There is far more to Stonehenge than meets the eye. It seems to be a mere ring of stones, however, it is more or less a ring of mysteries.
Thousand of years ago, an ancient civilisation, or was it aliens, raised a circle of huge rectangular stones in a field, which we now call, Stonehenge. It is one of the best known prehistoric monument in Europe and there are lots of theories surrounding its existence.
I visited the place without any research into it and once there, I was curious and fascinated as to their origin and wanted answers. Lots of questions but no answers.
Now I tremble slightly having read the latest scientific discovery; it seems I stood on an ancient burial ground, complete with mace heads and what not. Underground excavation and imagery have revealed that Stonehenge was once part of a complicated network comprising of burial mounds and unknown settlements.
The other theories include aliens and the wizard Merlin among others.
Once I got there, there was heavy traffic to get into the car park. I was thinking about the residents who live nearby and who had to face the traffic on a daily basis. There were lots of cars with European registrations which suggested that this was a very popular touristic attraction.
Unfortunately, the children and the hubby were not too excited. I was the only one not bored. Once we got out and walked the short distance to the Stone Circle, their excitement increased. From the parking lot, we had to take a visitor shuttle to the stone circle, but there is quite a lot to walk, especially for little feet.
Disappointment followed soon after as I realised that you could not actually go near the stones. You could only go round and stay on the path, away from the stones.
That is understandable as the stones have to be preserved and the only way to do that was to prevent people from touching them. Apparently people even try to cut a piece off while others carve their names on.
Things to do
Stone Circle
It is an amazing experience to be looking at the stone circle. Questions and questions, and lots of them without answers and more questions as I went round the circle.
The amazement of how it was built using bare hands and no machinery and the purpose of it only made me question more. But the why, the reason behind it will always be my first question.
See the Neolithic houses
Stonehenge Exhibition
One of the highlights of the visit, especially for the children who are not partial to a bit of technology. Here is a few screenshots of what exactly is Stonehenge.
These photos speak a thousand words…
As I went round, these are how the stones looked.
The favourite part of the children’s day- the souvenir shop. As soon as we go to visit somewhere, be it a museum or a theme park, the first thing they want to do is go in the souvenir shop. Now I have this rule of buying only one magnet of each place we visit to avoid clutter at home.
The occasional bear has somehow made its way into my home.
The rest of the souvenir shop, with lots of cute things.
More information about Stonehenge
Click the link above for updated information on Stonehenge but here is a few pointers.
A family of 4-5, with up to 3 children cost around £45.
The place has a cafe, a world class exhibition centre and visitor centre.
It is open daily from 9.30am till 7pm, and it is found in Wiltshire, near Amesbury ( Postcode SP4 7DE )
Have you been to Stonehenge? What do you think of it, and why do you think it was built?
I grew up quite close to Stonehenge, and remember the days when you could visit when the stones weren’t roped off. My Mum still goes for soltice (nutter that she is! :D), and it’s just one of those really special places. Wouldn’t it be great to go back in time and see why they built it? 🙂 #farawayfiles
My daughter was not too thrilled when I “dragged” her to Stonehenge, but once we were back home in the US, her friends asked her if she had been there and she looked at me like, “Yes, you were right. It’s worth seeing.” Ha! I did think it was all intriguing, especially the more you know about the history.
I went to Stonehenge as a teenager, but I do want to go again since my husband (who is British has not been). I am not sure if the exhibition center was open when I went. I don’t remember going to it if it was. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
The new exhibition for Stonehenge looks really great and informative! I was there before that opened and haven’t seen it yet! Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
We also recently visited Stonehenge, although many people told us not to – that it was underrated. Personally, I really enjoyed it and am glad we went! It’s a pretty cool spot and, since it wasn’t crowded, was a great break from London for a few hours.
I’ve always been fascinated by Stonehenge and will surely go one day.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Stonehenge is super cool. So far I have only driven past it, but most Brits are completely obsessed with it ( and the many other standing stones around the UK)
I´d love to visit Stonehenge one day! It´s fascinating indeed how it was built without machinery! Places like this make me question the humanity’s progress – we still fail to explain, understand and reproduce so many things across the globe! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I grew up really close to Stonehenge too. It’s such a special place. They’ve clearly done a great job of the visitor centre. I haven’t visited since I was a child and you were allowed to go right up to the stones. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
I have never been to Stonehenge, but would really like to visit it once. Thanks for sharing useful information.
I have friends who live vey close and the traffic is a nightmare. I visited Stonehenge about 30 years ago then you walked through a tunnel to the stones – no one was there the day I went. I revisited 2 years ago and it has all gone crazy!! The museum and visitor centre is nice but to be honest I liked it a lot more when it wasn’t such a tourist attraction!
We visited Stonehenge just this past December and it was a great experience. We went REALLY early in the morning to beat the crowds, and there was almost no one there when we arrived! I can see by your photos of the traffic and crowds of people that we made the right choice! #farawayfiles
How cool to visit Stonehedge, a place I have heard about but never been.
I do like the idea of a museum on the site. It has always fascinated me to visit there one day and will have to put this on my travel plans. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
I grew up in Bristol, just down the road from Stonehenge but (shame on me) I never actually visited! Then I went to Australia, walked around Uluru and was ashamed that I hadn’t visited this amazing place on my doorstep. I rectified that quickly and went there for my 30th birthday! So I woke up on the morning of my special day and thoroughly enjoyed the history of this wonderful place! #feetdotravel