Everything You Need to Know About Stonehenge Summer Solstice

[Sudarsan Chakraborty]

Every year, people from all over the world visit Stonehenge to mark the summer solstice. Being the longest day of the year, people camp overnight to see the sun rising above these stones. So, will you be visiting the site during this year's summer solstice?

If yes, look for a competent tour company that offers transport services to the event. The English Heritage offers Managed Open Access to Stonehenge visitors during the summer solstice. It also works with different agencies to ensure safety to all participants while protecting Stonehenge and other Monuments surrounding the area.

During the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel stone which acts as the entrance to the stone circle. From here, the sunlight is then channeled directly to the monument's center.

The common belief is that people have been celebrating Stonehenge summer solstice for 5000 years. This attraction site has a lot of significance to the Pagan and Druid community. These communities perform their rituals and celebrations during the summer and winter solstices.

The Stonehenge History

The first structure in this attraction site dates back to 8500 BC. While on your visit, you'll find pits and totem-pole style structure that traces its origin to the Mesolithic period.

But the earliest monument in Stonehenge is estimated to have been built in 3000 BC. But the placing of stones making the center of this monument was done in 2500 BC.

The attraction site is unique as it offers an extraordinary significance to different people. As you will learn, there are different theories on how the structures were built, when and by who.

How to Book Ticket Prices

Stonehenge attracts thousands of visitors during the summer solstice. For this, you'll need to make advance bookings.

The entrance charges range between £15.80 for kids and £17.50 for adults. It is also possible to purchase group and family tickets. Well, the rates may be higher if you buy the tickets on a material day.

The National Trust England and English Heritage members will not pay anything to access the area. Even then, it is advisable that they make online bookings.

The Stonehenge Visitors Centre

The center has different attractions to fascinate visitors. It gives you a 360-degree audio-visual view making you feel like you're at the Stonehenge's center. All this will give you an idea of what solstice feels like at Stonehenge. The center also acts as the home to 5,500-year-old man courtesy of forensic reconstruction.

Further, the center boasts of over three hundred artifacts. All the items you get here will possess an archeological value. What an amazing opportunity to learn about the early man.

Conclusion

Stonehenge offers unending fascination, mystery, and wonder that enchants its visitors.

It is worth noting that the site offers more than a view of the stone circle. It has a high-tech visitor center that offers plenty of information. Plus, there are other archeological sites like The Curcus and hilltop site of Old Sarum which you can visit.