London to Stonehenge: What Travelers Should Know

An imposing circle of huge, grey monolithic stones set on green, undulating plains — this has always been my vision of Stonehenge since I first heard of it. When plans for an England vacation began to form, I was crystal clear: we had to visit what is still considered the most iconic archaeological site in all of Britain. For nearly 5000 years, philosophers, poets, pilgrims, and consequently astronomers and scientists have been visiting this mystical place in search of answers. That’s why we also made a modern pilgrimage of our own from London to Stonehenge, a stunning drive across the verdant Salisbury plains. On a sun-kissed day in mid-May, we got to admire this British cultural icon, a legally protected monument, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read this detailed guide to exploring this gorgeous prehistoric structure in the very heart of the English Salisbury plains.

Where is Stonehenge?

Stonehenge sits amongst the lushly undulating Salisbury Plains in the region of Wiltshire, England, just west of London. It lies just 7.5 mi (12 km) from the town of Amesbury and 10 mi (16 km) north of Salisbury. So, how far is Stonehenge from London? Not very far, actually. The UNESCO World Heritage lies around 90 mi (145 km) west of the city of London, and there are many ways of traveling between them as well.

If you have a car, as we did, and are driving down from Central London, then you’ll take around two hours along the M3 and the A303. The location postcode is SP4 7DE, and you simply need to follow the white and brown tourist signs to the public car parking area/visitor center. Since Stonehenge is managed by the English Heritage Trust, you’ll see different charges for members (including associated organizations) and non-members everywhere. Parking charges are GBP 3 per vehicle, which can be paid very easily via the “Pay By Phone” app, either in advance or before you leave the grounds after the tour. Moreover, you can even use prepaid forex cards for payments.

When it comes to public transport, there are many coach tours departing from London. If you’re catching the train to Stonehenge from London, the nearest train station is Salisbury. From Salisbury station, you can either take a taxi (12 mi/19 km) or the Stonehenge Tour Bus, which departs every hour from either Salisbury station or the town center bus station. Taking the train into Salisbury and the official tour bus is a better way, as local bus connectivity is very limited here.

The Tour

If you’re exploring the site on your own (and not in a tour), then you needn’t worry, as buying the entry ticket gives you access to a wonderful (and free) audio guide! All you need to do is download the Stonehenge Audio Guide app by the English Heritage Trust, available on both Android and iOS. Moreover, it’s available in multiple languages, including English, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Japanese, Polish, Mandarin, Russian, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, German, and French.  Don’t worry if you haven’t downloaded it beforehand; there’s free Wi-Fi available at the visitor center. Just remember to carry a pair of headphones with you.

While the standard admission ticket costs GBP 22-30 for adults, there are discounts for families, senior citizens, and children. Moreover, if you book online in advance, as we did, you’ll even be able to get 15% off as well as secure a time slot that works for you. Stonehenge opens at 9:30 am, and the last entry is two hours before the site closes, which is different for summer and winter. Check the timings here. If you have the flexibility, it’s best to choose a morning time slot.

The Visitor Center, Cafe, and the Exhibition

When we entered the Visitor Center, we first collected our physical tickets, which we had to strap to our wrists. That basically gave us access to the entire site, which is huge. Next, we made our way to the spacious cafe is right next to it, and enjoyed a quick breakfast of sandwiches, wraps, and good, strong coffee and tea. Mind you – the servings are huge!

The Visitor Center also has toilets, baby changing and feeding facilities. There’s also a café selling snacks and drinks. The visitor centre, car park, and stone circle are accessible by wheelchair via tarmac and grass paths.

“Visiting Stonehenge wasn’t just about the ancient monument, but also the excellent exhibition at the Visitor Center — and that’s what made it so special.”

WOW Travel

That being said, the Exhibition is the most impressive bit at the Visitor Center. It’s also a fantastic starting point for travelers to discover what Stonehenge is all about, especially since most people think it’s simply a pile of rocks. Not only does it tell the history of the stones, but also that of the landscape, the people who lived here, and the meaning behind the stones. There is an incredible array of nearly 300 ancient objects on display, as well as fantastic cutting-edge audio-visual experiences. These include finds not just from Stonehenge but also from other nearby monuments, and they’re all on loan from the Wiltshire and Salisbury Museums.

Don’t miss going to the gift shop on your way out. The prices were very reasonable, and there were some fabulous curios you could take home. We fell particularly in love with this mini Stonehenge, which came home with us!

