Worth It? || The Travel Tester

WHERE IS STONEHENGE?

Stonehenge in England is near the city of Amesbury within the English county of Wiltshire. Should you Google the map of Stonehenge, it says it’s within the city of Salisbury, but it surely’s about 8 miles (13 kilometers) northwest of Salisbury on the Salisbury Plain.

View the Stonehenge location on Google Maps right here:

HOW OLD IS STONEHENGE?

The precise age of Stonehenge is unknown, however the exceptional monument was constructed someplace between 5000 and 3500 years in the past as a spot the place individuals gathered.

The historical past of Stonehenge begins as a burial web site for the cremated stays of between 150 and 200 individuals. Chemical evaluation suggests a number of lived and died in West Wales earlier than their stays have been buried within the memorial.

Aside from this place, the encircling panorama was additionally used for spiritual devotion by farming communities. Even at this early stage, observations of the solar performed a task.

Across the 12 months 4500 it was found how you possibly can extract steel from stone, that you possibly can soften it down and use it to make new objects. Along with a way of magic among the many individuals, it additionally enabled crucial improvements in carpentry, joinery and boat constructing, as steel could possibly be reused and reworked into objects comparable to copper and bronze axes.

Stonehenge took on its acquainted type round this time. Greater than 80 huge boulders, every requiring at the very least 1000 individuals to be transported, have been moved about 20 miles (30 kilometers) from West Woods in England, southwest of an space known as “Marlborough Downs”. The bluestones have been transported over 155 miles (250 kilometers): they arrive the Preseli Hills in Wales.

This effort required unprecedented communal labor, persistence and planning. It took generations to finish.

HOW WAS STONEHENGE BUILT?

Constructing Stonehenge started by marking the sacred floor by digging a trench into which rubble was thrown to type the henge’s outer surrounding financial institution.

Inside, they raised a circle of big, mottled dolerite Bluestone boulders. This was achieved by digging a big gap, with a slope on one facet. The again of the opening was lined with a row of picket posts. The stone was then positioned and lifted upright utilizing plant fiber ropes and possibly a picket A-frame. Weights might have been used to tilt the stone upright. The outlet was then packed tightly with rubble.

Picket platforms have been most likely used to put the horizontal lintels (the stones on prime, because the “desk prime”). Then the construction was strengthened by exactly interlocking connections, unseen in every other prehistoric monument.

Afterwards, the stones have been embellished utilizing superior strategies.

There have been two unique entrances to the enclosure – a large one on the northeast and a smaller one on the south. There are numerous extra roads and potholes within the circuit at present, principally the results of later tracks that when crossed the monument.

Simply contained in the financial institution have been 56 pits referred to as the Aubrey Holes. About half of those have been excavated and marked with white concrete circles within the Nineteen Twenties.

How did Stonehenge get there? Be taught extra within the video under:

WHAT DO I SEE WHEN I LOOK AT STONEHENGE?

I can think about that many individuals see Stonehenge as “only a pile of boulders”. In comparison with buildings such because the Pyramids in Egypt, the entire thing might not look very spectacular at present (nicely, for historical past geeks like myself, in fact they do look spectacular).

Right here’s what you’re , and what Stonehenge should have appeared like in its heyday:

• The stones of the central cluster, which have been dropped at the location round 2500 BC, are of two sorts: the bigger sarsens and the smaller bluestones.
• The sarsens have been erected in two concentric preparations: the interior one is a horseshoe of 5 trilithons (two vertical stones capped by a horizontal lintel). Three of those are nonetheless fully upright.
• Across the horseshoe you possibly can see the stays of the outer sarsen circle, capped with lintels. There have been most likely 30 stones on this circle as soon as, however many have fallen and many of the lintels and some uprights are lacking.
• Close to the middle is the “Altar Stone“, which is essentially buried beneath the fallen stone of the very best trilithon.
• There are a number of different stones round Stonehenge. Two of the 4 “Station Stones” are nonetheless of their unique place, marking the corners of a rectangle. These could possibly be associated to the erection of Stonehenge or to the alignment of the solstice, which we’ll discuss later.
• Instantly outdoors the northeast entrance you’ll discover the “Heel Stone“, an enormous unformed sarsen boulder. It might have been an early stone on the location, standing up from its unique place close by.
• Additionally on the northeast entrance you’ll discover the “Slaughter Stone“, a fallen sarsen that when stood upright with one or two different stones throughout the entry street.
• From the doorway of the enclosure runs the “Avenue“, constructed to hyperlink Stonehenge to the River Avon and the small henge on the financial institution, found in 2008, in West Amesbury. The development of this processional route confirmed Stonehenge’s sacred standing.

