Featured Stonehenge Tour STONEHENGE AT SUNRISE, OXFORD,  WINDSOR Castle 

Stonehenge at Sunrise, Oxford and Windsor Castle Provided by Evan Evans Tours

A PRIVATE VIEWING OF THE INNER CIRCLE AT STONEHENGE - AN EARLY START GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE INNER CIRCLE OF STONEHENGE AT SUNRISE, A WALKING TOUR OF OXFORD AND VISIT TO THE STATE APARTMENTS AT WINDSOR CASTLE.

Included Highlights

Entrance to Windsor Castle and a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel Walking tour of Oxford Visit Christ Church college (where Harry Potter was filmed)

Private Visit ot the Inner Circle of Stonehenge at Sunrise First-class luxury Motor-coach and the services of a Professional Guide

Private Viewing of Stonehenge

Most visitors to Stonehenge are not allowed direct access to the stones. On this special day trip from London, you'll be invited to enter the stone circle itself, and stand beside the mysterious rocks towering above you. Your guide will unlock the secrets of this ancient World Heritage site. Enjoy the peace, away from the crowds, as you experience Stonehenge at its atmospheric best at sunrise.

Oxford

The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. We take you on a fascinating walking tour, which includes visiting the Great Hall in Christ Church, where many scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. We'll also see the Bodleian Library and the picture perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is famous.

Windsor Castle

Our day continues with a visit to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied Castle in the world, and home of the Royal Family for 900 years. Its proud, strong walls dominate the delightful town that has grown around the castle over the years. You'll see the lavishly decorated State Apartments containing priceless furniture in glorious colours and St George's Chapel, home to the 14th Century Order of the Royal Garter, our senior chivalric order.

Admission to Windsor Castle, Christ Church and Stonehenge is included in the tour price.

ADULTS: £94.00 CHILDREN (3-16): £84.00
SENIORS (60+)/STUDENTS (WITH ID): £89.00

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Featured Stonehenge Tour- Stonehenge, Stratford, Bath and The Cotswold Day Tour

Stratford, Stonehenge, Bath & The Cotswolds Day Tour From London With Champagne reception! A full day tour of the West Country that includes Champagne and Strawberry scones served at Shakespeare's birthplace! Plus visit Stonehenge, Bath & the Cotswolds.

Unique tour of Shakespeare birthplace Prices from £70.00

Stratford, Stonehenge, Bath & The Cotswolds

Includes Champagne reception at Shakespeare's birthplace - exclusive to Premium Tours!  Highlights: Entrance to Shakespeare Birthplace Museum Champagne reception served in Shakespeare's garden Visit the Cotswolds Entrance to mysterious Stonehenge Free time to shop and explore Georgian Bath

The Tour: 

Stonehenge

First we head straight for Stonehenge the most popular prehistoric monument in the world. Come and marvel at the huge 40 ton Sarsens and the volcanic blue stones that were brought from Preseli mountains over 280 miles away. Discover the mysteries that surround the slaughter stone and see the numerous earth barrows where the beaker people lie buried before heading through the Salisbury plains towards Bath. 

Bath and the Cotswolds

Bath, a world heritage site, is a beautiful Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces and architecture. There will be plenty of time to shop and explore before we enjoy a drive through the Cotswolds. As we head north to Stratford we drive through the heart of the Cotswolds, taking in breathtaking views of open countryside criss-crossed by dry stone walls and bustling market towns with magnificent perpendicular churches. 

Stratford-upon-Avon

Birthplace of William Shakespeare, the greatest writer in the English language, and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Stratford is a charming market town set in the heart of rural England. A delightful river winds its way through the town, past the beautiful Holy Trinity church, where Shakespeare lies buried. Our tour includes an exclusive visit to Shakespeare's birthplace before we enjoy Champagne and Strawberry scones*, served in his picturesque garden.

*Champagne and scones are replaced by a cream tea in a traditional English pub during the winter months.

Featured Stonehenge Tour- Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Oxford.
Tour Provided By Evan Evans

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Oxford

Included Highlights

Entrance to Windsor Castle and a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel Visit the ancient circle of Stonehenge

Walking tour of Oxford First-class luxury Motor-coach and the services of a professional Tour Guide

Windsor Castle

Built high above the River Thames, Windsor Castle has been home to the Royal Family for 900 years and is still an Official Residence of the Queen. We visit the magnificent State Apartments*, still used for State occasions and Royal receptions. Take some time to explore the castle grounds and the fourteenth-century St. George's Chapel, one of the most beautiful examples of medieval church architecture in England and a burial place of kings and queens, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour.

