Stonehenge is an iconic and mystical monument located a few hours outside of London. It has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries, and visiting this ancient site is a top thing to do for any traveller. If you’re planning a trip to London and want to make a day trip to Stonehenge, you’re in luck. In this guide, we’ll explore how far it is from London, how to get there, tour options, what to expect when visiting, and much more. Keep reading to learn how to visit Stonehenge from London.
About Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument that dates back thousands of years. It is composed of a ring of standing stones, each weighing several tons. The purpose of Stonehenge is still unknown, but it is believed to have been used for religious, ceremonial or healing purposes. The site is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, which only adds to its allure. Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors each year. You can read facts about Stonehenge here.
How far is Stonehenge from London?
Stonehenge is located approximately 90 miles (145 kilometres) southwest of London. The journey from London to Stonehenge takes around 2 to 3 hours by car or coach, depending on traffic conditions. If you prefer public transportation, there are several options available, including trains and buses. The distance may seem far, but the journey is well worth it for the chance to see one of the world’s most famous and historic landmarks.
How to get to Stonehenge from London (options for getting there)
There are several ways to get to Stonehenge from London.
Guided tours are a popular choice for many visitors, as they provide a convenient and informative way to experience Stonehenge. These tours typically include transportation from London to Stonehenge, a guide, and sometimes additional stops at nearby places. As you travel the guide will provide information as you travel to the monument and also on surrounding places that you’ll pass on the way. When travelling on a tour you will have a bit less flexibility and will be bound by the times scheduled into the tour.
Self-guided tours give you the freedom to explore Stonehenge at your own pace. You can drive yourself or take public transportation to the site and purchase tickets on-site (or book them online in advance). Lastly, if you prefer to arrange your own transportation, you can rent a car or take a taxi. You can read more about getting to Stonehenge via public transportation here.
Stonehenge tour options from London
There are numerous tour options available for visiting Stonehenge from London. These tours cater to different interests, budgets, and time constraints.
One popular option is the full-day Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor Castle tour, which allows you to visit three iconic places in one day. There are also options that include just Stonehenge and Bath (I did this one), or include Oxford instead of Bath.
Another option is the Stonehenge and Salisbury tour, which also includes the nearby city of Salisbury.
If you’re short on time, you can also choose an express Stonehenge tour, which offers a quick visit to Stonehenge without any additional stops.
These are just a few examples of the many tour options available, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. You can find more via the links below:
Choosing the best Stonehenge tour from London
With so many tour options available, choosing the best Stonehenge tour from London can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your choices, consider the following factors: duration, additional stops, transportation, and price. If you have a full day to spare and want to see more than just Stonehenge, a tour that includes multiple attractions may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re short on time or only interested in Stonehenge, a shorter tour may be more suitable.
It’s also worth noting that the day trips that visit multiple places can be long at around ten to twelve hours. This means it’s quite a long day and if you’re travelling with young children a long trip like this might not be ideal.
Finally, compare prices and read reviews to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. You could also work out roughly how much it would cost if you booked everything separately including transport and entry. During my visit the tour was £115 and I went to Stonehenge and Bath including entry to the Roman Baths. There’s more on whether this is good value in the next section.
You can use the tool below to check the availability for the tour I went on.
Are day tours from London to Stonehenge good value?
Guided tours to visit Stonehenge from London can offer great value and will likely be a lot more convenient vs booking everything separately.
For the tour that I went on which included Stonehenge and also the Roman Baths, I paid £115. At the time of writing the Stonehenge entry price was £26.30 for an adult and the Roman Baths entry price was £28 depending on the day, so that makes the transportation, guide and the general booking cost of the tour at around £61. Transport in England isn’t cheap so you’d be looking at a similar amount or much more if you booked independently (depending on train times and if you get advance tickets or not). You would also have several changes just to get to Stonehenge so overall the convenience alone and what you will probably save on transport costs makes a guided tour worth it. There is also the option of using the coach service National Express to get to Salisbury and this could be a cheaper option (again if you book tickets in advance).
If you are travelling around southwest England though and you are spending some time in nearby places, such as Dorset, Devon or Cornwall then booking everything separately might be a better option for you.
