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An Easy Stonehenge Trip: How to Visit in a Day

This post detailing the perfect, easy Stonehenge trip is part of my friend, Elissa’s, Europe series! After she left Korea, she traveled around a bit before heading home to LA, and she was kind enough to write about all her adventures for the blog. If you’re hoping to see this iconic structure, we hope this helps you out!

Since Jen and I extended our London itinerary to about 7 days , we wanted to do a day trip somewhere. We didn’t know if we’d ever get the opportunity again, so we decided to make the trek to see the iconic Stonehenge.

It’s a feature in so many famous movies, books, and TV shows, we wanted to see it for ourselves at least once.  Stonehenge and nearby Salisbury are a fairly easy day trip from London and there was a lot more to see than we realized! 

The Perfect Guide to a Stonehenge Day Trip

For our trip, we used the Stonehenge Tour Bus (more below), which goes to three major sites: Stonehenge, Old Sarum, and Salisbury Cathedral.

First Stop: Visiting Stonehenge

From Salisbury, the bus will go straight to the Stonehenge Visitor Center.

Stonehenge has one of the most interesting histories! Growing up, we were told the big mystery of the monument was that no one quite knew how or why it was built.

The structure we see now was first constructed almost 5,000 years ago, and many believe the larger stones (or sarsens) were brought from as far as 20 miles away while the smaller stones (or bluestones) were brought from as far as 140 miles away in Wales. While people have theories on  how the stones could have been transported to their current spot, no one has ever figured it out for sure.

As for why we have this circular monument, the answer also isn’t very clear.

There have been plenty of conspiracies (like aliens), but recently BBC put out an article with the most recent research. They discovered that what we see may have been a small part of a larger series of structures spanning for miles. In fact, while Stonehenge itself is around 5,000 years old, the area has been in use for 9,000 years!

Visiting Stonehenge

• Address: Amesbury, Salisbury SP4 7DE, UK
• However times vary slightly by season, so check the visiting hours before you go
• Book on the website , Klook* , or Get Your Guide*

Second Stop: Salisbury Cathedral

Not only is Salisbury Cathedral a beautiful example of Early English architecture, it’s also home to the best preserved of the four remaining 1215 Magna Cartas.

The Cathedral also has the tallest spire (123m from the ground) and the largest cathedral close (80 acres) in Britain. It’s quite impressive!

Visiting Salisbury Cathedral:

• Address: 6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EJ, UK
• Hours: Mon.- Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Sun. – 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

See the Magna Carta

• Mon-Fri: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Apr. – Oct.), 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Nov. – March)
• Sun:  11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Third Stop: Old Sarum

Old Sarum was a pleasant surprise! We only planned on seeing it if we had time and because it’s a stop on the Stonehenge Tour Bus. It’s definitely worth seeing, and it has great views of the surrounding countryside.

It’s home to the earliest settled of Salisbury and, as a result, home to  over 2,000 years of Roman, Norman, and Saxon history. You can visit the ruins and foundations of Salisbury’s original cathedral, an old castle, and an Iron Age fort.

• Closed December 24-26
• Sunday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Sunday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Adult Ticket: £5.20
• Address: Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SD

Getting to Stonehenge

We traveled by bus since it was much cheaper, but it is possible (and definitely easier) to get there via train or car.

From London to Salisbury:

We took National Express Bus from London (Victoria Coach Station) to Salisbury ( Millstream Coach Park, near The Boathouse ) with a transfer in Southampton (Coach Station- Harbour Parade).

The ride from London to Southampton was about 2 hours. The ride from Southampton to Salisbury was about 45 minutes. We left London around 6:30 a.m. and arrived in Salisbury around 10:30 am.

**There are direct buses from London to Salisbury, there just weren’t any available for the time and day we wanted.

From Salisbury to London:

Our trip back to London from Salisbury was the same as the trip there. We left Salisbury at 6:40 p.m. and arrived in London at 10:15 p.m.

If you don’t mind a 2-3 hour bus trip both ways, then I definitely recommend this option since it was so much cheaper than going by train or car.

Also, we had about nine full hours to explore Salisbury, which was plenty of time and we feel like we saw a lot without rushing to the next thing! Besides the traveling bit, it was a very relaxing day.

From Salisbury:

Once we were in Salisbury, we took the Stonehenge Tour Bus to the Stonehenge Visitor Center  where a short shuttle runs from to Stonehenge itself.

The Stonehenge Tour Bus is a hop-on-hop-off bus that not only takes you to Stonehenge and Salisbury but to Old Sarum as well. We used it to get to all of the sites (besides walking of course), and it’s quite easy and convenient to use.

Stonehenge Tour Ideas

While it’s pretty easy to DIY a trip to Stonehenge and Salisbury if you’d prefer, here are some tour options:

• Stonehenge Express Half Day Tour (Klook)* – You can leave at either 8:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. from London. This tour includes an audio guide as well.  Check here for a similar option on GYG.*
• Stonehenge, Afternoon Tea at Salisbury Cathedral, and Bath (Klook)* – Full day tour from London that starts with Bath, then Stonehenge, then tea in Salisbury Cathedral’s Bell Tower tea rooms.  Check here for a similar option on GYG*.
• Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge Tour (GYG)*   – Starts with a changing of the guards at Buckingham and then goes to Stonehenge.
• Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford Tour (GYG)* – This 11-hour tour will take you through Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and end in Oxford.
• Stonehenge, Bath, + Cotswolds (GYG)* – Go through Bath, Cotswolds, and finish at Stonehenge on this 13-hour tour. There’s a lot of Jane Austen places visited too, if you’re a fan!
• King Arthur: Stonehenge, Winchester, and Glastonbury (GYG)* – This tour is for those who love King Arthur!

Where to Stay in Salisbury

If you want to spend more time than just a day in Salisbury, there are a few options. The Pembroke Arms is the top rated hotel and The Old Rectory B&B is the top rated bed and breakfast on Booking.

