Sunday 13 December 2015

WINTER SOLSTICE AT STONEHENGE 2015 - 22 Dec 2015

English Heritage will once again welcome people to Stonehenge to celebrate the Winter Solstice. Sunrise is just after 8am on Tuesday 22 December and visitors will be able to access the monument as soon as it is light enough to do so safely.
Many people - not least diary manufacturers - believe that the Winter Solstice always falls on 21 December. But the celebration of Winter Solstice at Stonehenge is not fixed to a specific date - this is because of a mismatch between the calendar year and the solar year. 

KEY INFORMATION

  • MONUMENT FIELD OPENS: 07:45 (7.45AM) Tuesday 22 December (approximately - depending on light levels)
  • MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES : 1000 HOURS (10AM) Tuesday 22 December
  • Please be aware that parking is extremely limited and the area you park in may be a 30 minute (1.5 mile) walk from the monument in low light or darkness. You are strongly advised to bring a torch for personal use.
  • Stonehenge is situated in a field and the weather will be cold and possibly wet. Sensible footwear and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
  • Toilets at the Monument Field will only be available once the access period begins. There are no catering facilities at the monument.
Sun glinting through the stones on a frosty morning

English Heritage is pleased to be providing Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice. Please help us to create a peaceful occasion by taking personal responsibility and following the Conditions of Entry and guidelines. We have a duty of care to ensure public safety and are responsible for the protection of Stonehenge and its surrounding monuments.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

  • 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.
  • Stonehenge is a world renowned historic monument. Amplified Music is inappropriate and not permitted.
  • Drunken, disorderly, and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated; ejection, by Security staff and/or Police, without return, will be the outcome. 
  • 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.  
  • 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.  
  • Only small amounts of alcohol for personal use will be permitted on to site.  
  • 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.
  • Camping, fires, Chinese lanterns, fireworks, candles, tea-lights or BBQs are NOT permitted at Stonehenge, in the parking areas, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land.
  • Drones or any type of remote-controlled flying devices are not permitted at Stonehenge. 

Sunday 6 December 2015

Windsor, Stonehenge, Lacock and Bath with Christmas Lunch - Christmas Day 2015

London on Christmas Day can be quiet and its a great opportunity to join a party who are on one of our out of London day tours. Meet some new friends and enjoy the festive spirit.

Tour Highlights
Prehistoric Stonehenge, Elegant Bath, Royal Windsor & picturesque Lacock including a traditional Christmas Lunch, all lined up to make your Christmas day a memorable one
Highlights:
  • Free morning transfers from selected hotels.
  • Experience the history of England from prehistoric times to present day on CHRISTMAS DAY
  • Visit Royal Windsor for a guided walking tour of the old market town
  • See where William Shakespeare lived while writing the Merry Wives of Windsor
  • Spectacular views of the Castle including the official Royal residence of the Queen
  • Visit ancient Stonehenge for a photo stop
  • Visit the ancient village of Lacock as featured in various films including Harry Potter
  • Christmas lunch including Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding
  • Visit Bath for a panoramic driving tour and a walking tour of the old Roman town
  • Book Tickets
  • Full Tour Details....
After the morning pick-up, we head off to Windsor Castle for a guided walking tour of the old market town taking in the charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings, including the house that William Shakespeare lived in when he wrote the Merry Wives of Windsor.
You will also see the warrant for Charles I’s execution signed by Oliver Cromwell, and Sir Christopher Wren’s intriguing Guildhall, before heading to the Long Walk that boasts the most impressive views of Windsor Castle.


Your professional guide will pause here explaining to you the dramatic history of the oldest working Castle. The walk will continue around the perimeter of the Castle before we head for Stonehenge.

Journeying south-west we pass through Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215 before we head to the picturesque Salisbury plains. There will be plenty of time for a photo-stop at Stonehenge, the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Step back in time 5,000 years while your guide explains the remarkable sequence of events that have surrounded these ancient monoliths.

Christmas lunch is an absolute treat. We visit a charming pub to enjoy Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings followed by delicious Christmas pudding.
Next we visit the ancient village of Lacock. Lacock is one of England's most picturesque villages, dating back to the Saxon era. The village has provided the setting for many movies and television dramas, including Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Finally, we head to the spa town of Bath for a walking and panoramic driving tour of the old Roman and Georgian town visiting the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Pulteney Bridge boasting fine views of the River Avon cascading down over the weir.

