Back to London Attractions
Updated November 2025
Visiting Stonehenge is more than just seeing stones — it’s stepping into a whisper of ancient ritual, mystery, and the sweep of deep time. Carved into the windswept Salisbury Plain, this stone circle—over 4,500 years old—stands as a monument to human creativity, belief, and longevity.
At a Glance
How Early to Book:
1-2 days ahead of visit for general admission, 3 weeks ahead for the Explorer Tour, and 6 months in advance for the Stone Circle Experience.
Tickets Released:
About 7 months in advance.
Best Times to Visit:
Earliest or latest time-slots available will have the least crowds.
Ticket price:
General admission will run £25.90 to £30.90 depending on the day. Special experiences range from £70 to £295 per person (see below)
Where to Book:
To truly make the most of a visit, the first step is to book your ticket through English Heritage well in advance. General admission tickets now require a timed entry, and popular time-slots often sell out, especially in the summer or around solstice periods. For members of English Heritage or the National Trust, admission is free—but reserving a slot is still essential. On arrival, tickets are verified at the Visitor Centre; you can show a printed confirmation or on your mobile, just make sure you bring the booking reference.
Your ticket includes access to the Visitor Centre, where exhibits bring Stonehenge’s world to life: reconstructed Neolithic houses, archaeological finds, and interpretive displays. A free shuttle runs regularly between the centre and the stones, though if you prefer a more atmospheric walk, the 2.6 km footpath across Salisbury Plain offers sweeping views. Be aware that arrivals and departures are tightly scheduled—you’ll need to catch the shuttle in line with your slot.
Most visitors will only see Stonehenge from the perimeter path: a roped-off buffer protects the stones and the fragile archaeology beneath. But for those longing for a more immersive and rare experience, English Heritage offers two special access options.
Stone Circle Experience
The first is the Stone Circle Experience, ideal for experiencing the stones at dawn or dusk, when the site is closed to the general public. These sessions last about an hour, with up to 52 people divided into two groups of 26. After meeting at the Visitor Centre, you ride the shuttle across the plain, and then guides lead you not only inside the circle but also to nearby landmarks like the Slaughter Stone and the Heel Stone.
There’s time for photos and quiet reflection, though touching or climbing on the stones is not permitted. Sessions do not run in October or November, and the evenings begin about an hour before closing. The cost is currently £70 for adults and £40 for children aged 5–17, with free space for under-5s. Because these are in-demand and capacity is limited, early booking is strongly advised.
Explorer Tour
Then there’s the Explorer Tour, which offers even more intimate access—but with a very small group (maximum of five people) and deeper exploration. The tour begins at the Visitor Centre, where two expert guides welcome you, and then you travel in a private Land Rover across the plain to Woodhenge, barrows, and other ancient features. You’ll tour a reconstructed Neolithic home, examine artifacts, and then make your way into the monument field. The highlight is a private “stone check,” where, during daily conservation work, you get about 10–15 minutes inside the stone circle, alone with the monument. Along the way, you stop for a locally sourced hamper, and at the end you receive a tote bag, guidebook, and small gift.
The tour lasts approximately three hours and runs in the afternoon; England Heritage recommends arriving early, dressing in layers, and wearing sturdy shoes because of uneven terrain. Tickets cost £295 per adult and £195 for children 12–17, while booking all five spots for a private group is £1,475. This tour is not wheelchair accessible, and participants should have good mobility.
On both types of special tours, though photography is allowed, visitors are asked not to touch the stones—both to preserve their surface and the delicate lichen that grows on them.
If your goal is to minimize crowds, consider booking the earliest or latest general-admission time slots, especially on weekdays. Early-morning and late-afternoon visits tend to offer softer lighting and fewer people. Also, as the plain is open and exposed, bring layers, wear weather-appropriate shoes, and be ready for wind or sun.
While at the Visitor Centre, you can download the free audio guide app (available in multiple languages) and explore the exhibition before or after your tour. Families might make good use of the “Explorer” backpacks offered for kids — they contain maps, activity sheets, and tools to help them engage with the landscape beyond the stones.
Getting to Stonehenge is straightforward: from London, you can drive (about two hours), take a train to Salisbury (roughly 90 minutes), and then use a dedicated shuttle bus to the site. When you arrive, be ready for security checks — large luggage and certain items are not permitted. On-site, parking is available (with a small charge for non-members). And if you're a member of English Heritage or the National Trust, don’t forget to bring your membership card — you may be asked to show it at the gate to confirm your free admission.
To recap: for most visitors, buying a timed general admission ticket gives you access to the perimeter path and the Visitor Centre. But if your dream is to walk among the stones, the Stone Circle Experience offers access during closed hours for up to 52 people; for greater intimacy and a deeper history, the Explorer Tour, limited to five guests, allows for a rare behind-the-scenes visit, including a private stone check.
No matter which experience you choose, planning ahead is key. Book early, dress for the elements, and allow time to absorb the landscape, the stories, and the sheer mystery of Stonehenge—it’s not just a monument, it’s a journey.
Back to London Attractions
