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Stonehenge Guided Tours

• Stonehenge Day Tours from London
• Stonehenge Private Access Tours
• 2024 Private Guided Customised Stonehenge Access Tours

January 30, 2024

WINNER: Best for Guided Private Historical Tours 2024

We’re a very proud bunch – we’re so proud that we have dedicated this whole blog to tell you how award-winningly brilliant we are! All the shiny industry travel awards we have won have been a result of our hard work, dedication and real relationships we’ve built with our customers. We’ve been recognised as “Best Guided Private Historical Tours 2024” what’s not to be proud of! 

T he extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer.  W e  have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service, positive feedback from our customers, innovative   tours and practises, great value and a commitment to promoting excellence.

“I feel very proud and thankful we have won these prestigious travel industry awards. I am proud of my fantastic team. Thanks to all our Stonehenge tour guides, drivers, customer service team and operations centre “ OPERATIONS MANAGER

WINNER: BEST ‘PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS OF STONEHENGE’ 2021/2022/2023 – TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS WINNER: BEST ‘STONEHENGE TOUR SPECIALIST’ 2020/2021/2023 – TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS

WINNER: BEST ‘HISTORICAL TOUR OPERATOR’ 2021/2022/2023 – SOUTH WEST ENGLAND PRESTIGE TRAVEL AWARDS WINNER: BEST ‘CRUISE SHIP TOUR OPERTOR ’2023 – UK NAUTICAL TOURISM AWARDS

Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990

www.StonehengeTours.com

[email protected] Stonehenge Tours on Twitter : http://twitter.com/stonehengetour Stonehenge on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StonehengeTour Stonehenge Tours on Instagram :  http://instagram.com/stonehengetours Stonehenge Tour Videos on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/stonehengetours Stonehenge News Blog:   http://www.StonehengeTrips.com Stonehenge Tour Photos on Flickr:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonehenge-stone-circle/sets

October 11, 2023

Winner: ‘Best Southampton Cruise Ship Tour Company 2023’ – Nautical Tourism Awards

We’re a very proud bunch – we’re so proud that we have dedicated this whole blog to tell you how award-winningly brilliant we are! All the shiny industry travel awards we have won have been a result of our hard work, dedication and real relationships we’ve built with our customers. We’ve been recognised as “Best Southampton Cruise Ship Tour Company 2023” in the ‘Luxury Life Nautical Awards’; what’s not to be proud of! 

The extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer.  W e  have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service, positive feedback from our customers, innovative   tours and practises, great value and a commitment to promoting excellence.

Are you arriving into Southampton via ship? Then making your way directly to London? Why not take a tour transfer and make the most of the historic and beautiful landscape that lies in between?

It is far too easy to storm up the M3 highway, Southampton to London, oblivious to the history that is hurtling past you. Hampshire and Wiltshire play host to some of the country’s richest historical cities, so easily accessible from  Southampton’s beckoning harbour . So instead of rushing past, take a tour transfer – spend a night in Bath, Winchester, or Salisbury – see Stonehenge and its surrounding area, teeming with Neolithic history. Turn a commute into an adventure, a  private transfer tour  experience exhibiting the best of the area which you almost missed! Needless to say we offer the same services from from London to Southampton.

This a small example of the rich history available to you when you disembark in Southampton, other locations include….

• Southampton – Stonehenge – Salisbury – London heathrow Airport Terminals
• Southampton – Lacock Village – Cotswolds – Bath – Central london
• Southampton – Stonehenge – Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) – Southampton / London
• Southampton – Stonehenge – Salisbury Cathedral – Winsdor Castle
• Southampton – Stonehenge Access – Traditional Country Pub Lunch – Southampton/ London

Taking an 8 seater  private tour transfer tour is a magical experience, turning transit into a truly enlightening experience – making the most of southern England’s historical effervescence.

We also offer private day tours from Southampton and Portland Port

WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2021 / 2022 / 2023 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2021 / 202 2

The Stonehenge Tour Experts Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990 www.StonehengeTours.com

September 27, 2023

Stonehenge Private Access Inner Circle Tours. Book this 2024 unique experience now!

Stonehenge is a “must see” for anyone visiting the UK. Our 2024 Stonehenge Private Access tour gives you privileged access to the Stone Circle in the morning or evening. 

Book your 2024 sunset or sunrise tours in advance and s ecure this exclusive experience.

Start or finish your special day with an exclusive trip to Stonehenge with a  private inner circle tour . One of the wonders of the world and steeped in mystery, this ancient temple was built around 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Egypt. It is classed as a  World Heritage Site  and thought to be a place of healing, as well as an astronomical clock and a religious site.

Demand for our  Stonehenge access tours  far exceeds supply. Do not expect to get tickets without booking well in advance. Register your interest with us now and our booking team will send you various options and live availability.

Our customised private Stonehenge tours continue to get 5 STAR reports on Trip Advisor and other quality review sites. Please take the time to view our  customer feedback  throughout our 25 years of trading. Excellence as standard.

2024 Private Group Custom Tours.  Up close and personal We specialise in arranging  customised Stonehenge special access tours  to suit your requirements. Our door to door friendly service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day.  Click here for private tours

To help you get the most from your  Inner Circle experience , your Stonehenge tour guide will accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge.

Our new  Stonehenge Tour portal  offers over 100 exclusive Stonehenge tours

Email  the Stonehenge experts.  A deposit will secure your tour.

View our  Twitter  /  Instagram  and  YouTube channel  for recent Stonehenge inner circle photos and videos. WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2021 / 2022 / 2023 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2021 / 202 2 The Stonehenge Tour Experts Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990

December 19, 2022

Experts claim breakthrough in ancient 4000-Year-Old Stonehenge tool kit puzzle

Archaeologists say a 4,000-year-old tool kit found among the grave of a Bronze Age spiritual leader was used for working with gold.

• A Bronze Age burial site in Wiltshire contained the skeletons of two people
• One was buried with stone and metal artefacts indicating they were a shaman
• Scientists have analysed these and found traces of gold on the surface
• This suggests the shaman was also a skilled goldsmith and metalworker

The stone tool kit was found near Stonehenge more than two centuries ago but its use until now has been unknown.

Archaeologists from the University of Leicester detected traces of gold on their surface, indicating they were once used as hammers or anvils for metalworking. Pictured: Gold traces on stone used for polishing and smoothing

Researchers at the University of Leicester have re-examined grave goods discovered within the burial and found they were gold-working tools.

Lead author Dr Rachel…

View original post 360 more words

October 2, 2022

Stonehenge Special Access Inner Circle Tours 2023. Book this unique experience now!

Start or finish your special day with an exclusive trip to Stonehenge with a  private inner circle tour . One of the wonders of the world and steeped in mystery, this ancient temple was built around 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Egypt. It is classed as a  World Heritage Site  and thought to be a place of healing, as well as an astronomical clock and a religious site.

2023 Private Group Custom Tours.  Up close and personal We specialise in arranging  customised Stonehenge special access tours  to suit your requirements. Our door to door friendly service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day.  Click here for private tours

View our  Twitter  /  Instagram  and  YouTube channel  for recent Stonehenge inner circle photos and videos. WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2021 / 202 2 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2021 / 202 2 The Stonehenge Tour Experts Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990 www.StonehengeTours.com

March 4, 2022

Has the mystery of Stonehenge finally been solved? A new study suggests that Stonehenge once served as a solar calendar.

• Researchers argues that the design of Stonehenge was one big solar calendar 
• The entire site was the physical representation of one month, lasting 30 days
• One theory is Stonehenge served as an ancient calendar, although others exist

Research showed the stones were added about 2500BC and remained in the same formation, indicating they worked as a single unit such as a calendar. Join us on a Stonehenge tour and hear all the latest theories

Professor Timothy Darvill said the Wiltshire stone circle’s layout served as a physical representation of the year.

He said the research indicated “the site was a calendar based on a tropical solar year of 365.25 days”.

Although the origins of the site remain a mystery, in a paper published in the journal Antiquity, Prof Darvill deduced that the stones are displayed to represent a solar year of 365.25 days and were once used to help people keep track of time.

His analysis also includes new finds about the site’s history, along with analysis of other ancient calendar systems.

The prehistorian, who works at Bournemouth University, said that “the clear solstitial alignment of Stonehenge has prompted people to suggest that the site included some kind of calendar since the antiquarian William Stukeley.

“Now, discoveries brought the issue into sharper focus and indicate the site was a calendar based on a tropical solar year of 365.25 days.”

The significance of the layout is highlighted during the Winter and Summer solstices, when the sun is framed by the same stones every time.

The solstitial alignment helps to calibrate the calendar and any errors would be easily detectable as the sun would be in the wrong place during the biannual event.

Professor Darvill said: “The proposed calendar works in a very straightforward way. Each of the 30 stones in the sarsen circle represents a day within a month, itself divided into three weeks each of 10 days.”

The solar calendar was developed in eastern Mediterranean countries after 3000BC and adopted in Egypt as the Civil Calendar around 2700BC. It was widely used around 2600BC, at the start of the Old Kingdom.

