Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments.
It was built in several stages: the first monument was constructed around 5,000 years ago, with the unique stone circle erected later in about 2500 BCE and many burial mounds added nearby in the early Bronze Age.
Today, in conjunction with Avebury, Stonehenge forms part of a world-class heritage site that draws visitors from around the world.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Michael Godek. Image Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK
What is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in the UK, and is regarded as a British historical icon. It is owned by the Crown, managed by English Heritage, and has been a legally protected monument since 1882.
Archaeologists believe Stonehenge was constructed in a number of different phases from around 3100 BCE to 1600 BCE and could have been a burial ground from its earliest beginnings.
Consisting of an ring of vertical standing stones each reaching around 13 feet high, this jaw-dropping monument will bowl you over by its size and scope.
The entire ruins are aligned towards the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Beachmite Photography. Image Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK
Is Stonehenge a wonder of the world?
Stonehenge is one of the best-known ancient wonders of the world. The 5,000-year-old henge became a World Heritage Site in 1986.
Although there are a number of theories behind its creation, no one knows for certain why our ancestors went to such great lengths to build this extraordinary monument.
We do know that the stones that form the inner ring have come from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, 150 miles away, but we are largely clueless as to how ancient Britons overcame such engineering hurdles to construct the henge.
It would have taken an almighty effort to realize, with the stones inspiring numerous legends and folklore over the centuries as people have tried to understand the origins and function behind it.
Stonehenge has been variously described as the work of giants, gods, wizards and—scarily—even the devil himself.
Stonehenge summer solstice sunrises and winter solstice sunsets
Since the monument was built to align with the sun on the solstices, the summer solstice sees the sun rise behind Stonehenge’s Heel Stone in the north-east part of the horizon with its first rays trickling into the heart of the monument.
On the winter solstice, which the stones silently have marked for thousands of years, the sun sets to the south-west of the stone circle.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the UK and the longest night, while the summer solstice signifies the longest day and shortest night.
People flock to Stonehenge on these days to help mark the changing of the seasons, but in truth the monument is popular all-year round.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Tim Robberts. Image Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK
Where is Stonehenge located?
Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, two miles west of the town of Amesbury.
The nearest big cities in the surrounding areas are Swindon to the north, Reading to the northeast, Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth to the south, and Bristol and Bath to the northwest.
You can reach the Visitor Center by taxi or bus (operated by The Stonehenge Tour) from the nearby town of Salisbury, which takes around 33 minutes.
How far is Stonehenge from London?
While you could drive to Stonehenge from London, once you factor in stops for toilet breaks and refreshments you might find it makes more sense to take the train.
There is a direct train from London Waterloo that will take you all the way to Salisbury in as little as 1 hour and 22 minutes.
You’ll pass Woking, Basingstoke and Andover on your way out of London, taking in gorgeous views through the countryside of Surrey and Hampshire.
When you get to Salisbury you just need to change at the railway station and catch the bus up to Stonehenge, which adds roughly another half an hour to your journey.
Image Credit: Getty Images, agfit. Image Location: Salisbury train station, Wiltshire, UK
Heart of England
Whether you're visiting for the solstice or just on a quick day trip from London, download the Trainline app today to compare ticket prices, book your e-tickets in US dollars, and get live train-time updates. Also, if you're looking for more things to do and see to the west of London, check out our guide to the Cotswolds, one of England's most picturesque regions.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Nukorn Plainpan. Image Location: Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK