Visiting Stonehenge
What is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that has been classified as a World Heritage Site. Though often seen as a stand alone site, it’s actually part of a larger complex of ancient sites under the care of the English Heritage organization.
For more info, you can visit:
Should I become an English Heritage Member?
If you’re just visiting Stonehenge, there isn’t much point in buying a membership. Costwise, it’s not the most effective option.
However, if you’re wanting to visit multiple historic locations in Salisbury or other places in England, I would definitely buy a membership - it’ll pay for itself within three or four visits.
More info about becoming a member:
What to Expect:
Once you arrive at Stonehenge, there’s a few things you’ll need to keep in mind:
If you haven’t pre-booked your ticket through English Heritage or purchased a package tour ticket through Stonehenge Tours (see below), you’ll need to visit the Visitor’s Center to purchase your entrance ticket.
There is a shuttle that runs from the Visitor’s Center to the site. It takes about five minutes. The distance isn’t very far between the two, but it is mostly uphill - if you have any mobility concerns, I highly recommend the shuttle, at least on the way to the site.
If you choose to walk, follow the guided walkway. You have the option to follow the road or walk through some of the Wiltshire countryside. I chose to take the shuttle to the site and then walk back, which worked really well for me with my belongings that I had with me and wanting to see the very cute sheep and cows that were around on the walk back.
There is a cafe at the Visitor’s Center, so you are able to grab a snack or light lunch after visiting the site. The food and drinks are reasonably priced and there’s a nice atmosphere if you choose to sit down inside.
There are also bathrooms available at the Visitor’s Center.
Stonehenge Tours
I highly recommend using the Stonehenge Tours hop-on-hop-off bus for your trip, especially if you’re traveling from Salisbury. There are multiple stops within the city to be picked up from and the bus operates on an hour schedule.
It is possible to purchase your bus ticket and entry into Stonehenge in one package from the official website, which is what I recommend. You’ll only have one ticket to keep track of and it’s easier to know what to expect in terms of travel and visit timeline.
Tickets are available here:
Note that there are different options:
If you’re a member of English Heritage, I would buy the Bus Only option, since you’ll get into the site on your membership (make sure you have it with you!)
If you’re not a member of English Heritage, you have the option of Bus + Entrance to Stonehenge and Old Sarum OR Bus + Entrance to Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral. Either ticket is a good choice, it just depends on if your plans include visiting the Cathedral.
Note: Ticket prices can vary depending on season and day of visit.
Timetable:
Please don’t forget to consult the bus timetable before your trip.Your ticket through Stonehenge Tours allows for you to come and go at whatever time you choose, however, you’ll want to pay attention to the time if you’ve got other plans afterwards, whether that's dinner or travel to another location. It’s also a good idea to remember that the bus ride is approximately 30 minutes long.
Link to timetable:
Note: I visited Stonehenge as part of my 2 Days in Salisbury trip and was aiming for the 11:12 am bus - the pick up from the city center bus stop was about ten minutes late.
Check out the itinerary here:
Cost Breakdown
Stonehenge Tours Bus + Entrance Ticket: £36 / $43.50
Lunch at Cafe: £9.71 / $11.75
Total: £45.71 / $55.25
* Breakdown is based on my own costs and is not necessarily the same as what your trip may cost based on the choices for travel and food that you make.
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