And there you have it, a little guide to visiting Stonehenge and Salisbury! Let us know if you have any other tips on what to see or do in the area!

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Been UK several times, but there are too many places so see in the future, this is on top of my list! Thank you for sharing!

Hi, when going to bus station is it alright to go walkin, no booking reservation?

I would make a reservation to be on the safe side – Stonehenge is pretty popular!

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Tour from London

• Enjoy the Windsor Castle grounds and see the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel
• Explore the ancient landscape of prehistoric Stonehenge
• Learn about the incredible history and architecture of Oxford
• Listen to a professional tour guide and go to each location with ease via a superior couch with complimentary WiFi

Similar adventures in London

Often booked together, what to expect.

Enjoy the treasures of Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for over 1,000 years. Explore the ancient landscape of prehistoric Stonehenge and the incredible history and architecture of Oxford in this breathtaking tour in the United Kingdom! When you meet up with your guide and tour group in London, travel with comfort and ease inside a luxury coach with free WiFi! Perched high above the River Thames, the first stop, Windsor Castle, has been home to 39 monarchs and is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Explore the superb State Apartments, furnished with paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto and visit 14th century St. George’s Chapel, where tombs of ten sovereigns including Henry VIII rest in peace. Then you can experience the Stonehenge, one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in Europe. Take a step inside the Neolithic Houses and visit the world-class exhibition and visitor center boasting over 250 ancient objects and treasures. Lastly, enjoy a guided walk of one of the most famous university cities in the world, Oxford! Steeped in history, stunning architecture and medieval charm, wander the cobbled alleyways and experience the famous Bridge of Sighs, Trinity College, Ashmolean Museum, and the Sheldonian Theatre.

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The 8 best stonehenge tours from london.

Stonehenge tours from London are a popular and easy day trip.

The Best Stonehenge Tours

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Stonehenge poses more questions than answers, making it one of the most mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world. And because of its proximity to London, the famous landmark makes for a popular day trip from the city . Organized Stonehenge tours from London typically include round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach, as well as visits to other nearby landmarks, such as the Avebury stone circles, Bath or the Cotswolds.

These tours from London, evaluated by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, offer some of the best ways to experience Stonehenge.

The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place

Price: From 134 pounds (around $170) per person Duration: 12 hours

For adventurous travelers who want to see Stonehenge and Bath, and don't mind a little mystery, The English Bus's full-day tour offers both. Limited to 16 people, the tour departs from London in a Mercedes minibus, complete with panoramic windows and a glass roof. As you drive through the countryside, you'll enjoy live, in-depth commentary from your expert guide before arriving in Stonehenge. After exploring Stonehenge, you'll head to Bath to enjoy lunch and time to roam on your own or join an optional guided tour. Your final stop is a "secret" destination selected by your tour guide. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable, humorous guides and particularly recommend this tour for its small size and luxurious transportation.

Tours depart from central London daily. Ticket pricing does not include food or Stonehenge tickets. You can buy entry tickets to Stonehenge on-site for about 20 to 25 pounds (around $25 to $31) depending on the time of the year when visiting or online in advance for a slight discount. Other tours offered by The English Bus visit the Cotswolds, Canterbury and more.

Check prices & availability:

Premium Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock, Bath and 14th Century Pub Lunch

Price: Adults from 149 pounds (about $189); kids from 139 pounds (about $175) Duration: 13 hours

You'll be among the first visitors of the day to step inside Windsor Castle – the largest continuously occupied castle in the world – on this daylong tour. Other highlights include lunch in a 14th-century pub in the charming town of Lacock, a walking tour of Bath and, finally, the day is capped with a visit to Stonehenge. Though most tourgoers were happy with the trip (especially the patient, organized guides), they do warn it makes for a long day and wish they had extra time at certain attractions. The tour (which runs daily) leaves London at 7:45 a.m. (from Victoria Coach Station) and returns around 9 p.m.

Lunch and admission tickets to attractions are included. Ticket options that do not include entry or lunch are also available for a lower price. Premium Tours also offers excursions to Leeds, Canterbury and Greenwich, among other locations.

Check prices & availability:  

Evan Evans Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Price: Adults from 142 pounds (about $180); kids from 132 pounds (around $167) Duration: 11 hours

In addition to Stonehenge, this 11-hour bus tour stops at Windsor Castle and the historic city of Bath, where you'll be given the choice to explore freely on your own or visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Reviewers praise the guides, who they describe as humorous and fun, and say the tour is jampacked, but well-paced.

Tickets do not include Stonehenge entry and are available for a lower price. Evan Evans Tours operates a variety of trips outside of London to destinations like Oxford and the Cotswolds, in addition to tours within the city.

Golden Tours – Stonehenge and Bath Tour

Price: Adults from $183; kids from $170 Duration: 10.5 hours

Ideal for tourists with a dual interest in the city of Bath and Stonehenge, this approximately 11-hour tour offers access and expert insight into both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While in Bath, you'll take a guided walking tour of the city and visit its ancient Roman Baths and Pump Room. The second stop is Stonehenge, where you'll have time to explore the mysteries of this ancient Neolithic structure. Travelers rave about the excellent and informative guides, as well as the drivers.

Ticket options do not include entry to Stonehenge or the Roman Baths are also available for a lower price. Tours depart from London daily at 8:30 a.m. The company offers a variety of tours to destinations in and around London.

Anderson Tours – Avebury and Stonehenge Small Group Tour From London

Price: Adults from 109 pounds (about $139); kids from 99 pounds (about $125) Duration: 12 hours

The full-day Avebury and Stonehenge excursion with Anderson Tours picks up in London starting at 7:30 a.m. and makes its first stop at West Kennet Long Barrow – one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain. Here, participants have the chance to visit the burial chambers. From there, the group visits the medieval village of Avebury, home to the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. After a guided walking tour of Avebury and free time for lunch and exploration, guides lead the way to Stonehenge, where tourgoers can explore the site at their leisure with the aid of audio guides (accessible via a free smartphone app). The group returns to London around 7 p.m. Visitors say the guides are excellent and they learned a lot.

