Some of the larger stones were locally sounrced. It's thought that these stones, some weighing and incredible 50 tonnes, would have taken 500 men to pull them using leather leather ropes. The holes used to locate the stones were dug using antlers and bones and experts believe that more than thirty million hours of labour would have been required to complete the site.
STOPS
Stonehenge
On your marks!...
At last you've made it to probably the most important and well known prehistoric monument in Britain, Stonehenge, which dates back to 3000 BC. The monument consists of three concentric circles, aligned with the rising sun at the solstice and was constructed over time in three distinct stages. Some of the stones, weighing nearly 4 tonnes each, were transported over 240 miles from the Welsh mountains where they were mined. Exactly how these massive stones were moved is not fully known and is still under investigation by leading archaeologists. One theory states they were transported using giant rollers, raft, and no doubt, with a lot of elbow grease.
Standing in front of this staggering structure, it's hard not to ask yourself: why? Many people think the stones are part of a huge astronomical calendar, that can be used to calculate the rising and setting of the moon, and predict eclipses. Certainly, every year, on Midsummer's Day, a person can stand in the exact centre of the circle and know that the rising sun will shine directly on him through a line of stone pillars. Some think it was built as an ancient temple for sun worshipping. Another popular theory is that the Druids, the high priests of the Celts, constructed it for sacrificial ceremonies. Others have speculated that the stones were put there by the Devil, or aliens.
Ultimately, it remains one of the biggest mysteries in the Universe...
Address
Stonehenge, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE
Directions from Amesbury
The road journey from Amesbury to Stonehenge covers approximately 5.9 miles, primarily following the A303 westbound. After exiting the town center and joining the A303 at the Countess Roundabout, you will continue straight past the ancient monument itself before turning right onto the B3086 at Longbarrow Roundabout to reach the visitor entrance. Significant delays frequently occur on the A303 stretch near the stones, where "rubbernecking" often slows traffic to a crawl, and at the Countess and Longbarrow roundabouts, which can become heavily congested during peak tourist hours or local rush periods.
English Heritage: Stonehenge (Opens in new window) The official website for provides a complete resource for planning a visit to the prehistoric monument.
Practical Visit Information: It features daily opening times (typically 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM), ticket prices with a 15% discount for advance bookings, and full details on facilities, access, and directions.
On-Site Experiences: Visitors can learn about the Stone Circle itself, the Stonehenge Exhibition (featuring a 5,500-year-old man), and the recreated Neolithic Houses. It also provides booking links for specialized tours like the Stone Circle Experience.
Educational & Historical Context: The site offers deep dives into the history and stories of the landscape, including an audio guide download and information on the new Kusuma Neolithic Hall learning center.
Wider Landscape: It includes details on the broader World Heritage site, recommending nearby historic locations like Woodhenge and Old Sarum to help visitors round out their itinerary.
National Trust: Stonehenge (Opens in new window) Highlights the 2,100 acres of ancient downland surrounding the stones. It provides maps for exploring prehistoric sites like Durrington Walls, details on dog-friendly walking routes, and essential advice for members on accessing the stone circle and visitor center facilities.
Visit Stonehenge (Opens in new window) A practical, independent guide for visitors to Stonehenge. It offers detailed travel directions by road, rail, and bus, explains the timed-entry ticketing system, and highlights free entry options for members. Additionally, it features information on other British ancient sites and seasonal solstice celebrations to help plan your trip.
Private chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge (Opens in new window) Staying in London? Experience the journey in comfort with a private chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge. Enjoy a seamless door-to-door service from the capital, stopping at iconic landmarks along the way to the ancient stones. For a deeper adventure, coordinate with your guide for a multi-day expedition toward Exeter or further into the heart of the West Country.
Private chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge (Opens in new window) If you’d rather avoid the stress of navigating the motorway yourself, opt for a luxury, chauffeur-driven tour to Stonehenge. Start your day with a seamless pickup from your London hotel, trading traffic for a relaxed, door-to-door experience. Our bespoke tours allow you to combine your visit to the ancient stones with other iconic UK destinations, such as Bath, Windsor Castle, or Salisbury, all tailored to your own personal pace and interests.
Previous Stop: Amesbury Famously Britain’s oldest continuously occupied settlement, with a history dating back to 8820 BC. Located just two miles from Stonehenge on the River Avon, it offers charming historic sites like the 10th-century Church of St Mary and St Melor, the scenic Lord’s Walk, and the Amesbury History Centre.