Please note that the Roman Baths, Windsor Castle and Stonehenge will be closed, but the tour still provides a comprehensive overview of each attraction and includes a delicious Christmas lunch in a historic English pub. We may visit the above attractions in a different order on the day.

Wednesday 2 December 2015

Christmas Day Tours 2015 - Windsor, Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury with 3 Course Christmas Lunch

Highlights

  • Walking Tour of Windsor
  • See Windsor Castle
  • View Stonehenge
  • See Salisbury and its Gothic Cathedral
  • Traditional Christmas Lunch
  • Panoramic Tour of The Georgian City of Bath
  • Luxury Coach
  • Professional Guide

Description

Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and one of the official residences of Her Majesty the Queen. You will enjoy a walking tour of Windsor and see the Castle.
Mysterious Stonehenge
Drive past Stonehenge, where you can view this ancient monument. Situated atop Salisbury Hill, 40 ton rocks stand alone since their arrival 5,000 years ago. Abundance of theories surround Stonehenge; from a religious temple to an astronomical clock and even a Bronze Age burial ground!

Traditional Christmas Lunch
Savour a delectable three course lunch, complete with all the trimmings, including a glass of wine and a choice of either tea or coffee to complement your meal.
 
Salisbury 
Following a traditional Christmas lunch, you will head for the town of Salisbury which has one of the finest medieval cathedrals in Britain.
 
Bath
Discover the beauty of Bath! Designated a World Heritage Site, Bath was the first city in England to receive this prestige and proudly stands on the slopes of the River Avon. Enjoy a whistle stop tour of Bath’s famous monuments from the comfort of your seat! Take in Bath Abbey, which saw the coronation of the first British King in 973AD. Admire the architecture of the stunning Royal Crescent. Marvel at the famous Pulteney Bridge, modelled on the Florentine Ponte Vecchio.


Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge on Christmas Eve 2015

Tour Highlights

  • Entry to Windsor Castle and State Apartments
  • Entry to Roman Baths
  • Drive past Stonehenge
  • Luxury Coach
  • Professional Guide
  • Lunch (Optional)
  • Complimentary hotel pick up from over 80 central London hotels
  • Tour Details

    A great day out of London! This tour will take you to Windsor Castle, where you will visit the home of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to admire the magnificent State Apartments. You will drive past mystical Stonehenge, and will view this ancient monument that stands imperiously on Salisbury Plain. Upon arrival in Bath, you will take a charming panoramic tour of the City and pay a visit to the world renowned Roman Baths.

    Additional Information

    Inclusions:
    • Entry to Windsor Castle and State Apartments
    • Entry to world famous Roman Baths
    • Drive past Stonehenge
    • Luxury Coach
    • Professional Guide
    • Complimentary Hotel pick up from over 80 Central London Hotels
    Exclusions:
    • Gratuities
    • Food & Beverages
    Please Note: Stonehenge is closed on Christmas Eve

Saturday 21 November 2015

Premium Tours London - Christmas Day Tour - Windsor, Stonehenge,Salisbury and Bath with Christmas Lunch - 2015

London in the main on Christmas Day is a quiet time, why not take the opportunity of joining Premium Tours on an out of London tour?
Prehistoric  Stonehenge, Salisbury, Elegant Bath, Royal Windsor including a traditional Christmas Lunch, all lined up to make your Christmas a memorable one
Highlights:
  • Free morning transfers from selected  hotels
  • Experience the history of England from prehistoric times to present day on CHRISTMAS DAY
  • Visit Royal Windsor for a guided walking tour of the old market town
  • See where William Shakespeare lived while writing the Merry Wives of Windsor
  • Spectacular views of the Castle including the official Royal residence of the Queen
  • Visit ancient Stonehenge for a photo stop
  • Christmas lunch including Roast Turkey and Christmas Pudding
  • Visit Salisbury and Bath for a panoramic driving tour and a walking tour of the old town
  • More Information - Book This Tour

