Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a Neolithic and Bronze Age stone monument located in a on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. The WHS is quite large and contains many other structures from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages.

Stonehenge is in a World Heritage Site of over 2000 hectares that is considered one of the most archaeologically rich in Europe. It is home to some of the most important Neolithic and Bronze Age finds and structures in the UK, and contains some 200 scheduled monuments. It is also the site of one of the biggest Chalk grassland reversion projects in the world.

Stonehenge is owned by the nation and is administered by English Heritage. Much of the World Heritage Site land is owned by local farms, but a third is owned and managed by the National Trust who are spearheading the grass regeneration scheme.

A new visitor facilities is now open, part of a new joint approach by English Heritage with the Salisbury Museum and the Wiltshire Heritage Museum in Devizes.

Evidence indicates that the area around Stonehenge has been occupied since around 8000 BC, but it was during the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods that the vast majority of the monuments around it came to be built. Early work at Stonehenge itself began in 3000 BC when an outer ditch and embankment was constructed, and standing timbers erected. From about 2500 BC, Neolithic and Bronze Age man started to bring bluestones and Sarsen stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs. It was not until 1600 BC that Stonehenge was completed. Most of the other monuments in the area such as Durrington Walls and Woodhenge date from the same period. A nearby hill fort was built during the Iron Age, and there is evidence to suggest that the area was extensively settled by the Romans. The nearby town of Amesbury was later settled during the Saxon reign in 979 AD.

Stonehenge and the land immediately around it was bought for the nation in 1918. Being on the edge of the military training area Salisbury Plain, a large number of military facilities have also been constructed in the area, including military barracks, a light railway and an aerodrome built within a stone's throw of Stonehenge (most of which has now been removed). Since then the National Trust has acquired some 850 hectares around Stonehenge, and the area was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986.

The Stonehenge landscape is one of the best preserved areas of readily accessible chalk downland in the UK. On the edge of Salisbury plain it features several rolling hills and dry river valleys that allow for pleasant walks without too much trouble. Surrounding farmland is ideal for crops and animal grazing.

Chalk grassland is a very rich environment allowing for a diverse range of animals and plants. Thin free draining soil restricts competitive species, but allows lime loving plants and trees to flourish. Knapweeds, Birdsfoot Trefoil and Yellow rattle are among several downland floral plants well established in the area. The thin soil also traps heat quickly and is ideal for a wide range of insects, such as the rare Chalkhill and Adonis Blue butterflies. The skylark (a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) red list species) is also common in the area, and lent its name to the nearby military garrison Larkhill. The RSPB own a reserve on Normanton Down, just south of the stones, that has provided an ideal habitat for the Stone Curlew.

Aside from the plentiful wildlife and nature available, the UNESCO site is considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Britain. The landscape boasts several outstanding Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments that can be reached on foot a short distance from the famous Stonehenge. See interactive map.

Unlike the other monuments in the area, there is an entrance charge (when entering from the main entrance.). An entry fee of £15.50 for adults and £9.30 for children (Apr 2016) includes an audio guide. Tickets are best purchased on-line before visiting. You need to specify a time for your visit, but except peak time there is some flexibility once you arrive. There is no access to the stone circle itself - visitors are guided around the monument by roped pathways and on-site attendants. The audio guide is available in several languages, and if you listened to all available material would take an estimated 30–60 minutes.

It is not usually possible to walk among the stones. themselves, but English Heritage and some tour operators from Salisbury can arrange early morning or evening visits allowing you to do this.

Unlike the other monuments in the area, there is an entrance charge (when entering from the main entrance.). An entry fee of £15.50 for adults and £9.30 for children (Apr 2016) includes an audio guide. Tickets are best purchased on-line before visiting. You need to specify a time for your visit, but except peak time there is some flexibility once you arrive. There is no access to the stone circle itself - visitors are guided around the monument by roped pathways and on-site attendants. The audio guide is available in several languages, and if you listened to all available material would take an estimated 30–60 minutes.

It is not usually possible to walk among the stones. themselves, but English Heritage and some tour operators from Salisbury can arrange early morning or evening visits allowing you to do this.

• Stonehenge Cursus. A huge and mysterious monument, the cursus is a 3 km long earthwork just north of Stonehenge. Consisting of a ditch and bank running east-west, it is still visible on the landscape, although its purpose remains unknown.
• The Avenue. A ceremonial approach way to Stonehenge, the Avenue links the monument to the river Avon. Its ditch and embankment can still be seen from the stones, and its path can be followed up to King Barrows Ridge.
• Winterbourne Stoke Barrows. A mile west of Stonehenge is a collection of every type of burial mound found in the UK. A neolithic long barrow creates an alignment that later Bronze Age barrows have been built on, including distinct bowl, bell, pond, saucer and disc barrows.
• Normanton Down. Less than half a mile south of Stonehenge, this is a cemetery of over 50 barrows, including the famous with finds in the in Devizes. The area around the barrows is now an RSPB reserve for stone curlews.
• King Barrows Ridge. So called because of its commanding views of Stonehenge, King Barrows Ridge is on the course of the Avenue, and delivers one of the most breathtaking views over Stonehenge bowl.
• Woodhenge. A contemporary monument to Stonehenge, Woodhenge was a series of timbers erected in oval rings, and like Stonehenge is aligned to the rising sun on the summer solstice. The old timber postholes are now marked with small concrete plinths (although there are plans to reconstruct the timbers as they may have looked), and although short on information the site offers a peaceful location away from the crowds at Stonehenge.
• Durrington Walls. Just north of Woodhenge, Durrington Walls has been revealed as the site of a great Neolithic village, and likely home of several religious activities. The walls are the remains of the largest henge (earthworks) monument in the UK - some 500 m in diameter.

