What it’s like to see the Solstice at Stonehenge
Stones, sunrise, drums … and traffic jams
The most famous stone circle in the world - ordinarily, you can’t get up close to the stones at Stonehenge, rather you have to walk around them from a short distance away. But there are times when you can touch the magical, mystical stones in Wiltshire. One is if you book a special Stone Circle Experience through English Heritage, in the mornings or evenings. The other, is to attend the Solstice and Equinox and witness the sun shining through the sarsen stones, in the centre of the ancient site. You can read more history here.
To mark these special days, English Heritage removes restrictions. Not only is entry free, but you can get right up to them, along with thousands of other revellers. So, what is it like? The British Travel List had several correspondents on the ground this year, as members of my family went to experience the event, including my talented writer sister, Frances Rivetti. Read more of her work, here.
Frances said it was absolutely magical, full of people of all ages and backgrounds – tourists and locals, as well as druids and friendly police marshalling the crowds. There was drumming and dancing and some of the party stayed all night to witness the sunrise, while the older ones went back to the hotel for a few hours’ sleep. You can sleep on-site, but only in sleeping bags or blankets, no tents are allowed. Some people brought camper vans to the carpark, but must have queued strategically because there’s no entry before 7pm. There were around 15,000 people there and according to Frances, it was, “a privilege to find ourselves in this ancient spot during a Solstice. A timeless experience we will never forget.”
So, for anyone considering going to the Solstice at Stonehenge, here are her tips:
Join the line early: “We had to queue in traffic for two hours,” says Frances, so for anyone planning on doing it, get there as early as you can to join the line at opening time, of 7pm.
Hire a camper van: If you want to see the sunrise, but can’t stay up all night, then if you take a camper van, you can see sunset, nip back for a sleep and be out for sunrise.
Bring blankets: Be prepared with plenty of layers, blankets and sleeping bags. Tents are not allowed.
And food: Pack a picnic, although there are food trucks on-site. “We ate in Salisbury first,” says Frances and once through security, “there were several food trucks and good pizzas, but expensive.”
But not booze: No alcohol is allowed. “People were having beers by their cars or camper vans in the carpark, before going through security,” she says. “Mostly people were relatively sober.” There was also only acoustic music, so don’t be expecting a wild festival-scene.
The Travel List
Where is it: Stonehenge is near Salisbury, Wiltshire
What is it: A prehistoric stone circle, which was begun 5000 years ago. Managed by English Heritage, tickets to Stonehenge and its visitor centre are from £28 per adult and £16.50 per child. On the Solstice and Equinox, it’s free – but check entry conditions online beforehand.
For more information: Visit English-heritage.org.uk
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