Tuesday, 8 May 2018

Summer Solstice Stonehenge 2018 - Free entry and Access to The Stones - Times 20th/21st June

Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric world heritage site which has been a place of worship and celebration at the time of Summer Solstice for thousands of years.

Please note that last normal day admissions to Stonehenge is on Wednesday 20 June at 13:00 and the site will close at 15:00 in preparation for Summer Solstice Managed Open Access. Stonehenge is closed on Thursday 21 June and will re-open at 09:00 on Friday 22nd June.

English Heritage is pleased to provide free Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice. We ask that if you are planning to join us for this peaceful and special occasion that you read the Conditions of Entry and the information provided on the following pages before deciding whether to come.
Stonehenge is a significant World Heritage Site, and to many it is sacred - please respect the stones and all those who are attending.

Admission to the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is free of charge.  We hope the weather will be kind and wish you a peaceful and celebratory solstice.
WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE 
SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS 19.00 hours 
ACCESS TO STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD 19.00 hours  
SUNSET 21.26 hours

THURSDAY 21 JUNE 
SUNRISE  04.52 hours 
LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK 06.00 hours (or when full)
STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES 08.00 hours
SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED 12.00 hours (Noon)

For further information about Managed Open Access for Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, please call English Heritage Customer Services Solstice Information Hotline on 0370 333 1181.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY FOR SUMMER SOLSTICE 2018
Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric world heritage site which has been a place of worship and celebration at the time of Summer Solstice for thousands of years.

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

English Heritage is pleased to provide free Managed Open Access to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice and ask that, if you are planning to join us for this peaceful and special occasion, you follow the Conditions of Entry set out below.  We have a duty of care to ensure your safety and are also responsible for looking after the Stonehenge monument itself. 

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. 

These Conditions of Entry are written to ensure enjoyment and safety for everyone. Please make sure you read them before deciding to come to Stonehenge for Summer Solstice. Contravention of any of these conditions will result in entry being refused or your removal from Stonehenge.  English Heritage reserves the right to refuse entry.
Amplified music is not permitted in or around the monument field.
No alcohol is allowed within the monument or the monument field. Alcohol will be confiscated, or individuals in possession of alcohol will be asked to leave.
Drunken, disorderly and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and anybody considered to be behaving in this way will be asked to leave by security staff and/or the police and will not be allowed back in.
Illegal drugs are illegal at Stonehenge as they are anywhere else.  The police will be on site and will take action against anyone breaking the law. 
Please don't bring any glass into the monument field. Many people walk barefoot, and livestock and wildlife also graze in the area.  Any glass items will be confiscated. 
Please do not climb or stand on any of the stones - this includes the stones that have fallen.  This is for your own safety and also to protect this special site and respect those around you. 
Please be aware that in order to keep everyone safe, searches will be undertaken. Any items that are illegal will be confiscated, and your entry refused.
Camping equipment, fires, Chinese lanterns, fireworks, candles, tea-lights or BBQs are not permitted at Stonehenge, in the Solstice Car Park, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land.
In the interests of safety, sleeping bags or duvets are not allowed on site.  Sleeping on the ground creates a trip hazard and can interfere with the work of emergency services and hinder their ability to help people.  Small ground sheets and blankets are permitted for people to sit on but please do not bring chairs etc. (unless used as a recognised disability aid). Shooting-sticks are not permitted.
To help us reduce the amount of litter on site, leafleting or flyering is not allowed.
Drones or any type of remote-controlled flying devices are not permitted at Stonehenge or in any of the Solstice Car Parks.
Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury will not be permitted.
Counter-terrorism security measures will be in place at Summer Solstice. Only small bags (approx. 30cm x 25cm x 15cm) will be allowed into the Monument Field and searches will be conducted.  We strongly advise you to only bring essential items with you and thank you in advance for your patience.

TRAVELLING TO STONEHENGE FOR SUMMER SOLSTICE
The roads around Stonehenge will be very busy, and parking facilities for Summer Solstice at Stonehenge are very limited. We recommend using public transport, car sharing or arranging lifts from taxis and local accommodation providers.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
It's easy to travel to Stonehenge by public transport, and every year more and more people are choosing to leave their car at home.

The nearest bus and railway stations: Salisbury (12 miles/19 km) away. 

By train: Regular services to Salisbury from London, Bristol/Bath and Southampton.

By taxi: Available at Salisbury train station.

By bus: Salisbury Reds special Solstice service goes from Salisbury railway station and Stand U in New Canal to a drop-off point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.  Buses will also stop at bus stops along the route, which is via Amesbury.

The Salisbury Reds bus service is wheelchair accessible and begins at 18:30 hours on Wednesday 20th June and run regularly until 01:15 hours on Thursday 21st June.  A service taking people back to Salisbury will start again at 04:00 hours and run frequently until 09:45 hours. The collection point for the return service is in the same location as the drop-off point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.

Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the bus drop-off/collection point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust down-land which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

Plan your journey by train or bus
www.salisburyreds.co.uk
www.southwesttrains.co.uk 
www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk
www.nationalrail.co.uk

BY FOOT
Stonehenge is a 2½ mile (4 km) walk from nearby Amesbury.  Sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

BICYCLE
Please bring a strong lock and only park your bike in the designated areas in the Solstice car park.  Ask a steward at the Solstice car park entrance, or at the entrance to the monument field, for assistance. Please do not chain your bike to any of the gates - these are for use by the emergency services and any bikes causing an obstruction will be removed.

DROP OFF/PICK UP BY CAR
If you are arriving by taxi or have arranged a lift from your accommodation, the drop-off and pick-up point is in the Stonehenge Visitor Centre car park.

TRAVELLING BY CAR. PLEASE CAR SHARE IF POSSIBLE.
Parking is very limited, and we highly recommend car sharing.  Follow this link to share your car or find out who has space in their care Liftshare. 

Please car share where possible.

Traffic will be heavy in the area on the evening of Wednesday 20th June.  Please do not be tempted to abandon your vehicle and park it either on the A303 or other neighbouring roads and public rights of way.  Cars parked illegally or causing an obstruction will be towed away.

PARKING POLICY
There is a parking charge of £15 per car, live-in vehicle and non-commercial minibus (up to 19 seats) at Stonehenge during Summer Solstice.

Other vehicle charges:
Motorcycles £5.00
Commercial minibuses and coaches £100.00 - pre-booking required via bookstonehenge@english-heritage.org.uk or on ++44 (0) 370 333 0604.

As you approach Stonehenge, please follow signs to the Solstice car park. This is located close to Airman's Corner Roundabout just off the A303. We ask that you park sensibly and only where directed by a steward or police officer.  This will help us make full use the Solstice car park.

There is a 15-20 minute walk (approximately ½ a mile or 1 km) from the car park to Stonehenge along a designated route. This route is through National Trust down-land, so please wear sensible footwear.

WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE 
SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS 19.00 hours

THURSDAY 21 JUNE 
LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK 06.00 hours (or when full)
SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED 12.00 hours (Noon)

MOTORBIKES
Motorbikes may be parked in the Motorbike Parking area in the Solstice Car Park at a charge of £5.00 each.

Please do not chain your motorbike to any of the gates - the gates are for use by the emergency services and any motorbikes causing an obstruction will be removed.

ACCESSIBILITY
Limited disabled access parking for Blue Badge holders is available on a 'first come, first served' basis. To access this parking, you will be asked to show your Blue Badge so, to help things move smoothly, please ensure that your badge is clearly displayed in your vehicle on arrival. Finally, please note that normal car parking fees will apply.

WHAT (AND WHAT NOT!) TO BRING 
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.  Please also remember that warm, and possibly waterproof, clothing and footwear is essential.

SENSIBLE SHOES AND WARM CLOTHING RECOMMENDED 
The Solstice Car Park and Stonehenge are fields, and sensible footwear is essential.  Make sure you wear, and bring with you, warm clothing as even in June the weather at Stonehenge can be very cold and damp. A small umbrella might be a good idea, although please be aware that large umbrellas are not permitted. Please do not wear a hi-viz jacket as this can cause confusion with safety officials.

We recommend bringing a small torch for walking to the monument from car parks and drop off points.

TRAVEL LIGHT AND LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME  

Additional security measures will be in place at Summer Solstice in accordance with the current terrorism threat level. 

Only small bags (approx 30cm x 25cm x 15 cm) will be allowed into the Monument Field and searches will be conducted. We strongly advise you to only bring essential items with you.  Any items that are illegal will be confiscated, and your entry refused.

English Heritage accepts no liability for any loss of, or damage to, property arising in any way whatsoever whilst at Stonehenge or in the Solstice Car Park.

NO GLASS
Glass is not allowed at the Monument as many people walk barefoot and, also livestock and wildlife 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. 

KEEP PETS AT HOME
Please do not bring dogs, pets or other animals to Stonehenge. They are not permitted into the Monument Field, with the exception of assistance dogs for blind, deaf and disabled people.  Apart from potentially upsetting wildlife and stock in the area, animal faeces present a health risk to children and also to people walking barefoot.

NO NAKED FLAMES
Due to the large number of people in attendance, naked flame is extremely dangerous at Solstice. It also 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.

SLEEPING AND CAMPING
In the interests of safety, sleeping bags or duvets are not allowed, but you are permitted to bring a small ground sheet or blanket. Please do not bring chairs (unless used as a recognised disability aid) and shooting-sticks are not permitted.

Sleeping on the ground creates 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. 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.

Camping (including erecting any tented structures), fires or BBQs are NOT allowed at Stonehenge, in the Solstice Car Park, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land.

