The smartest way to plan your trip is to book tickets online in advance through English Heritage. Admission is timed, and tickets regularly sell out—especially in summer and during solstice periods. English Heritage and National Trust members get free entry, but still need to reserve a time slot.

Your ticket will include access to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, where you’ll find exhibitions, Neolithic houses, a café, and gift shop. A free shuttle bus runs continuously between the centre and the monument itself (about a 10-minute ride), though many visitors choose to walk the scenic 2.6 km path across Salisbury Plain instead.

The iconic inner circle is roped off during normal visits, but you can still walk the perimeter path with fantastic views. For a truly unique experience, book an Explorer Tour or Stone Circle Experience—a special access ticket that allows you to step inside the stones at sunrise or sunset, outside of public hours. Availability is limited, and tickets must be reserved well in advance.

From London, Stonehenge is about 2 hours by car, or around 90 minutes by train to Salisbury, followed by a 30-minute bus ride on the dedicated Stonehenge Tour shuttle. Many companies also run half-day and full-day guided tours from London, often pairing Stonehenge with Bath or Windsor Castle.

On-site, expect airport-style security checks—large luggage is not permitted. Dress for the weather: Salisbury Plain is open and exposed, with little shelter from rain, wind, or blazing sun. Wear sturdy shoes if walking the path, and bring layers.

Photography for personal use is allowed, and the site offers multilingual audio guides via the free app (download before arrival for offline use). Families will appreciate child-friendly trails and activity packs from the visitor centre.

If you want to avoid heavy crowds, book the earliest or latest entry slots, and try to come outside weekends and peak summer dates. Sunrise and sunset often provide the most atmospheric light for photos.

To make the most of your Stonehenge trip: book timed tickets online early, consider the Stone Circle Experience if you want inner access, and plan your transport from London or Salisbury in advance. With its haunting presence and sweeping views over Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge is more than a monument—it’s an encounter with deep time itself.