Stonehenge Photos – Family Holiday in Wiltshire
We had the privilege to stop off at Stonehenge on our way back after our holiday to Dorset last summer. I can’t believe that it has taken us shy of nearly 20 years to head back to this amazing site. The first time I set eyes on Stonehenge was when I visited England for the first time and things were so different then as Stonehenge could be seen from the road and you could also park close by as the Visitor’s Centre was not built then. So, out visit felt so different after all these years.
If you are unaware, Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most famous landmarks and a fascinating place to visit as a family. Located just off the A303 in Wiltshire, it makes an ideal and convenient stop to break up a long journey. In our instance, we stopped off on our way back from Dorset as we headed home to the Midlands.
Stonehenge is unique because there is no other monument quite like it anywhere in the world. Built over several stages, possibly around 3000 and 1500 BCE, it features enormous stones arranged with remarkable precision, including lintels balanced across upright Sarsen Stones (some weighing around 25 tons) to form circles and horseshoe shapes. Some of the stones such as the Bluestones were transported over 150 miles from Wales, which is astonishing given the limited technology of the time. Even today, experts are still debating exactly how the monument was constructed and what its full purpose was, adding to its mystery and appeal.
So if you are planning to visit this sacred site then keep on reading to find out more about it and what we did on our family day out to Stonehenge.
Can I Visit Stonehenge for Free?
Yes you can, if you are a member of English Heritage or National Trust. Remember to bring your membership card with you. When we visited last year, we had to book our time slot via the English Heritage Site, so it is best to check if you still need to pre-book your visit.
Why is it important to visit Stonehenge at least once in your life?
Many people are drawn to Stonehenge for spiritual and personal reasons. For centuries, it has been seen as a sacred place and a place to monitor the movement of the sun. The monument is carefully aligned with the summer and winter solstices, when the sun rises or sets in perfect harmony with the stones. Modern Druids, Pagans and other spiritual followers still gather there during these times to celebrate seasonal changes, honour ancestors and connect with nature.
Although, there are hoards of people heading to see the stones and it can feel noisy and too busy. Try to lock away from the noise to feel the spirituality and energy as this was once a powerful place for both ancient worship and spiritual practice.
Here are some of our Stonehenge Photos and what we thought of the place?
What can I say? I remember passing by Stonehenge almost 20 years ago, one evening with my husband (my then boyfriend) when we were driving back from Cornwall. It was almost 6pm, so we decided not to go and get tickets, but parked the car on the side of the road and had a lovely view of the stones. It was my first trip to the UK so I was quite fascinated with the sheep grazing close by, as the stones.
We told ourselves that we would return again and spend more time at the historic place. Fast forward 20 years and we finally return with both our teenage children and friends, and how things have changed. The area has been cordoned off and parking is not allowed around the area any more and the new shinny Visitor’s Centre has popped up.
Stonehenge remains a powerful and enduring symbol of human history and has been the meeting a mystical point for centuries. The stones makes us wonder of its existence while we also ponder on the past, about our ancestors and how people used to gather and pray.
Stonehenge does seem a bit of over touristy, as there are huge number of people even in the morning, all coming in droves of busses and there is a long que at the Visitors Centre. Despite the crowd, everything went smoothly and we were not delayed for a long period of time.
We always wanted to visit Stonehenge hence, us adults spent time admiring these stones and thoroughly appreciating every moment wondering about them, the history of the place as well as taking lots of photos while our teenage kids were more interested in creating tik tok reels. Despite that, we read all the information boards around and explained the significance of the place to our teens and the many theories, such as, it could have been a ritual site, maybe a cemetery, a monument created for astronomy purpose as the wonderful place is part of our history and our ancestors.
For families, Stonehenge offers much more than just a quick look at ancient stones. The modern Visitor Centre includes interactive exhibitions, short films, and hands-on displays that help bring prehistoric life to life in an engaging and age-friendly way. Children can learn about Neolithic homes, tools and their daily life, while adults can explore the many theories behind the monument’s purpose. The wide open spaces around the site also offers opportunity for a gentle walk, allowing everyone to stretch their legs and enjoy the countryside.
Facilities at Visitor’s Centre
We brought along a picnic with us and sat close to the carpark to grab a snack. That saying, there are tables available and ample grass areas to sit and enjoy a picnic if the weather is nice. Alternatively, if you prefer to sit indoors, a cafe is available on site as well as ice-cream stalls (during the summer). There are also toilets and baby changing areas available at the Visitor’s Centre. There are no toilet/cafe facilities at Stonehenge.
You could walk up to the Stonehenge from the Visitor’s Centre and it will take you around 30 minutes or you could take the Free bus which only took us 5 minutes to get there.
FAQ
- There is a guidebook available on Stonehenge priced at £6. You can purchase this online or at the Visitor’s Centre.
- If you pre-book your tickets in advance via the English Heritage’s website, you save 15% on the gate price.
- English Heritage and National Trust members can visit Stonehenge for free but must show their membership card upon arrival and before ordering tickets.
