Solving: Facts to Know Before Visiting

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Before you even visit this unique landmark, however, you might have a few questions about Stonehenge that you'd like to be answered. We've taken the liberty of answering some of the most likely questions below.

Where is Stonehenge?

Located in Wiltshire, about 2 miles West of Amesbury, 8 miles North of Salisbury, Stonehenge is roughly 2 hours away from London.

What is so special about Stonehenge?

Stonehenge has been standing now for over 5,000 years, and was built by societies with only slight knowledge of bronze, and no knowledge of iron – this makes the construction of Stonehenge even more impressive. Some of the stones were transported over 240 miles to the site, and some of the larger stones weigh over 40 tonnes. Impressive too is the precision stonework involved in the erection of these structures.

The numbers, however, are not quite as important as the fact that Stonehenge is probably the most important prehistoric monument in the whole of Britain, and is a timeless monument to the people who built it. Because of this, the monument has been designated one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

How long did it take to build Stonehenge?

While some believe that Stonehenge was built in one fell swoop by an advanced civilization, the fact is that Stonehenge was built in several stages spanning almost 1,500 years, and has been rebuilt and remodeled over the centuries.

Who built Stonehenge, and why?

At one point or another, Druids, Greeks, Atlanteans, Phoenicians, Romans, Danes, Saxons, Egyptians, Myceneans, and others have all been given credit for the construction of Stonehenge. However, no specific evidence has been discovered about who built the megalithic monument or why it was built.

One legend suggests that giants had cut the stones from the earth, and that the wizard Merlin had magically transported the enormous stones from Ireland to the Amesbury plains.

Who really built it? We don't know for sure, but the mystery plays a large part in the appeal of Stonehenge.

I want to go. When is the best time to visit Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is most enchanting during the summer and winter solstices, as well the equinoxes of spring and autumn. During these times, the key stones are aligned with major solar and lunar events. In the summer solstice, for example, the sun rises immediately over the summit of the "Hele Stone," in a line with the axis of Stonehenge.

You may, however, visit Stonehenge any time of the year. During your Stonehenge tour, your guide will talk to you through the known history of the site, discoveries about its construction and engineering, and other facts and trivia about Stonehenge.

Book your tour today.