This information raises the possibility that the calendar that Stonehenge tracks may be influenced by other cultures.  SOURCE

Relevant   Stonehenge News Links: Stonehenge was a solar calendar, according to research –  BBC Stonehenge may have been a giant calendar and now we know how it works –  New Scientist Stonehenge mystery solved as a solar calendar – with links to ancient Egypt –  Evening Standard Stonehenge mystery unravelled as scientists detail key use ‘Very straightforward’ –  The Express Stonehenge may have served as an ancient solar CALENDAR, helping people track the 365 days of the year, study claims –  Daily Mail Visit Stonehenge with the megalithic experts and hear all the latest theories –  Stonehenge Guided Tours

Please visit our  Stonehenge Tour  website and cross Stonehenge off your  bucket list.

Stonehenge Guided Tours WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2020 / 2021 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2020 / 2021 Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990 www.StonehengeTours.com

February 15, 2022

The World of Stonehenge. A must-see exhibition featuring stunning treasures from the British Neolithic. Visit the exhibition and Stonehenge on the same day.

British museum unveils treasures at centre of new exhibition on neolithic period.

The forthcoming exhibition at the  British Museum  will celebrate the iconic megalithic monument Stonehenge in what the institution promises to be a “landmark show.” It can’t include Stonehenge, of course, but our private guided Stonehenge tours can depart from the museum and take you directly to the monument itself.

The World of Stonehenge  is at the British Museum, London, from 17th February to 17th July 2022 and will surprisingly be the first time ever that the legendary site has served as the subject of a major event at the massive and prestigious museum. In keeping with that momentous occasion, curators putting the exhibition together have reportedly amassed a staggering array of artifacts, including approximately 250 pieces that have been loaned to the event from institutions throughout Europe and the UK.

A key part of the collection, this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age timber structure has been nicknamed the Stonehenge of the Sea after it re-emerged on a Norfolk beach in 1998. It consists of a large upturned tree stump surrounded by 54 wooden posts. The oak posts, some up to 3m tall and form a 6.6m-diameter circle around the upturned oak, creating a giant tree-like spectacle. A narrow entranceway was built aligning to the rising midsummer sun and it is speculated the monument was used for ritual purposes.

The aim is to set the stone monument – built 4,500 years ago, and one of the most recognisable sights in Europe – into the context of an era during which there was huge social and technological change.

This is a fiercely emotional exhibition, full of love for the people of the distant past. It even wants us to learn from them. The early agriculturalists who built the henges were communal, sharing feasts at a camp called  Durrington Walls  near Stonehenge. There are even remains from a party when early farmers and the last hunter-gatherers ate together, the hunters cooking venison they caught, the farmers serving beef from their herd. Many of our guided tours include Durrington Walls and Woodhenge as part of the package.

Visiting Stonehenge once?   Do it with the local experts!!!!! Please visit our Stonehenge Tour website and cross Stonehenge off your bucket list.

January 8, 2022

TEN REASONS TO BOOK A STONEHENGE TOUR DIRECT WITH THE MEGALITHIC EXPERTS

Smartphones have made it easy to book a Stonehenge tour with a quick click using digital tools or an app but there are many reasons to consider booking directly with the actual operator instead. Not only do we offer an incredible pool of advice you can trust, we can also get you the best value tour deals every time.

Booking directly with the tour operator might seem outdated to some but with the pace of life and your busy schedules it is actually a time saving, safe way to book your tours – you just might need a little patience while we go off to find you the best possible Stonehenge tour deal. After all why should you pay more and why we must we absorb a huge commission fee booking via an online automated travel app. Sit back, relax and let us humans do the hard work.

Most importantly, if anything goes wrong, we can step in and offer a solution. If that hasn’t convinced you, here are 10 reasons to book with the Stonehenge Tour Company

AWARD WINNING

We’ve been recognised as “Best Stonehenge Guided Tour Specialists” 2020 / 2021 / 2022 by industry professionals and peers; what’s not to be proud of!  The extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer.  We have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service and a commitment to promoting excellence. Stonehenge Tours, has demonstrated excellence and commitment in this industry, even in the face of uncertainty, its a privilege to be recognised.

WINNER: Best Stonehenge Specialist 2021 – Prestige Travel AwardsWINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour Operator’ 2021 – South West England Travel and Tourism Awards

ESTABLISHED AND RELIABLE

Stonehenge Tours have been operating since 1995.  We are the original and still the best company to offer tours of the Stonehenge Stone Circle. We are based in nearby London and Salisbury conveniently close to the monument, making us ideally situated to assist with tours from far and wide for those who want an authentic Stonehenge experience.  This can range from an individual on a budget tour to a VIP on an exclusive and bespoke customised tour. We have operation centres in London, Bath, Salisbury and Southampton which means we can offer tours and transfers throughout the South-West of England.‍

BOOK YOUR STONEHENGE TOUR DIRECT

We no longer work with travel apps like Viator, TripAdvisor, ToursbyLocals, GetaGuide etc etc etc, as we are confident that close, direct contact with our customers is far more efficient and enables our prices to be more competitive.  It also protects customers from some of the ‘scams’ being offered on sites where operators are not approved, licensed or legal – you have been warned!   We have a customer-based operation which offers a full care package before, during and also after your tour. We are delighted to announce that 95% of our customers highly recommend us with over 50% repeat business.

STONEHENGE ONLY!

We are the only UK tour operator to focus exclusively on Stonehenge.  We do not sell Theatre tickets, Hotels, Eurostar, Flights, etc. We live, breathe and sleep Stonehenge. We know the market and we listen to what you want and will be able to match you with a better tour than you can find on the internet. Our team of local human experts are keen to share their extensive knowledge of Stonehenge and unrivalled transport solutions.

SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Search for ‘Stonehenge Tours’ or ‘Stonehenge VIP access tours’ (or wherever you fancy in London or Britain) online and you’ll find hundreds of results to trawl through. Even if you ask friends and family for advice and spend hours reading online reviews, there’s still a huge amount of planning and research needed before you even think of clicking ‘book’. One of the main reasons to book direct with us is our in-depth knowledge of Stonehenge, London, Bath, Salisbury, Cruise Ships ports. We will SAVE you an enormous amount of precious time. You don’t need to do your travel homework for a successful tour. We already have it done for you!

STONEHENGE INSIDER KNOWLWDGE

Over 25 years of insider Stonehenge knowledge. Stonehenge Tours have been taking visitors to Stonehenge for over 25 years. We are Britain’s leading providers of Stonehenge archaeological, cultural and historical day trips and have a well-earned reputation for high quality and reliable travelling – we’ve been doing it since 1995. Dont just take our word for it, visit our customer reviews.

SAVE MONEY WITH VALUE ADDED EXPERIENCES

We will save you money based on our tour supplier relationships — or at least match the price you find — while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into pur trips. Sometimes a package that you book online yourself won’t include those, making the experience appear cheaper. There are a lot of value-adds that tourists don’t even know about that can be added by a local British tour operator. Ever wonder why the couple on a Stonehenge tour got VIP inner circle access with a bottle of champagne and you had to view the monument from the fence with a cold coffee? They probably used us!

STONEHENGE TOUR RESOURCES AND THE POWER OF COLLABRATION

We have a reputable and strong working relationship with all leading Stonehenge operators and have direct access to their timetables at discount prices.  If we are unable to help with one of our many scheduled guided tours or arrange a private customised tour then we can assist with booking with one of our preferred travel partners at the best possible price. Stonehenge Tours only partners with leading British tour operators that have been tried, tested, and recommended by experts, offer their customers financial protection and the highest standards of customer service and satisfaction.

BOOK AND TRAVEL SECURELY AND HELP WITH ANY EMERGENCIES

‍All payments are processed through our Stonehenge Tour secure online platform and tour bookings are covered by our money-back guarantee. When you travel, our local experts are always on hand to offer help if you need it.  All you need to do is contact us with some general information about your requirements and we’ll do the rest.If anything goes wrong, a real person is here and can save the day. Having someone to help in an emergency is definitely one of the top 10 reasons to book direct with us. We offer a 24 / 7 mobile number and full customer support should you experience and difficulties.

BECAUSE WE ARE TOTALLY AWESOME

Our operations team are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable, and knowledgeable people you’ll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count — they have been archaeologists, hotel owners, attraction managers, tour guides, bus drivers, story tellers, professors and old hippies. We all have one thing in common: We are passionate about sharing Stonehenge and the South-West of England with you with you. Take advantage of our services.

Visiting Stonehenge once?   Do it with the local experts!!!!!

January 3, 2022

Stonehenge Private Access Inner Circle Tours 2023 / 2024. Book this unique experience now!

View our  Twitter  /  Instagram  and  YouTube channel  for recent Stonehenge inner circle photos and videos. WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2020 / 202 / 2022 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2020 / 2021 / 2022 The Stonehenge Experts Established 1995 Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990 www.StonehengeTours.com

December 17, 2021

Visit Stonehenge on the Winter Solstice 2021 and mix with the Druids and Pagans. A truly magical experience!

