Arguably one of Britain’s most iconic monuments, and a consistent UK top 10 tourist attraction, come and walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge. Shrouded in mystery, the stone shrine is an enigma that has fascinated generations of visitors from far and wide. Experience the mystery…
An astronomical observatory, a site for sacred rituals linked to the sun, successful harvests and the dead, the significance of Stonehenge has been debated for generations. The legend of Stonehenge stretches across Europe and it’s considered one of the wonders of the world, which is what makes the site a must-visit destination during your camping trip.
Dating back more than 5,000 years, Stonehenge is a highly sophisticated stone circle erected on the axis of the midsummer sunrise. The world-famous bluestones travelled 240 miles from the Presli Mountains in Wales to form the centrepiece of the site. An engineering masterpiece, the stone circle is a spiritual place and a source of inspiration to many.
The stones are only part of the story, with the shrine forming part of an astounding ancient landscape that contains more than 350 burial mounds, and is home to the Stonehenge Avenue, the Cursus, Woodhenge and Durrington Walls.
These iconic monuments offer a fascinating insight into the ceremonial and burial practices of Neolithic and Bronze Age civilizations.
The Stonehenge shuttle bus is the best way to discover the ancient stone circle and surrounding landscape. Departing from the visitor centre, the free shuttle bus stops at key locations along the route. You can choose to get off halfway and walk part of the route or head straight to Stonehenge, watching as it slowly emerges on the horizon.
A world-class facility, the Visitor Centre is the starting point of your Stonehenge tour. Home to a number of temporary and permanent exhibitions, including more than 300 archaeological artefacts found buried at the site – from jewellery to human remains – it’s a great place to explore more of Stonehenge’s mysterious history.
Don’t miss the ‘Standing in the Stones’ audio-visual, 360 degree view inside the ancient stone circle. Gaze in awe as the seasons change before your eyes and experience what it would be like to stand among the stones in winter or during the summer solstice.
Discover the Stonehenge exhibition where you can stare into the face of a man from 5,500 years ago, reconstructed from his ancient bones found near the historic stone circle. It’s eerie and captivating all at once.
Step outside the Visitor Centre into a village of Neolithic houses and get a taste of community life dating back 4,500 years. Talk to Visitor Centre volunteers who will tell you how the houses were built and watch as they demonstrate ancient domestic skills, including flint knapping, making rope out of rushes, and grinding grain with a quern and a rider.
When camping in the forest nearby, you will find yourself drawn to Stonehenge. The ancient site has an aura like no other. Experience the atmosphere and mystery of this iconic monument first-hand. It’s a place you must visit at least once in your life, why not during your Savernake Forest camping adventure?
Visitor information:
Opening times: 9.30am – 7pm (last admission - 2 hours before closing time).
Parking: Available on site.
Access: Wheelchair access is available to the monument via tarmac paths. The shuttle bus and visitor centre are also wheelchair accessible.
Families: Baby changing facilities, bottle and food warming services and high chairs are available at the Visitor Centre. Pushchair access is available across the site.
Toilets: Only available at the Visitor Centre.
Dogs: Assistance dogs are allowed across all areas of the site. Dogs on leads are allowed outside the Visitor Centre, but are not permitted on the shuttle bus or at the Stonehenge monument.
Refreshments: There is a 110-seater counter service café at the Visitor Centre, serving hot and cold food and drink.
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