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Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing? Why I Don’t Think It Is
Stonehenge is fascinating, considering the massive stones were moved and arranged around 3000 BC. Seeing this historic stone circle is a unique experience. However, it’s become very commercialized and it’s often crowded.
So, is Stonehenge worth seeing? I don’t think so. Walking around the ancient stones with crowds isn’t worth the long drive and high fee.
Why I Don’t Think Visiting Stonehenge Is Worth It
Overcrowded
While Stonehenge is undeniably an impressive historic site, it has unfortunately become an extremely popular tourist destination.
In 2023, 1.3 million people visited Stonehenge, with numbers climbing back towards the pre-pandemic annual count of 1.6 million visitors.
This means that you move with a massive crowd when you walk around Stonehenge. During low season you might find a few spots without being crowded, but it’s nearly impossible during peak season.
Limited Access
Stonehenge is about 5,000 years old and it’s an important UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it needs to be protected.
Because of that, you’re not allowed to get close to Stonehenge. There’s a fence surrounding Stonehenge, and you can only walk around it at a distance.
So, if you were hoping to touch the stones, you’ll be disappointed.
Expensive
To visit Stonehenge is also quite expensive. As of 2024, Stonehenge tickets for adults cost Ā£25 (around ā¬29 or $31) per person.
Included in this entrance fee is the visit to Stonehenge itself and entrance to the small museum. The museum is really small though, I had trouble reading some of the descriptions because there were to many people standing in front of it.
Out of the Way
Stonehenge is located in the countryside of Wiltshire, England. It takes about 2 hours by car from London, 1.5 hours from Bristol, 1.25 hours from Oxford, and 1 hour from Southampton.
It’s possible to get there by public transportation, you can catch a train to Salisbury and then get a bus to Stonehenge, but taking public transport takes quite a long time.
The best way to visit Stonehenge is on a day tour from London or Bristol, which often includes additional stops. Most tours visit other destinations too, making the trip more worthwhile than just seeing Stonehenge alone.
I’ve been to Stonehenge twice, once by public transport from London, and once on a guided day tour from Bristol. I much preferred the day trip to Stonehenge from Bristol as I got to see a bit of the Cotswolds as well.
Opening Times
Have you seen those stunning pictures of Stonehenge at sunrise or sunset? Well, those are not possible within the official opening hours.
The Stonehenge hours are from about 9:30am to 7pm.
Atmosphere
Some claim Stonehenge has a magical atmosphere, but I didn’t feel it. The nearby highway, visible and audible from the ancient stones, diminishes all traces of magic.
Alternatives
There are other similar ancient sites in the UK, such as Avebury, which don’t have such large crowds and have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Also, if you’re interested in prehistoric sites and structures, there are many other options around the world that might be less crowded and offer a more immersive experience.
FAQ About Is Stonehenge Worth It?
Is Stonehenge a wonder of the world?
No, Stonehenge is not one of the 7 wonders of the world.
Can you get close to Stonehenge?
If you’re asking yourself, can you touch Stonehenge, the answer is no. There’s a fence around Stonehenge with a few meters of grass between the stones and the fence.
How many people visit Stonehenge a year?
In 2023 there were 1.3 million visitors at Stonehenge.
Distance to Stonehenge from London?
Stonehenge is about 88 miles from central London. It takes about 2 hours by car to go from London to Stonehenge and about 2 hours 40 minutes by public transport.
Final Thoughts: Is Stonehenge Worth Seeing?
While Stonehenge is definitely fascinating and an important part of ancient history, the modern commercialization and overcrowding have diminished its appeal.
For me personally, the hassle of getting there, the high fees, and especially the huge crowds make it not worth the experience.
However, if you do decide to visit Stonehenge, I recommend going during off-peak seasons or opting for a day tour from a nearby city with multiple stops along the way to make the trip more worthwhile.
So, while Stonehenge may be worth seeing for some, I personally don’t think it’s worth the effort and expense. But ultimately, the decision is up to you!
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