The  December solstice  marks the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and this year it falls on 22nd December

In ancient Pagan traditions, the  winter solstice  was a time to honor the cycles of life and death and celebrate the sun’s rebirth as the days would slowly begin to lengthen in the months leading into spring. Many modern practitioners of Pagan and earth-centered spiritual traditions observe the holiday, and at Stonehenge, the celebration is particularly special.

There is no  acce ss to the inner circle  at Stonehenge on  between the 18th and 27th December inclusive because of the  winter solstice . There is, however, open access on the morning of the 22nd December to watch the winter solstice sunrise which happens about 8.09am.  We are are offering our usual exclusive  guided Winter Solstice tour  that departs from London or Bath, pleae visit our  Stonehenge Tour website  for full details.

THE winter solstice: the shortest day and longest night of the year.

So what is so important about this date? What about it possesses people to dress in unicorn masks and visit Stonehenge?

Here, we take a look at just what the winter solstice is – and why a day with so little sunlight is worth celebrating.

What is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice is a phenomenon that marks the shortest day of the year. Often referred to as the official beginning of winter, the solstice generally only occurs for a moment.

The true solstice occurs when the Earth is tilted the furthest away from the Sun on its axis. Despite it only lasting a moment, the full day is recognised.

When is the Winter Solstice?

The winter solstice generally falls between December 20th and 23rd.  This means, for the UK, the sun will rise at 8.04am and set at 3.54pm – meaning we will have just 7 hours and 49 minutes of daylight. In 2021, it will fall on Wednesday, December 22nd.

A  winter solstice  also occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, with the day occurring in late June.

How is it celebrated?

The day is one that is celebrated by  pagans and druids , with rituals of rebirth performed throughout history on the day.

One of the biggest celebrations in the UK occurs at Stonehenge with crowds gathering to watch the sunrise on the morning of the winter solstice.

The crowds of devotees, often dressed for the occasion, regularly gather at the historic site.  It is just one of the many  pagan festivals , which include midwinter, midsummer and inbolc – the day that traditionally marks the start of spring.

The importance placed on the day comes from how people were previously so ecoenomically dependent on the seasons with straveation common in the first months of winter.

Will the days start to get longer?

After the solstice, the days will start to get longer.  The process is gradual, with minutes added everyday.

Join us on a  Stonehenge guided tour from London or Bath  and join the Pagan celebrations at sunrise on the Winter Solstice. This is a popular tour and shoule be booked in advance: Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tour

The Stonehenge Experts Stonehenge Guided Tours http://www.StonehengeTours.com

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ARCHAEOLOGIST GUIDED TOURS

• Online talks

Private groups

• Our tour for small groups

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Dear traveller,

A warm welcome to Archaeologist Guided Tours. At Archaeologist Guided Tours, we provide expert Stonehenge tours and the surrounding landscape. Joined by your very own archaeologist, you will enjoy the passion and enthusiasm expressed by our professional and experienced tour leaders on our fantastic and inspiring private tours and small-group day tours.

We are an award-winning tour company, offering an unrivalled and unique opportunity to explore the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Stonehenge, and Avebury prehistoric landscapes, guided by a qualified archaeologist. Our tour includes - Return travel from central London, combining a walking tour of Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Durrington Walls, free time to explore Salisbury Cathedral or Roman Baths, Avebury and the Neolithic 5500-year-old burial tomb at West Kennet long barrow. We can also arrange inner circle access to make your day even more special.

Archaeologist Guided Tours is a small, family-run business, working alongside the very best archaeologists with an unmatched passion for the Stonehenge landscape. We really hope you will consider joining us, and will aim to provide you with a day you will never forget. Please take your time to browse our site to learn more about our day trip for  private groups and our tour for small groups .

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in contact . We highly value our customers and aim to provide an unrivalled experience which you will never forget. Below we have a selection of recent client testimonials for your reference.

With best wishes,

Archaeologist Guided Tours

4th January 2024

Stonehenge tours from London bus tour

For those seeking a truly exceptional experience, you will have the opportunity to explore one of the world's most iconic and enigmatic sites in complete luxury and comfort, tailored to your needs, accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced guide.

With  our private group tour from London, you can design your own full day trip. We will collect you from any location within central London and Salisbury. The duration of your vehicle hire is 10-12 hours depending on the places that you are visiting and traffic conditions on the day. Our prices are also based on 1 collection and drop-off point. If you require the extra collection and drop-offs, please contact us and we will be happy to provide a quotation. Our private Stonehenge tours are available all year.

Learn more about our private Stonehenge tour, including tour price, on our private group page.

Small group tour

Between 10 -21 participants, tour from London. Includes many of Europe’s finest Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age monuments.

Uniquely spectacular and fascinating it may be, Stonehenge is not alone. It stands amid one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age constructions, burial mounds and earthwork enclosures of various shapes and sizes, a vast sacred area of exceptional potency. The study of this broader context is a distinguishing feature of this tour.

Features countryside walking tour to explore the sites in detail. An independent lunch in Salisbury, home to one of the most uplifting experiences in English Gothic architecture.

Learn more about our Stonehenge tours, including tour price, on our tour for small groups page .

Testimonials

'A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine visiting the best art gallery in the world with your own curator, the British Museum with a historian, or perhaps Shakespeare's Globe with a literary scholar . . . Well, why not visit Stonehenge with your very own expert archaeologist!? We did, and it was the best choice we could have made.' 

Stonehenge, Wayland's Smithy, Uffington Horse, ancient British history! We had a fantastic day trip with Tom, a professional archaeologist. I wanted a private inner circle Stonehenge tour of ancient British history. Tom was so prepared and knowledgeable. And he was wonderful to travel with. The Stonehenge walking tour was amazing. We spent time in the afternoon in the other Stonehenge landscapes, learning about the entire area. Then we visited Stonehenge with Tom at 6:45 pm and it was like we had it all to ourselves. He knew all the ways to make it special. I was reluctant to get too excited about Stonehenge due to the crowds but it was magical!! Two of the best days of my life as a passionate ancient British history student. Highly recommend!'

'A remarkable day travelling to some of England’s most ancient sites. Edward was our guide and gave us wonderful insights into the history of these monumental structures. Edward was a true teacher: he informed, and inspired further learning and the day flew by. Highly recommend this day tour from London.'

'Our first trip to England would not have been complete without a trip to Stonehenge world heritage site. On a whim, I booked the archaeological small group tour with Tom. My husband and I took the tour with our teenage son and my parents. The trip is a highlight of my life. It is positively one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever had. Tom was terrific. He has so much knowledge and is very well spoken.'

'I took the Stonehenge day tour, including ancient Roman Baths and Avebury with our guide Edward, and I'll say at the outset that it was terrific. I had been to Stonehenge previously, but this time it felt like I was able to appreciate it in a much deeper way. Edward is knowledgeable, personable, and funny, everything you could ask for in a guide. During the day, he never tired of answering our questions and providing up-to-date information. Although we learned a lot, I should also point out that the tour was great fun, ending up at a convivial pub. I was so thrilled with everything I took from the experience, that I talked about it to friends long after I returned to New York.'

'Best Stonehenge tour, absolutely perfect and well worth the money. It was so nice to be able to have an archaeologist to give more information and answer more questions than you’d get from any other tour guide. The size of the group was excellent, and the inclusion of some of the lesser-known sites was awesome! I learned so much from Kim, and I would do this again in a heartbeat!'

'Took this impressive small group tour to Stonehenge ancient stone circle, the Roman Baths and Avebury with husband and kids (10 and 14 years old). We should have reviewed this sooner, as we’re always telling everyone about the tour and the inimitable Edward S. The tour with Edward S. is like walking into a documentary film and experiencing VR (virtual reality -without the headset), completely engaging for all ages (no PhD required), keeping it light-hearted, fun and effortlessly informative. He injected humor (Yorkshireman’s style and beyond) like a classy entertainer with comedic timing. Don’t waste your money on the big crowded tourist buses, this archeologist’s guided tour is a highlight of your trip to England and money and time well spent. The shuttle bus is clean and the tour is organized. I’d give this tour more than 5 stars if the ratings scale allows it.'

'With an older sister in school for archaeology, I have been on too many history tours to count. This one stands out as the best! I knew nothing about Stonehenge or the history of the land but left with an amazing appreciation for the people and sites here. Our guide was amazing, really making every piece of history incredibly interesting. The guided walking tour around Stonehenge with the physical demonstrations he gave to show how the architecture was designed to use the sun's light was fascinating. A must-see!'

