 9:30am to 7pm (April–September) and 9:30am to 5pm (October–March)
Last Entry: 2 hours before closing
Closed on: December 25
Visit Duration: Most visitors spend 40 minutes to 2.5 hours on-site

Tour Timings from London

Stonehenge Half-Day Trip: Starts at 8:30 AM | Duration: 6 hours
Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip: Starts at 8:30 AM | Duration: 10.5 hours
Stonehenge and Windsor Day Trip: Starts at 8:30 AM | Duration: 9 to 10.5 hours
Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip: Starts at 8:00 AM | Duration: 11 to 11.5 hours
Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip: Starts at 8:00 AM | Duration: 11 to 12 hours
Stonehenge, Windsor & Bath Small Group Day Trip: Starts at 7:30 AM | Duration: 11 hours
Stonehenge Inner Circle & Windsor Tour (Exclusive Access): Starts at 5:30 AM | Duration: 11 hours

From London: Stonehenge Half-Day Trip

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

6 hr.

Audio guide

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor & Oxford Day Trip

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

11 hr. - 12 hr.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle & Bath Day Trip

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

11 hr. - 11 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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From London: Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

10 hr. 30 min.

Audio guide

Guided tour

Transfers included

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Check availability

Best time to visit Stonehenge

Visit in May or early autumn: These months bring mild weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. It’s a great time to enjoy clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and a quieter experience overall.
Time your visit for the solstices: For something truly memorable, visit during the summer or winter solstice. Crowds gather to watch the sunrise align with the stones—a busy but unforgettable moment.
Consider visiting in winter: Aside from solstice dates, winter is the quietest season. Moody skies, open space, and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for reflection or atmospheric photography.
Choose a midweek day: Tuesdays are usually the least crowded. Avoid weekends and Mondays if you want more space and time to take in the monument at your own pace.

Where is Stonehenge located?

Address: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom

Find on Map

Set in the wide, open landscape of Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge lies in Wiltshire, England, roughly 90 minutes southwest of London and just 15 minutes from the city of Salisbury.

Closest landmark: Cuckoo Stone (7.7km)

Getting to Stonehenge

By public transportation

By Train: Take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury. The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with frequent departures every 30 to 40 minutes throughout the day. When you reach Salisbury station, take the Stonehenge Tour Bus (about 30–35 mins) or a taxi straight to the Visitor Centre.
By Bus: The Stonehenge Tour Bus runs from Salisbury station to the Visitor Centre. Local services like routes X4 and 8 also stop in nearby Amesbury and Larkhill for alternative access points.

By car

Driving from London to Stonehenge takes roughly 2 hours. Follow the M3 and A303, then take the Amesbury exit and follow the signs to Stonehenge. It’s an easy, partially scenic drive through the countryside.

Parking: Visitor parking is available at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. From there, you can either walk or take a short shuttle ride to the monument.

Tour guide speaking to passengers on a coach transfer.

By coach

Booking a tour from London to Stonehenge takes the stress out of planning. Most tours include round-trip travel in air-conditioned coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and an English-speaking guide or multilingual audio guide. Departures are typically from central London, often from Victoria Station.

Know before you go

Café: The Stonehenge Café offers a selection of takeaway food and drinks. Indoor seating is currently unavailable, but you’re welcome to enjoy your meal outdoors.
Toilets: The Visitor Centre has male, female, and accessible toilets, along with baby-changing and adult changing facilities.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. It’s free for ticket holders. If you haven’t pre-booked a ticket, standard parking charges may apply.
Picnic areas: You’re welcome to picnic in the field overlooking the Stone Circle or at designated spots near the Visitor Centre.
Gift shop: The Visitor Centre gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs, including guidebooks, stone replicas, locally made crafts, and jewellery.
Free Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Centre—handy for downloading the audio guide or staying connected during your visit.

Audio guides: Stonehenge offers audio guides in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Polish, and Portuguese. You can pick one up at the Visitor Centre before boarding the shuttle, or download the guide in advance from the Apple Store or Google Play.
Accessibility: Stonehenge is accessible to wheelchair users, with level pathways to viewing areas near the stone circle. A shuttle service is available for visitors with mobility needs. Accessible toilets and designated parking spaces are also provided at the Visitor Centre.
Guide dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed in all areas. Leashed pets are permitted in the Visitor Centre’s outer areas, but not on the shuttle or near the stones.
Pushchair access: Strollers and pushchairs are permitted across the site, including near the Visitor Centre and shuttle areas.