Be taught extra about Stonehenge on this detailed map of Stonehenge and see all of the stones, holes and different markings on the English Heritage website >

WHAT DID PEOPLE DO AT STONEHENGE?

There are numerous myths about Stonehenge, however what precisely was the monument for? Was it a Druid temple? An astronomical pc for predicting eclipses and photo voltaic occasions? A spot of worship? A coronation place for kings? A middle for therapeutic? There are numerous (typically considerably wild) theories on the market.

We’ll by no means know for certain, however Stonehenge was positively a spot the place the course of the solar was noticed and celebrated for lots of of years.

Within the centuries that adopted, nevertheless, few monuments of photo voltaic significance have been constructed. The introduction of steel to Britain and Eire about 4300 years in the past enabled cosmological beliefs, represented by Stonehenge and different monuments, in a variety of wearable objects.

The impression of this was nice, as beforehand there have been solely everlasting monuments to look at and worship the solar at set instances of the 12 months – and now you possibly can have your individual private connection to the heavens above by holding its picture in individual, and even put on it.

Gold discs, specifically, turned the image of the solar cult, marking a believer or pilgrim getting back from locations comparable to Stonehenge.

WHAT IS THE STONEHENGE SOLSTICE?

Marking the passage of time was vital to many historic cultures. For the individuals of Stonehenge who have been farmers, grew crops and herded animals, it was vital to know when the seasons modified. The summer season and winter “solstice” was an actual benchmark for this.

A solstice is the time or date (twice a 12 months) when the solar reaches its most or minimal declination, marked by the longest and shortest days. This falls round June 21 and December 22 yearly. Stonehenge is completely attuned to the actions of the solar.

At Stonehenge, throughout the summer season solstice, the solar rises behind the Heel Stone within the northeastern a part of the horizon and its first rays shine into the guts of Stonehenge.

Through the winter solstice, when you stand within the entrance of the enclosure and look in the direction of the middle of the stones, you possibly can see the solar setting within the southwestern a part of the horizon.

The winter solstice might have been extra vital than the summer season solstice to the individuals who constructed and used Stonehenge. Excavations at Durrington Partitions (a Neolithic settlement simply over 2 miles (3 kilometers) from Stonehenge) recommend that folks held enormous celebrations round this time of 12 months.

You possibly can learn far more in regards to the solstice at Stonehenge on the English Heritage website >

WHY DID STONEHENGE TO DETERIORATE?

About 3700 years in the past, Stonehenge was on the coronary heart of the densest focus of burial mounds in Britain, together with among the richest in Europe. The emphasis had shifted from constructing communal monuments to erecting mounds in cemeteries.

About 3500 years in the past, the affect of the Stonehenge area started to wane. Communities on the south coast of England sought social and political relationships in continental Europe, which turned an more and more vital supply of invaluable bronze.

As new kinds of objects emerged, so did new concepts about providing treasured gadgets to repay or search safety from nature or ancestral spirits. Older spiritual beliefs and the function of monuments comparable to Stonehenge turned much less influential consequently.

The arrival of the “Beaker Folks” in England round 2500 was a turning level on this planet of Stonehenge. Whereas it’s doable that among the early newcomers assisted or impressed the good achievements in stone, additionally it is clear that they’d totally different priorities and beliefs.

Fragments of bluestone discovered on the web site round this time recommend that the monument was reworked and even destroyed. Elsewhere, henges have been damaged up and dismantled. Development of a lot of these monuments slowed dramatically as dying and the afterlife turned dominant cultural issues.

The world modified, and can all the time change… and Stonehenge is an exquisite reminder of this.

WHAT CAN YOU SEE IN THE STONEHENGE MUSEUM?

The museum means that you can uncover the story of Stonehenge and study extra in regards to the stones, the panorama, the individuals and their significance, by a mix of audiovisual experiences and greater than 250 archaeological artifacts found within the panorama.

You’ll see all the things from jewellery, pottery and instruments to historic human stays. A lot of this stuff are on mortgage from the Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum. You possibly can view the highlights of the gathering on the English Heritage website >

There are additionally common particular exhibitions within the customer middle.

TIP: There’s a common bus service between the customer middle and the stone circle in case you are not in a position to stroll. This takes about 10 minutes.

WHAT ARE THE COTTAGES AT STONEHENGE’S MUSEUM?

Attention-grabbing to go to are the reconstructions of 5 Neolithic homes, that are based mostly on archaeological proof of homes discovered at Durrington Partitions.