'This was probably my most talked about tour from my two weeks in the UK, and believe me, I took a lot of tours. Edward is a walking, talking encyclopedia of information. When we got to Stonehenge, I saw all of these other tour groups walking around with their sad little earphones on. Not us. We had an actual archaeologist walking us through our tour, talking about the latest information, etc. It was fascinating. We visited a 5300 year old burial mound which again Edward was able to discuss in great detail. No type or amount of questions stumped him. I have wanted to see Stonehenge my whole life and I'm very glad I chose this tour to do it. Other tours are probably ok, functional, etc, but they will fall far short of this one. The whole experience was great and we even had a driver so Edward could focus on talking with us during the transit times. If you want a cursory look at Stonehenge, Bath, Avebury, etc, just to "check the box" so to speak, then this is not your tour. But, if you want to really learn some things I promise you didn't know before, this is the only tour you should consider.'

'There are a number of companies that will take you on a bus to Stonehenge, give you a quick historical lesson, then move you along to the next stop (often Bath). They usually take large groups, and the guides are kind and professional, but are not specialists. They are all fine if you are just looking to check these sites off your list. Archaeologist Guided Tours offers a much more in-depth look at pre-historical England. The guides are all working Archaeologists, with doctoral-level knowledge of the field, and a passion for teaching. They will go far beyond the surface-level stories you will hear on other tours, but will talk about the techniques that archaeologists use to study sites like Stonehenge, the controversies and debates about the people who lived in England thousands of years ago, and the latest papers on the subject. If you love archaeology, history, anthropology - or just want to learn a lot more about these subjects in the context of pre-historical England, then this is the absolute best tour for you. The smaller group sizes also make it great for the more inquisitive, as there are ample opportunities to talk to your guide and ask questions. On the other hand, if you want stories about ancient aliens and mythical druids - look elsewhere. And if you want a quick look at Stonehenge so you can post an Instagram photo before getting on to lunch, there are probably cheaper options. But if you want a deep dive into deep human history lead by an expert guide, this is by far the best choice.'

Day tours from London and Salisbury to Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Durrington Walls, Salisbury Cathedral, Bath Abbey, Oxford, Old Sarum, Uffington White Horse, Silbury Hill and Avebury stone circle:  6000 years of culture - Neolithic, Bronze Age, Medieval, present day.

'A once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine visiting the best art gallery in the world with your own curator, the British Museum with a historian, or perhaps Shakespeare's Globe with a literary scholar . . . Well, why not visit Stonehenge with your very own expert archaeologist.'

© 2024 Archaeologist Guided Tours | 65 Edge Hill Court, SW19 4LW |  Terms and Conditions | [email protected] | +44 (0)7412 250052

Wild Cornwall

Private Stonehenge Tours

We've handpicked a selection of reputable Private Stonehenge Tours providers, together boasting years of experience and a wealth of knowledge about this magical Neolithic site. Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, history, or simply want a comfortable and personalised experience, there's a perfect guide for you.

Choose from chauffeur-driven tours focusing solely on Stonehenge, or combine your visit with other historical and ancient gems of the beautiful South West of England. All tours are bespoke, meaning they can be customised to your wishes. Let us know if you'd like pick-up from London or another location, and your driver-guide will be happy to oblige.

An experienced guide will meet you at a pre-arranged location and whisk you away in comfort on your Private Stonehenge Tour. Unwind and enjoy the journey as you discover the wonders of Stonehenge and other captivating UK landmarks.

Steeped in legend and shrouded in time, Stonehenge is Britain's most famous prehistoric monument. Standing tall on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, these colossal stones, some weighing a staggering 50 tonnes, continue to puzzle historians and archaeologists.

Was Stonehenge a sacred temple for rituals? A sophisticated observatory aligned with the stars? Or perhaps a grand burial ground built by a mythical king? The truth remains tantalisingly out of reach.

Inner Circle Tour

Imagine standing amongst the towering stones of Stonehenge, feeling their ancient presence all around you. Exclusive Inner Circle Tours grant you this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

To access the Inner Circle, a special ticket from English Heritage is required. Our knowledgeable guides can advise you on securing one alongside your driver-guide booking. A chance to truly appreciate the scale and wonder of this prehistoric marvel, but book early as tickets are limited and sell out quickly! Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

Combine Stonehenge with other popular UK attractions

Journey through time at neolithic sites.

Stonehenge is just one piece of a vast Neolithic landscape. Explore a network of ancient sites like the impressive Avebury Stone Circle , the West Kennet Long Barrow burial mound, and the mysterious Silbury Hill . These enigmatic sites, scattered across the landscape, offer a glimpse into life thousands of years ago. Combine your Stonehenge tour with these nearby wonders to gain a deeper understanding of this prehistoric era.

Discover Historic Treasures

Britain boasts a rich tapestry of history, so immerse yourself in the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace , a magnificent Tudor and Baroque marvel built by King Henry VIII. Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle , a royal residence steeped in history. Salisbury Cathedral , with its breathtaking spire – the tallest in the country – awaits your exploration.

Winchester Cathedral , commissioned by William the Conqueror and the longest medieval cathedral in Britain, has served as a place of worship for over 900 years. It's the final resting place for Norman and Anglo-Saxon kings, and even the renowned novelist Jane Austen.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is also one not to be missed; see HMS Victory (Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar) and Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, which is housed in a museum along with thousands of objects rescued from the ship; sunk during a battle in 1545. HMS Warrior—the first armour-plated warship—is also a popular attraction at the historic naval dockyard.

Visit the university city of Oxford with its 'dreaming spires' or the old market town of Marlborough with its historic churches and fine Town Hall.

Explore Charming Towns and Breathtaking Countryside

Your journey to Stonehenge takes you through the idyllic Wiltshire countryside. Extend your adventure and explore the Cotswolds , an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover charming villages crafted from traditional Cotswold limestone, complete with thatched cottages.

Venture to the picturesque village of Lacock , boasting a 13th-century abbey and a museum dedicated to photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot.

Customise your tour

Fancy a private Stonehenge tour tailored just for you? The tour companies on this site are right up for it! Whether you're keen on spotting movie filming locations, exploring religious sites, or simply finding the best pub for cracking fish and chips, just let your guide know and they'll whip up a tour that ticks all your boxes.

Need a last-minute stop? No worries! Your guide should be able to sort something special out on the day, no problem. Remember, it's not all about Stonehenge – there's a treasure trove of ancient history, stunning countryside, and charming villages waiting to be explored across England's landscape.

Featured private tours…

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The Best Stonehenge Tours To Take in 2024 and Why

Brie Greenhalgh Last Updated: October 24, 2023

Whether it’s your first or third time to London, if you haven’t made the trek out to Stonehenge, it’s time to fix that. Booking one of the best Stonehenge tours is the perfect way to see these fascinating rocks up close without having to worry about how to get there. Plus, tours of Stonehenge from London usually include other cool stops along the way, like Windsor Castle or the Salisbury Cathedral. Find out which tour is right for you!

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our  guide to London  for more planning resources, our  top Stonhenge tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to visit Stonehenge .

Should You Take a Tour to Stonehenge?

Short answer: Absolutely. Even if only to eliminate the hassle of arranging your own tickets and transportation to this incredible place outside of London.

Stonehenge sits about 90 miles west of London, so you’ll need a plan to get there. Most people opt for a guided tour since they won’t have to worry about driving, navigating, or obtaining their own tickets. We definitely recommend doing the same, but with a small group so you have more opportunities to get to know your guide and fellow travelers.

You’ll learn much more about Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Bath, Avebury, West Kennet, Salisbury Cathedral, and much more if you book a day trip with a local guide. And depending on your preference, you could even book an early morning or evening entrance at Stonehenge when the general public has left. These are unique opportunities to see the Inner Circle of Stonehenge that you won’t forget!

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our  Stonehenge Guide for more resources.

Three of the Best Stonehenge Tours

The origins and construction of the rocks at Stonehenge are technically unknown, but there are plenty of theories and legends. Aliens, giants, Druids. Your driver-guide will share all of these as you ride along the English countryside. All of these tours include stops at Stonehenge, so you’ll just need to decide what time of day you want to visit and what other sites interest you the most.

You can opt for a self-guided tour (tickets included) at Windsor Castle or time at Avebury to see the ancient manmade mound that’s the size of an Egyptian pyramid. Or perhaps you’d love to see an original copy of the Magna Carta that shaped the future for the rights of all mankind. Check out the best Stonehenge tours below and choose what’s best for you!

• Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip from London
• Early Access Stonehenge Morning Tour from London with Inner Circle
• After Hours Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour from London

1. Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath Day Trip from London

Windsor Castle

Your first stop out of London is Windsor Castle—the late Queen’s favorite residence. There are 13,000 acres here, and you’ll have tickets to enter the castle to explore the areas open to the public. This is a self-guided tour as no tour guides are allowed inside. Not to worry! Your driver-guide will have prepped you with plenty of information about what you’ll see here and why it’s such a beloved castle for the royal family.

Then you’ll head to Stonehenge where you’ll get to walk the road leading to these famous ancient ruins. Dating back some 4,000 years, these rocks have an intriguing history that is still yet to be determined. Why and how these structures were built remains a mystery, not to mention by whom. Yes, it’s just a bunch of rocks, but they’re 20-ton rocks on average, positioned perfectly in a strange circle for some purpose. It’s worth seeing in person!