Tours run Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Anderson Tours also offers excursions to Oxford, Windsor and Canterbury, among other day trips.

International Friends – Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor

Price: Adults from 164 pounds (about $207); kids from 144 pounds (around $182) Duration: 11 hours

Travelers approve of this tour for its small group (up to 16 participants) and knowledgeable guides, who are well-versed in British history. On this approximately 11-hour journey, you'll visit Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the city of Bath, where you'll have the choice to tour the Roman Baths or wander the ancient city for some sightseeing.

Tours depart daily; exact departure times from London vary by season. International Friends also offers "Harry Potter" tours and excursions to "Downton Abbey" filming locations, among other areas of the English countryside.

British Tours – Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford

Price: From 1,310 pounds (about $1,655) for up to six participants Duration: 12 hours

Visit some of England's most famous landmarks with this private daytrip. Among the sites you'll see with your personal tour guide are Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the University of Oxford. Travelers enjoy the tour and appreciate the guides' sense of humor and wealth of information. Plus, they appreciate that guides pick up patrons from central London hotels .

Prices range from 1,310 to 2,090 pounds (about $1,655 to $2,641). Prices do not include entrance fees or meals. British Tours offers a variety of other excursions from London, including day trips to explore Paris .

Premium Tours – Stonehenge Private Viewing, Lacock and Bath

Price: Adults from 143 pounds (about $181); kids from 133 pounds (approximately $168) Duration: 11 hours

If you want to experience Stonehenge without the crowds, consider this approximately 11-hour tour, which visits Stonehenge when it's closed to the general public. What's more, you'll tour the site's stone circle – an area most visitors only view behind a rope barrier. The day also includes a meal at a 14th-century pub in Lacock, as well as a stop in Bath. In Bath, you can join an optional walking tour to see highlights like the Jane Austen Museum, Pulteney Bridge and the Bath Abbey. Many reviewers call this tour the highlight of their London trips and highly recommend the evening tour if you'd like to see Stonehenge at sunset.

Travelers should note, there is also an option to buy a ticket that includes entry to the Roman Baths. Morning tours (available Mondays and Thursdays) depart at 5:30 a.m.; evening tours (which run Sundays and Wednesdays) depart at 11:10 a.m.

Stonehenge Tours from Bath

If you'll be staying in Bath during your visit to England and want to see Stonehenge, consider one of the following tours:

Mad Max Tours – Stonehenge, Cotswold Villages and Avebury Stone Circles

Price: Adults from 70 pounds (about $88); kids from 35 pounds (around $44) Duration: 9 hours

On this eight- to nine-hour tour, you'll board a bus from Bath to visit historic sites and towns around the English countryside. You'll stop at Stonehenge first ahead of the crowds for a two-hour visit. From there, the next destination is the Avebury stone circles and village. Then, it's off to the Cotswolds to explore a handful of small, charming towns; Lacock National Trust village is the designated stop for lunch. Patrons give the tour high marks and especially praise the visit to the Cotswolds villages. Others say the tour is well-paced. Tours depart daily from Bath beginning at 8:25 a.m.

This tour is not recommended for kids younger than 5. Tickets to Stonehenge are not included in the tour price; you will need to pay your guide for the tickets on the day of your tour. Mad Max operates several other outings, including a tour devoted solely to visiting the villages of the Cotswolds.

Bath Insider Tours – Ancient Britain Tour

Price: From 505 pounds (about $640) for two people Duration: 8.5 hours

On this daylong excursion, you'll join a local expert for an exclusive private tour (for up to six people in your party) that departs from Bath. Your guide – a lifelong Bath resident – takes you on an approximately 8.5-hour journey to explore sites near Bath, including Avebury, the West Kennet Long Barrow burial site and Stonehenge. The tour includes a stop at a traditional English pub for lunch. Patrons heap praise on the guide for his knowledge and good nature.

Tours depart daily at 9 a.m., but exact availability will vary. Pickup from central Bath, its hotels and its train station is included, as are admission tickets to sites. Lunch and drinks are not included in the cost. Additionally, keep in mind the cost per person will vary depending on the number of people in your party. Bath Insider Tours also offers private tours of Bath and other custom tours, including half-day excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit Stonehenge without a tour. It is accessible to visitors year-round.

However, there are a few benefits to choosing an organized Stonehenge tour, including the commentary and knowledge tour guides are able to provide and the ease of a tour provider's transportation. Tour companies will typically pick you up in central London (usually multiple pickup points are available) and Bath and take you directly to the historical site; then provide return transportation back to the city at the conclusion of the tour.

Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, England, about 90 miles southwest of London. The train ride from the London Waterloo station to Salisbury takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After that, you can hop on a bus from the train station to Stonehenge, which takes about 30 minutes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best London Tours
• The Best Things to Do in London
• The Best International Travel Insurance

The Most Famous Landmarks in the World

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How To Visit Stonehenge in 2024: Tickets, Hours, Tours, And More

Eddie Saint-Jean Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Stonehenge is one of the UK’s most popular archaeological attractions. Planning to visit this amazing site, however, can get a little overwhelming. If it’s on your bucket list, we’ll make things a lot easier for you! In this guide, find out how to visit Stonehenge from how to get tickets to traveling to the site, tours to take, and a brief history.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  Stonehenge guide  for more planning resources, our best Stonehenge tours  for a memorable trip, and the  top things to do in London .

