Entry ticket
Stonehenge Admission Ticket
- Skip the ticket line
- Duration: 2 hours
- Optional audio guide
From
$27.58
per person
Top pick
Stonehenge: Tours & Tickets
Free cancellation
Change of plans? No problem. Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
5 Facts About the History of Stonehenge
The history of Stonehenge is shrouded in mystery and the theories to the site's origins and purpose are as numerous as they are fanciful. Many are convinced it was built by aliens! Here are 5 hard facts about the world's most famous prehistoric monument.
1. 5000 Years Old
Stonehenge was built in several stages. Radiocarbon dating estimates that the first constructions occurred over 5000 years ago, several centuries before the Pyramids.
2. A Prehistoric Cemetery
Many functions have been attributed to Stonehenge. One that's been confirmed is its use as a prehistoric burial ground – discovered cremated remains date back as far as 3000 B.C.
3. Early Scientists
Despite its age, the fact that Stonehenge is aligned with the trajectory of the setting and rising sun gives evidence to a very advanced understanding of mathematics and geometry.
4. Stones From Afar
The larger stones are up to 9 meters tall and weigh around 20 tons. These were transported over 20 miles. The smaller stones, weighing 3 to 4 tons, were transported over 150 miles!
5. Pesky Earthworms
After researching the site in the late 19th century, Charles Darwin concluded that earthworms were the main reason why the Stonehenge stones have sunk into the ground.
Planning Your Visit
Take Advantage of the Audio Guide
To make the most of your time at Stonehenge and learn all about the history and the many theories surrounding the site, make sure to grab one of the audio guides, which are available for free on site. Or even better, to avoid queuing for the audio guide, you can download it for free online and listen to it on your own portable music device.
Stop by Salisbury
About 13 kilometers from Stonehenge is Salisbury, a picturesque medieval city with a gorgeous cathedral. Once you've come all this way, it's worth adding a couple of hours to your trip and explore this lovely historic gem.
Enjoy the Sunset
Stonehenge is a magnificent sight at any time of day, but at sunset it's quite simply magical. If you can time your visit accordingly, you won't regret it. Note that you won't be alone – Stonehenge is very popular at sunset. If a leisurly visit is more important to you, then your best bet is arriving early. The site opens to visitors at 9:30am all year except from June through August, when it opens at 9:00am.
Good to know
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- When should I visit?
- Open daily, 9:30 AM-7:00 PM
Holiday hours may vary
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- Is it expensive?
- Standard adult; £14.50
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- Will I need a guide?
- Free audio guides are avaliable on site, or to download in advance.
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- How to get there
- By Car: Off the A360 at Airman's Corner. By Bus: The Stonehenge Tour Bus is the public bus departing from Salisbury rail and bus stations.
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- Additional information
- Last admission is two hours before advertised closing time.
- Advance booking is now required as entrance to Stonehenge is managed through timed tickets.
What people are saying about Stonehenge
Arrived at Salisbury Station and took the tour bus to Stonehenge. The tour bus is £16 return and is NOT included with the ticket. On arriving we were quickly through the queue and on a free bus from the visitor centre to the monument. The audio tour mobile app was very educational and great to learn about some of the country’s ancient history. After finishing the path around the monument we went to Woodhenge only two miles away to the North East. Woodhenge was worth the walk and everything was enjoyed by both of us. The staff is very helpful and made the visitor centre something that was easy to access and find out information. I will be back again with my family.
It was great trip, very well managed - timing was carefully balanced, so you will havs just enough time to enjoy everything. Stonehenge is a must. Windsor is breathtaking. Oxford was fine as well, not that interesting though. Our guide, Vaughn, was amazing - very well prepared, proving us with interesting information in a funny way, leading the whole trip smoothly. Greetings to the driver Tony for providing us safe and comfortable drive. Overall, I strongly recommend.
Very well organised during Covid restrictions. Good parking facilities, toilets and refreshments. Walking to the site is the best option for able people although the paths laid out are a bit uneven and makes way for uncomfortable walking some of the way. Taking the shuttle bus is worth it as it is a bit of a walk. Glad you can get close enough for close up photos.
It was wonderful. Karen was an excellent guide, so nice and competent. Malcolm the driver was so sympathetic and funny. All the safe mesures were done. It was an amazing day. I recommend!!! Now I have to wait the second lockdown ends to get another tour.
Obviously it is now out of season, but there was loads of parking. One had the chance to walk to the site, but there were frequent bases laid on as part of the entry ticket. Beautiful area. Loads of explanation and museum very good.