While the baths at Bath were used by the ancient Celts, they weren’t beautified and built up until the Romans arrived. They are how the city came to be named, and it’s worth planning ahead to get tickets to see them. This tour offers free time in this city so you can explore whatever interests you most whether it’s the Roman baths or the Jane Austen Museum.

Highlights:

• Round-trip transportation from London
• Entry to Windsor Castle
• Entry to Stonehenge during the day
• Free time in Bath (explore or pre-book an activity)

2. Early Access Stonehenge Morning Tour from London with Inner Circle

Early-Access Stonehenge

This tour leaves London super early so you can arrive at Stonehenge for an exclusive, early-access entry before it opens to the general public. This means you’ll visit the Inner Circle of Stonehenge around sunrise as your guide shares all we know and suspect about Stonehenge. The morning light and solitude make this an extra special experience for any early bird looking for a day trip to Stonehenge.

Salisbury Cathedral

A stop at Salisbury is up next. This historic town lays claim to two impressive things for native Britons: a cathedral with the tallest spire in England and an original copy of the Magna Carta. This document laid the foundation for human rights around the world. You’ll have time to eat lunch here and explore a little of this ancient town before heading back to London in the afternoon.

• Exclusive, early-access to Stonehenge
• Guided tour of Inner Circle (not available to general public)
• Visit to Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if London tours are worth it .

3. After Hours Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour from London

Silbury Hill and West Kennet

Depart London in the mid-morning and head to Silbury Hill to see another mysterious piece of Britain’s past. A Neolithic man-made mound that’s roughly the size of an Egyptian pyramid and about 4,000 years old! And at West Kennet Long Barrow, you’ll see ancient burial grounds that date back even further about 5,000 years. That’s old!

You might not know that Avebury also has some monolithic rocks that resemble Stonehenge on a smaller scale. They’re another great stop that add to your overall “ancient ruins of Britain” experience on this Stonehenge tour from London. Plus, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch in Avebury and explore this charming little town before moving on.

Stonehenge Inner Circle

Your last stop is what you’ve been waiting for: an after-hours entrance to Stonehenge. What you might not know is that the Inner Circle is closed to the public during the day, so you can only receive guided access here before or after the regular opening hours. That makes this sunset Stonehenge tour even more special and memorable. You’ll be mesmerized by the dwindling light in the late hours of the day as you explore Stonehenge without the crowds.

• Visit to Silbury Hill man-made mound
• Visit to burial grounds in West Kennet Long Barrow
• Explore Avebury and the monoliths
• Exclusive, after-hours access to Stonehenge
• Guided tour of the Inner Circle

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Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.

About Brie Greenhalgh

Writer, editor, teacher, hiker, traveler, dreamer. With a book or pen in hand and a majestic sunset on the horizon, life is never short of fulfilling moments for Brie. She has a background in history and writing, and enjoys writing and editing for BobVila.com, The Tour Guy, and her own business.

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The 8 best stonehenge tours from london.

Stonehenge tours from London are a popular and easy day trip.

The Best Stonehenge Tours

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Stonehenge poses more questions than answers, making it one of the most mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world. And because of its proximity to London, the famous landmark makes for a popular day trip from the city . Organized Stonehenge tours from London typically include round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned coach, as well as visits to other nearby landmarks, such as the Avebury stone circles, Bath or the Cotswolds.

These tours from London, evaluated by U.S. News using both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, offer some of the best ways to experience Stonehenge.

The English Bus – Stonehenge, Bath & A Secret Place

Price: From 134 pounds (around $170) per person Duration: 12 hours

For adventurous travelers who want to see Stonehenge and Bath, and don't mind a little mystery, The English Bus's full-day tour offers both. Limited to 16 people, the tour departs from London in a Mercedes minibus, complete with panoramic windows and a glass roof. As you drive through the countryside, you'll enjoy live, in-depth commentary from your expert guide before arriving in Stonehenge. After exploring Stonehenge, you'll head to Bath to enjoy lunch and time to roam on your own or join an optional guided tour. Your final stop is a "secret" destination selected by your tour guide. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable, humorous guides and particularly recommend this tour for its small size and luxurious transportation.

Tours depart from central London daily. Ticket pricing does not include food or Stonehenge tickets. You can buy entry tickets to Stonehenge on-site for about 20 to 25 pounds (around $25 to $31) depending on the time of the year when visiting or online in advance for a slight discount. Other tours offered by The English Bus visit the Cotswolds, Canterbury and more.

Check prices & availability:

Premium Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Lacock, Bath and 14th Century Pub Lunch

Price: Adults from 149 pounds (about $189); kids from 139 pounds (about $175) Duration: 13 hours

You'll be among the first visitors of the day to step inside Windsor Castle – the largest continuously occupied castle in the world – on this daylong tour. Other highlights include lunch in a 14th-century pub in the charming town of Lacock, a walking tour of Bath and, finally, the day is capped with a visit to Stonehenge. Though most tourgoers were happy with the trip (especially the patient, organized guides), they do warn it makes for a long day and wish they had extra time at certain attractions. The tour (which runs daily) leaves London at 7:45 a.m. (from Victoria Coach Station) and returns around 9 p.m.

Lunch and admission tickets to attractions are included. Ticket options that do not include entry or lunch are also available for a lower price. Premium Tours also offers excursions to Leeds, Canterbury and Greenwich, among other locations.

Check prices & availability:  

Evan Evans Tours – Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath

Price: Adults from 142 pounds (about $180); kids from 132 pounds (around $167) Duration: 11 hours

In addition to Stonehenge, this 11-hour bus tour stops at Windsor Castle and the historic city of Bath, where you'll be given the choice to explore freely on your own or visit the world-famous Roman Baths. Reviewers praise the guides, who they describe as humorous and fun, and say the tour is jampacked, but well-paced.

Tickets do not include Stonehenge entry and are available for a lower price. Evan Evans Tours operates a variety of trips outside of London to destinations like Oxford and the Cotswolds, in addition to tours within the city.

Golden Tours – Stonehenge and Bath Tour

Price: Adults from $183; kids from $170 Duration: 10.5 hours

Ideal for tourists with a dual interest in the city of Bath and Stonehenge, this approximately 11-hour tour offers access and expert insight into both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. While in Bath, you'll take a guided walking tour of the city and visit its ancient Roman Baths and Pump Room. The second stop is Stonehenge, where you'll have time to explore the mysteries of this ancient Neolithic structure. Travelers rave about the excellent and informative guides, as well as the drivers.

Ticket options do not include entry to Stonehenge or the Roman Baths are also available for a lower price. Tours depart from London daily at 8:30 a.m. The company offers a variety of tours to destinations in and around London.

Anderson Tours – Avebury and Stonehenge Small Group Tour From London

Price: Adults from 109 pounds (about $139); kids from 99 pounds (about $125) Duration: 12 hours

The full-day Avebury and Stonehenge excursion with Anderson Tours picks up in London starting at 7:30 a.m. and makes its first stop at West Kennet Long Barrow – one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain. Here, participants have the chance to visit the burial chambers. From there, the group visits the medieval village of Avebury, home to the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. After a guided walking tour of Avebury and free time for lunch and exploration, guides lead the way to Stonehenge, where tourgoers can explore the site at their leisure with the aid of audio guides (accessible via a free smartphone app). The group returns to London around 7 p.m. Visitors say the guides are excellent and they learned a lot.

Tours run Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Anderson Tours also offers excursions to Oxford, Windsor and Canterbury, among other day trips.

International Friends – Stonehenge, Bath & Windsor

Price: Adults from 164 pounds (about $207); kids from 144 pounds (around $182) Duration: 11 hours

Travelers approve of this tour for its small group (up to 16 participants) and knowledgeable guides, who are well-versed in British history. On this approximately 11-hour journey, you'll visit Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the city of Bath, where you'll have the choice to tour the Roman Baths or wander the ancient city for some sightseeing.

Tours depart daily; exact departure times from London vary by season. International Friends also offers "Harry Potter" tours and excursions to "Downton Abbey" filming locations, among other areas of the English countryside.

British Tours – Windsor, Stonehenge & Oxford

Price: From 1,310 pounds (about $1,655) for up to six participants Duration: 12 hours

Visit some of England's most famous landmarks with this private daytrip. Among the sites you'll see with your personal tour guide are Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and the University of Oxford. Travelers enjoy the tour and appreciate the guides' sense of humor and wealth of information. Plus, they appreciate that guides pick up patrons from central London hotels .

Prices range from 1,310 to 2,090 pounds (about $1,655 to $2,641). Prices do not include entrance fees or meals. British Tours offers a variety of other excursions from London, including day trips to explore Paris .