Stonehenge

Clouded in mystery, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is an amazing feat of engineering and the most important prehistoric site in England, but beyond its archaeological significance and possible astronomical role, Stonehenge is also a place of spiritual importance. Early legends link it with Merlin and King Arthur, but over the last hundred years the midsummer sunrise has attracted pagan groups and followers of the Ancient Order of Druids.

Oxford

This is the city of Dreaming Spires and home to the world's most famous university. Its colleges date back to the 13th century, an inspiration to generations of scholars including President Bill Clinton, and the authors J R R Tolkien, Lewis Carroll and C S Lewis. Your Evan Evans guide will take you on a walking tour to see Christ Church college, the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre.

Admission to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge is included in the tour price.

Adult £79 Child £69 Student Seniors £74

* Viewing at Windsor Castle is restricted on Sundays. On rare occasions the State Apartments may be closed 

Featured Stonehenge Tour Simply Stonehenge Direct from London
If you want to visit Stonehenge on a tight budget then this is the tour for you. Leaving London direct to Stonehenge with a morning and afternoon departure times, this tour takes about 5 Hours.
Adult £29 Child £26 Senior/Student £28 Family Ticket £105 (2 Adults 2 Children)

Departing from Central London, your driver will take you straight to Stonehenge for an extended visit. Upon arrival audio guides are available in different languages.

Stonehenge 

Wander around the world heritage site and be captivated by the unique rock formation! Situated on Salisbury Plain, 40 ton rocks stand alone since their arrival 5,000 years ago. An abundance of theories surround Stonehenge; from the belief it is a religious temple to an astronomical clock and even a Bronze Age burial ground! Decide for yourself whilst discovering the history behind this mysterious monument.

Days of departure:

March to September: Daily

October to February: Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Check-in time: 8:30am -8:45am 

Return (approx.): 1:30pm

Departure point: 4 Fountain Square, 123-151 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W

You will be dropped back at Kensington (Gloucester Road).

Featured Stonehenge Tour
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath with Pub lunch Included. Premium Tours

This Tour includes an early  entry to Windsor Castle, lunch in a traditional English country pub and entry to Stonehenge. Its an all day tour departing from London at the hotel pick up times and returning around 7.30PM


Tour Details 


Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years.

The castle stands high above the River Thames and is just outside of London. From William the Conqueror all the way through to our current Queen, successive monarchs have lived here and left their mark on what is now the largest continuously occupied castle in the world. We shall be amongst the first people to enter Windsor Castle, so you can see for yourself the splendor of St. Georges chapel and the sumptuous state apartments. Windsor itself is a pretty town full of traditional shops and historic pubs. Shakespeare is said to have written his play The Merry Wives of Windsor in one of them! 

Traditional Pub Lunch
What better way to enjoy lunch than in a classic country pub? Relax and soak up the charming atmosphere while being served some delicious home cooked food. Why not try the fish and chips?

Stonehenge

The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, and now a world heritage site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast empty tract of Salisbury plain. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years and it has been home to pagan religion and spiritual worship, not to be mention public debate ever since. What was this vast collection of stones intended for? Was it observatory of the moon, a temple to the sun, or an elaborate cemetery? Who were the people who carried and carved these 40 ton rocks? Come and unlock the secrets for yourself and marvel at this remarkable and mysterious feat of ancient engineering and design

Bath

Our final stop is Bath, another world heritage site. Bath is a beautiful Georgian city with delightful crescents, terraces and architecture. Following our panoramic tour of the city, there will be time to visit Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge overlooking the river Avon cascading over the weir. And you can shop, explore or take afternoon tea in the Pump Rooms while listening to the string quartet.

Returns to London at approximately 7.30pm

*Please note: On occasion the State Apartments are closed and as an alternative we shall visit Queens Mary's Doll's House and St Georges Chapel. On Sunday St Georges Chapel is closed, there will be extra time to explore castle precincts.

BBC News - Stonehenge revellers mark summer solstice

BBC News - Stonehenge revellers mark summer solstice: "Thousands of people have gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice despite overcast skies.

Cloud cover meant pagans and druids were unable to witness the sunrise on the longest day of the year.

Wiltshire Police said despite the rain it had been a "positive experience" for most revellers.

Officers made 37 arrests for theft, drugs or alcohol-related offences and more than 100 people received cautions for cannabis use or possession.

