How to Plan the Perfect Stonehenge Day Trip from London
The proximity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge, makes it a perfect day trip from London.
History
Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.
A World Heritage Site since 1986, it was one of the very first sites in the UK to be recognized by UNESCO.
The megalithic structure is made up of an outer ring of massive sarsen standing stones standing upright, with horizontal lintel stones connecting them on top.
Inside this ring, there’s a smaller circle of bluestones, along with freestanding trilithons – huge doorway-like stone structures.
One of the most incredible things about this monument is the sheer size and weight of the stones.
The outer sarsens stand about 13 feet (4 meters) tall, 7 feet (2.1 meters) wide, and weigh around 25 tons each.
Even more astonishing, the bluestones were transported from the Preseli Hills in southwest Wales, over 150 miles (250 km) away.
Considering both the size of these stones and the limited tools available at the time, this prehistoric stone circle is nothing short of extraordinary.
No one knows for sure why Stonehenge was built, but its design suggests it was an ancient temple aligned with the sun.
On the longest day of the year (summer solstice), the sun rises directly over the Heel Stone.
On the shortest day (winter solstice), it sets over the same stone.
This incredible alignment draws many visitors to Stonehenge each year to witness the event.
Whatever the purpose for building Stonehenge was this is a fascinating visit and a must-see at least once in a lifetime.
The best thing about Stonehenge is how close and easily accessible it is from London, making it an ideal day trip.
Getting to Stonehenge
Tours
The most popular way to visit Stonehenge is on a day tour from London, which gives you plenty of options.
Most tours include additional stops in the morning or afternoon.
You can choose a large tour company with a big bus and lower prices, or opt for a smaller operator with fewer people, which I find more enjoyable.
Well-known providers like Viator and Get Your Guide offer multiple tours that include Stonehenge.
On my visit, I went with a small local company called The English Bus.
I selected their tour covering Stonehenge, Bath, and a “Secret Place.”
They use 16- to 20-seat mini-vans, which I prefer for a more intimate experience.
Our guide, Andy, was a local who shared great stories and made the day so much fun.
Drive
If you’d rather be the owner of your time you can drive from the city to Stonehenge.
It will take about an hour and a half, depending on traffic, via M3 and A303.
Arriving independently gives you time to take a guided tour of Stonehenge, see the museum, and have a snack at the cafe in the Visitors Center.
If you visit independently we recommend buying tickets in advance through the English Heritage website where you can find visit options and prices.
Train
If you don’t drive and don’t want to take an organized tour you can still visit Stonehenge.
You can take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury then take a taxi to Stonehenge or take the Stonehenge Tour Bus which departs hourly from the railway station.
The train ride from London is an hour and thirty minutes with an additional 15 minutes from the station to Stonehenge.
For this option, we also recommend you purchase your entrance tickets through the website.
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Things To Do in Stonehenge
See the stones
The main highlight of a visit to Stonehenge is seeing the megalithic stone circle up close.
With your ticket, you can take a shuttle bus that drops you off near the monument.
However, you won’t be able to walk among the stones or touch them.
Instead, you can walk along a designated path that circles the monument, giving you a great view of these massive stones and just how impressive the whole structure really is.
The sight of this monument, combined with the thought of the limited tools available at the time, is truly astounding.
Something that surprised me during my visit was how close the A303 highway runs to the monument.
I was also amazed to learn that many of the rolling hills surrounding Stonehenge are actually tumuli—ancient burial mounds.
The shuttle bus from the Visitors Center to the stone circle operates frequently throughout the day, schedules depend on the season.
The ride takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Alternatively, there is a well-marked walking route through the landscape, which takes about 25 to 40 minutes, depending on your pace.
Neolithic Village & Museum
Back at the visitor center, don’t miss a walk through the Neolithic village, a reconstructed settlement based on archaeological discoveries from the area.
I’ve visited Stonehenge twice, and on my second trip, I had more time to explore the museum.
With exhibits explaining the different theories behind Stonehenge and showcasing artifacts unearthed from nearby digs, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history and ancient civilizations.
Visitors Center
Both modern and rustic the Visitor Center houses a museum, a shop, a cafe, bathrooms, and a ticket desk.
Shop
A great place to find a souvenir from your visit.
You can find clothing, books, and gifts many of which are made in the UK exclusively for Stonehenge.
Cafeteria
A great place to find a snack, tea, or lunch.
It has plenty of space to eat inside for cold or rainy days.
You can easily eat outside on sunny or warm days.
Accessibility
The visitor facilities at Stonehenge are designed to be as accessible as possible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the site.
There are accommodations for people with limited mobility, hearing impairments, and visual impairments, among others.
Stonehenge is a very inclusive destination. For full details on accessibility, visit the English Heritage website.
A Must Do One Day visit from London
Visiting Stonehenge was an unforgettable experience, combining history, and incredible feats of engineering.
Its accessibility from London makes it one of the easiest and most exciting day trips you can take.
Whether you’re drawn by its ancient significance, stunning solstice alignments, or simply the chance to see one of the world’s most iconic monuments up close, Stonehenge is well worth the visit.
Start planning your perfect day trip today.
