Stonehenge: Day Trips and Tours from London

Stonehenge, shrouded in mystery and rich in history, continues to captivate and perplex archaeologists and historians. Its proximity to the British capital makes it an unbeatable choice for a day adventure.

Join a day trip to Stonehenge from London and immerse yourself in the enigma of this national treasure. Marvel at Stonehenge's awe-inspiring structure, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

This prehistoric masterpiece is not just a cultural symbol of the United Kingdom but also one of Europe's most celebrated landmarks, attracting nearly a million visitors annually.

Continue reading to learn more about planning a visit to Stonehenge, one of the most magical destinations for day trips from London.

How to get to Stonehenge from London?

Stonehenge is located 150 kilometers west of London and you can easily travel there by car, bus, or train for a day trip in the English countryside.

From London to Stonehenge by car

The most direct route to Stonehenge from London is via the M3. After passing Basingstoke, make sure to take exit 8 and then follow the signs along the A303. The entire journey each way should take about 2 hours.

From London to Stonehenge by public transport

The nearest train station to Stonehenge is Salisbury, which is about a 1.5-hour ride from London Waterloo. From Salisbury you can either complete the 20-kilometer journey by taxi or with the Stonehenge tour bus.

Alternatively, you can also travel directly to Stonehenge by coach, with many buses departing from London Victoria. Bus journeys take roughly 2 hours to complete each way.

Guided tour to Stonehenge from London

If you would like to avoid the hassle of driving yourself or navigating the public transportation system, consider booking a guided tour to Stonehenge. Aside from taking care of the logistics, these excursions typically include visits to other major attractions along the way. Additionally, you will enjoy the services of an expert guide to add historical context, making for a more comprehensive and memorable experience.

How much do Stonehenge tickets cost?

Stonehenge has three tiers of ticket rates, off-peak, standard and peak, so the cost of general admission tickets varies from day to day. In general, the off-peak rate applies to visits during the week, the standard rate for weekends and the peak rate for very busy days and holidays. Make sure you consult the official calendar to confirm the rate for the day of your visit.

Additionally, there are discounted rates for children (aged 5 to 17) and students and senior visitors (65+). There are also two different family tickets, one for 2 adults and up to 3 children and another for one adult and up to 3 children. Members of the National Trust & English Heritage can access Stonehenge for free. The rates without a donation are as follows:

Off-peak

• Adults: £20.90
• Concessions: £18.10
• Children: £12.70
• Family Ticket I (two adults, three children): £54.50
• Family Ticket II (one adult, three children): £33.60

Standard

• Adults: £23.60
• Concessions: £20.90
• Children: £14.50
• Family Ticket I (two adults, three children): £61.70
• Family Ticket II (one adult, three children): £38.10

Peak

• Adults: £26.30
• Concessions: £23.60
• Children: £16.30
• Family Ticket I (two adults, three children): £68.90
• Family Ticket II (one adult, three children): £42.60

What is the typical itinerary?

All day trips to Stonehenge from London, whether they include visits to other attractions or not, follow a similar itinerary. After meeting your guide and group in London – whether at a central location or at your hotel, in the case of private excursions – you will set off on your journey.

Excursions that focus on Stonehenge will head directly there directly, for a tour of the Stonehenge archeological site, visitor center, exhibitions, and museum. On combination tours, the first stop is typically Windsor Castle, followed by Bath and then Stonehenge. Alternatively, you may skip Bath and head directly to Stonehenge, followed by a city tour of Oxford, before returning to London.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Stonehenge?

You can book day trips focusing entirely on Stonehenge, or a full-day excursions that also includes visit to Windsor Castle, Bath or Oxford.

Guided tours to Stonehenge from London

The easiest way to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge is by joining a guided tour from London. Typically these excursions operate in large groups and include roundtrip transportation from London in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, along with entry tickets to Stonehenge and access to audio guide in multiple languages. Lasting about 6 hours, you can expect spend 2 to 3 hours at Stonehenge, before returning to London.

Day trip to Stonehenge plus Windsor Castle and Bath from London

Spend an entire day exploring three different eras in Britain’s history on a group tour from London! Start your journey through time with a visit to Windsor Castle, the home of British monarchs for the past 900 years.

Continue with a tour of Bath, with its renowned hot springs that attracted people from all corners of the Roman Empire. The final stop of your excursion is at Stonehenge, the mysterious structure that has stood for over 5,000 years.

Day trip to Stonehenge plus Windsor Castle and Oxford from London

Kick off your escape from London with a visit to 900-year-old home of British Kings and Queens, Windsor Castle. Take the opportunity to wander through the ornately decorated halls, featuring works by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt.

