Stonehenge: Day Trips and Tours from Southampton

A day trip to Stonehenge from Southampton is one of mystery and wonder. Seeing these famous standing stones is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with ancient tales and legends bringing the site to life.

Enjoy a stroll around the perimeter and come up with your own theories about the purpose of this towering stone circle. Was it a burial site, a meeting place or perhaps the world’s first clock?

Here's all you need to know about Stonehenge, one of the most exciting day trips from Southampton.

How to get to Stonehenge from Southampton?

Stonehenge stands proudly on the Salisbury Plain, just 3 kilometers west of Amesbury in Wiltshire. It makes a great day trip from Southampton, with many tours also stopping in the medieval town of Salisbury along the way.

From Southampton to Stonehenge by car

The journey to Stonehenge from Southampton by road takes around an hour. It’s a scenic cross-country route, and one that’s easy to navigate.

For the most direct route, head north to Salisbury on the A36. From there, take the A360 followed by the A303 to Stonehenge. The site is clearly signposted from the A360. Parking is available, but this is chargeable in peak periods.

Guided tour to Stonehenge from Southampton

If you don’t have your own vehicle or prefer not to drive, then a guided day trip to Stonehenge is your best option. All your transport logistics will be taken care of, and you’ll have a knowledgeable guide to spill the beans on the secrets of the stones.

Most tours last a full day, with overnight options that offer stops at multiple destinations also available. Hotel and cruise terminal pickups are usually provided.

How much does the entrance ticket to Stonehenge cost?

Entry to Stonehenge varies according to visitor age and status. Prices do change throughout the year depending on the season.

Off-peak season tickets

• Adult (18+ years): £20.90
• Child (5 - 17 years): £12.70
• Concession (senior aged 65+ years and student): £18.10
• Child (under 5 years): Free
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £54.50

Standard tickets

• Adult (18+ years): £23.60
• Child (5 - 17 years): £14.50
• Concession (senior aged 65+ years and student): £20.90
• Child (under 5 years): Free
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £61.70

Peak season tickets

• Adult (18+ years): £26.30
• Child (5 - 17 years): £16.30
• Concession (senior aged 65+ years and student): £23.60
• Child (under 5 years): Free
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £68.90

English Heritage and National Trust members get in for free – remember to take your card with you.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your Stonehenge day trip from Southampton begins with a pickup from your hotel, or the dock if you’ve just disembarked from a cruise. After boarding the coach your adventure kicks off with an introduction from your host. There will be guided commentary at key points during the journey.

You’ll head off toward Stonehenge, with some excursions stopping in Salisbury along the way. Enjoy a guided tour of the medieval town before visiting Salisbury Cathedral to see the Magna Carta. Then it’s onward to the stone circle.

At Stonehenge, you will have free time to walk around the site and explore the visitor center. This is a good spot for lunch, which can be enjoyed at the café or outdoor picnic spot. After your visit, you’ll be returned to Southampton or transferred to London depending on your chosen tour.

If you have booked an overnight excursion, you will visit multiple sights over a couple of days. First up are Stonehenge, the historic city of Bath and the Cotswolds. You’ll spend the night in the local area before continuing your adventure in Oxford the next day.

What kind of tours are available to go to Stonehenge?

When it comes to Stonehenge day tours from Southampton, you have a few different options. Consider how long you want to spend out and about, and whether you want to return to Southampton or be dropped off in London.

Guided tours to Stonehenge from Southampton

Many day trips to Stonehenge are enjoyed as part of a transfer between Southampton and London. These excursions are available for travelers disembarking from cruises in Southampton as well as other visitors.

The tours run on a group basis, using luxury coach transfers between the destinations. There are usually up to 50 passengers on each trip. You will have a dedicated guide on board who will provide commentary and answer questions before you explore the attractions at leisure.

Some excursions take in other locations like Salisbury and Windsor as well as Stonehenge for a full day out. On these jaunts, you’ll either be returned to Southampton or taken to London for your onward travel.

