Visit Stonehenge
in Salisbury
- Time slot required
- Stroller/wheelchair accessible
- View current availability
- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
Set on the Salisbury Plain, this Neolithic site impresses with its precise solstice alignments. The visit combines a modern visitor center with an immersion in the open landscape. Bring warm and waterproof clothing for the wind.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Stonehenge: Entry Ticket
From 32,58 €.
Walk the footsteps of our Neolithic ancestors at the mysterious Stonehenge.
Stonehenge: Entry Ticket + Transport from London
From 92,23 €.
Enjoy roundtrip transport to one of the UK's most famous monuments.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The Stone Circle Experience is simply magical. We were able to get very close to the Sarsen stones, which was a unique sensation. The guide was passionate and punctual. Despite the freezing wind on the plain, the emotion prevailed. Definitely bring a warm layer!"
"The free shuttle from the visitor center is convenient, but we had to wait a bit for the bus to fill up. The pathways are perfectly set up for our strollers. The exhibition at the center was informative, though sometimes crowded. A successful family visit despite this small delay."
"Traveling solo, I loved the calm atmosphere of the site. I downloaded the free audio tour by English Heritage, which greatly enriches the 25-minute walk to the circle. Seeing the trilithons, over 7 meters high, at eye level is breathtaking. A moment of absolute serenity in such an ancient place."
"The ticket price of 32.58 EUR can seem steep for just external viewing, especially if you don’t take the interior access option. The queue for the shuttles was long during our peak time slot. However, the quality of the site remains exceptional. You just need to plan your arrival well to avoid crowds."
"We combined the visit with a stop in Salisbury, whose cathedral is superb. At Stonehenge, strict adherence to the time slot is essential to keep traffic flowing smoothly. The guides are excellent. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that fully deserves its status. We will come back for the solstice if possible."
"Car-free access is facilitated by public transport, although the instructions upon arrival can sometimes be unclear regarding which line to join. The reconstructed Neolithic village is a real educational plus. The site is wheelchair accessible. It was a full day, a bit tiring but very instructive for our children."
"What an emotion facing these suspended lintels, or gallows, as they are sometimes called! The tenon and mortise technique used to assemble the blocks is fascinating. We took the standard entry ticket and it was sufficient to appreciate the grandeur of the place. The organization by English Heritage is impeccable. An absolute must-see."
"I had read that you should bring waterproof clothing, but I didn’t listen... The driving rain on this open plain made the 25-minute walk painful. Furthermore, the visitor center was saturated, making it difficult to read the signs. The place is beautiful, but the logistical and weather investment can be discouraging if you’re not prepared."
"As a couple, we chose the package with transport, which was very practical. The ambiance is sacred, far from the usual tourist bustle. We enjoyed the Stonehenge Exhibition to understand the five stages of construction, from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. It is a deeply inspiring place. I highly recommend coming early in the morning."
"Seniors appreciated the relative tranquility, although the crowd was real between 11 am and 3 pm. The site is well signposted. We were impressed by the precision of the solstice alignments. The on-site coffee is okay. You just have to accept not touching the stones, a strict but necessary rule to preserve this thousand-year-old treasure. A lovely discovery."
"For my English friends, seeing Stonehenge was a ritual. We followed the advice to download the app before coming. The walk to the circle offers incredible gradual immersion. The trilithons dominate the landscape majestically. Even under a grey sky, the magic works. It is definitely one of the most powerful sites in Europe."
"The parking lot is vast and well organized, which avoids the stress of looking for a spot. The shuttle is fast. We just regret that the time spent in the visitor center is long compared to the time in front of the stones. But the quality of the welcome and the state of the wooden village make up for it. An excursion to repeat with better weather conditions."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
SP4 7DE Salisbury, United Kingdom
England
Wiltshire, England · Direct shuttle access from the parking lot or a 25-minute walk across the plain.
Opening Hours
Open daily, with hours varying by season. Check the exact time slot on your English Heritage ticket.
Fares
Stonehenge: Entry Ticket + Transport from London : From 92,23 €
Free child admission based on age (check variants). .
Visit Duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Flat paths and adapted shuttles ensure smooth access for people with reduced mobility.
Family
Playful route with reconstructions, suitable for children curious about ancient history.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in Salisbury
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Stonehenge
4,500 years of megalithic history
A masterpiece inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, accessible from London.
3000 BC
Start of construction
1 million
Annual visitors
7 m
Height of the trilithons
25 min
Walk to the circle
Stonehenge is a complex megalithic ensemble located in Wiltshire, 13 km from Salisbury. Built between 3000 and 1100 BC, it attracts approximately one million visitors per year. Booking via English Heritage is essential to access the site and understand its astronomical precision.
