Stonehenge Winter Solstice Celebrations 2025. Managed Open Access Arrangements

19 11 2025

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge will take place at sunrise on Saturday 21st December 2025. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 07.45am until 10.00am)

Winter Solstice, access to the stones themselves is free and without restriction, and visitors can get up close with the marvel that is Stonehenge. After it passes, the days will begin to get longer and longer until June when the Summer Solstice takes place.

The Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year approaches, drawing neo-druid and neo-pagan pilgrims to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise through the sacred site.

This is a twice-yearly pilgrimage for many visitors, including Druids and Pagans, with the Summer Solstice in June being the largest of the two events. The festivals which have celebrated the passing of the seasons and new beginnings throughout human history, offer a unique opportunity to visit Stonehenge with no barriers and draws crowds every year.

Whatever the weather, it could be cold and wet. So please dress accordingly.  Shuttle buses will be running to take you from the car parks to the stones. However, you may choose to walk from the Visitor Centre up to the stones. This takes 30 minutes on average and will be in low-light. So a torch would be essential.

Access to Stonehenge for Winter Solstice is is subject to the Conditions of Entry. Please read these before deciding whether to attend.  Stonehenge is in a field on Salisbury Plain and the weather in December will be cold and wet.  Even if it isn’t raining, the ground will be wet from the dew and there may also be frost. Sensible footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is essential. Please note, parking charges apply.

Can I watch the sunrise on a live stream?
English Heritage will be live streaming the sunrise on the morning of 21st December for free on their digital channels. Visit the official Stonehenge or English Heritage Facebook page, or the English Heritage YouTube channel. Please beware of fake/scam Facebook pages, events and groups that might have been set up.

Attending Winter Solstice

This page aims to provide all the information you need about celebrating Winter Solstice at Stonehenge. Please pay careful attention to our conditions of entry before deciding to attend.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Visitors are strongly advised not to travel to Stonehenge by car. Parking is limited and must be pre-booked. Anyone intending to drive should expect long queues of slow-moving traffic to get in and out of the area. 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

A regular bus service from Salisbury city centre, where there is ample public car parking, will operate throughout the morning. Public transport is the recommended way to travel to Winter Solstice at Stonehenge.

Getting there:

Extremely limited parking available and strongly recommend using public transport to avoid disappointment. Salisbury Reds are operating a dedicated Solstice service from Salisbury train station via Amesbury. Please check their website for details. We also have a dedicated car sharing website which is available here.

As you approach Stonehenge, please follow signs to the 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 of the car park.

Stonehenge Winter Solstice Links:
Stonehenge Winter Solstice 2025 – ENGLISH HERITAGE
When is the shortest day of the year — date of winter solstice and what it means – DAILY MIRROR
The Rebirth of the Sun: the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Winter Solstice: Wild tales of slaughtered bulls, human sacrifice and much merriment – THE SCOTSMAN
The Rebirth of the Sun: the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice Transport service rom London or Bath with expert guides – STONEHENGE GUIDED TOURS
Winter solstice: Why do pagans celebrate the shortest day of the year? THE TELEGRAPH
The Sun Stones: The Story of the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
What has Stonehenge got to do with the winter solstice? – METRO NEWS
Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tours from Bath – SOLSTICE TOURS U.K
Celebrate Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – HOLIDAY EXTRAS
Solstice and Equinox Experience Tours – SOLSTICE EVENTS UK
The Stonehenge Solstice Pilgrims – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Stonehenge, the Winter Solstice, and the Druids – INTERESTRING ENGINEERING
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and Winter Solstice updates.


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Stonehenge Autumn Equinox (Mabon) Managed Open Access Arrangements: 23rd September 2025

13 09 2025

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 23rd September.

Entry to the monument will begin between 05:45 – 06.15 hours (or when it is light enough to safely enter) on Tuesday 23rd September.

The Stonehenge car park will open at 05:15am. All vehicles must vacate the car parks by 11am.
Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

There will be a shuttle bus to the stones operating once the monument field has been opened (see times above).

he Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.

English Heritage has facilitated Managed Open Access (MOA) to Stonehenge for the celebration of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox (spring and autumn equinox fall outside of this contract). English Heritage provides access to the stone circle and the monument field, free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend, but asks all those attending to comply with conditions of entry to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the monument. To safely provide MOA across the year, English Heritage works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and engages experienced event managers and health and safety experts.

Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.

What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.

The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre

The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.

The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).

Respecting the Stones
Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution. No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way. View the conditions of entry and respect the Stones

MORE iNFORMATION

You can find out more about attending Solstice and Equinox by clicking on the links below.