Visiting Stonehenge: What We’ll Cover

Stonehenge is an iconic ancient landmark on the Salisbury Plain in England. The mystifying stone circle has baffled experts for many years. Attracting droves of visitors every year, you are not alone in wanting to tick this site off your bucket list. However, getting there isn’t straightforward. In this guide, find out what you need to know to visit Stonehenge. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Opening hours and tickets
• How much time to budget for your visit
• How to get there
• What to see in Stonehenge
• Guided tour options
• Facts and history of Stonehenge
• Places to eat nearby

Stonehenge Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:

Stonehenge is open seven days a week, 9.30 am to 5 pm (9.30 am to 7 pm in June, July, August). You can gain entry every day throughout the year apart from Christmas Day. 

There is different pricing for peak, off-peak, and standard tickets. As you’d expect, peak time is the most popular time, so it’s the most expensive. Therefore, off-peak (Monday to Friday) has the cheapest tickets because of the lower demand during the working week.

Off-peak: Adults £22, Concessions £19.80, Children £13.20 Family Admission £57.20. 

Standard: Adults £24, Concessions £21.60, Children £14.40, and Family Admission £62.40. Typically, the weekends in the low season and weekdays in the months of June, July, and August are standard-priced

Peak: Adults £29, Concessions £26, Children £18, and Family Admission £76. Typically, the weekends in June, July, and August are peak-priced.

And finally, advance booking is not a necessity. However, you are more likely to get a cheaper price and guaranteed entry if you do so. Note: the prices given above are the cheaper online prices. The last time to buy tickets at the Stonehenge site is 4:30 pm during the summer season (June, July, and August) and 2:30 pm in autumn, winter, and spring. 

Pro Tip: Stonehenge can get very busy between 11 am and 2 pm and on bank holidays. So those who want some peaceful time for reflection at the historic monuments should visit at other times. 

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  best Stonehenge tours to take and why .

How Long To Spend at Stonehenge

Short Answer: about 5.5 hours

Stonehenge is 90 miles away from London and it takes 1.5 – 3 hours to travel from London to Stonehenge, depending on your method of transport. You’ll also need 2.5 hours to spend on the archaeological site.

How To Get To Stonehenge

A bus/coach can take up to 3 hours to get to Stonehenge and they leave from Victoria Coach Station (London) any time after 6 am. Alternatively, we offer an attractive tour option with transportation included along with stops at Windsor Castle and the city of Bath.

There’ll be no visitor queues for you during this day trip, and you’ll have an expert guide at hand. You get to learn about the historic castle residence of the British royals and also the Roman baths that gave Bath its name.

There is no direct bus or train to Stonehenge, so our Stonehenge tour options will cut out a lot of the travel hassle that you’d experience with trains or rented cars. If you still wish to travel by train, Stonehenge is on Salisbury Plain in the county of Wiltshire, so you can take a direct train from London Waterloo to Salisbury station.

Regarding train frequency, expect two to three an hour and the journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes. However, Salisbury station is 9 miles away from Stonehenge so you must factor in an additional cab or bus to the site.

Rented Car:

Those who want to travel by rented car must consider London’s heavy traffic and its congestion charges which may make that option less attractive. Also, in England cars are right-hand drive and move on the opposite side of the road to many countries, so that may also be a little confusing. 

We’d only advise renting a car if you are going to explore the English countryside for several days, then it will be quite handy and cost-effective. The journey to Stonehenge can be as fast as 1 hour 40 minutes or as long as 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting there from the Visitors’ Center:

On arriving at the Visitors Center on your own, your booking details will be checked at the admissions point. You can then view the center’s interactive exhibits and artifacts and then visit Stonehenge or vice versa. You then need to catch a shuttle bus to the site. They are quite regular and the journey takes 5-10 minutes. 

Alternatively, you can walk from the Visitor Centre and explore the National Trust’s ancient landscapes. Along the way, you will see other amazing prehistoric monuments including Bronze Age burial mounds. Also, there are information panels with further details about the monuments and sites that lie ahead.

Moreover, you can obtain a Stonehenge walkers’ map from the Visitors Centre with info on the walking routes and key points along the way. The walking distance from the Visitor Centre is 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) and will take you 20-40 minutes.

Pro Tip: You are advised to travel lightly, without much luggage. This is because once you get to the Stonehenge site there isn’t a cloakroom or anywhere to keep luggage. And remember, you can stay as long as you like at the site but have to return to the Visitors Centre by the 5 pm closing time.

What To See at Stonehenge

You could easily describe Stonehenge as a “bunch of rocks in a field” because that is what they are, but the experience is actually surreal. This is especially the case when you know what to see and the story behind them . Here are some of the things you should look out for while visiting:

• Stonehenge Stone Circle
• Stonehenge Exhibition (Visitor Centre)
• The Landscape Walking Trail 
• Bronze Age Burial Mounds
• The Cuckoo Stone
• Durrington Walls (Henge Monument)

Stonehenge Tour Options

If you’re planning a trip to Stonehenge, our guided tours are an attractive option. You can learn more about these prehistoric monuments and their World Heritage Site status from our knowledgeable local guide. It will certainly make your Stonehenge experience that much more special. Here are some of our most popular Stonehenge tours.

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip from London (12 hours)

A trip down ancient history is just what you need while in London for a few days. Let us take the hassle of arranging transportation and tickets while you sit back and relax on this day trip from London.

You’ll hit up the top sites for British, Druid, and Roman history within a few hours of the city, thanks to your driver-guide who loves sharing these sites with travelers. A visit inside Windsor Castle, time to explore Stonehenge, and free time in the city of Bath where you can choose your activity will round out your full-day trip.

See tour itinerary, price, and description

Early Access Stonehenge Morning Tour from London with Inner Circle (9.5 hours)

Early birds, unite! This early morning trip to Stonehenge from London is ideal for those who want to see these ancient ruins under the soft light of dawn. Leave the driving to a local guide who can also provide your early access tickets to see this monument before the general public. Also included is a stop at the Salisbury Cathedral where you’ll find the tallest spire in the United Kingdom and an original Magna Carta.