Private tour to Stonehenge from Southampton

A private Stonehenge day trip from Southampton gives you flexibility with the itinerary as well as your own exclusive vehicle and driver. This is the ultimate way to travel for those who prefer a bit more independence and want to avoid the crowds.

You will enjoy a private guided tour at each destination – feel free to ask all the questions you like! The night will be spent in a boutique guest house or hotel in the region. These experiences cost more, but you’ll be treated like a VIP throughout.

On private tours, you have the option of returning to Southampton afterward or being dropped off in London.

2-day tour to Stonehenge plus the Cotswolds, Bath and Oxford from Southampton

If you want to pack in as many sights as possible on your tour, overnight excursions are just the thing. These two-day trips from Southampton operate on either a group or a private basis.

Depending on your preference, these trips can focus on just Stonehenge and Bath. Or, if you’re keen to see even more, then Oxford and the Cotswolds can also be added to the itinerary. You will spend the night in a local hotel before heading out again on the second day.

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

A group day trip to Stonehenge from Southampton costs from £170 per passenger. This is for a 9-hour excursion that stops at Salisbury, Stonehenge and Windsor. The price includes one-way transportation, pickups, a guided tour of Salisbury and attraction entries.

Private Stonehenge day tours are £300 for a group of four people. These trips last around 4 hours with pickups and drop-offs in Southampton in an exclusive sedan car. Attraction entrance tickets are not included.

For a private 2-day trip to Stonehenge, Bath, Oxford and the Cotswolds, prices start at £500 per person for a group of two. This covers transport, pickups, a driver/guide, private tours and entrance fees. If you want to include accommodation and breakfast, expect to pay around £750 per person. Meals are extra on all tours.

What will you see and do?

You’ll be whisked back through time during your day tour to Stonehenge from Southampton. This is your chance to see the world’s most iconic stone circle up close. It’s a moving experience and one that has no equal.

The Standing Stones

Stonehenge is thought to date back to Neolithic and Bronze Age times. It’s considered by many to be a spiritual place, and there’s no doubt that the monument is an incredible feat of ancient engineering.

The exact purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, which is part of the appeal. The stones were carefully placed to line up with the movements of the sun, suggesting that spiritualism was at the heart of the construction.

There is a choice of walking trails around the World Heritage Site, with something suitable for most ages and abilities. The Standing Stones are of course the highlight of all Stonehenge excursions, and people come from all over the world to see them.

Visitor Center

The exhibition at the visitor center showcases the history of Stonehenge, using audio-visual displays and archaeological artifacts to tell a compelling story. There are over 250 objects in the gallery, from both Stonehenge and other nearby sites.

You’ll learn about the people and landscapes of the past, as well as all the theories behind the original purpose of these famous stones. Don’t miss seeing the 5,000-year-old man or the jewelry that was discovered buried here in the earth.

What are the opening times?

You can enjoy a jaunt to Stonehenge at any time of year – it’s open every day except on the 25th of December.

Opening times are from 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily. Between June and August, the site stays open until 7 PM. Last admission is 2 hours before the site closes.

When is the best time to visit Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is at its best in summer, when days are long, and the sun is often shining. However, it does get busy during school holidays, so spring and autumn are a good bet if you’re after a quieter experience.

Many people like to visit Stonehenge at the summer solstice when the sunrise aligns with the Heel Stone for a magical and moving experience. This usually occurs in late June. If you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s best to come on a different day.

Are there any tours to Stonehenge from other cities in England?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in England:

• Stonehenge day tours from London
• Stonehenge day trips from Bath
• Stonehenge day tours from Oxford
• Stonehenge day trips from Brighton

Travel tips

• English Heritage and National Trust members receive free Stonehenge entry and parking.
• Book your day trip to Stonehenge from Southampton online so you can compare prices and bag the best deals.
• Audio tours can be downloaded for free on your mobile phone. Note that there aren’t any audio guides to rent at the site itself.