History and engineering of Stonehenge
Erected in five major stages between 3000 and 1100 BC, this monument evolved from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. The first scientific excavations date back to 1901 by Professor Gowland, followed by Atkinson's work in the 1950s. The etymology remains debated, referring either to 'hanging stones' or a medieval 'gallows'. This duality reflects the historical complexity of the site.
The most impressive aspect lies in the assembly of the stones. The trilithons use a unique mortise and tenon technique, without any mortar. This engineering allows the structures to remain standing for nearly 4,500 years despite English weather conditions. The sarsens weigh up to 25 tonnes each, forming a circle with a diameter of 30 meters.
The site is aligned with remarkable precision to the sunrise at the summer solstice. This astronomical orientation suggests a complex ritual or calendrical function. Inscribed on the World Heritage List alongside Avebury, it justifies strict management of tourist flows. The main circle measures approximately 30 meters in diameter, surrounded by characteristic bank and ditch features.
Visit organization and access
Access is provided via a modern visitor center separate from the archaeological site. From there, official shuttles depart towards the stone circle. A 25-minute walk across the Salisbury Plain is also possible for hikers. The museum also reconstructs Neolithic houses, offering rich historical context before visiting the main monument.
Booking a time slot is mandatory to regulate attendance. The ticket grants access to the landscaped perimeter around the megaliths. Touching the stones is strictly prohibited during standard daytime visits to preserve their integrity. English Heritage imposes this strict rule, valid for all daily tickets purchased online.
The site is very well equipped for accessibility, with paths adapted for wheelchairs and strollers. Dogs are allowed only on a leash in designated outdoor areas but are prohibited in the central circle. Remember to download the free audio tour available online, which significantly enriches your understanding of the site during your walk.
Weather logistics and practical tips
Salisbury Plain offers no natural shelter from the elements. It is imperative to plan for warm and waterproof clothing in all seasons. Frequent wind and rain make clothing preparation essential for comfort. The weather changes quickly in this open landscape, requiring constant vigilance from visitors. Also remember to bring a windproof hat and an extra layer.
Wear closed-toe shoes as recommended, since the grassy terrain can be slippery after rain. For families, the shuttle is ideal, while walking offers a full immersion in the prehistoric landscape. Respect your ticket time strictly to avoid waiting, especially during peak summer attendance.
The best time to see the solstice alignments coincides with the summer and winter solstices. Arrive early, ideally before 9 am, to photograph the stones without crowds and enjoy low-angle light. Use the English Heritage Skyscape site to visualize celestial movements before your visit and precisely plan your astronomical observations.
The Neolithic Engineering of Stonehenge
Astronomical Alignments and Unique Techniques
Tips for visiting Stonehenge
Insider tips
Strict time slot
Booking a dated time slot via English Heritage is mandatory to regulate attendance. Strictly respect the time indicated on your ticket, as delays can lead to refusal of entry to the monument, especially during peak tourist season.
Access and perimeter
Your ticket grants access to the managed perimeter around the stones, but touching the megaliths is prohibited during standard daytime visits. This rule protects sensitive surfaces and allows each visitor to appreciate the unique texture of these ancient rocks without alteration.
Stroller accessibility
The site is perfectly suited for families: paths are adapted for strollers and wheelchairs. Shuttles connecting the visitor center to the monument are also accessible, facilitating movement across the grassy terrains of the Salisbury Plain.
Weather preparation
Plan for warm and waterproof clothing in all seasons, as wind and rain are frequent on this open plain. Weather changes quickly in Wiltshire, so an extra layer and a compact umbrella are essential for a comfortable and serene visit.
Walk or shuttle
You can reach the monument on foot (25 min) or by free shuttle included in the ticket. Walking offers a gradual immersion into the wild landscape, while the shuttle is ideal if you have physical constraints or lots of luggage.
Digital tools
Download the free audio tour from English Heritage before your visit to enrich your experience. Also use the Skyscape site to visualize celestial movements and understand the site's astronomical alignment before even arriving on site.
Access from London
From London, take a train to Salisbury then a direct bus, or opt for an organized excursion. The total journey takes about 2 hours, allowing you to easily integrate Stonehenge into a full day including the city of Salisbury and its attractions.
Fares and Booking
The adult fare is around 32.58€. Book in advance on the English Heritage website to secure your time slot, as tickets can sell out quickly during weekends and school holidays in southern England.
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Little-known anecdotes
Hanging stones or gallows?
The etymology remains debated: some see 'hanging stones', others a 'gallows'. This ambiguity reflects the medieval perception of the site as early as the 10th century, when travelers interpreted these vertical structures as familiar instruments of torture.