After Hours Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour from London (11 hours)

If you’re interested in more ancient ruins outside of London than just Stonehenge, then check out this tour! You’ll start your day trip from London with a local driver-guide who’ll take you to the manmade mound called Silbury Hill and the nearby 5,000-year-old burial grounds. Stops at Avebury to see a mini Stonehenge and the supposedly haunted Red Lion Pub are up next before heading to Stonehenge at sunset.

Facts and History of Stonehenge 

• It was first built over 5,000 years ago during the late Neolithic Age. The structure we see today is the result of additional henge structures erected over thousands of years with the last stone added in 1,500 B.C. (early Bronze Age). 
• The stone circle in the middle of the henge landscape was built in 2500 B.C. 
• Stonehenge has an unusually high number of prehistoric monuments.
• The stone circle is made of very large sarsen stones (weighing 25 tonnes) and smaller bluestones (2 to 5 tonnes). Because of the size of these stones, it is regarded as an unbelievable feat of engineering that prehistoric Britons were able to erect a structure such as this.
• Archaeologists believe the sarsen stones were transported on wooden sleds from a rocky area 32km away. However, the nearest bluestones are in Wales, a country in the U.K. that’s 225km away from Stonehenge.
• There are many theories about its function. English Heritage claim the structure marks the movements of the sun, perhaps for farmers to map the cycle of the seasons. But many leading British archaeologists say it was a place of healing—an early ceremonial stone hospital. Furthermore, it’s been proven that during the Bronze Age it was used for funeral ceremonies.
• In 1986, Stonehenge was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Places To Eat Nearby

Stonehenge is set in a secluded rural heritage site on Salisbury Plain, so there are few restaurants and cafés in the immediate area. However, you will inevitably need to eat, so here are a few places nearby to get something to eat. For more options, see our article on the best restaurants near Stonehenge .

Stonehenge Visitor Centre Café : ££ | Quick Snacks —As you’d expect, this is the closest eatery to the stone circle site. Their food is locally produced and includes many light snack options such as soups, hotspots, sandwiches, sausage rolls, and salads. Vegetarians are also catered for.

Stonehenge Inn : ££ | Pub —The Stonehenge Inn is a good choice because it offers greater food variety and a better atmosphere than the other restaurants and cafés closer to the site. Also, you get to see their delightful mini replica of Stonehenge. They have a pub food menu for both adults and children. Some dishes have henge-themed names like The Dunken Druid, Messy Mesolithic, and Messy Druids Burger. 

Larkhill Café : ££ | Breakfast —Great place for breakfast or brunch with lots of both sweet and savoury options. They have good coffee too.

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Uncover the mystery behind Stonehenge

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STONEHENGE TOURS FROM LONDON

Embark on a captivating journey through time with our Stonehenge Tours from London, where ancient mysteries and awe-inspiring landscapes await you. Join us for a day of exploration and discovery as we take you on a scenic adventure to one of the world's most iconic and enigmatic landmarks.

Our professionally guided tours start from the heart of London, where you'll board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a picturesque drive through the English countryside . As you travel, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights into the rich history and legends surrounding Stonehenge, providing context to this prehistoric wonder.

Combine your trip with a visit to Windsor , Oxford, or the beautiful Bath and its famous Roman ruins. Our special Inner Access Day Tour allows you to walk inside the stone circle. Or uncover the mysteries of Stonehenge at your own pace on a Private Chauffeured Tour .  Evan Evans is the best-rated tour, and you can cancel your tour free of charge. Every tour coach comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB charging, comfortable seats, air conditioning, and one of our expert guides on board.

POPULAR STONEHENGE TOURS

Why not choose from a selection of our most popular Stonehenge Tours?

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Our immersive and guided day tour to the impressive official Royal residence Windsor Castle, the world's top neolithic site, Stonehenge, and the beautiful Georgian city of Bath.

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford

Stonehenge and Bath Tours

Stonehenge Half-Day Tour

Stonehenge 'Inner Circle Access' & Windsor

Stonehenge & Bath - Private Chauffeured Tour

Stonehenge & Windsor Tour

Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour

Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath - Private Chauffeured Tour

Recommended stonehenge day trips, stonehenge and bath tour.

From £95.00

Step back 5,000 years in time to pre-historic Britain at the world's most famous Neolithic monument and explore the resplendent Georgian city of Bath and its ancient Roman Baths.

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

From £79.00

Visit the Queen's weekend retreat and the ancestral home of the British monarchy before heading off to uncover the mystery of Stonehenge and explore the historic university city of Oxford.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

As experts in sightseeing and driven by service, we're passionate about creating memories which will last our guests a lifetime

Make Travel Matter™

This is our goal. We recognize our responsibility to ensure our impact on the planet we call home, the people we visit, and the wildlife we find there, is a positive one. We take steps to address our impact in two ways; through our sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, and through our TreadRight Foundation.

WELCOME TO STONEHENGE TOURS

Stonehenge is one of the ancient wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe. Experience Stonehenge, the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. Explore the world's most famous Neolithic monument on one of our fantastic tours to Stonehenge from central London, Bath, Salisbury or Southampton. Walk inside the famous Stone Circle on a special access inner circle tour and uncover the mystery behind Stonehenge with one of our expert tour guides. We are the only British tour company to focus exclusively on Stonehenge and voted 'Best Stonehenge Tour Specialist' 2021 / 2022.   We live, breathe and sleep Stonehenge. Visiting Stonehenge once?  Do it properly!

MORE THAN 100 EXPERIENCES TO CHOOSE FROM COUNTLESS WAYS TO WOW YOU

Departing from Bournemouth Pavilion at 9am, you will board the luxury air-conditioned coach for a trip to the magical and mysterious Stonehenge, followed by the 9-mile journey for a visit to Salisbury where you can opt to enter the Cathedral or have free time in the medieval cathedral city in the southern English county of Wiltshire.

