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.
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.