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

Keep a respectful distance: Touching the stones is not permitted to help preserve the monument.
Respect site etiquette: Stay on marked paths, keep noise levels low, and follow posted guidelines to help protect the site and ensure a peaceful experience for all.
Pets policy: Dogs on leashes are permitted around the Visitor Centre grounds but not on the visitor shuttle, in the exhibition spaces, or near the stone circle.
Breastfeeding-friendly site: Breastfeeding is welcome anywhere across the premises, both indoors and outdoors.
Photography rules: Personal photography is allowed. Commercial, media, or professional shoots require prior permission through the site’s filming and photography team.
No drone usage: Drones are strictly prohibited from being flown over or launched from any part of the site.
Food and drink policy: You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks, but eating is only allowed in designated picnic areas. No food or drink is allowed near the stone circle itself.

The Stonehenge Shop offers a curated range of souvenirs, books, clothing, and gifts—many made in the UK and designed exclusively for Stonehenge.

Online shopping available: Prefer to browse from home? You can also purchase official Stonehenge merchandise through the site’s online store.
Top picks: Local favourites include Salisbury Plain honey, Lyme Bay wine, and handcrafted pottery from Staffordshire—ideal if you're after authentic regional items.
Popular mementos: Stonehenge keyrings and fridge magnets are classic, affordable keepsakes that remain visitor favourites.
Unique jewellery: Look out for pieces made from authentic Preseli bluestone and Sarsen stone, the same materials used in the monument itself.

Woman photographing Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England.

Choose your route to the stones: The stone circle is 3.2 km from the Visitor Centre. Take the free shuttle for convenience or enjoy a peaceful 30-40 minute walk through scenic countryside.
Dress for changing weather: The site is exposed and often windy. Bring layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear for grassy or uneven terrain.
Use the free audio guide app: Download the official app for historical context and insights. Available in multiple languages, it works best with your own headphones.
Free distant view via public path: A public footpath near Larkhill offers a clear view of the stones from a distance. It’s free but doesn’t include access to exhibitions or facilities.
Photograph at quieter times: For the best lighting and fewer crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon. You’ll get better photos with minimal people in the frame.
Explore the surrounding landscape: The wider area includes Bronze Age burial mounds and ancient ceremonial features. A short walk beyond the stones reveals even more of the prehistoric setting.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Stonehenge

Can I bring a picnic to Stonehenge?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Picnicking is allowed in designated areas near the Visitor Centre or in the field overlooking the Stone Circle.

Is there a secure place to store bags or luggage?

No luggage storage or cloakroom is available, so avoid bringing large bags or suitcases. Only small backpacks are permitted around the site.

Can I bring a drone for aerial photos?

No, drones are strictly prohibited from flying over or near the Stonehenge site for safety and preservation reasons.

Do I need a separate ticket for the Visitor Centre exhibitions?

No, your Stonehenge admission includes access to the Visitor Centre, including the exhibitions, café, gift shop, and reconstructed Neolithic houses.

Can I visit Stonehenge without going inside the paid area?

Yes, a public footpath near Larkhill offers distant views of the stones for free, though you won't have access to the Visitor Centre or exhibits.

Are there any quiet spaces for those with sensory needs?

The wide open outdoor landscape offers plenty of quiet space, but the Visitor Centre can be busy. Noise-reducing headphones or visiting during off-peak times is recommended.

Is the site suitable for prams and strollers?

Yes, pushchairs are welcome. Paths near the stone circle and Visitor Centre are pram-friendly, though some natural terrain may be uneven.

Can I attend sunrise or sunset outside regular hours?

Only special access tours or solstice events allow sunrise or sunset visits. Regular entry is during daytime hours, and access is restricted outside that window.

Is there mobile phone reception at Stonehenge?

Signals can be patchy in the open areas near the monument. Free Wi-Fi is available at the Visitor Centre if you need internet access.