A further three people were arrested at the stone circles at Avebury, which is about 22 miles (37km) away from Stonehenge"

BBC News - Stonehenge was built to unify Britain, researchers conclude

BBC News - Stonehenge was built to unify Britain, researchers conclude: "Stonehenge was built to unify Britain, researchers conclude

Researchers believe Stonehenge was built in the "centre of the world" for prehistoric people
Continue reading the main story
Related Stories

Stonehenge 'older than believed'
Stonehenge 'royal cemetery' claim
Building Stonehenge was a way to unify the people of Stone Age Britain, researchers have concluded.

Teams working on the Stonehenge Riverside Project believe the circle was built after a long period of conflict between east and west Britain.

Researchers also believe the stones, from southern England and west Wales, symbolize different communities."

King Arthur's Summer Solstice

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Overview Checklist
2012 information

Onsite Facilities Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2012

Close to the Monument, there will be several areas for people to gather, two of which will have braziers provided. Please use the areas for your own enjoyment, such as poetry readings, meditation or playing of acoustic instruments.

TOILET FACILITIES

There are increased mobile toilets, including disabled toilets, in both the Monument Field and Solstice Car Park - please use them!! Do not desecrate the Monument or surrounding land. It's bad for the wildlife and makes the site dirtier for everyone, including you.

CATERING

Authorised catering points selling hot and cold refreshments, will be available throughout the access period and these will be clearly indicated. Please do not purchase refreshments from any unauthorised outlets.

There is a tap for drinking water close to the Monument which will be clearly marked. However, there is no similar supply of drinking water available in the Solstice Car Park. The authorised catering units will be selling bottled drinking water as well as other hot and cold drinks.

WELFARE

Parents/Guardians are requested to ensure that children are not left unattended at any time. Children under 16 will be refused entry unless accompanied by an adult.

There will be two clearly marked information / meeting points, one in the Solstice Car Park and one close to the entrance to the Monument. These provide experienced, caring and confidential help for all kinds of practical and personal problems.

RUBBISH DISPOSAL

Visitors are requested to dispose of their rubbish carefully at the designated recycling and rubbish points located in the Solstice Car Park and at Stonehenge. Every effort is being made to create a more sustainable, environmentally friendly Solstice. To help with the recycling process, clear bags will be handed out on arrival and after sunrise. Do not drop litter. Please bag and bin your rubbish so the recycling team can collect it. You are visiting a very sensitive landscape which is still in agricultural use - please respect the local farmers' crops and livestock.

All visitors are encouraged to 'think green' and improve on the already successful waste management programme. We aim to further reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to land fill and to increase the recycling rates. So please help us to make this year a cleaner Summer Solstice.

Parking at Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2012

The Solstice Car Park is located close to Airman's Cross just off the A303, (adjacent the A344/A360 junction) and will be clearly sign-posted. People will be able to walk to Stonehenge along a designated route which is a little over ½ a mile (approximately 1 km) - a 15-20 min walk. This route is through National Trust farmland, so please wear sensible footwear. Although the route will be partially lit you may wish to bring a small torch.

The Stonehenge visitor centre car park next to the Monument will be closed to the public for the Solstice access, as will the connecting road (A344).

If the weather and ground conditions are particularly poor large vehicles may need to be directed to a hard standing parking area.

In order to ensure that there is sufficient space available for everyone in the car park, please park sensibly and only where directed by a steward or police officer. This will help us make full use of the Solstice Car Park. Do not park on the A303 or other neighbouring roads and public rights of way. Cars parked illegally will be towed away by the Police.

There will be a designated area within the Solstice Car Park for motorbikes and bicycles. Do not chain or padlock your motorbike or bicycle to any of the gates - the gates are for use by the emergency services and any motorbikes or bicycles causing an obstruction will be removed.

Please note that absolutely NO camping or fires/BBQs are permitted in the Solstice Car Park as these activities can create a major safety risk. The stewards and security teams will be taking positive action to prevent them happening.

If you do decide to travel by car to Stonehenge, please ensure you nominate someone who will take responsibility for driving home. 'Drink driving' is illegal and 'tiredness can kill'.

DISABLED PARKING

There is a dedicated parking area in the Solstice Car Park for people with disabilities. Please ask the stewards as you enter the Solstice Car Park and you will be shown where to park.

There will also be a free bus service between the Solstice Car Park and Stonehenge for people who are wheelchair-bound, have mobility difficulties or are infirm. The bus will be available from 1900 hours (7pm) on Wednesday 20th June to 0830 hours (8.30am) on Thursday 21st June. If you wish to make use of this service, please speak to a steward as you enter the car park.

Wheelchair users, accompanied by one carer, will be given access to Stonehenge via the Visitor Centre entry point and the pedestrian walkway under the A344. This access route will be closed to the general public.