Bespoke guided tours of Stonehenge inner circle. Perfect for individuals, families and small groups. We offer private customised guided tours departing from London, Bath, Salisbury and Southampton. Create memories that will last a lifetime and enjoy an experience to remember.

What better way to see the highlights of London than from onboard a vintage open top double Decker bus? Your tour includes a live guide to bring the history of London to life, escort you on your scenic cruise on the River Thames and take you to the perfect spot to watch the Changing of the Guard. Then, in the afternoon, we join an independent coach tour to Stonehenge that includes a fast track ticket

This small group tour of 17 guests or less gives you the chance to have a more personable experience when visiting two of the UK’s top locations – Stonehenge and Bath. Led by an expert guide, you’ll get to ask as many questions as you like as you learn and discover more about British culture and history. Departs every Tuesday throughout 2021

Have a personable experience to 3 of the UK’s top locations: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the City of Bath. With a maximum of 17 guests on your tour, you’ll get to ask your guide as many questions as you like whilst enjoying the time to wander around these world-famous locations.. Departs every Saturday throughout 2021

Visit Highclere Castle where the award winning TV series was filmed. A Highclere Castle guided tour is now a very popular and fascinating experience for fans of history and of the Downton Abbey TV series and film. 2024 dates now published.

Visit the mystical Stonehenge. (Multilingual audio guide available). See London’s most famous landmarks and locations with a Hop-on hop-off ticket valid for one calendar day. Combo Package Saves You 15%!

This feature-packed archaeological tour takes in the iconic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury and a delightful break in the beautiful cathedral city of Bath. We also have a Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury Cathedral option.

We savour the atmosphere and Golden beauty of Bath, famous for its Roman history and elegant Georgian architecture. We spend over 3 hours in this World Heritage city including a comprehensive guided tour to the Roman Baths and Pump rooms. Afterwards we take a scenic drive throurh the leafy lanes of the Cotswolds visiting Jane Austen's Lacock and then Stonehenge Stone Circle.

What better way to experience the magic and mystery of Stonehenge than with a private viewing at sunset. On our exclusive private guided tours from Salisbury, guests will be able to access the historic stone circle, and explore the surrounding area rich in history, myths and legends

Exclusive: Voted Best Value Small Group Tours - Our best selling Stonehenge and Bath tour just got better. We now include Salisbury Cathedral and a champagne reception at the new fabulous visitor centre and an expert talk about the ancient landscape and recent theories.

Board our luxury coach for a direct Express service to Stonehenge. On arrival our driver will take you onto the site, where you can enjoy the stones at your leisure with a fascinating audio-guide tour, in the language of your choice. Languages on the Audio Guide: English, Italian, Swedish, Russian, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French, Dutch

Stone Circle Access tours, give you a unique opportunity to experience up close this world famous monument. But with so many choices and such limited availability it can be difficult to find the right tour, at the right price on the right date, until now.

Great value day out that allows you more time at Stonehenge and Bath. Arrive in beautiful Georgian Bath with plenty of time to shop and explore the Roman Baths, the Abbey, Jane Austen centre and more...

Visit mysterious Stonehenge - Entry to Salisbury Cathedral and see the famous Magna Carta Free Walking Tour - Special bonus Choose to embark upon one of many enthralling walking tours – for absolutely FREE

Bards and Battles. A full day in the English Cotswolds visiting Bath, a world heritage site and beautiful Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces and architecture.Visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language and Stonehenge all in one day tour from London.

The Winter Solstice is the most important day of the year at Stonehenge and a truly magical time to be there. It's an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travellers and party people - 2 Hours inside the inner circle of Stonehenge at sunrise

Just wanted to tell you what a fantastic tour we had! Thanks for your help! Our tour guide Kevan was the best! We could not have planned a better day.

I just wanted to let you know that my family had our private Stonehenge tour with Kieffe today. He was absolutely the best tour guide we have ever had. He was very personable and extremely knowledgeable. We so enjoyed today. Thank you!

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Moscow Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Moskovskaya oblast: Moscow .

Moscow Oblast - Overview

Moscow Oblast is a federal subject of Russia located in the Central Federal District. Moscow, the capital city of the country, is the administrative center of Moscow Oblast. At the same time, Moscow is not part of this region, it is a separate federal subject of Russia, a city of federal importance.

The population of Moscow Oblast is about 7,769,000 (2022), the area - 44,379 sq. km.

Moskovskaya oblast flag

Moskovskaya oblast coat of arms.

Moskovskaya oblast map, Russia

Moskovskaya oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

23 June, 2022 / Natural Spring Gremyachiy Klyuch in Moscow Oblast .

23 March, 2022 / Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces .

31 January, 2022 / Vasilyevsky (Shcherbatovsky) Castle in Moscow Oblast .

1 August, 2021 / Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery near Moscow .

4 August, 2020 / Sights of Moscow Oblast - the heart of Russia .

More posts..

History of Moscow Oblast

The territory of the Moscow region was inhabited more than 20 thousand years ago. In the first millennium AD, this land was inhabited mostly by the Finno-Ugric peoples (Meryane and Meshchera). In the 9th-10th centuries, the Slavs began active development of the region. The population was engaged in hunting, fisheries, agriculture, and cattle breeding.

In the middle of the 12th century, the territory of the present Moscow region became part of the Vladimir-Suzdal principality, the first towns were founded (Volokolamsk in 1135, Moscow in 1147, Zvenigorod in 1152, Dmitrov in 1154). In the first half of the 13th century, the Vladimir-Suzdal principality was conquered by the Mongols.

In the 14th-16th centuries, Moscow principality became the center of unification of Russian lands. The history of the Moscow region is inextricably linked to military events of the Time of Troubles - the siege of the Trinity-Sergius Monastery by the troops of False Dmitry II, the first and second militias.