Exploring Stonehenge

There are regular shuttle buses from the Visitor Center to the main stone circle, which is a short five-minute ride. In fact, we saw many people even walking down, as the region is home to many other prehistoric sites, including the Stonehenge Cursus and multiple barrows. We didn’t explore them, but it’s easy to walk down to all of them if you have the time.

The first sight of Stonehenge will certainly blow you away. Imagine an imposing circle of Neolithic stones on lush green ground against the backdrop of a brilliantly blue sky. There’s a path you can follow down to the monument and all around it, with the monument being roped off for obvious reasons. It also features numbers in specific places, which correspond to an item on the audio tour app. Since we all had individual apps on our phones, we all went down our own paths, listening to the tour as we feasted our eyes on the stone circle.

Interestingly enough, you’ll see many mounds around the monument. These burial mounds, called barrows, are from the Bronze Age and are a testament to the fact that the ancient people who lived here buried their dead across the landscape. In fact, the area around the monument forms a huge cemetery. According to the audio guide, scientists, historians, and archaeologists have to be very careful when examining and excavating near the stones, as the ground is very vulnerable due to its age.

The Stone Circle Experience

If you’re looking for something absolutely special and have the liberty of planning your visit much beforehand, we highly recommend the unforgettable Stone Circle Experience. It entails a knowledgeable guide actually taking you inside the tranquil circle of stones, up close to what is one of the greatest mysteries known to modern man. The guide tells you all about the secrets of the stones, and you’ll get to experience the mystery and power of these ancient bluestones and sarsens. The best bit? These tours take place very early in the morning or in the evening during sunset. Not only are they outside regular visiting hours, but they also take place at a time when the imposing monument looks ethereal in the light. Plus, the availability is extremely limited, with a maximum of 52 people in one go, splitting into 2 groups of 26 inside.

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What’s the Weather Like at Stonehenge

The day we visited Stonehenge, we got very lucky as it was nice and sunny. However, it’s very windy since the monument is surrounded by unobstructed open plains. So, when the sun goes in, it could get cool even on a summer morning. That being said, it’s best to layer up with a sweater and a jacket so you can wear them depending on the weather. Check out the best Walmart sweaters and the best Walmart jackets. Additionally, you also need to carry travel umbrellas, as the sun could beat down on you when there’s no wind.

We’d recommend the Hood Crew Pu Faux Leather Jacket, which looks sleek and stylish, and is yet a fabulous shield against the breeze. Additionally, it’s soft and warm on the inside and comes in multiple colors. If you’re looking for a sweater, the Lands’ End Men’s Fine Gauge Cashmere Sweater also happens to be one of the best sweaters at Target.

What to Wear for the Stonehenge Tour?

It’s very tempting to dress up in flowing dresses and shorts for Stonehenge, which basically sits in a massive open hilly field that sees wind around the year. However, practicality is a priority as you’re basically exposed to unpredictable British weather, and that too with no shelter or shade. So, the best thing to do is wear tons of layers and comfy clothing that will keep you comfortable and allow you to enjoy the tour. Additionally, the ground is exposed, plain, and uneven, so ensure that you wear appropriate footwear as well, especially since temperature fluctuations can affect the feet too. 

In terms of shoes, we’d recommend wearing sturdy and comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking on uneven, grassy, and muddy surfaces. Check out the best swimming shoes at Target for walking in wet weather. Last but not least, do carry the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, which is one of the best eco-friendly sunscreens for travel. Whether it’s sunny or cloudy, you need protection from the sun and the sun’s rays, which is why mineral sunscreen will work very well.

Best Places to Stay around Stonehenge

Rollestone Manor B&B and Restaurant

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There’s nothing better than staying in an authentic English countryside bed and breakfast, is there? Welcome to Rollestone Manor B&B and Restaurant, an award-winning Grade II-listed historic house-turned-B&B that lies less than five minutes from the Stonehenge Visitor Center. Since it’s a B&B, you’ll be treated to freshly cooked breakfasts every morning, including fruits, yogurt, cereals, and hot breakfast items. However, that doesn’t mean that the B&B isn’t modern, as is evident from the fact that there’s free Wi-Fi everywhere, including the rooms and the main areas of the house. What’s more, all ensuite rooms have comfy beds, swish bathrooms, USB plug access, and smart TVs. Do you know that you can even indulge in a walking tour from the lovely, lush grounds? Yes!