Travelling to Stonehenge

What (and what not) to bring

Respect the stones

Safety, facilities and welfare

Accessibility

Accommodation

Equinox Links:
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Conditions – English Heritage
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Tours departing from Bath – Solstice Tours UK
What is the autumnal equinox? Royal Museums Greenwich
What is the Autumn equinox? Here’s what you need to know. National Geographic
Stonehenge and the Druids – Who are the Druids? Stonehenge News Blog
The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for 2025 Equinox updates and Stonehenge news
The Stonehenge News Blog


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2025 Stonehenge Summer Solstice Managed Open Access Arrangements

5 06 2025

This years Summer solstice will be celebrated from the evening of Friday 20th June to the morning of Saturday 21st June 2025. Sunrise and sunset will be live streamed on the official English Heritage YouTube channel. If you plan to attend in person, please read the following page carefully.

English Heritage are pleased to provide free Managed Open Access to Stonehenge 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 below before deciding whether to come.

Please note: English Heritage are operating a pre-booking system for parking at Stonehenge during summer solstice in order to make best use of limited car parking on site and reduce local road congestion. We recommend travel by public transport or car sharing. If you do choose to drive, there are a limited number of parking spaces which you may wish to prebook online. Otherwise, parking will be available on the night until the carpark is full.

We recommend travel by public transport or car sharing. If you do choose to drive, limited parking will be available on the night until the carpark is full.

Parking charges apply. Visit our Travelling to Stonehenge page for more details.

Friday 20 June 2025 
SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS19:00 hours
ACCESS TO STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD19:00 hours
SUNSET21:26 hours
Saturday 21 June 2025 
SUNRISE04:51 hours
LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK06:00 hours (or when full)
STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD CLOSES08:00 hours
SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED12:00 hours (noon)

There is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

There will be a shuttle bus to the stones operating once the monument field has been opened (see times above).

Stonehenge is a significant World Heritage Site and to many it is sacred – please respect the stones and all those who are attending.

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. Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and part of a World Heritage Site. It is seen by many who attend as a sacred place. The Stonehenge summer solstice is a popular annual event that sees thousands of people descend on Wiltshire to celebrate the changing seasons. Summer solstice falls on the longest day of the year.

What is the summer solstice?

At the summer solstice, the sun travels the longest path through the sky, and therefore that day has the most daylight. The exact moment of the solstice is the time of year that the Earth is closest to the sun.

According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the summer solstice also marks the beginning of summer, which lasts until the autumnal equinox (22 or 23 September in the Northern Hemisphere, and 20 or 21 March in the Southern Hemisphere). Under the meteorological definition, which splits the year into four seasons of three full months each based on the Gregorian calendar, winter starts on 1 December every year, and summer starts on 1 June.

2025 Stonehenge Summer Solstice Links:

The summer solstice: When is it and what causes it? SPACE.COM
When is the summer solstice 2024? The first day of summer and meaning behind it – Evening Standard
Druid Leader King Arthur Uther Pendragon, Head of the Loyal Arthurian Warband. STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
The Stonehenge Solstice Pilgrims – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. Stonehenge New Blog
Why Thousands Of Pagans Gather At Stonehenge For The Solstice Stonehenge News Blog

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and 2025 Summer Solstice updates
http://www.Stonehenge.News


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Stonehenge Spring (Vernal) Equinox. Managed Open Access: 20th March 2025

25 02 2025

This year the Spring Equinox will be celebrated on Thursday 20th March 2025.

English Heritage is pleased to give a short period of managed open access on the 20th March. Sunrise is at 6:11am, and access will commence as soon as it is safe, this is likely to be from approximately 5:45am and will end at 8:30am. The Stonehenge car park will open at 05:15am. All vehicles must vacate the car parks by 11am.

The spring equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open accesses attract fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn.

Spring equinox 2025

This is the first of the four ‘sky points’ in our Wheel of the Year and it is when the sun does a perfect balancing act in the heavens. This is the point of the year when once again day and night are equal – 12 hours. The equinox, (the Latin word for Equinox means time of equal days and nights) is only the very moment the sun crosses the equator.

WHY CAN PAGANS AND DRUIDS GET SO CLOSE TO THE STONES FOR THE EQUINOX?

The famous Stonehenge circle is normally roped off to the public, but special access is granted four times a year. This is only on the mornings of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring equinox and autumn equinox. English Heritage has ‘managed open access’, meaning the public can stand among the stones on these days. Anyone can turn up on the day to get close to the stones, but people are asked not to touch or climb on them. Organisers also have a ban on bringing glass bottles or pets onto the site and on playing amplified music. Stonehenge is expected to open at 5.45am when it was deemed light enough to safely allow people into the field and visitors must leave by 8.30am. English Heritage open to the paying public as normal at 9.30am.