Premium Tours – Stonehenge Private Viewing, Lacock and Bath

Price: Adults from 143 pounds (about $181); kids from 133 pounds (approximately $168) Duration: 11 hours

If you want to experience Stonehenge without the crowds, consider this approximately 11-hour tour, which visits Stonehenge when it's closed to the general public. What's more, you'll tour the site's stone circle – an area most visitors only view behind a rope barrier. The day also includes a meal at a 14th-century pub in Lacock, as well as a stop in Bath. In Bath, you can join an optional walking tour to see highlights like the Jane Austen Museum, Pulteney Bridge and the Bath Abbey. Many reviewers call this tour the highlight of their London trips and highly recommend the evening tour if you'd like to see Stonehenge at sunset.

Travelers should note, there is also an option to buy a ticket that includes entry to the Roman Baths. Morning tours (available Mondays and Thursdays) depart at 5:30 a.m.; evening tours (which run Sundays and Wednesdays) depart at 11:10 a.m.

Stonehenge Tours from Bath

If you'll be staying in Bath during your visit to England and want to see Stonehenge, consider one of the following tours:

Mad Max Tours – Stonehenge, Cotswold Villages and Avebury Stone Circles

Price: Adults from 70 pounds (about $88); kids from 35 pounds (around $44) Duration: 9 hours

On this eight- to nine-hour tour, you'll board a bus from Bath to visit historic sites and towns around the English countryside. You'll stop at Stonehenge first ahead of the crowds for a two-hour visit. From there, the next destination is the Avebury stone circles and village. Then, it's off to the Cotswolds to explore a handful of small, charming towns; Lacock National Trust village is the designated stop for lunch. Patrons give the tour high marks and especially praise the visit to the Cotswolds villages. Others say the tour is well-paced. Tours depart daily from Bath beginning at 8:25 a.m.

This tour is not recommended for kids younger than 5. Tickets to Stonehenge are not included in the tour price; you will need to pay your guide for the tickets on the day of your tour. Mad Max operates several other outings, including a tour devoted solely to visiting the villages of the Cotswolds.

Bath Insider Tours – Ancient Britain Tour

Price: From 505 pounds (about $640) for two people Duration: 8.5 hours

On this daylong excursion, you'll join a local expert for an exclusive private tour (for up to six people in your party) that departs from Bath. Your guide – a lifelong Bath resident – takes you on an approximately 8.5-hour journey to explore sites near Bath, including Avebury, the West Kennet Long Barrow burial site and Stonehenge. The tour includes a stop at a traditional English pub for lunch. Patrons heap praise on the guide for his knowledge and good nature.

Tours depart daily at 9 a.m., but exact availability will vary. Pickup from central Bath, its hotels and its train station is included, as are admission tickets to sites. Lunch and drinks are not included in the cost. Additionally, keep in mind the cost per person will vary depending on the number of people in your party. Bath Insider Tours also offers private tours of Bath and other custom tours, including half-day excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can visit Stonehenge without a tour. It is accessible to visitors year-round.

However, there are a few benefits to choosing an organized Stonehenge tour, including the commentary and knowledge tour guides are able to provide and the ease of a tour provider's transportation. Tour companies will typically pick you up in central London (usually multiple pickup points are available) and Bath and take you directly to the historical site; then provide return transportation back to the city at the conclusion of the tour.

Stonehenge is located in Salisbury, England, about 90 miles southwest of London. The train ride from the London Waterloo station to Salisbury takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. After that, you can hop on a bus from the train station to Stonehenge, which takes about 30 minutes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best London Tours
• The Best Things to Do in London
• The Best International Travel Insurance

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Stonehenge Tour

Private stonehenge tour.

Welcome to the mystical realm of Stonehenge, where ancient mysteries and awe-inspiring wonders converge in a landscape steeped in history. Our tour invites you to embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the enigmatic beauty of one of the world’s most iconic and enduring landmarks.

Discover the Secrets of Stonehenge:

As you approach the Salisbury Plain, the silhouette of Stonehenge emerges on the horizon, shrouded in an air of mystery. Our expert guides will lead you through the intriguing history and theories surrounding this prehistoric monument, allowing you to delve into the enigma that has puzzled scholars and visitors alike for centuries.

Marvel at the sheer ingenuity of our ancient ancestors as you stand before the towering stone circle. Composed of massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, the precision of Stonehenge’s construction is nothing short of astonishing. Learn about the theories behind its purpose, from a celestial observatory to a sacred burial ground.

Our knowledgeable guides will walk you through the site, sharing insights into the fascinating archaeological discoveries that have illuminated the past. Gain a deeper understanding of the Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures that left their mark on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the monument stands as a testament to the ancient relationship between humanity and the cosmos. Feel the energy of the stones as you absorb the spiritual ambiance that has drawn pilgrims and seekers for centuries.

Enhance your visit at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits, artifacts, and immersive displays provide a comprehensive overview of Stonehenge’s history and significance. Unearth the stories of the people who once called this mystical landscape home.

Capture the magic of the moment with the perfect photo opportunities. Whether it’s the sunrise casting an ethereal glow upon the stones or the silhouette against a vibrant sunset, Stonehenge offers breathtaking views that will leave you in awe.

Plan Your Journey:

Our Stonehenge tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers alike. Join us on this captivating expedition, where the ancient whispers of Stonehenge await your discovery. Book your adventure now and step into the heart of a timeless mystery.

About Stonehenge

Stonehenge, an ancient wonder on England’s Salisbury Plain, has intrigued scholars and visitors for centuries. This prehistoric monument, believed to have been erected between 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE, invites us to unravel its mysteries.

Constructed in phases, Stonehenge features a circular ditch, a bank, and a mesmerizing arrangement of massive standing stones. The iconic stone circle, comprised of towering sarsen and smaller bluestones, showcases the evolving complexity of the monument.

Stonehenge’s purpose remains a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from religious ceremonies to astronomical observations. Its alignment with the solstices suggests a connection to ancient calendrical practices and celestial events, captivating the imagination of those who seek to understand its significance.

The alignment of Stonehenge with the summer and winter solstices hints at its role as an ancient astronomical observatory. During the summer solstice, the rising sun aligns with specific stones, creating a stunning spectacle that draws thousands of annual visitors.

The construction of Stonehenge, featuring massive stones transported from distant quarries, showcases advanced engineering skills. Recent research suggests that sledges, rollers, and manpower were employed to transport stones, highlighting the ingenuity of the ancient builders.

Challenges such as erosion and tourism impact Stonehenge’s preservation. Protective measures limit direct access, and a modern visitor center offers educational resources, ensuring the site’s conservation.

Stonehenge’s mysteries persist, and ongoing research contributes to our understanding of this ancient marvel. As we stand before its colossal stones, we recognize that Stonehenge is a timeless enigma, inviting us to explore the depths of human history.

Amazing Things for Your Tour

• Expert Guide: A knowledgeable and engaging guide will accompany you throughout the tour, sharing fascinating insights and stories about Stonehenge’s history, mysteries, and significance.
• Luxury Transportation: Choose between our fleet of high-end luxury sedans or roomy passenger vans, all equipped with modern amenities to ensure your comfort throughout the journey.
• Flexible Itinerary: This bespoke tour allows you to explore Stonehenge at your own pace, with opportunities for photo stops, leisurely walks, and immersive experiences.

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Discover Stonehenge with Tourist England. See the breathtaking stone circle that was built thousands of years ago and learn about the history of this world famous UNESCO Heritage site. Explore the state-of-the-art visitors centre, the Neolithic village and the gift shop. Our Stonehenge tours are available throughout the year.

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Stonehenge Tours

15 Best Stonehenge Tours

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is a major attraction in the South of England that attractions millions of visitors per year. The Neolithic standing stones have attracted a lot of speculation about their origin, and their reason for existing is shrouded in mystery.

The monument itself will give you a fascinating insight into ancient British history; however, many other great sights are nearby and worth a visit.

As the monument is difficult to access by public transportation and is often very busy, booking a tour that includes entry can be a very convenient option.

Many of these tours also allow you to check out some other attractions in the region.

Here are the 15 best tours that include Stonehenge.

1. From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour

If you are staying in London and want to incorporate some of the other major British attractions on your trip, this is an excellent tour that not only takes you to Stonehenge, but also to Windsor and Oxford.

Check out the official royal residence of Windsor Castle, where Prince Harry recently married Meghan Markle. The tour then continues onwards to Stonehenge, before finishing in Oxford.

At Oxford, you will explore the famous university and take in some of England’s most beautiful architecture.

2. Stonehenge Admission Ticket

If you have your own transportation and would rather visit Stonehenge on your own, it is a good idea to book a ticket in advance.

The Neolithic monument attracts millions of visitors per year, and in certain months it can take hours to get an entrance ticket. This option allows you to purchase your ticket before you get there, and skip the lines once you arrive.

It also gives you full access to all the exhibitions in the visitor’s center, allowing you to learn about the history and myths surrounding the monument.

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3. From London: Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Tour

This is another excellent option for taking in more of England’s best historic sights whilst visiting Stonehenge.

This tour puts you on a luxury coach to Stonehenge, where you will be given around 90 minutes to explore the area at your own pace – as well as the Visitor’s Centre. Afterward, you will be taken to Bath – an important historical city in the United Kingdom.