The Tour:
After the morning pick-up we head off to Windsor Castle for a guided walking tour of the old market town taking in the charming cobbled streets and medieval buildings, including the house that William Shakespeare lived in when he wrote the Merry Wives of Windsor. You will also see the warrant for Charles I’s execution signed by Oliver Cromwell, and Sir Christopher Wren’s intriguing Guildhall, before heading to the Long Walk that boasts the most impressive views of Windsor Castle. Your professional guide will pause here explaining to you the dramatic history of the oldest working Castle.
Journeying South-West we pass through Runnymede where King John signed the Magna Carta in 1215, before we head to the picturesque Salisbury plains. There will be plenty of time for a photo-stop at Stonehenge, the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. Step back in time 5,000 years while your guide explains the remarkable sequence of events that have surrounded these ancient monoliths.
Christmas lunch is an absolute treat. We visit a charming pub to enjoy Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings followed by delicious Christmas pudding.
Described as the ‘City in the countryside’, the charming market town of Salisbury retains much of its historical past. Your guided walk will take you past timbered buildings and historic houses, many of which retain original features going back to the 13th & 14th Century. There’s something of interest lurking around every street corner, before we take in the stunning Cathedral, home to the finest copy of the Magna Carta and Britain’s tallest church spire. Make sure you look out for the oldest mechanical clock in the UK, dating back to 1386.
Finally we head to the spa town of Bath for a walking and panoramic driving tour of the old Roman and Georgian town, visiting the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and Pultney Bridge , with its fine views of the River Avon cascading down over the weir.
Please note that the Roman Baths, Windsor Castle and Stonehenge will be closed but the tour still provides a comprehensive overview of each attraction and includes a delicious Christmas lunch in a historic English pub. We may visit the above attractions in a different order on the day.


..

Tuesday 27 October 2015

Child or Adult Ticket to Stonehenge and Bath with Premium Tours (50% Off)

Choose Between Two Options

  • £34.50 for Stonehenge and Bath for one child (50% off)
  • £39.50 for Stonehenge and Bath for one adult (50% off)
  • Full-day experience, lasting about 11 hours
  • Transfer from one of 170 hotels in central London
  • Entrance to Stonehenge
  • Afternoon in Bath, with possibilities to see the Roman baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, Jane Austen Centre, and the Assembly Rooms
  • Air conditioned motorcoach
  • See full Details

Premium Tours

Holding a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Premium Tours is a company that provides a wide range of tourist services, such as tours and hotel reservations. The tours include top tourist destinations in the UK, such as Stonehenge, Bath, Leeds, Windsor and Highclere, as well as various London trips, including open bus rides. Those wishing to venture to the other side of the Channel can also participate in a Paris day trip.

Sunday 27 September 2015

Supermoon lunar eclipse: Where, how and what time can I see it start on Sunday / Monday and when will it end?

Amateur astronomers will be given a rare chance to capture a spectacular celestial event that has not occurred for 30 years tonight- a lunar eclipse with the moon near to its closest point to the Earth.
An awe-inspiring blood-red "supermoon" will cast its eerie light on the Earth early on Monday, creating an atmosphere of wonder and fear across the world.
When the moon is at "perigee", its shortest distance from the Earth, it is 226,000 miles away and appears 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than when it is at its furthermost point.
The last time this coincided with a lunar eclipse, when the moon is covered by the Earth's shadow, was in 1982 and the event will not be repeated until 2033.
During a lunar eclipse, the moon turns a deep rusty red, due to sunlight being scattered by the Earth's atmosphere.
Down through the ages, so-called "blood moons" have been viewed as ill-omens by superstitious people.
For some - religious groups and believers in astrology - the eclipse will be dreadful in the most literal sense, a sign that the End of Days is approaching.
Monday's eclipse is said to be even more significant, since it marks the completion of an unusual line-up of four total eclipses at six monthly intervals known as a "tetrad".

When can I see the lunar eclipse?

From the UK, the moon starts to enter the Earth's shadow at 01:10 early on Monday morning.

How long will the eclipse last?

The moon will be completely within the shadow from 03:11 to 04:24. The eclipse ends when the moon leaves the shadow at 0624.

What will I see?

When the eclipse is at its maximum, the moon will be just above the tree tops.
The phenomenon is well worth staying up for, according to leading amateur astronomer Robin Scagell.
He said: "From a UK point of view, it's happening at a most unsuitable time, but I would say it's definitely worth setting the alarm for to look out and see this red moon hanging over the tree tops."

Why will the moon turn red?

The Earth's atmosphere scatters more blue light, so that the light reaching the lunar surface is predominantly red.
Observers on Earth see a moon that may be brick-coloured, rusty, blood red, or sometimes dark grey depending on the atmospheric conditions.

Is the end nigh?

