Stonehenge UK

 

Stonehenge is one of the world's most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments, located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. Built in several stages between 3000 and 1520 BCE, it consists of a circular arrangement of massive standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons. The monument is believed to have served ceremonial, religious, and astronomical purposes, though its exact function remains a subject of debate.

On arrival, there are lines for those with tickets and those needing to purchase one.

The earliest phase of Stonehenge included a circular ditch and bank, marking the site as a significant gathering place. Later, the sarsen stones—a type of silicified sandstone—were transported from nearby Marlborough Downs, while the bluestones originated from western Wales, over 150 miles away. The engineering required to move and position these stones demonstrates the advanced skills of the builders.

An example of a large stone on a sledge is at the visitor’s centre.

Nearby are a few small dwellings possibly like those inhabited by the builders.

After leaving the centre, visitors can take a bus or walk. A staff member suggested I walk across the field to the left and enter through the trees, which I did. It’s an impressive view.

The pathway to view the stones makes a large circle with story boards noting some differences or historical information.

 

Stonehenge is aligned with the solstices, suggesting a connection to seasonal cycles and celestial events. Theories about its purpose range from a burial site to a place of healing, or even an ancient observatory.

This large stone appears to line up with the solstices.

Some notes:

The visitor’s centre includes a small museum, shop, cafe, toilets, and the outdoor exhibit I mentioned.

There is a car park near the centre.

I arrived by bus from Salisbury which also stops at Old Sarum. When I went in 2025, a package that included bus fare and admission was included.

SALISBURY LINK

As a member of the National Trust, I did not pay an entrance fee.

Images

Readers are free to use my pictures provided you reference this blog post.

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Geoffrey W. Sutton has a PhD in psychology and writes about psychology and culture.

Website: https://www.suttong.com/

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ResearchGate page: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Geoffrey-Sutton-2

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The Short List of Facts About Stonehenge 

- Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England.

- The monument was constructed in multiple phases over several centuries, beginning around 3000 BC.

- The stones used in Stonehenge include large sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, which were transported from Wales.

- The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, but theories suggest it may have been used for astronomical observations, religious ceremonies, or as a burial site.

- The structure includes an outer circle of standing stones, an inner horseshoe arrangement, and additional smaller stones positioned around the site.

- Some of the stones are buried deep underground, with one standing stone measuring 8.71 meters in total height.

- The Heel Stone, one of the largest stones, weighs approximately 30 tons.

- The site is aligned with the movements of the sun, particularly during the summer and winter solstices.

- Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived near Stonehenge long before its construction.

- The monument is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 2,600 hectares of land.

 [A](https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/30-things-you-might-not-know-about-stonehenge/?

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