In Bath, admire the excellent examples of Georgian architecture and visit the preserved remains of a Roman bath.

4. Stonehenge Half-Day Tour from London

If you are short on time but really do want to visit Stonehenge on a guided tour, this option only takes half a day to get there and back from the English capital.

The tour lasts for five hours; you are given a free audio guide to help you learn more about the monument.

Admission fees are included in the price, meaning you will be able to skip the queues when you get there. You can opt for a morning or afternoon tour, depending on whichever is most convenient for you.

5. Stonehenge, Bath and West Country: Day Trip for London

This tour to Stonehenge will continue on to the city of Bath, where you can admire the Georgian architecture and preserved Roman bath remains.

You will also visit the West Country on the tour, giving you a more meaningful insight into rural English life. You will be shown a few villages across the region, including Wiltshire, Somerset, and Avon.

The brief stops will allow you to learn more about England’s longest-running traditions, and the bus journey itself runs through beautiful West Country scenery.

6. Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath and Salisbury Tour from London

This bumper tour takes an entire day but gives you the ability to check out the best attractions in the South of England outside of London. The tour starts off at Stonehenge, where you are given some time to explore the monument at your own pace.

You will also be shown Windsor Castle – an official royal residence – and Bath, where you can visit the Roman ruins. In Salisbury, you will visit Salisbury Cathedral, which was completed in the 13th century.

A free lunch is included and a knowledgeable guide will give you plenty of information about each attraction.

7. Stonehenge, Bath, Lacock and Avebury Full-Day Tour from London

This is another great bumper tour around the South of England and will show you a couple of the lesser-known attractions in the region.

The tour begins at Stonehenge and continues on to Bath, where you will be shown the beautiful Georgian architecture of the city. You will then be taken to Lacock, the site of many different filming locations for movies made in the UK.

At Avebury, you will visit another set of Neolithic standing stones. These are a lot less touristy than Stonehenge and will be a much more peaceful experience.

8. Stonehenge Afternoon Tour with Fish & Chips Supper

Experience two British institutions in one short tour – the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and the delicious delicacy of fish and chips.

The seven-hour tour takes you to Stonehenge in the afternoon; you are provided with an audio guide to help explain the mysteries of the monument. At certain times of the year, you will be able to witness sunset at the monument.

On the way back from your tour, you will be taken to a traditional British pub to try out a typical plate of fish and chips – the perfect end to a great afternoon.

9. Stonehenge, Stratford, and Bath: Full-Day Xmas Tour from London

Visiting England over the festive period and trying to find something interesting to do on Christmas Day? This tour takes you around some of the most interesting sights in the country and will describe the history to you with a festive twist.

The first half of the day takes you to Stonehenge and Bath to admire some of England’s greatest historical sights.

After this, you will be treated to Christmas dinner in a traditional pub in the Cotswolds. This incredible local experience then finishes up in Stratford – the home of Shakespeare and the best place to learn about British literature.

10. Southampton – London via Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Windsor

Southampton is the main port of entry for tourists coming to the UK by cruise ship. If you are planning on getting a transfer to London, rather than taking a regular coach, you can opt to include this day tour. This allows you to visit some of the main sights in the area on your way to the capital.

This transfer includes a visit to the traditional town of Salisbury, as well as the nearby monuments at Stonehenge. The final part of the tour focuses on Windsor, with the Royal Windsor Castle being the main attraction.

11. Cornwall and Cotswolds: 5-Day Small-Group Tour

Explore South West England at a leisurely pace with this five-day tour through the region, departing from London. The tour begins at Stonehenge before continuing onwards with a guided tour of Salisbury and Exeter.

You will go on to spend the next four days exploring rural, historical, and cultural attractions throughout the region at an easy-going pace with a small group. Accommodations, breakfasts, and transportation are all included – as well as a knowledgeable tour guide.

You need to book entrance to some of the attractions in advance. The tour will return you to London on the final day.

12. English Heritage Overseas Visitors’ Pass – 9 and 16 Days

If you plan on hitting multiple attractions during your trip to England but want to go at your own pace, this visitors’ pass will save you money and allow you to skip the line at over 100 sights across the country – including Stonehenge.

You can opt for a pass that lasts either 9 or 16 days, and visits are unlimited during this time period. It is valid at all attractions run by English Heritage.

You will be given either reduced or free entry to multiple events at these attractions and a handy guidebook to the best heritage monuments in England.

13. Stonehenge Private Sunset Tour with Lacock and Bath

Get your own bespoke tour with this experience, which comes with a dedicated guide who can discuss all of the information that most interests you.

Departing from London, this tour lasts an entire day and will take you to Stonehenge, as well as Bath and Lacock.

You can choose how much time you spend at the various attractions in Bath, as well as which filming locations most interest you in Lacock. You will stop for lunch at a traditional English pub that was built in the 13th century.

14. London: Boxing Day Tour to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath

If you are visiting England over the festive season but already have plans for Christmas Day, opt for a relaxed tour around the main hits on Boxing Day – the day after Christmas and a public holiday in the United Kingdom.

This tour operates similarly to the Christmas Day tour, however, rather than visiting Stratford, you are taken to the royal attractions of Bath.

A lunch stop is made at a traditional hotel opposite the castle, where you can enjoy mince pies and mulled wine.

15. Avebury & Stonehenge Private Day Tour from Bath

If you are based in Bath, this is the best option for getting to the two most important Neolithic sites in the South of England.

This private tour can be adapted to whatever information most interests you and will take you to both Stonehenge and Avebury Standing Circles.

All admission tickets are included, helping to save you money and skip the lines when you arrive. You will have your own private transport, as well as a dedicated guide with extensive knowledge of both attractions.

15 Best Stonehenge Tours:

• From London: Full-Day Windsor, Stonehenge and Oxford Tour
• Stonehenge Admission Ticket
• From London: Stonehenge and Bath Full-Day Tour
• Stonehenge Half-Day Tour from London
• Stonehenge, Bath and West Country: Day Trip for London
• Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath and Salisbury Tour from London
• Stonehenge, Bath, Lacock and Avebury Full-Day Tour from London
• Stonehenge Afternoon Tour with Fish & Chips Supper
• Stonehenge, Stratford, and Bath: Full-Day Xmas Tour from London
• Southampton - London via Salisbury, Stonehenge, and Windsor
• Cornwall and Cotswolds: 5-Day Small-Group Tour
• English Heritage Overseas Visitors’ Pass - 9 and 16 Days
• Stonehenge Private Sunset Tour with Lacock and Bath
• London: Boxing Day Tour to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath
• Avebury & Stonehenge Private Day Tour from Bath

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Stonehenge Reviews & Ratings

Jimmy Beyer

Amazing Britain

Due to weather (Red Alert in the Highlands) the itinerary had to changed. I was impressed with the organization and leadership of the tour guide. L felt he had our b...

Kathleen Vance

They hit on all best stops but the trip was too short. I realize add...

Judith Ritten

It was busy but necessary to see all of the places we did. A few of the hotel...

Madelyn Ferris

A lot of details were really covered with few exceptions. Outstanding guide and driver. Will say that I'd rather skip LIverpool (nothing to see) and spend more time...

Trusted Customer

This trip included many places including sites that people would want to go see w...

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‍ Each year in June and December visitors from around theworld gather at Stonehenge overnight to mark the solstice and to see the sunrise above the stones. At dawn the central Altar stone aligns with the Slaughter stone, Heel stone and the rising sun to the northeast. One of the most legendary solstice celebrations is held at Stonehenge because of its spiritual significance to druids, pagans and sun worshipers. Our company is the only one that specialises in private access tours to Stonehenge and has built up, over twenty years and more, a vast body of knowledge informed by cutting-edge research into the secrets of thestones. Many of our satisfied clients come back again and again, and stay intouch – because once the solstice is experienced at Stonehenge you are part of an international fellowship of pilgrims. Friendships can be forged on our tours that last a lifetime. All are united by the unique experience – for you are no ordinary tourist, and these are no ordinary tours. We love taking our pilgrims to the stones, because we love going ourselves.

The Winter Solstice is the most important day of the year at Stonehenge and a truly magical time to be there. It's an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travellers and party people - 2 Hours inside the inner circle of Stonehenge at sunrise

Celebrate as our ancestors have done for thousands of years inside the magnificent Megaliths of Avebury Stone Circle. Music, singing and some colourful ceremonies ensure a lively atmosphere at Avebury to mark the Winter Solstice Celebrations. Experience up close, one of the wonders of the world’s largest Stone Circle at sunrise.

Looking for a unique bucket list gift? Make someone you care about happier through the gift of a unique Stonehenge experience. Perfect for any occasion, birthday, anniversary, a thank you or Christmas. Give stories, not stuff.

‘The Secrets of the Stones’ Tour of Stonehenge and Avebury. Join us for the chance of a lifetime to experience the celebrations that take place at Stonehenge to celebrate the Winter Solstice amongst the Pagans and Druids - a truly magical opportunity!

