Stonehenge and Solstices: 10 Different Tours You Can Take

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Did you know that Stonehenge is a popular summer solstice destination? It’s a popular winter solstice destination for that matter too.

I didn’t realize these two times mark popular pilgrimages for Stonehenge visitors until research for summer solstice events (ie. “Spooky Summer Camps,” “Summer Hauntings at the Lit & Phil,” and “#KrakenNightmare“) brought it to my attention.

Stonehenge and the Sun

Why is Stonehenge such a happening place to be during the summer solstice? What happens?

Well, as you might know, no one still knows for sure what purpose –if any– the megalithic monument served. Many surmise it had something to do with astronomy. One reason being the solstices: the stones line up just right with the sun during them.

During the summer solstice, if you stand in just the right spot facing northeast towards a stone known as the “Heel Stone” (a rough hewn stone outside the circle), you can see the sun rise directly above it.

During the winter solstice, modern day people also gather at sunrise to watch the sun grace the giant stones. According to English Heritage (which operates Stonehenge), ancient people likely gathered there at sunset to watch the sun fall between the Trilithon. (A Trilithon is two vertical stones supporting a horizontal one on top of it. There are still a couple examples standing at Stonehenge today, but the tallest one –and the one the winter solstice sun would’ve set between– is no longer there.)

Visiting Stonehenge

During normal visiting hours Stonehenge requires tickets. But for Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, English Heritage welcomes visitors at no charge for the sunrise viewing. (Regular tickets are again required for admittance later that afternoon.)

Another thing to note is that regular admission is managed through timed tickets, so you must book tickets in advance. You can buy either a single Stonehenge Entrance Ticket or a Stonehenge Family Ticket from Viator.

Stonehenge is accessible on your own via car or public transit.

However, if you’re not comfortable driving abroad or using public transit, there are always tours.

Stonehenge Tours

Here’s 10 Stonehenge tours I found on Viator, but there are a lot more than 10.

I have to admit this selection is skewed towards tours that I’d like to take. Apparently I really want to see Bath, as many of the ones I picked include a stop there. (It’s a Jane Austen thing.)

I don’t want to take the skydiving one, but I couldn’t help but list it. (There’s a note beneath it explaining why.)

I’d also love to go inside the inner circle. (Something that’s rarely allowed if you buy an independent ticket.)

And of course there’s a summer solstice tour!

1. Southampton Shore Excursion: Pre-Cruise Tour from London to Southampton via Stonehenge

Leave your central London hotel for your cruise departure at Southampton Port, stopping to visit Stonehenge on the way! The prehistoric stone circle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits roughly half-way between London and Southampton, making it an ideal stop before your cruise. Explore this intriguing monument at leisure, pondering its many mysteries before arriving at Southampton Port.

One of my regrets is that we didn’t take a Stonehenge tour on our way from London to the port at Southampton when we took a British Isles cruise a few years ago. (Sadly there’s only so much money to go around when you travel. Time too. That’s why my husband made me choose between an excursion in search of the Loch Ness Monster or Stonehenge. I opted for Nessie. Hopefully one day I’ll get to go back and see Stonehenge.)

2. Southampton Shore Excursion: Post-Cruise Tour to London via Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor

When your cruise ship docks at the Port of Southampton, make the most of the journey to London with this coach transfer that visits three of England’s must-see destinations – Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor. In the beautiful city of Salisbury, you’ll see the medieval Salisbury Cathedral. Then enjoy the drive to Stonehenge, where you can contemplate the various theories about this prehistoric monument, and visit the town of Windsor, home to Windsor Castle. The coach will then take you to your London hotel.

3. Stonehenge and Avebury Day Tour from London

Visits the historic Stonehenge, which is a “must see” for anyone visiting the UK, as well as Avebury, which is ringed by the largest stone circle in the world and West Kennet Long Barrow in Wiltshire. This tour includes a walking tour of Avebury, entrance to Stonehenge, luxury return coach travel and the services of a tour manager.

4. Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds Day Trip from London

Fall in love with the beautiful English countryside on this day trip from London, led by an expert guide. Spend the morning in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed city of Bath. See top sights including the Royal Crescent, and enjoy free time to perhaps explore the Roman Baths or the Jane Austen Visitor Centre. Then travel through the beautiful Cotswolds and visit the sleepy village of Lacock, where you’ll break for lunch. Discover the mystery behind the UNESCO-listed Stonehenge.

5. Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London with Optional Roman Baths Visit

Spend a morning at Stonehenge followed by an afternoon in Bath on this must-do day trip from London. After exploring the megalithic stone circle and its contemporary visitor center independently, travel to the nearby city of Bath to learn about its spa heritage. Admire sights such as Pulteney Bridge and the Royal Crescent on a walking tour, and upgrade your ticket to include a visit to the city’s Roman Baths.

6. Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London

Sit back and relax as you travel by luxury air-conditioned coach from London to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city of Bath. On your way, discover the iconic prehistoric stone formation of Stonehenge. Spend a full afternoon exploring Bath, and take advantage of the opportunity to see the ancient Roman Baths or the Jane Austen Visitor Centre.

7. Tandem Skydive near Stonehenge from Salisbury

To get the rush you’ve never had… do something you’ve never done! If you’ve never skydived before – you’ve come to the right place. Your team of professional skydive instructors and support staff are specially trained to work with first-time tandem skydivers. So what’s tandem skydiving like? Imagine an experience that puts your senses into overdrive; it’s the ultimate adrenaline rush. When you jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet (3048-4572 meters), you’re putting your trust in a total stranger. Literally throwing yourself into the unknown and free falling at 120mph is an experience like nothing on earth. Marvel at the sights of major prehistoric significance, including the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum, once the home of William the Conqueror and depending on wind direction the world heritage site of Stonehenge. The only way to understand it is to do it.

(Had to include this one, because when I read it all I could picture was someone slamming into Stonehenge and toppling it like in some sort of cartoon.)

8. Stonehenge Special Access Evening Tour from London

Visit one of the country’s most famous World Heritage sites with Stonehenge Special Access evening tour and get up close and personal with the stones. Visitors on this tour will be allowed direct access to the stones after the site shuts to the general public! This tour includes a guided tour of Avebury, a visit to West Kennet Long Barrow, entrance to the Stone circle for our group only and a fantastic tour guide!

9. Inner Circle Access of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock Day Tour from London

Take an early or late-access tour of Stonehenge, and walk inside the UNESCO-listed stone circle without any of its daytime crowds. Choose from a morning or evening tour and explore the inner circle of stones — an experience only available to your group. Depending on the time of year, you might even catch the sunset or sunrise, too. This exclusive once-in-a-lifetime experience, which additionally includes tours of Lacock and Bath, sells out quick as tickets are limited; book now for an excursion you won’t forget!

10. Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tour from London: Sunset or Sunrise Viewing

Experience the summer solstice at Stonehenge on a sunset or sunrise excursion from London! The astrological celebration at the ancient site has become an annual pilgrimage for druids, sun worshipers and revelers who flock there to welcome the summer. Embrace the festival atmosphere during a sunset viewing on June 20 or a sunrise viewing on June 21, and walk right inside the stone circle itself. Sunset viewings include a trip to the nearby stone circle at Avebury and a light supper in the village of Lacock.

Check-In

Have you ever been to Stonehenge? If so, did you go independently or with a tour?

If you’ve never been, would you navigate your way there by yourself, or take a tour like one of the above?