The Queensberry Hotel

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If distance isn’t a problem, then the lovely city of Bath is a wonderful place to stay while visiting Stonehenge. Of them all, The Queensberry Hotel is certainly a force to reckon with, as it’s also one of the best hotels in Bath. Set in the center of a Georgian city, the hotel blends historic architecture with quietly elegant and contemporary style. A charming courtyard garden is a fantastic addition, but it’s the award-winning Michelin-star restaurant that sets it apart. Even the rooms are exquisite, exuding warmth with pastel British hues and elegant decor and furnishings. Not only do they come with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, room service, and connectivity, but they also have spacious marble bathrooms, and that too with huge clawfoot bathtubs for two. What could be better?

Holiday Inn Salisbury – Stonehenge by IHG

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If you’re looking for a chain hotel near Stonehenge, then look no further than Holiday Inn Salisbury – Stonehenge by IHG. It sits right on the A303 in the heart of Wiltshire and offers a bunch of stylish, modern, and familiar accommodations. Not only did the rooms have luxurious beds, but they also had flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, high-speed Wi-Fi, and huge windows. Thanks to the relaxing Solstice Bar and Grill restaurant on the property, we didn’t have to venture out for food either. Did we mention that the hotel had free parking and that children ate for free? Yes!

Stone Circle Glamping

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Imagine staying in the ultimate countryside escape near Stonehenge, but with all the comforts you can think of. Welcome to Stone Circle Glamping in Durrington, which is a mere 10-minute drive from the ancient wonder. We had the choice of both glamping pods as well as tents. The former were small, insulated wooden cabins with comfy beds, heating, electricity, and even a private deck with seating. In fact, ours even had a log burner, an en-suite bathroom, and a kitchenette. The canvas bell tents are also great as they feature rugs, double beds, wood-burning stoves, and even fairy lights for a magical feel. However, the best bit is that we didn’t have to rough it, as the site had access to modern amenities such as clean bathrooms, heated showers, electric lighting and charging points, on-site shops for camping essentials, barbecue areas and fire pits, Wi-fi access, and even parking.

Stonehenge Hostel

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A 10-minute drive from Stonehenge lies the Stonehenge Hostel in Amesbury. Nestled in a quaint stone and redbrick structure on a family-owned farm, this cozy hostel offered both private rooms and dorms, which were both female-only and co-ed. What’s more, they had private and shared bathrooms, respectively, both of which were immaculate. Moreover, they had carpeted floors, free Wi-fi, and comfy bunk beds, which ensured us a good night’s sleep. Downstairs, the fully equipped kitchen where we could whip up and heat simple meals, which we would enjoy in the comfy lounge or the large conservatory. However, the standout was the slice of paradise that was the garden with fruit trees, picnic benches, rose bushes, and a large water feature. Did we mention that the hostel is right next to a rare breeds farm, which also has a restaurant? Yes! It’s where we’d enjoy delicious English breakfasts every day.

The Great Bustard

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The newest entrant on the Salisbury hotel scene is The Great Bustard in the tranquil village of Great Durnford. Originally a simple pub, the 10-bedroom hotel, destination bar, and restaurant is now a moody, dark-hued bar/dining room with a fireplace and a TV that’s extremely popular on weekends. What’s more, it also has a glamorous, open-kitchen restaurant, a spacious outdoor terrace with heaters, a kids’ playground, a shepherd hut-turned-upmarket farm shop, and even a large car park. Choose from 10 rooms, two above the bar and the rest in the two larch-built lodges in the garden. What’s more, they’re all decked out in a wonderfully urban manner, right down to the ensuite bathrooms. Delicious breakfasts, a fantastic staff, and a treatment room complete the amenities here.

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How long should I spend at Stonehenge?

Once you enter the Visitor Center, there’s no time limit on how much time you can spend in the National Trust landscape, which has the Stonehenge monument, the Cursus, the barrows, and the exhibition.

Until how much time after my time slot will I still be able to enter?

The staff tries their best to fit you in as you arrive. However, if they reach capacity for the particular time slot when you arrive, then you’ll have to wait until the next time slot becomes available.

Is my time slot related to the shuttle bus departure time?

No, the shuttle buses between the Visitor Center and the monument run every few minutes, so there is no particular time slot for the same. Plus, there’s also a walking route to the stones for those who are interested in the ancient landscape.