Wheelchairs will not be provided by English Heritage.

What to Bring and what's allowed Summer Solstice Stonehenge

BAGGAGE

When thinking about what to bring with you, remember your personal possessions are your responsibility and you will have to carry them with you at all times. Therefore, travel as light as you can. Large bags or large rucksacks will not be allowed at the Monument although small bags and rucksacks (similar size to hand luggage on airlines) will be permitted.

VALUABLES

Think carefully about what valuables you normally carry and leave all non-essential items at home. Whilst there is a lost property system, the nature of the access means that if you drop/mislay something in the Solstice Car Park or at Stonehenge it might not be easily found or handed in. If you are bringing your mobile phone with you please keep it safe. Think of the hassle you would have if you lost it, or it was stolen.

GLASS

Glass is not allowed at the Monument as many people walk barefoot and, in addition, livestock and wildlife also graze in the area. If you bring any glass items with you, they will be confiscated. This also includes any other objects that could cause damage to the Monument or people there. No plastic bottles will be available for decanting purposes.

ALCOHOL

Drunken, disorderly, and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated; ejection, possibly by the Police without return, will be the outcome.

Only small amounts of alcohol for personal use will be permitted on to site. Alcohol is limited to no more than the equivalent of four 500ml cans of beer/cider or 75cl of wine. No further alcohol will be permitted on subsequent re-entry. Be warned, drug/alcohol cocktails can be lethal, so please be fully of aware of what you are doing. As mentioned previously, no glass bottles are allowed on site at any time.

DRUGS

Illegal drugs are still illegal at Stonehenge as they are anywhere else. The police will be on site during the access period and will take immediate action against anyone flouting the law. Summer Solstice is not a good time to experiment with drugs - the crowd, the noise and the sheer size of the place are likely to make any bad reaction much, much worse. As much of the access is at night, if you had a bad reaction it may be difficult to locate you to administer treatment.

FIRE

Due to the large number of people in attendance, naked flame is extremely dangerous and it infringes local bylaws/regulations and constitutes a potential fire hazard, so please do not light any fires - this includes BBQs, flaming torches, candles, night-lights, Chinese lanterns or fireworks.

CAMPING

Camping (including erecting any tented structures), fires or BBQs are NOT permitted at Stonehenge, in the Solstice Car Park, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land. Please see Useful information for further details on local campsites and accommodation.

In the interests of safety, sleeping bags or duvets will not be allowed on site. Sleeping on the ground can create a trip hazard especially as much of the access is during the hours of darkness. Also, people asleep on the ground could interfere with the work of the emergency services and hinder their ability to attend an incident. Small ground sheets and blankets will be permitted for people to sit on. If you do want to sleep during the access period, it is strongly recommended that you either return to your vehicle in the Solstice Car Park or go to one of the public gathering areas outside the Monument.

MUSIC

Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and it is seen by many who attend the access as a sacred site. Amplified Music is inappropriate and will not be permitted at the Monument, in the surrounding landscape or Solstice Car Park, so please do not bring any sound systems or portable amplifiers. Acoustic instruments will be permitted.

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

The Solstice Car Park and Stonehenge are 'fields' so sensible footwear is essential.

Make sure you wear and bring with you warm clothing, as despite the time of the year, the weather at Stonehenge can be very cold and damp. Please do not wear a hi-viz jacket as this can cause confusion with the officials undertaking a safety role.

ANIMALS

Please do not bring dogs, pets or other creatures - they are not permitted into Stonehenge, with the exception of registered assistance dogs. Apart from potentially upsetting wildlife and stock in the area, animal faeces present a health risk to children and also to people walking barefoot.

Conditions of Entry to Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2012

These Conditions of Entry are written to ensure enjoyment and public safety for everyone. Contravention of any of these conditions may result in entry being refused or your removal from Stonehenge. English Heritage reserves the right to refuse entry.

Stonehenge is seen by many as a sacred site - please respect it and please respect each other.

ADMISSION TO STONEHENGE

• Admission to the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is free of charge.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Please remember that you will not be allowed access to the Monument with the following items:
  - Large quantities of alcohol
  - Drugs
  - Large bags or rucksacks (or similar items)
  - Sleeping bags or duvets
  - Flaming torches, Chinese lanterns or candles
  - Dogs (with the exception of registered assistance dogs), pets or other creatures
  - Camping equipment, including foldaway chairs, garden furniture
  - BBQs or gas cylinders
  - Glass/bottles or other glass objects
  - Trolleys, wheel barrows or any other form of porterage
  - Pushchairs or buggies that are not exclusively used for a child

GLASS

Glass is not allowed at the Monument as many people walk barefoot and, in addition, livestock and wildlife also graze in the area. If you bring any glass items with you, they will be confiscated.