BLADED OR SHARPLY POINTED ITEMS

Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury will not be permitted.

PLEASE RESPECT THE STONES!
Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is seen by many as a sacred place. We ask that all those attending respect it and those celebrating around it.

YOUR SAFETY, FACILITIES AND WELFARE
HERE TO HELP!
There are lots of stewards on duty to help with the smooth and successful running of the Solstice access.  They are also there to answer your questions so please do not hesitate to approach them.  If you notice anything that concerns you, please report it so that appropriate action can be taken.

ADMISSION
Admission to the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is free of charge.

PARKING CHARGE
There is a parking charge of £15 per car, live-in vehicle and non-commercial minibus (up to 19 seats) at Stonehenge during Summer Solstice. Access to the car park will start at 7 pm.

Other vehicle charges:
Motorcycles £5.00
Commercial Minibuses & Coaches £100.00 pre-booking required via bookstonehenge@english-heritage.org.uk or on ++44 (0) 370 333 0604

FACILITIES
There are gathering areas close to the Monument, two of which have braziers provided. Please use the areas for your own enjoyment, such as poetry readings, meditation or playing of acoustic instruments.

Porta-loos, including accessible toilets, are available in both the Monument Field and Solstice Car Park.

Authorised catering units will be selling hot and cold refreshments throughout the access period.  Please do not purchase refreshments from any unauthorised outlets.

WATER
There is a clearly marked tap for drinking water close to the Monument.  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 is a clearly marked information / meeting / welfare point, close to the entrance to the Monument.  It provides experienced, caring and confidential help for all kinds of practical and personal problems.

RUBBISH DISPOSAL

Please dispose of your rubbish at the designated recycling and rubbish points located in the Solstice Car Park and at Stonehenge to support a sustainable, environmentally-friendly Solstice.  Stonehenge sits within a very sensitive landscape which is still in agricultural use - please respect the local farmers' crops and livestock.

Every year, we aim to further reduce the amount of rubbish that goes to land fill and to increase the recycling rates: please help us to make this year a cleaner Summer Solstice.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

If weather conditions leading up to 20th June are particularly hot and dry, it may be necessary to ask people not to smoke.  This is subject to advice from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service.

The Solstice Car Park is lit, and there is ambient lighting at the Monument throughout the night.  These lights are systematically turned off as dawn approaches but only when it is operationally safe to do so.  Please do not tamper with any of the lighting towers - it can be dangerous.

No unlicensed, non-invited traders will be permitted access.  This applies to the Monument area, the surrounding landscape and Solstice Car Park.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust and Wiltshire Police are in attendance.  If you, or someone you are with, need medical attention, please seek help from one of the security or stewards on duty.

If you get lost, or lose track of your friends or children, locate a member of the security or stewarding team.  Alternatively, go to the information / meeting / welfare point and report the situation to the welfare team.

In the unlikely event of an incident that requires the evacuation of Stonehenge or the Solstice Car Park, we would ask that members of the public respond quickly to instructions given by stewarding staff, the Police or other Emergency Service personnel.  PA announcements for your safety and information may be necessary during the access period.

DISCLAIMER
English Heritage does everything it can to make your visit a safe and enjoyable experience.  However, English Heritage accepts no liability for any injury to persons or loss of, or damage to, property arising in any way whatsoever whilst at Stonehenge or the Solstice Car Park, and entry is at people's own risk.  Although stewards and security are present at both Stonehenge and the Solstice Car Park, please note that any people entering these areas do so at their own risk.
DISABLED ACCESS AT SUMMER SOLSTICE 
We take our responsibility towards our disabled visitors seriously. Please find our dedicated access guidelines below.

DISABLED ACCESS
PARKING
Limited disabled access parking for blue-badge holders and their carers is available on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Please make sure your blue badge is displayed in your vehicle as you arrive on site and whilst you are parked.

Normal car parking fees will apply.

DISABLED TRANSPORT ON SITE
There is a free bus service operating between the disabled access parking area and Stonehenge for people who are wheelchair-bound, have mobility difficulties or who are infirm.  The bus is available from 19:00 hours on Wednesday 20th June to 08:30 hours on Thursday 21st June. The collection point for this service is adjacent to the parking area. If you wish to use the bus, please speak to a steward on arrival in the car park.

FACILITIES
Accessible toilets are available in the Monument Field, disabled access parking area and the Solstice Car Park.

Disability aids are permitted for those arriving at the Monument Field via the disabled transport, with the exception of shooting sticks. English Heritage regrets it cannot provide wheelchairs.

Assistance dogs for blind, deaf and disabled people are allowed in the Monument Field.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Salisbury Red buses travelling from Salisbury station via Amesbury are, where possible, wheelchair accessible. For further information, please contact the Salisbury Reds Bus Company on 01202 338 420 or www.salisburyreds.co.uk