Stonehenge Cursus. A huge and mysterious monument, the cursus is a 3 km long earthwork just north of Stonehenge. Consisting of a ditch and bank running east-west, it is still visible on the landscape, although its purpose remains unknown.

The Avenue. A ceremonial approach way to Stonehenge, the Avenue links the monument to the river Avon. Its ditch and embankment can still be seen from the stones, and its path can be followed up to King Barrows Ridge.

Winterbourne Stoke Barrows. A mile west of Stonehenge is a collection of every type of burial mound found in the UK. A neolithic long barrow creates an alignment that later Bronze Age barrows have been built on, including distinct bowl, bell, pond, saucer and disc barrows.

Normanton Down. Less than half a mile south of Stonehenge, this is a cemetery of over 50 barrows, including the famous with finds in the in [[Devizes]]. The area around the barrows is now an RSPB reserve for stone curlews.

King Barrows Ridge. So called because of its commanding views of Stonehenge, King Barrows Ridge is on the course of the Avenue, and delivers one of the most breathtaking views over Stonehenge bowl.

Woodhenge. A contemporary monument to Stonehenge, Woodhenge was a series of timbers erected in oval rings, and like Stonehenge is aligned to the rising sun on the summer solstice. The old timber postholes are now marked with small concrete plinths (although there are plans to reconstruct the timbers as they may have looked), and although short on information the site offers a peaceful location away from the crowds at Stonehenge.

Durrington Walls. Just north of Woodhenge, Durrington Walls has been revealed as the site of a great Neolithic village, and likely home of several religious activities. The walls are the remains of the largest henge (earthworks) monument in the UK - some 500 m in diameter.

• Take the opportunity to explore the countryside and monuments surrounding Stonehenge instead of just viewing the stones and leaving. The National Trust offer excellent guided tours of the landscape (see site). Additionally, a great deal of information can be gained from the information boards around the area that isn't available from the Stonehenge centre.
• Visit Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice (21 June), Winter Solstice (21, 22 or 23 December), or the Spring and Autumnal Equinox, in order to gain free entry to the stones (and sometimes walk among them), and to venerate nature with the neo-pagans and druids who gather here at these dates.
• Take the opportunity to find out more about Stonehenge at the two nearby museums that have nationally important collections - Wiltshire Museum and Salisbury Museum. See finds from Stonehenge, Woodhenge and Durrington Walls, as well as gold from the time of Stonehenge.

Visit Stonehenge on the Summer Solstice (21 June), Winter Solstice (21, 22 or 23 December), or the Spring and Autumnal Equinox, in order to gain free entry to the stones (and sometimes walk among them), and to venerate nature with the neo-pagans and druids who gather here at these dates.

Souvenirs are available to paying visitors at the English Heritage shop at Stonehenge, although a wider range of merchandise can be obtained from Salisbury. For those wanting something a little different, Stonehenge Lamb is available to buy from local farmers.

There is a well stocked cafeteria at the English Heritage centre, but those wishing for a more satisfying meal would be best advised to visit the nearby towns of Amesbury or Durrington which have several pubs, cafes and restaurants.

A good bet is Kingfish Fish & Chips Restaurant & Takeaway located on Bulford Road, Durrington (Adjacent to Tesco express, enter via the Tesco car park) where you can eat in or grab a portion of your favourite traditional fish & chips to take out.

Also in Amesbury is Amesbury Chippy, Flower Lane, in the centre of town near to Bath Travel, who provide traditional fish and chips freshly served.

Hop Back Brewery based in Salisbury and Stonehenge Ales produce several fine ales that are served in most of the local pubs.

Although the Stonehenge landscape is relatively small and civilisation is never too far away, care should still be taken when out touring the area. Sensible shoes are recommended as some of the ground is uneven. Mobile phone reception is usually good, and generally the area is easily accessible by emergency services. Animals often graze on the National Trust open grassland, including cattle. There are some busy roads between the monuments,and care should especially be taken if crossing the A303.

A trip around the Stonehenge landscape and Stonehenge itself is best combined with a trip to Avebury to the north (which has an even bigger stone circle, with fewer restrictions, and far fewer tourists), or Salisbury to the south. It would be a push to visit all three and be able to fully appreciate them all in one day. Two days would be a better time-frame to consider.