Come and unlock the secrets for yourself and marvel at this remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient engineering and design, as we enjoy the wonderful Pagan celebrations that take place to mark the summer solstice. Before the sunset experience we also take time to enjoy the ancient stones at Avebury, before heading to picturesque Lacock for an early evening supper, included in the price.

The Summer Solstice is the most important day of the year at Stonehenge and a truly magical time to be there. It's an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (Neo-Druids, Neo-Pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travellers and party people

Visiting Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice has been voted as one of the top 25 life experiences in the world today. To see the sunrise at Stonehenge on the summer solstice is one of those magical moments that will stay with you forever.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Stonehenge ROCK Tours

Established 1995. voted best stonehenge tour specialist 2021 / 2022 / 2023.

Operating tours of Stonehenge Stone Circle since the early 1990's - We offer a highly PERSONALISED and PROFESSIONAL service, ideal for individuals, families and groups

We are a small established British Company with a history of excellence. Please take the time to view our positive customer feedback throughout or 25 years of trading! ‍ 10 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR STONEHENGE TOUR DIRECT WITH US

We operate daily tours which include Stonehenge and explore the surrounding area - rich in History, Myths, Legends and Mysteries. We also offer a unique opportunity to go beyond the Stonehenge fences and inside the inner circle. Whichever tour you choose we promise a truly memorable experience. We also specialise in custom private tours for individuals, families and groups. We have local 'Stonehenge Experts' based in London, Salisbury, Oxford, Bath and Southampton

Small groups leave fewer footprints

Many of our tours operate with a maximum group size of just 16, we keep the experience and enjoyment both as individual and as personal as possible. Please note: certain popular tours may use midi coaches. Typically, a group consists of half couples or friends and half individuals traveling alone. Our tours attract people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities but all united in a desire to break away from regimented, impersonal big coach tours. Small groups are environmentally more friendly and their effect less disruptive to local communities. It also means you get the chance to get away from crowded tourist haunts, taking scenic back roads to places you may not have heard of, but wouldn't want to miss! Small groups leave fewer footprints.

Luxury travel, guranteed departures

Choosing our small group tours doesn't mean you compromise on comfort or safety. We use recent models Mercedes mini coaches (less then 3 years old) - coaches renowned for their reliability and safety, custom built to our specification for your comfort - huge panoramic windows for the very best views above the hedgerows, high backed coach seats, 3 point seat belts, air conditioning and forced air ventilation and a first class sound system.

About our Stonehenge Tour Guides

Our guides are carefully selected for their personality, expertise, wide knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for our style of tours. Never boring - you will find them informative, professional but down to earth with a real passion for showing you the very best of Britain! They pride themselves on entertaining you with tales of England's rich history, culture and legend to ensure a memorable experience of the real England. Of course all our drivers and guides are professional / licensed and trained to meet the high standards of the London Tourist Board's 'Welcome Host' program. All guides have been fully vaccinated and take daily lateral flow tests before each and every tour ‍ ‍ Tours depart daily from central London, Bath, Salisbury and Southampton all-year round.

Quality Tours at Affordable Prices.

Relevant entrance fees are included (some tours include lunch in historic pub) with no Hidden Extras. We have Priority Entrance into all attractions. No Questions giving more time to explore.We Guarantee that you wouldn't be able to visit the same places in one day, or at a cheaper price, by raveling independently using public transport. Our commitment to you ‍ We are committed to providing a high standard of quality and personal service. We constantly monitor our tours, looking out for new routes or places to visit and listen to what you want. We are proud to boast that many of our customers come back to us year after year and 60 per cent of our business comes from recommendations from previous customers.In addition to our scheduled departures we are proud to offer alternative tours provided by our preferred travel partners. There are several tour operators in London offering 'Stonehenge Tours' - some better than others! The only additional tours we offer are simply the best, we constantly monitor there quality and can confidently recommend these services. Needless to say we DO NOT charge for making these arrangements and can GUARANTEE the best possible prices. Please take the time to explore our web site and enjoy your visit to Stonehenge.

For your comfort and safety we use new Luxury Mercedes Mini and Mid-Coaches and Stonehenge Experts

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Curious Tourists and Modern-Day Druids: Marking the Solstice at Stonehenge

To celebrate the celestial event, the ropes come down at the ancient monument, and visitors spend the night to greet the sunrise.

By Lisa Lucas

In the predawn darkness, a procession of druid priests in white robes carry banners by the monoliths of Stonehenge, the ancient British archaeological site. There is an aroma of burning sage; a bagpipe calls in the distance. As dawn approaches, fever-pitched drumming mounts. If you hadn’t already felt the power in the stones at this summer solstice celebration, there is no denying the physical vibration as the sun rises in alignment with the stone circle.

Most of the time, visiting Stonehenge — which is owned by the British crown and managed by English Heritage , a nonprofit that oversees more than 400 of the country’s historic sites — requires purchasing tickets and keeping far away from the stones, which are normally cordoned off by ropes. But since 2000, four times a year, on the solstices and equinoxes, the ropes come down and visitors are invited to wander the stone circle, staying overnight and past sunrise if they wish.

On Thursday, to mark this year’s summer solstice, the monument opened at 7 p.m., as visitors began arriving on shuttle buses from nearby Salisbury, a trip that took most of an hour in traffic. The rules were strict: Blankets for picnics and warmth are allowed, but no camping equipment or chairs. Snacks are OK. Alcohol is prohibited.

The crowd ebbed and flowed, with an evening wave of tourists who came to picnic, then left before nightfall. People staying overnight faced evening temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit without shelter. Those who stayed drummed, chanted and communed with the stones, which were lit by a nearly full moon and purple floodlights. Flower crowns topped many heads. The intensity built through the night and picked up with faster drumming and chanting when the sky lightened just before 4 a.m.

There were also food trucks offering wood-fired pizzas, loaded fries, curries and doughnuts, and a merch tent for souvenirs.

Arthur Pendragon, 70, a modern-day druid (the ancient druids were Celtic priests), wore white robes with an embroidered red dragon, chunky silver rings and a silver dragon crown. He called the stones “a cathedral.” Charlotte Pulver, 45, an apothecary from Hastings who specializes in natural remedies, has been coming to the site for 12 years. She said it feels “special to gather in community to honor these tides and alignments of the earth.” Some American tourists in the U.K. to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour had “decided to swing by.” In all, about 15,000 people visited.

Crowds walked the interior of the circle, touching the sarsens (sarsen refers to the type of sandstone used at Stonehenge) placed here around 4,500 years ago. Some held ceremonies, welcoming the new season with chants of “heart to heart and hand to hand.” Some placed their hands on the stones and closed their eyes, seeming to draw power from them. The surfaces are gray and uneven, scarred with graffiti from the Bronze Age and, on one, a carved signature from Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The orange powder sprayed on them in a climate protest on Wednesday had already been washed away.

The monument has been credited to various groups over its history, including Phoenicians, druids and Romans. Jennifer Wexler, a historian for English Heritage who specializes in prehistoric sites, said that the archaeological consensus is that Stonehenge was built in stages and used differently over thousands of years, from the late Neolithic period to the early Bronze Age, or between about 3000 B.C. and 1500 B.C.

The druid link is hazy but is undoubtedly part of Stonehenge’s modern identity. In the 17th century, one of the early excavators suggested that the druids were the likely builders. Even after this was disproved (the earliest known references to the druids date to the 4th century B.C., well after research suggests Stonehenge was built), the idea stuck.

It’s fitting that a modern group, inspired by the past, has co-opted Stonehenge for its own use. As the archaeologist Jacquetta Hawkes wrote in a 1967 essay titled “God in the Machine”: “Every age has the Stonehenge it deserves — or desires.” The poet William Blake called it a “building of eternal death.”

Appreciation of the sun and the solstice echoes down the centuries in Britain, with references in Anglo-Saxon literature and ties to the Medieval mystery plays. Of course, there’s also Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Britain’s relatively northern position means there is less than six hours of light in midwinter, but at the solstice the sun rises before 5 a.m. and doesn’t set until almost 9:30 at night.

Dr. Wexler, the English Heritage historian, said the solstice alignment is at the center of Stonehenge’s design. This is perhaps not surprising given how prominent the sky and seasonal rhythms would have been in the late Neolithic period: the movement of the sun and the stars dominated life.

Druid Chris Park, 51, a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids from Oxfordshire, is an artist and beekeeper. He said he sees the solstice as something that transcends religions and nationalities because it is accessible to all and therefore “can unify us in meaningful moments of peace and celebration.”

At 4:52 a.m. on Thursday, standing in a field on Salisbury Plain, with druids in white robes and tourists wrapped in blankets, we were all looking in one direction at the same time (albeit some of us through phone screens). This collective attention to the sun was a link to each other and to those who stood in this place 5,000 years ago to gaze at the sun from the same angle — appreciating darkness giving way to light.

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