- Food and Drinks – Their cafe serves a grab-and-go hot and cold food offer, including drinks, soup, pasties, sandwiches, salads and other sweet and savoury items including gluten-free and vegan options.
- Picnic – You can picnic in the monument field with the view of the Stone Circle, or at other designated points around the Visitor Centre and landscape. We had a quick snack at the carpark area after our visit.
- The Stonehenge gift shop offers an extensive range of books, gifts and souvenirs, including jewellery and an exclusive range of Barbour clothing and accessories.
- Toilets including accessible/baby change facilities are available at the visitor centre.
- Registered assistance dogs are welcome throughout, including the Stone Circle. Dogs on leads are allowed around the visitor centre. Animals are not permitted at the Stone Circle, exhibition, or visitor bus.
- You can download a free audio tour in advance from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store or via the free WiFi available at the visitor centre. Please note that there are no audio guides available to hire from Stonehenge. The audio guide is available in English, French, German, Spanish. Italian, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Polish, Korean and Brazilian Portuguese. Headphones are available to purchase in the gift shop and at admissions for £2.
Did you know?
- Stonehenge was constructed in three phases.
- It has been estimated that the three phases of the construction required more than thirty million hours of labour.
- Speculation on the reason it was built range from human sacrifice to astronomy.
Where is Stonehenge ?
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, near the town of Amesbury. For Sat Nav use SP4 7DE and follow the brown and white tourist signs to the Visitor’s Centre. There is currently no parking available in Stonehenge.
Parking is available at the English Heritage Visitor Centre and you can take the free shuttle buss to Stonehenge. There is a £3 parking charge to non-members. It is best to download the Pay By Phone app in advance. English Heritage Members should display their membership sticker clearly in their car window. Associated Members (CSSC, NT England, CADW & Historic Scotland) also park free of charge but will need to display an exemption in their window which can be requested at admissions.
What are their opening times?
Stonehenge is generally open daily from 9:30 am, with closing times varying between 5pm in winter (October to March) and 7pm in summer (April to September). The site is closed on 25 December and the last entry is always two hours before the stated closing time.
How much is their entry fee?
You may purchase ticket online or on arrival at Stonehenge on the day. Tickets are free for National Trust and English Heritage members. Just remember to bring your membership card for identification. We would recommend becoming a member of National Trust or English Heritage as a family ticker for 2 adults and 3 children would cost you £90.80 for just a one-time entry.
There is a £3 parking charge to non-members. Do download the Pay By Phone app in advance. English Heritage Members should display their membership sticker clearly in their car window. Associated Members (CSSC, NT England, CADW & Historic Scotland) also park free of charge but will need to display an exemption in their window which can be requested at admissions.
About Stonehenge
Stonehenge is an ancient, mysterious megalithic monument in Wiltshire, England, built in stages over 1,500 years, beginning around 5,000 years ago. It features rings of massive sarsen stones, including a unique mortise and tenon jointed outer circle and smaller bluestones brought from Wales. Though its purpose remains debated, its alignment with the solstices suggests it was a sacred site, possibly for astronomical observation, ritual, or a burial place for the elite.
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18 comments
Stonehenge is definitely on my most-see bucket list and I can’t wait. No only the monument is beyond interesting, the area itself is gorgeous.
Yes it is absolutely stunning Karen!
My parents have photos of me when I was little sitting on the stones, this was obviously when you were able too. Have driven past a few times but not visited in years
I agree, you could touch it a lot time ago but not now. They have cordoned off the area due to some vandalising it
Stonehenge is a monument I would love to go and see. I live in South Wales, so it wouldn’t be far for me to drive to get there!
Absolutely, a great way to spend holidays with the family while visiting historical sites
That is so cool that you made it to Stonehenge! Such an awesome bucket list experience. I would love to make it there someday. The bus you took there looks lovely and comfortable.
Hope you do get the chance Marysa, yes lovely bus and quick too
I’d love to visit Stonehenge, but it’s so far away from us in the North East I think it’ll take us a while to get there. Your photos look fab!
Maybe do a trip to Dorset as we did with the family? We have shared lots of places you can visit while you are around the area
I would love to visit Stonehenge one day. I’ve always been so fascinated with the structure, what it might have been used for, and how it was erected.
Hope you do get the chance Beth, what an amazing place so full of history
What a great way to visit such an iconic place after so many years. I think your reflections really capture how special Stonehenge feels across generations. I also love the tips mixed with personal memories.
Thank you Nick, yes it was super poignant for both of us as well but euphoric as we managed to bring our kids there
I remember standing by those massive stones during a childhood trip. Your photos capture that ancient atmosphere without the usual crowds being visible.
Thank you, there were plenty of people, I waited in line patiently to get my chance to photograph it without the distraction
I have yet to visit Stonehenge yet but it is a place I would love to see. I think my kids would be the same with the TikTok reels lol. It is good to know that you can download a free audiobook to listen to when visiting the site.
It is such a wonderful place to visit and they do make it accessible to young kids, teens and adults as well