ALCOHOL

Drunken, disorderly, and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated; ejection, possibly by the Police without return, will be the outcome.

Only small amounts of alcohol for personal use will be permitted on to site. Alcohol is limited to no more than the equivalent of four 500ml cans of beer/cider or 75cl of wine. No further alcohol will be permitted on subsequent re-entry. Be warned, drug/alcohol cocktails can be lethal, so please be fully of aware of what you are doing.

DRUGS

Illegal drugs are still illegal at Stonehenge as they are anywhere else. The police will be on site during the access period and will take immediate action against anyone breaking the law. Summer Solstice is not a good time to experiment with drugs - the crowd, the noise and the sheer size of the place are likely to make any bad reaction much, much worse. As much of the access is at night, if you had a bad reaction it may be difficult to locate you to administer treatment.

MUSIC

Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and it is seen by many who attend as a sacred site. Amplified Music is inappropriate and will not be permitted.

CAMPING AND FIRES

Camping, fires, chinese lanterns, flaming torches, BBQs and fireworks are NOT permitted at Stonehenge, in the Solstice Car Park, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land. Please see Useful information for further details of local campsites.

SAFETY

Do not climb or stand on any of the stones - this includes the stones that have fallen. This is in the interest of personal safety, the protection of this special site and respect for those attending. As well as putting the stones themselves at risk, climbing on them can damage the delicate lichens.

In order to ensure personal safety, random searching may be undertaken, but we hope that self-policing and personal responsibility will prevail. Any items that might be used in an illegal or offensive manner will be confiscated.

SUMMER SOLSTICE STONEHENGE 2012

  

English Heritage is pleased to be providing Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. Please help us to create a peaceful occasion by taking personal responsibility and following the Conditions of Entry and guidelines set out on the following pages. We have a duty of care to ensure public safety and are responsible for the protection of Stonehenge and its surrounding Monuments. If we are to ensure that future access is sustainable, it is essential that everyone observes and abides by these Conditions of Entry.

During the Summer Solstice access to Stonehenge, we support all individuals and groups conducting their own forms of ceremony and celebration providing that they are mutually respectful and tolerant of one another. It is a place seen by many as a sacred site - therefore please respect it and those attending.

English Heritage continues to work closely with the many agencies and people from all sectors of the community and we would like to thank them for their help and support.

Parking and entry to the Monument will be free, subject to the Conditions of Entry.  Please do not arrive at the Solstice Car Park or Stonehenge in advance of the opening times listed below:

  

• SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS
  1900 hours (7pm) Wednesday 20th June
• ACCESS TO STONEHENGE
  1900 hours (7pm) Wednesday 20th June
• LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK
  0600 hours (6am) Thursday 21st June
• STONEHENGE CLOSES
  0800 hours (8am) Thursday 21st June
• SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED
  1200 hours (12 Noon) Thursday 21st June - see the pages on Traveland Parking for further information on travel and parking arrangements.

WE HOPE THE WEATHER WILL BE KIND AND WISH YOU A PEACEFUL AND CELEBRATORY SOLSTICE.

Sunset and sunrise occur at the following times:

• Sunset on Wednesday 20th June 2012 is at 2126 hrs (9.26pm)
• Sunrise on Thursday 21st June 2012 is at 0452 hrs (4.52am)

Avebury Summer Solstice 2012

Summer Solstice 2012 Avebury

Avebury at dawn - an unforgettable experience

The summer Solstice observance at Avebury is expected to be very busy and there will be limited car parking as a result. From Wednesday 20 June until mid-afternoon on Friday 22 June there will be a temporary campsite alongside the car park opening at 9am on Wednesday 20 June and closing at 2pm on Friday 22 June.

Limited tent space

There'll be less than one hundred tent spaces, allocated on a first come first served basis. They are expected to be in high demand. There'll be no camping available on the weekends either side of the Solstice.

We would advise anybody planning to come to celebrate the Solstice at Avebury to consider both finding accommodation in campsites nearby (listed below) and to consider visiting by public transport.

Safe celebrations

The main celebrations will take place on the evening of Wednesday 20 June and at sunrise on Thursday 21 June – approximately 5am.

The National Trust is part of the Avebury Solstice Planning Group and works closely with police, the local councils, residents, the fire brigade and other safety groups to ensure that this is a peaceful and safe event for those who wish to celebrate the Solstice here.

English Heritage