Mortise and tenon engineering
The trilithons, standing over 7 meters high, are assembled using a unique mortise and tenon technique. This complex Neolithic engineering allowed these massive megaliths to remain stable for several millennia despite the weather.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Inscribed alongside Avebury, the site attracts approximately 1 million visitors per year. This influx justifies strict crowd management by English Heritage to preserve the integrity of this treasure listed on the World Heritage List.
Construction in five stages
Erected between 3000 BC and 1100 BC, the monument evolved gradually from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. Each phase of addition testifies to the cultural and technical transformations of the peoples who inhabited the Wiltshire plain.
Ancient scientific excavations
The first excavations date back to 1901 under the direction of Professor Gowland. These pioneering works were followed by major restorations in the 20th century to stabilize structures threatened by erosion and weather conditions.
An atypical henge
Unlike other henges, Stonehenge has an inner bank rather than an outer one. This architectural particularity, combined with its imposing trilithons, makes it a totally unique site in the classification of British circular monuments.
Plan your visit to Stonehenge
Three itineraries depending on available time
Quick immersion in Salisbury
- 9:00 AM: Arrival at the modern visitor center to explore the archaeological museum and Neolithic reconstructions (1 hour).
- 10:30 AM: Light lunch at a local café in Amesbury, right next to the main site.
- 11:30 AM: Departure to the monument by shuttle or a 25-minute walk across the wild plain.
- 12:30 PM: Contemplative walk around the megalithic circle, respecting the perimeter set up around the stones.
Wiltshire heritage day
- 8:30 AM: Visit Stonehenge during your reserved slot, taking advantage of morning light for photos.
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to Salisbury for lunch near the famous Gothic cathedral.
- 2:00 PM: Discover Salisbury Castle and its historical gardens in the city center.
- 4:00 PM: Stroll through the medieval streets of Salisbury before heading back to London or Bath.
Complete Neolithic weekend
- Day 1 morning: Visit Stonehenge followed by a trip to Avebury, another nearby UNESCO site in Wiltshire.
- Day 1 afternoon: Explore the Avebury henge and its picturesque village to vary the landscapes.
- Day 2 morning: Immerse yourself in Salisbury with its cathedral and castle, the historic heart of the region.
- Day 2 evening: Taste local specialties at a restaurant in Salisbury before departure.
Windsor Castle + Stonehenge: Entry Ticket
Discover the mysterious Stonehenge on a half-day tour departing from London.
From 70,91 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Salisbury
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Stonehenge
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Salisbury Cathedral
15 min by car
The tallest medieval spire in Europe, located in the historic town immediately adjacent to the Neolithic site.
Amesbury restaurants
5 min by car
Picturesque village offering a local lunch break before or after visiting the megaliths under the English wind.
Avebury Henge
40 min by car
Another classified UNESCO site, this stone circle is larger than Stonehenge and offers an authentic rural experience.
Wiltshire Plains
On-site
Open and windy landscape characteristic of the region, ideal for appreciating the solstice alignment of the stones.
Salisbury Museum
15 min by car
Completes the visit with local artifacts and a rich urban history, far from the tourist bustle.
Salisbury Station
15 min by car
Main drop-off point from London (South Western Railway) to easily reach the archaeological site.
How to get to Stonehenge
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Salisbury Railway Station (152 min walk) Bus : Down (3 min walk)
- From Salisbury Railway Station 12,2 km → 57 min
- From Southampton Airport 41,4 km → 174 min
- From Bournemouth Airport 44,3 km → 185 min
- From Old Sarum Airfield 9,2 km → 45 min
- From Thruxton Aerodrome 16,2 km → 73 min
- From Salisbury Railway Station 12,2 km → 44 min
- From Southampton Airport 41,4 km → 141 min
- From Bournemouth Airport 44,3 km → 151 min
- From Old Sarum Airfield 9,2 km → 34 min
- From Thruxton Aerodrome 16,2 km → 57 min
- From Salisbury Railway Station 12,2 km → 58 min
- From Southampton Airport 41,4 km → 193 min
- From Bournemouth Airport 44,3 km → 206 min
- From Old Sarum Airfield 9,2 km → 44 min
- From Thruxton Aerodrome 16,2 km → 77 min
Accommodation
Find a hotel near Stonehenge
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
Visit
Practical Information
Accessibility
Stonehenge on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Stonehenge in pictures
See what to expect during your visit
Stonehenge vs other megalithic sites
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Stonehenge | Avebury | Newgrange | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year created | 3000 BC | 2900 BC | 3200 BC |
| Adult price | 32,58 € | Free (donation) | 15,00 € |
| Visit duration | 2 hours | 1 hour | 1.5 hours |
| Particularity | Precise solstice alignment | Largest stone circle | Interior solar passage |
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