Courting confirmed that these homes have been inhabited for about 50-100 years in about 2500 BC, the very time the sarsen stones have been erected at Stonehenge. So it is extremely probably that the individuals dwelling in these homes have been concerned within the building and celebrations at Stonehenge.

Every room had a chalk ground, a hearth, and partitions made with poles. Some had traces of furnishings and chalk partitions.

All homes are made by volunteers in an genuine means with native supplies. On some days they’re additionally there to speak to you in regards to the homes and reveal the day-to-day actions of Stonehenge’s builders, from grinding grain to creating rope from rushes.

IS STONEHENGE FREE?

No, sadly the doorway to Stonehenge is paid. The fee is £20 for adults and £12 for kids aged 5-17. There are additionally household tickets on the market, see the underside of this weblog.

A go to is free for English Heritage members. Check their website for more information and to seek out essentially the most present Stonehenge costs.

DO YOU NEED A RESERVATION FOR STONEHENGE?

You don’t have to guide your ticket upfront, however you’ll all the time get the perfect value and assured entry by reserving on-line earlier than your go to.

For tickets, visit the English Heritage website >

IS THERE A STONEHENGE AUDIO GUIDE?

This was all the time there, however these days there isn’t any longer an audio information that you may lease on the customer middle. I don’t know if that is due to the pandemic or if it’s going to come again sooner or later.

For now, you possibly can obtain a free audio tour from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. previous to your go to. Don’t overlook to deliver your headphones!

CAN YOU ENTER THE INNER CIRCLE OF STONEHENGE?

The inside of the stone circle at Stonehenge just isn’t solely particular but in addition very tight, so it isn’t only for everybody to go to. With the particular “Stone Circle Expertise” you may get as near the stones as doable within the early morning or night with as much as 30 individuals per session.

With no different individuals in addition to your group at Stonehenge, you’ll have 45 minutes to wander among the many stones and uncover all of the fascinating particulars that may solely be seen up shut. An knowledgeable information will reply all your questions and permit you to take as many pictures as you want.

The fee for this distinctive expertise is £48 for adults (18+) and £29 for kids aged 5-17. Kids beneath 5 are free. Reductions can be found for English Heritage members.

Guide this expertise on the English Heritage website >

Would you reasonably spend your cash on one thing else? Then you possibly can entry this interactive tour of Stonehenge, which gives you a 360 diploma view from the within of the monument >

CAN YOU TOUCH STONEHENGE?

Quick reply: no.

Not that you may get near the monument throughout your stroll, but in addition throughout the particular “Stone Circle Expertise” you aren’t allowed to face on the stones or contact them.

FUN FACTS STONEHENGE

The Stonehenge World Heritage Website is large: it’s an space 7.5 instances the dimensions of New York‘s Central Park! Wish to know extra enjoyable information about Stonehenge? Then learn on:

1. The typical Stonehenge sarsen weighs 25 tons. The most important stone, the Heel Stone, weighs about 30 tons!
2. A few of Stonehenge’s stones are even greater than they appear. For instance, “Stone 56“, the very best standing stone on the location, protrudes 2.13 meters above the bottom, however with the half that’s underground, it measures at least 8.71 meters!
3. Stonehenge was purchased at public sale in 1915 for £6600 by native businessman Cecil Chubb, who (allegedly) got here to the public sale to purchase some eating room chairs.
4. About 1500 Roman artifacts have been discovered at Stonehenge, together with cash, pins, jewellery and fragments of pottery. Not solely have been these left by Roman vacationers, they’re mentioned to have been left behind by individuals visiting Stonehenge as a shrine – massive pits have been dug within the monument on the time as nicely.
5. Stonehenge, together with Avebury, was one of many very first websites within the UK to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Checklist in 1986.
6. Stonehenge is extra than simply the stone circle. Half of the World Heritage Website of Stonehenge incorporates greater than 700 recognized archaeological websites, together with greater than 180 scheduled monuments comparable to henges, picket buildings, enclosures and plenty of burial mounds.
7. Wish to see distinctive historic Stonehenge pictures? Then click on by to the website of English Heritage >
8. This boy constructed a LEGO Stonehenge from 7000 blocks… you simply must find time for it! >

IS STONEHENGE WORTH SEEING?

After studying this text you’ll already know quite a bit in regards to the historical past of Stonehenge, the development of the stone circle and the tales and myths about Stonehenge and the individuals who lived within the space. What do you suppose? Would a go to be definitely worth the pretty lengthy journey time from London?

I definitely suppose so! My father is an archaeologist, so I grew up with the concept that you will need to map historical past and go that data on to new generations. Partly due to this, I believe {that a} go to to Stonehenge has further worth for me.