More historical facts…

In 1708, by decree of Peter the Great, Moskovskaya gubernia (province) was established. It included most of the territory of present Moscow oblast. In 1712, St. Petersburg became the capital of the Russian Empire and the significance of the Moscow region as the country’s economic center began to decrease.

In 1812, the Battle of Borodino took place near Moscow. It was the biggest battle of the Russian-French War of 1812. In the second half of the 19th century, especially after the peasant reform of 1861, the Moscow province experienced economic growth. In 1851, the first railway connected Moscow and St. Petersburg; in 1862 - Nizhny Novgorod.

The population of the Moscow region increased significantly (in 1847 - 1.13 million people, in 1905 - 2.65 million). On the eve of the First World War, Moscow was a city with a population of more than one million people.

In November, 1917, the Soviet power was established in the region. In 1918, the country’s capital was moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow that contributed to economic recovery of the province. In the 1920s-1930s, a lot of churches located near Moscow were closed, a large number of cultural monuments were destroyed. On January 14, 1929, Moscow Oblast was formed.

In 1941-1942, one of the most important battles of the Second World War took place on the territory of the region - the Battle for Moscow. In the postwar years, the growth of economic potential of the region continued; several science cities were founded (Dubna, Troitsk, Pushchino, Chernogolovka).

In the 1990s, the economy of Moscow Oblast experienced a deep crisis. Since the 1990s, due to the motorization of the population and commuting, road traffic situation in the Moscow region significantly deteriorated. Traffic jams have become commonplace.

Pictures of Moscow Oblast

Moscow Oblast scenery

Author: Mikhail Grizly

At the airport in the Moscow region

Author: Evgeny Davydov

Nature of Moscow Oblast

Author: Alexander Khmelkov

Moscow Oblast - Features

Moscow Oblast is located in the central part of the East European Plain, in the basin of the rivers of Volga, Oka, Klyazma, Moskva. The region stretches from north to south for 310 km, from west to east - 340 km. It was named after the city of Moscow, which however is not part of the region. Part of the administrative authorities of the region is located in Krasnogorsk.

On the territory of the Moscow region, there are 77 cities and towns, 19 of them have a population of more than 100 thousand people. The largest cities are Balashikha (518,300), Podolsk (309,600), Mytishchi (262,700), Khimky (256,300), Korolyov (225,300), Lubertsy (209,600), Krasnogorsk (174,900), Elektrostal (149,000), Odintsovo (138,900), Kolomna (136,800), Domodedovo (136,100).

The climate is temperate continental. Summers are warm, winters are moderately cold. The average temperature in January is minus 10 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 19 degrees Celsius.

One of the most important features of the local economy is its proximity to Moscow. Some of the cities (Odintsovo, Krasnogorsk, Mytishchi) have become in fact the “sleeping districts” of Moscow. The region is in second place in terms of industrial production among the regions of Russia (after Moscow).

The leading industries are food processing, engineering, chemical, metallurgy, construction. Moscow oblast has one of the largest in Russia scientific and technological complexes. Handicrafts are well developed (Gzhel ceramics, Zhostov trays, Fedoskino lacquered miniatures, toy-making).

Moscow railway hub is the largest in Russia (11 radial directions, 2,700 km of railways, the density of railways is the highest in Russia). There are two large international airports - Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo. Vnukovo airport is used for the flights within the country.

Attractions of Moscow Oblast

Moscow Oblast has more than 6,400 objects of cultural heritage:

• famous estate complexes,
• ancient towns with architectural monuments (Vereya, Volokolamsk, Dmitrov, Zaraysk, Zvenigorod, Istra, Kolomna, Sergiev Posad, Serpukhov),
• churches and monasteries-museums (the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Joseph-Volokolamsk monastery, Pokrovsky Khotkov monastery, Savvino Storozhevsky monastery, Nikolo Ugresha monastery).

The most famous estate complexes:

• Arkhangelskoye - a large museum with a rich collection of Western European and Russian art of the 17th-19th centuries,
• Abramtsevo - a literary and artistic center,
• Melikhovo - an estate owned by A.P. Chekhov at the end of the 19th century,
• Zakharovo and Bolshiye Vyazyomy included in the History and Literature Museum-Reserve of Alexander Pushkin,
• House-Museum of the composer P.I. Tchaikovsky in Klin,
• Muranovo that belonged to the poet F.I. Tyutchev,
• Shakhmatovo - the estate of the poet Alexander Blok.

The architectural ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest museum of the Moscow region is located in Serpukhov - Serpukhov Historical and Art Museum.

The places of traditional arts and crafts are the basis of the souvenir industry of Russia:

• Fedoskino - lacquer miniature painting,
• Bogorodskoe - traditional manufacture of wooden toys,
• Gzhel - unique tradition of creating ceramics,
• Zhostovo - painted metal crafts,
• Pavlovsky Posad - fabrics with traditional printed pattern.

Some of these settlements have museums dedicated to traditional crafts (for example, a toy museum in Bogorodskoe), as well as centers of learning arts and crafts.

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Landscapes of moscow oblast.

Nature of the Moscow region

Country road in the Moscow region

Moscow Oblast landscape

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Moscow Oblast views

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Country life in Moscow Oblast

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Church in Moscow Oblast

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Churches of Moscow Oblast

Church in the Moscow region

Cathedral in Moscow Oblast

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Morning Briefing: Asia Pacific Edition

Monday briefing: biden ends his re-election bid.

The president endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to continue the race against Donald Trump.

By Daniel E. Slotnik

President Biden steps aside

President Biden abandoned his bid for re-election yesterday, succumbing to intense pressure from the Democratic Party in a dramatic attempt to stop Donald Trump from returning to the White House. No sitting U.S. president has dropped out of a race so late in an election cycle. Follow our live coverage of reactions, endorsements and further developments.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President,” Biden said in a letter posted on social media . “And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”

Biden said he planned to serve out his term, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to become the Democratic nominee. Here’s where she stands on key issues .

