Stonehenge is one of the world’s most prehistoric monuments and one of the greatest mysteries in English history. Built before the Great Pyramids, the ancient rock formation was constructed from 25-ton sarsen stones sourced more than twenty miles away and bluestone sourced all the way from Wales. How the stones got there, before the invention of the wheel, is a source of fierce debate and continues to perplex its thousands of visitors every year.
Stonehenge remains one of the greatest mysteries in English history (Photo: Get Your Guide)
While Stonehenge is located less than two hours from London, in the small town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, it is poorly served by public transport. So, for an easier, more affordable and far more enjoyable trip, it’s worth taking a guided tour from London. There are hundreds of guided tours on offer, ranging from half-day stopovers to multi-destination road trips. Here are three of the best, based on itinerary, quality of experience and affordability.
1. London: Stonehenge Half-Day Tour
The large circle of the Wiltshire megalith is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Photo: Get Your Guide)
From: £55/ per person
If getting to Stonehenge is your main priority, this six-hour tour from London is the best value for money. Visitors can choose from a morning or afternoon tour, and both set off – conveniently – from Victoria Station. Affordably priced, the tour includes transport from London by air-conditioned vehicle, as well as the entrance fee for Stonehenge. While the tour is unescorted, visitors receive an audio-guide which tells the fascinating story of this ancient feat of engineering.
2. London Open-Top Bus Tour and Stonehenge Visit
London and Stonehenge – get the best of both worlds, atop a vintage double-decker bus (Photo: Get Your Guide)
From: £55/ per person
If you’re already in London, why not combine your trip to Stonehenge with a tour of the capital – and throw in a vintage double-decker bus too. This full-day itinerary takes in all of the best sights the ‘Big Smoke’ has to offer, including Big Ben, the Changing of the Guard, the London Eye and Westminster Abbey. After an exhilarating detour on a boat along the Thames, climb back on board the bus and travel to Stone Henge. The tour sets off 8:15AM and lasts for approximately 10 hours in total.
3. From London: Stonehenge, Bath & Lacock Full-Day Sunrise Tour
Explore the Stonehenge alongside the stylish spa town of Bath (Photo: Get Your Guide)
From £148/ per person
Visit two of Britain’s finest UNESCO World Heritage sites and the delightful rolling scenery between them on this jam-packed day out. It requires an early start, but it means you get to see the sunrise from the inner circle of Stonehenge. After a private viewing of the mysterious monoliths, enjoy a pub breakfast in the National Trust village of Lacock, which was the setting for Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, before admiring the elegant Georgian architecture of Bath.
By Allie d’Almo