Seeing objects and nature that’s so many 1000’s of years previous, that all the time has one thing particular, one thing that you just can not expertise on-line. I actually suppose Stonehenge is an icon of the previous and perceive why it’s nonetheless the topic of many work and poems and has been featured in so many books, music and movies.

If you’re planning a visit to southern England, I can positively advocate a go to to Stonehenge. If solely to type your individual opinion. Will you let me know the way you favored it?

FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE: BEST ROUTE BY CAR

Are you going to go to Stonehenge from London by automotive? Then the monument is signposted from the A303, coming from the A360.

In your SAT NAV you enter:

• Postal code: SP4 7DE
• Lat: 51.1831565223
• Lon: -1.85887471623

You possibly can park on web site. It’s important to pay for this, however you’ll get the cash again after buying your ticket for Stonehenge. There are additionally particular parking areas for motorhomes.

TIP (or reasonably a warning): Driving from London to Stonehenge theoretically takes 2 hours from the middle of London, however understand that it typically takes greater than an hour to get out of town within the first place and that on the only street previous Stonehenge there may be all the time a spectacular site visitors jam. The final time it took us 5(!!) hours by automotive. Simply so you recognize 🙂

I personally wouldn’t do a day journey, the space is mostly a lot greater than you suppose. On the best way again from Stonehenge to London, why not guide one or two extra nights in a pleasant resort? Thank me later, haha. Happily, there’s a lot to see within the space, for instance the inexperienced New Forest!

CAN YOU GET FROM LONDON TO STONEHENGE BY TRAIN?

Sure, you possibly can, however not all the best way to Stonehenge itself. That is the route:

The London to Stonehenge prepare is named “South Western Railway” and departs from London Waterloo. After roughly 1.5 hours (5 stops) you’ll arrive at Salisbury station.

There aren’t any public buses to Stonehenge from Salisbury, however you possibly can select to purchase a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off “Stonehenge Tour” bus.

That is mainly a tour lasting simply over an hour (together with stops at Previous Sarum and Salisbury Cathedral + on the bus stay protection from a information on the historical past of the world) – however your ticket additionally means that you can journey from Salisbury to the Stonehenge Guests Centre, this takes about half an hour.

The next tickets can be found:

• Bus solely (£17 – adults, £11.50 – kids 5 – 15 years)
• Together with entry to Stonehenge and Previous Sarum (£35.50 adults, £23.50 kids 5 – 15 years)
• Together with entry to Stonehenge, Previous Sarum, & Salisbury Cathedral (£42 adults, £28.50 kids 5 – 15 years)

Your ticket is legitimate all day, so you possibly can take the bus as typically as you want, or simply backwards and forwards from Salisbury to the Customer Middle.

The bus departs from the prepare station in Salisbury Prepare Station, in addition to from Cease U on New Canal and Catherine Avenue in Salisbury.

With this mix of prepare and bus you possibly can depend on a complete of simply over 2 hours journey time a technique, or simply over 3 hours when you do all the bus tour. Now you perceive why going up and down from London to Stonehenge is sort of an enterprise, and I can’t actually advocate it!

For extra data, go to the web site of South Western Railway, Connecting Wiltshire en The Stonehenge Tour.

IS THERE A BUS TO STONEHENGE FROM LONDEN?

Touring from London to Stonehenge by bus just isn’t actually the best choice.

There aren’t any direct buses (solely a Nationwide Categorical bus to Southampton, after that you just nonetheless must take a prepare and a bus) and in complete it takes virtually 4 hours a technique.

The journey by prepare together with the Stonehenge Tour bus is due to this fact a better option, or you possibly can go for an organized bus tour, as we’ve got already steered above.

IS THERE A BUS TO STONEHENGE FROM SALISBURY?

From Salisbury to Stonehenge there isn’t any bizarre “metropolis bus”, the one choice is the particular “Stonehenge Tour” bus that takes you to the Stonehenge Guests Middle in 33 minutes.

Extra details about this hop-on-hop-off bus might be discovered above beneath the part in regards to the prepare.

IS THERE A BUS TO STONEHENGE FROM BATH?

Travelling from Tub to Stonehenge is greatest achieved in a mix of prepare and bus.

From Tub to Stonehenge take the “GWR” (Nice Western Rail) to Salisbury. This takes about an hour (5 stops). From Salisbury take the “Stonehenge Tour” bus as described above.

Should you journey by automotive, it’s going to take you about 50 minutes (not counting site visitors jams round Stonehenge, haha)

For extra data, go to the Great Western Railway web site or search for tickets on the affordable booking site OMIO.