Public access to Stonehenge currently takes place on four of the so-called ‘quarter festivals’. What exactly are the quarter festivals? And why are these occasions so celebrated by the Druids? The Quarter Festivals and the Druids

You can find out more about attending Solstice and Equinox by clicking on the links below.

Travelling to Stonehenge

What (and what not) to bring

Respect the stones

Safety, facilities and welfare

Accessibility

Accommodation

Related Equinox Links:
How the Spring Equinox marks the changing seasons – The Telegraph
What is the vernal equinox? Why does it mark the first day of spring? – Express
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present – Stonehenge News Blog
Stonehenge Spring Equinox Tours and Transport – Stonehenge Guided Tours
Solstice at Stonehenge – English Heritage
The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog
What Exactly Is the Spring Equinox? – Country Living
Stonehenge Equinox / Solstice Guided Tours – Solstice Events UK
Visiting Stonehenge this year for the Spring Equinox Celebrations? RESPECT THE STONES

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and Equinox updates.
http://www.Stonehenge.News


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Stonehenge Winter Solstice Celebrations 2024. Managed Open Access Arrangements

27 11 2024

Winter Solstice at Stonehenge will take place at sunrise on Saturday 21st December 2024. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 07.45am until 10.00am)

Winter Solstice, access to the stones themselves is free and without restriction, and visitors can get up close with the marvel that is Stonehenge. After it passes, the days will begin to get longer and longer until June when the Summer Solstice takes place.

The Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year approaches, drawing neo-druid and neo-pagan pilgrims to Stonehenge to watch the sunrise through the sacred site.

This is a twice-yearly pilgrimage for many visitors, including Druids and Pagans, with the Summer Solstice in June being the largest of the two events. The festivals which have celebrated the passing of the seasons and new beginnings throughout human history, offer a unique opportunity to visit Stonehenge with no barriers and draws crowds every year.

Whatever the weather, it could be cold and wet. So please dress accordingly.  Shuttle buses will be running to take you from the car parks to the stones. However, you may choose to walk from the Visitor Centre up to the stones. This takes 30 minutes on average and will be in low-light. So a torch would be essential.

Access to Stonehenge for Winter Solstice is is subject to the Conditions of Entry. Please read these before deciding whether to attend.  Stonehenge is in a field on Salisbury Plain and the weather in December will be cold and wet.  Even if it isn’t raining, the ground will be wet from the dew and there may also be frost. Sensible footwear and warm, waterproof clothing is essential. Please note, parking charges apply.

Can I watch the sunrise on a live stream?
English Heritage will be live streaming the sunrise on the morning of 21st December for free on their digital channels. Visit the official Stonehenge or English Heritage Facebook page, or the English Heritage YouTube channel. Please beware of fake/scam Facebook pages, events and groups that might have been set up.

Getting there:

Extremely limited parking available and strongly recommend using public transport to avoid disappointment. Salisbury Reds are operating a dedicated Solstice service from Salisbury train station via Amesbury. Please check their website for details. We also have a dedicated car sharing website which is available here.

As you approach Stonehenge, please follow signs to the 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 of the car park.

Stonehenge Winter Solstice Links:
Stonehenge Winter Solstice 2024 – ENGLISH HERITAGE
When is the shortest day of the year — date of winter solstice and what it means – DAILY MIRROR
The Rebirth of the Sun: the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Winter Solstice: Wild tales of slaughtered bulls, human sacrifice and much merriment – THE SCOTSMAN
The Rebirth of the Sun: the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice Transport service rom London or Bath with expert guides – STONEHENGE GUIDED TOURS
Winter solstice: Why do pagans celebrate the shortest day of the year? THE TELEGRAPH
The Sun Stones: The Story of the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
What has Stonehenge got to do with the winter solstice? – METRO NEWS
Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tours from Bath – SOLSTICE TOURS U.K
Celebrate Winter Solstice at Stonehenge – HOLIDAY EXTRAS
Solstice and Equinox Experience Tours – SOLSTICE EVENTS UK
The Stonehenge Solstice Pilgrims – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Stonehenge, the Winter Solstice, and the Druids – INTERESTRING ENGINEERING
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and Winter Solstice updates.


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Stonehenge Autumn Equinox (Mabon) Managed Open Access Arrangements: 22nd September 2024

15 09 2024

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 22nd September.

Entry to the monument will begin between 05:45 – 06.15 hours (or when it is light enough to safely enter) on Sunday 22nd September.

The Stonehenge car park will open at 05:15am. All vehicles must vacate the car parks by 11am.
Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

There will be a shuttle bus to the stones operating once the monument field has been opened (see times above).

he Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.