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President,” he said in a subsequent online post . “And it’s been the best decision I’ve made. Today I want to offer my full support and endorsement for Kamala to be the nominee of our party this year.”

Not long after, Harris announced that she was running. “My intention is to earn and win this nomination,” she said in a statement. “We have 107 days until Election Day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”

Biden, 81, announced his withdrawal after a disastrous debate performance against Trump intensified concerns about the president’s age and ability to win the election. Biden defied calls to drop out for weeks and told aides as recently as Saturday night that the campaign was still full speed ahead. Most of his staff was informed of his decision at 1:45 p.m., one minute before Biden posted his announcement.

Read more from my colleague Peter Baker on the president’s momentous decision.

Choosing a new nominee

Biden’s decision sets the stage for an intense, abbreviated scramble to build a new Democratic ticket, the first time in generations that a nominee will be chosen at a convention rather than through primaries.

There are more than 4,600 Democratic National Convention delegates, made up of senior party figures, local activists and elected officials who were selected at state party conventions this spring.

Biden has endorsed Harris and can recommend what his delegates should do, but he does not control the outcome. Several prominent Democratic governors are seen as potential nominees . There is no precedent or historical record to consult, and the party’s rules are not always clear on the details of what will unfold next.

But there appear to be two ways this process can go , according to Democratic Party leaders and strategists.

First, the party could rally around Harris as a unifying force during a time of crisis. She has been vetted and is well known. And she could take over the Biden-Harris campaign apparatus and bank account.

But some Democrats have argued that anointing a candidate is risky, and they say that the party would be better off with a more competitive selection process. If more candidates get into the race, there could be party-sanctioned forums across the country, with party delegates ultimately deciding the nominee.

Democrats will gather in Chicago on Aug. 19 for their nominating convention; the nominee is scheduled to deliver the acceptance speech on Aug. 22.

Harris has already received prominent endorsements, including by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mark Warner, by the political arm of the Congressional Black Caucus and by Bill and Hillary Clinton. Recent polls have shown her performing better than Biden against Trump nationally and in some swing states.

What this means for Donald Trump

Biden’s announcement could upend a race that seemed to favor Trump after the debate. Trump has tried to depict himself as strong and Biden as frail, so Biden’s departure could undermine a central argument of his campaign.

Trump’s team is already trying to find an effective message to take down Harris , my colleagues Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reported on Sunday before Biden’s announcement.

Trump wasted no time going after his departing opponent, writing on social media: “Crooked Joe Biden was not fit to run for President, and is certainly not fit to serve — And never was!”

Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the House, said on X that Biden should resign “immediately.”

Trump, 78, often rambles incoherently and has confused names, dates and facts just as Biden has. But Republicans have not turned against him .

Biden’s decision may have opened up the election. “By bowing out of the presidential race, he appears to have increased the odds that Democrats can hold onto the White House and compete strongly for control of Congress,” my Opinion colleague Nicholas Kristof writes .

MORE TOP NEWS

China: At least 12 people were dead and many more missing after a highway bridge collapsed amid heavy rain .

Israel: The military bombed a vital Yemeni port controlled by the Houthi militia in retaliation for a deadly drone strike on Tel Aviv.

Investigation: Xiao Jianhua, a corrupt investor tied to China’s political elite, backed Jack Ma , the country’s most revered entrepreneur.

Vietnam: The country’s long-serving Communist Party general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, died on Friday, raising questions of succession .

Bangladesh: A court ruling sharply reduced a quota system for government jobs after protests turned violent.

Tour de France: Tadej Pogacar turned the tables on his rival Jonas Vingegaard and won his third title .

F1: Oscar Piastri won his first Formula 1 race , the Hungarian Grand Prix, after a messy situation unfolded within McLaren.

MORNING READ

People in Hong Kong can now visit Stonehenge, the Egyptian pyramids and the giant faces of Easter Island without leaving the city. They’ve been recreated as white inflatables for a public outdoor festival that will continue into August, attracting crowds and stirring discussion about what is considered art versus crass commercialism.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

25 years in a pineapple under the sea: This quiz tests your “SpongeBob SquarePants” knowledge.

Tourist fees: Charging tourists five euros to enter Venice on peak days generated nearly 2.5 million euros , so much that critics said the effort failed to deter people from coming.

Sports fashion: Athletes are the new fashion superstars, our chief style critic writes .

ARTS AND IDEAS

Ukraine’s book industry thrives in the face of war.

Volodymyr Vakulenko, a Ukrainian author, buried a handwritten manuscript in his backyard in 2022 when he sensed that Russian forces might arrest him.

His body turned up in a mass grave. Another Ukrainian author, Viktoria Amelina, learned of the buried book and sent it to a publisher before she was killed in a missile strike. Now “I Transform: A Diary of Occupation and Selected Poems” is on sale — a testament to Ukraine’s enduring book industry .

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cook: These poppy seed noodles take just 25 minutes.

Watch: These five horror movies available to stream now include a film about the ghosts of South Korean warriors.

Read: In “ Autocracy, Inc. ,” the historian Anne Applebaum argues that financial institutions and trade deals have enabled the rise of tyranny.

Focus: Can you spend 10 minutes staring at one painting ?

Play: Spelling Bee , the Mini Crossword , Wordle and Sudoku . Find all our games here .

That’s it for today. See you tomorrow. — Dan

P.S. Tell us about how self-care has changed for you as you have aged.

We welcome your feedback. Send us your suggestions at [email protected] .

Daniel E. Slotnik is a general assignment reporter on the Metro desk and a 2020 New York Times reporting fellow. More about Daniel E. Slotnik