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