Stonehenge: Unraveling Its Mysteries, History & Legends

Stonehenge, England.
Stonehenge

Arguably one of the world's most recognizable and intriguing landmarks, Stonehenge is set in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, England. This historical site is a bucket list destination for families, historians, and travelers of all stripes. 

Whether you plan to visit England or just love ancient mystery, Stonehenge deserves a spot on your travel itinerary. Let’s uncover some of its rich history, what you can do there, and some important tips to make your visit memorable.

Stonehenge: The History of England’s Ancient Treasure

Stonehenge is one of the oldest man-made structures in the world, built in 3100 BC during the Neolithic Period, over 4,000 years ago. Historians generally think it was built over several generations, starting some 5,000 years ago, circa 3100 B.C.E. 

The stone circle is shrouded in mystery and surrounded by a ring of earthworks. Why was it built? 

Some researchers see it as a site for religious rituals, others believe it served as a celestial observatory, and others yet think it was an elite burial ground.

The stones themselves are awesome. The larger sarsens weigh as much as 25 tons, and the smaller bluestones were brought in from Wales, more than 150 miles away.

How did ancient peoples transport these enormous stones without modern technology? That’s one of many mysteries surrounding Stonehenge.

Best Places to See Near Stonehenge

Stonehenge Visitor Centre — A few miles from the stones themselves, a modern facility with spectacular exhibits and artifacts, as well as a virtual reality experience providing in-depth information about this ancient site.

Amesbury: Nearby, Amesbury, the oldest continuing settlement in England, has some delightful local attractions.

Salisbury Cathedral: Besides having the tallest spire in England, Salisbury Cathedral boasts another of the four original copies of the Magna Carta.

Woodhenge: Close to Stonehenge is another prehistoric site called Woodhenge, which consists of circular patterns of wooden posts that are believed to have been used in ancient rituals.

Celebrities Associated with Stonehenge

Author Bill Bryson wrote about Stonehenge in his book Notes from a Small Island as an enchanting and otherworldly place.

Stonehenge has appeared in a number of movies, from Stonehenge Apocalypse to many documentaries examining its mysteries.


Stonehenge, England.

15 interesting facts about Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

The stones are aligned with the sunrise on the summer solstice.

The stones can weigh as much as four elephants!

The bluestones were transported more than 150 miles from Wales.
Stonehenge dates back more than 4,500 years.

It’s one of many megalithic stone circles in the UK but is the most famous.

The stone holes were drilled using deer antlers as tools.

Finds at the site included Roman coins, a sign of its historical significance.

It is encircled by more than 350 burial mounds.

What Stonehenge was really built for will never be known.

Some stones are carved with axes and daggers.

Until 1918, Stonehenge was privately owned.

More than 1.3 million tourists come each year.

And some legends associate it with King Arthur.

Today archaeologists are still finding secrets around Stonehenge.

For More About Stonehenge: Unique Experiences at Stonehenge

Experience the Solstice: The summer and winter solstices are especially magical times to visit as the stones align perfectly with the sun.

Audio Tours: Make your visit even more special with an audio guide that details the history and secrets of Stonehenge.

Stone Circle Access: Purchase a special tour to go inside the stone circle for a close-up experience — truly a rare treat.

Travel Guide — What You Need to Know to Visit Stonehenge

Weather: Weather can be unpredictable in England. Potential Uses: Hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, hunt, attend events, bird watch, backpack Potential Options: Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The ground around Stonehenge is grassy and bumpy. Wear durable, sensible shoes.

Respect the Site: Don’t climb on or touch the stones; it’s vital to preserve this ancient wonder.

Buy Tickets in Advance: Buying tickets online in advance can save you from long queues.

Crowd Control: If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

By Car: There is a separate car park next to the Visitor Centre, and is easily accessible by road.

By Train: The nearest station is Salisbury. From there you can get a bus or taxi to Stonehenge.

By Bus: Numerous tour companies run day trips from London and other major cities.

Stonehenge is more than just a horde of rocks — it’s a portal to the past and a site that incites wonder and curiosity. From ancient times to the present day, this ancient site is a site to see for anyone visiting England. 

So pack your bags, book your tickets and prepare to check one of the world’s greatest landmarks off your list. Make sure to bring your camera and your sense of adventure!

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