Joel 2:31 in the Bible says: "The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord comes."
The blood-red full moon has happened only five times since 1900 and will be the last in a sequence of four in a row occurring at six-monthly intervals on biblical feast days - a so-called "biblical tetrad".
A cross is seen as the moon is illuminated by sunlight reflected off the Earth during a total lunar eclipse, one of four so-called 'blood moons'A cross is seen as the moon is illuminated by sunlight reflected off the Earth during a total lunar eclipse, one of four so-called 'blood moons'  Photo: Getty Images
Throughout history, these incredibly rare events have been associated with major global events and disasters.
The 1493 tetrad was marked by the expulsion of the Jews by the Catholic Spanish Inquisition and in 1949 another tetrad coincided with the establishment of the state of Israel. Furthermore in 1967 the tetrad occured at the same time as the Arab-Israeli Six-Day War.
However, while lunar tetrads can be rare - there were none between 1600 and 1900 - Nasa says the pattern is largely random and there will be eight in the 21st century.

When can I next see a lunar eclipse?

It will be the last total lunar eclipse visible from the UK until 2019.

When did this last happen?

The previous three total lunar eclipses in the tetrad occurred on April 15 2014, October 8 2014, and April 4 2015, but were not visible from the UK. A tetrad cycle like this one hasn't been seen since 1982 and won't begin again until 2032.
The most recent occurrences of the big red moon took place in 1910, 1928, 1946, 1964, and 1982.

Thursday 24 September 2015

Who, What, Why: What is an equinox?

Equinox diagram

The equinox is being celebrated around the world - heralding autumn in the northern hemisphere and spring in the south. What is an equinox and how does it work, asks Justin Parkinson.
The name equinox means "equal night" in Latin. It's theoretically the day of the year when all points on the earth's surface experience the same lengths of daylight and darkness - 12 hours of each. The autumn equinox in the northern hemisphere (it's the spring equinox for the southern hemisphere) always falls on 22, 23 or 24 September.
Imagine the earth orbiting the sun in a flat plane - ie as if it was pinned on the edge of a slightly elliptical disc. It spins on its axis as it does so - each turn making a day. But the earth also constantly tilts at an angle of 23.5 degrees to that flat plane as it orbits the sun.
This means, for half the year, the northern hemisphere is pointing slightly away from the sun, bringing shorter, colder days as it moves into winter. For the other half of the year it points slightly towards the sun, getting longer, hotter days, most extreme in high summer.

...
But the equinoxes (there's one in March, too) are the points of the year where the part of the earth closest to the sun is the equator rather than places north or south of it. Everywhere from the North Pole to the South Pole gets the same number of hours of sunlight, just for those two days a year.
In theory everywhere on earth should get half a day of sun and half a day of darkness when an equinox happens. "But this is complicated by the fact that the earth has an atmosphere," says Robert Massey, deputy executive director of the Royal Astronomical Society. "This means when the sun's near the horizon it appears to be slightly higher than it is because the light is refracted through the atmosphere. So, you get slightly longer than the 12 hours of sunlight."
If the earth didn't tilt, every day would be an equinox, as the sun would always be closest to the equator. There would not be winters or summers as we know them, says Massey.

Friday 18 September 2015

Special Offer Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath Save £16 - for a limited time only:

Includes entrance to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge and the Roman Baths. *
 Highlights: 
  • Be amongst the first people to enter Windsor Castle
  • Entrance to Windsor Castle & Stonehenge
  • Entrance to the Roman baths included (Includes 1-course pub lunch instead of Roman Baths entry in winter between Nov 15 - Mar 16)
  • Entrance to the delightful Georgian Pump Room
  • Panoramic tour of Bath
  • Check Availability - Book/Buy Tickets
The Tour:
Windsor Castle
Over 900 years of royal history are waiting for you in Windsor Castle, which is perched high above the River Thames 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! 
  
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.

Your ticket includes entrance to the Roman Baths (Includes 1-course lunch instead of Roman Baths betweeen Nov 15 - Mar 16) that were built nearly 2,000 years ago. Built on Britain's only natural hot water spring lies the magnificent Roman public bath complex and Roman temple. At the heart of the World Heritage Site you can walk around the steaming pool on the Roman stone paving and admire the ancient Roman statues and architecture.  
 
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.

Returns to London at approximately 8:30pm
*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.
Tour Code: 01OP
* The tour includes a 1-course lunch instead of entry to Roman Baths in winter between Nov 15 - Mar 16.

Please note that the order of visit may change.
Please note the following closure:
 The State Apartments closure            
17 September 2015
16 October 2015
25 November 2015
4 December 2015
8 December 2015