Up next, is the UNESCO-listed Stonehenge monument, which continues to amaze and mystify 5,000 years after its iconic stone structures where first erected. Cap off your day with a tour of Oxford, home of one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Private tour to Stonehenge from London

For an even more intimate and personalized experience, consider booking a private tour to Stonehenge. Offering greater flexibility, these excursions allow you to customize the itinerary, so that you can visit other popular destinations, such as Windsor Castle, Bath and Oxford, or go off the beaten path in the Cotswolds.

With an experienced guide by your side to reveal the wonders of the Neolithic structure, you can look forward to a relaxed day in the English countryside with all details taken care of.

How much does a day trip to Stonehenge from London cost?

A half-day excursion to Stonehenge costs just under £70 per person, which includes round-trip transportation from central London and tickets to the monument.

For combined day trips to Stonehenge, plus Windsor Castle and Bath or Oxford, you can expect to pay £80 to £140, depending on the itinerary and other inclusions.

Private tours to Stonehenge are priced per vehicle (typically up to 8 travelers) and prices start at around £700 per group for excursions that only visit Stonehenge. More extensive trips that also include visits to Windsor Castle, Bath or Oxford cost £800 to £1,000 per group.

What will you see and do?

Stonehenge, a renowned Neolithic and Bronze Age monument, captivates visitors globally and is one of the most visited attractions in the UK. Its well-preserved state and the enduring mystery surrounding the erection of its massive stones add to its allure.

After exploring the visitor center and the surrounding area, it's natural to speculate about Stonehenge's purpose. While some experts suggest it was a burial ground, the true intent of Stonehenge remains a topic of speculation, inviting each visitor to form their own theories.

Stonehenge Visitor Center

Situated near the iconic stones, the visitor center is an ideal starting point for your exploration. Here, you'll gain insights into the history of these ancient stones before examining them more closely. Shuttle buses from the visitor center transport visitors to this historical site.

The center also houses a café, gift shop, and restrooms. Its exhibition boasts over 250 ancient artifacts, including items like pottery, jewelry, and tools, some discovered above ground and others unearthed.

Stonehenge

Visiting Stonehenge requires an admission ticket, granting access to view this enigmatic monument. While a barricade keeps visitors at a respectful distance, the view of the stones is still remarkable. As you approach, the awe-inspiring sight of the towering stones against the backdrop of the English countryside is unforgettable. Each stone stands as a testament to the ingenuity and mystery of ancient times.

The site itself is part of a larger complex, featuring nearly 200 related monuments across an expanse of over 2,000 hectares. As you wander around, you'll witness the grandeur of the stones and gain a sense of the scale and significance this UNESCO World Heritage Site has held for thousands of years.

Other exhibits

Beyond the main attraction, Stonehenge includes lesser-known yet significant sites such as Stonehenge Cursus, The Avenue, Winterbourne Stoke Barrows, and King Barrows Ridge. These parts of the heritage site offer unique experiences and are worth exploring.

Chalk grassland

Stonehenge is also notable for being part of one of the world's largest Chalk grassland reversion projects. Located at the edge of Salisbury Plain, the area is characterized by rolling hills and dry river valleys. The picturesque landscape offers walking trails through rich farmland and past grazing animals, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and imagine life in 3,000 BC.

What are the opening times?

Stonehenge is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day. The opening hours change seasonally and are as follows:

• September to May: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
• June to August: 9:30 AM to 7 PM

When is the best time to visit Stonehenge?

The best time to visit Stonehenge is typically in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the softer light and more serene atmosphere. As for the best period, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May) or early autumn (September) months offer a great balance of pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

Summer, especially around the summer solstice, is popular for its cultural significance, but it's also the busiest and most crowded period. Winter, while offering a unique atmosphere, can be quite cold and has shorter visiting hours.

What other day trips can be done to Stonehenge in England?

• Day trips to Stonehenge from Bath
• Day trips to Stonehenge from Oxford
• Day trips to Stonehenge from Southampton
• Day tours to Stonehenge from Salisbury
• Day trips to Stonehenge and Bath from Brighton

Travel tips

• Stonehenge requires timed entry tickets. It's best to book these in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure the best prices and your preferred time slot.
• The British weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers and waterproof clothing, as Stonehenge is an outdoor site with little shelter.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there's a fair amount of walking involved, from the visitor center to the stones.
• There are limited food options at Stonehenge. Consider packing a picnic or eating in Salisbury before or after your visit.