Planning your visit
Before heading on your trip to Stonehenge from London, it’s important to plan ahead. Start by deciding on the date and duration of your visit. Check the opening hours and take into account any special events or closures. Hopefully, the opening hours shouldn’t be a big deal as the company you book through should know all this and not allow bookings if there are any issues.
Next, determine how you will get to Stonehenge. If you’re taking a guided tour, make a reservation in advance. You can do this through companies such as GetYourGuide, Viator, Civitatis or Headout.
If you’re going on a self-guided tour, research transportation options and purchase tickets if necessary. Consider the weather and dress appropriately, as Stonehenge is an outdoor site. Lastly, don’t forget to bring your camera, as you’ll want to capture photos of this historic site!
What to expect when visiting Stonehenge
Visiting Stonehenge is a unique experience that will leave you impressed. When you arrive at the site, you’ll be greeted by the impressive stone circle and the vast Salisbury Plain.
The visitor centre provides information about the history and significance of Stonehenge, as well as various exhibits and a gift shop.
You’ll arrive at the visitor centre and this is where the coach and car park is. From there, you can take a shuttle bus to the Stonehenge monument itself. You can also walk but it takes around 20-30 minutes.
You can choose to listen to a free audio tour from the English Heritage. This requires you to download the app. The audio tour is in several languages and enjoyable to listen to and learn about the landmark.
Note that you cannot walk up to the stones but must stay on the designated path. As you explore the site take a moment to soak in the atmosphere and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. There are also several benches nearby where you can sit down and relax to do this.
Accommodation options near Stonehenge
If you’re planning to spend more than a day at Stonehenge or places nearby, then there are several accommodation options available. The closest town is Salisbury, which offers a range of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guesthouses.
Salisbury is a charming city with its own set of attractions, including the stunning Salisbury Cathedral. If you prefer a more rural setting, there are also countryside hotels, cottages and campsites in the surrounding area. Staying overnight near Stonehenge allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the site and explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure.
There is also Bath which is a nice city to combine with your visit and you’ll find plenty of accommodation options there.
Tips for a successful trip
To make the most of your trip to Stonehenge from London, here are some helpful tips:
- Book your tour or transportation in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly as Stonehenge is an outdoor site. I’d also recommend that you bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket. During my visit the weather was supposed to be nice but there were still showers.
- If travelling independently then arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and have more time to explore.
- Bring a water bottle and snacks as the travel time is long and you may not have heaps of time to spend queueing up at the cafe (if on a tour).
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there is some walking involved.
- Respect the site and follow the rules, including staying on the designated paths and not touching the stones.
- Take your time and soak in the atmosphere. Stonehenge is a place of wonder and mystery, so allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I walk up to the stones?
A: No, visitors are not allowed to walk up to the stones but must stay on the designated path.
Q: Can I take pictures at Stonehenge?
A: Yes, photography is allowed. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Drones are not permitted though.
Q: Is there a gift shop?
A: Yes, there is a gift shop at the visitor centre where you can purchase souvenirs.
Q: Are there food options at Stonehenge?
A: There is a café at the visitor centre where you can grab a bite to eat. However, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks as the queues can be long.
You’ll find more helpful FAQs on the English Heritage website.
Other attractions nearby
While Stonehenge is undoubtedly the main attraction in the area, there are several other places worth exploring. One such attraction is Salisbury Cathedral, located in the nearby city of Salisbury. The cathedral is known for its stunning architecture and houses the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta. Another nearby site is Old Sarum, an Iron Age hillfort that offers panoramic views of the countryside.
If you’re interested in history, a visit to the nearby city of Bath is highly recommended. This city is known for its Roman baths and beautiful Georgian architecture, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Summary
Visiting Stonehenge from London is a journey through time and a chance to witness one of the world’s greatest mysteries. Whether you choose a guided tour or a self-guided adventure, the trip from London to Stonehenge is well worth the effort. With its ancient stones and captivating history, Stonehenge is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Image credits
Photographs by TAD team, author, via photo agencies, or other providers. Read more about where we source images.
