Stonehenge normally receives over one million visitors a year. During peak periods, there are over 10,000 visitors a day, with queues stretching up to 100 meters from the ticket office to the car park.
When you arrive as an independent traveler, the first thing you'll notice is the visitor centre. It was moved away from the monument itself a few years ago, giving a far better experience than previously.
Although it's very tempting to show your ticket confirmation and rush straight to the stones, take the time to go to the visitor centre and exhibition space first. Take in the atmosphere of the World Heritage Site, and allow yourself to step into the landscape of when the Henge was constructed 4,500 years ago.
Half a dozen Neolithic houses have been lovingly recreated just outside the visitor and exhibition centre. They are very closely based on archaeological evidence from 100 plus houses in a huge ceremonial earthworks enclosure discovered in 2006/7 about a mile away at Durrington Walls
Entrance to Stonehenge is now managed through timed tickets, and advance booking is the only way to guarantee entry on the day and time of your choice. By booking in advance you will also benefit from an advanced booking discount read more