English Heritage has facilitated Managed Open Access (MOA) to Stonehenge for the celebration of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox (spring and autumn equinox fall outside of this contract). English Heritage provides access to the stone circle and the monument field, free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend, but asks all those attending to comply with conditions of entry to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the monument. To safely provide MOA across the year, English Heritage works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and engages experienced event managers and health and safety experts.

Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.

What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.

The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre

The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.

The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).

Respecting the Stones
Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution. No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way. View the conditions of entry and respect the Stones

If you do not have your own transport and don’t want the hassle of public transport you may want to book a direct tour from London or Bath with the local touring experts – Stonehenge Guided Tours

Equinox Links:
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Tour from London – Stonehenge Guided Tours
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Conditions – English Heritage
Stonehenge Autumn Equinx Tours departing from Bath – Solstice Tours UK
What is the autumnal equinox? Royal Museums Greenwich
What is the Autumn equinox? Here’s what you need to know. National Geographic
Stonehenge and the Druids – Who are the Druids? Stonehenge News Blog
The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for 2024 Equinox updates and Stonehenge news
The Stonehenge News Blog


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Stonehenge Autumn Equinox (Mabon) Managed Open Access Arrangements: 23rd September 2023

20 09 2023

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 23rd September.

The Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.

English Heritage has facilitated Managed Open Access (MOA) to Stonehenge for the celebration of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox (spring and autumn equinox fall outside of this contract). English Heritage provides access to the stone circle and the monument field, free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend, but asks all those attending to comply with conditions of entry to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the monument. To safely provide MOA across the year, English Heritage works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and engages experienced event managers and health and safety experts.

Please note: there is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge. This walk is across National Trust downland which is uneven: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.

What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.

The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre

The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.

The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).

Respecting the Stones
Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution. No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way. View the conditions of entry and respect the Stones

Equinox Links:
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox 2023: When is the ceremony? Salisbury Journal
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Conditions – English Heritage
What is the autumnal equinox? Royal Museums Greenwich
What is the Autumn equinox? Here’s what you need to know. National Geographic
Stonehenge and the Druids – Who are the Druids? Stonehenge News Blog
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Tours – Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog
Stonehenge Guided Tours – The Local Tour Experts

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for Equinox updates and Stonehenge news
The Stonehenge News Blog


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Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Managed Open Access Arrangements: 23rd September 2022

8 09 2022

The Autumn Equinox (Mabon) is rapidly approaching as the last days of summer slowly come to an end. English Heritage are expected to offer a short period of access, from first light or safe enough to enter the monument field (approximately 06.15am until 08:30am) on the 23rd September.

Stonehenge is an ancient prehistoric site which has been a place of worship and celebration for thousands of years.

The Autumn Equinox is one of the rare occasions that English Heritage opens up the stones for public access. Equinox open access attracts fewer people than the Solstices – in the several hundreds rather than tens of thousands – and there are modern Druid ceremonies which are held in the circle around dawn, so if you prefer a quieter experience then attending the Autumn Equinox is a good choice.

English Heritage has facilitated Managed Open Access (MOA) to Stonehenge for the celebration of the summer solstice, winter solstice, spring and autumn equinox (spring and autumn equinox fall outside of this contract). English Heritage provides access to the stone circle and the monument field, free of charge to anyone who wishes to attend, but asks all those attending to comply with conditions of entry to ensure the safety of all visitors and to protect the monument. To safely provide MOA across the year, English Heritage works in partnership with Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Council and engages experienced event managers and health and safety experts.

Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to “reap what they sow,” both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.

What is the Equinox?
The equinox is when day and night are actually the same length. It happens several days before the spring equinox, and a few days after the autumn one.

The reason day and night are only almost equal on the equinox is because the sun looks like a disk in the sky, so the top half rises above the horizon before the centre

The Earth’s atmosphere also refracts the sunlight, so it seems to rise before its centre reaches the horizon. This causes the sun to provide more daylight than many people might expect, offering 12 hours and 10 minutes on the equinox.

The word ‘equinox’ itself actually mean ‘equal’ (equi) and ‘night’ (nox).

Respecting the Stones
Stonehenge is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act and you must adhere to the regulations outlined in the act or face criminal prosecution. No person may touch, lean against, stand on or climb the stones, or disturb the ground in any way. View the conditions of entry and respect the Stones

If you are considering visiting Stonehenge for the Autumn Equinox and do not have transport or simply want a hassle free experience you can join a specialist organised tour.  Use a reputable tour operator who respect the conditions of entry – Stonehenge Guided Tours are the longest established company offering discreet tours from London or Bath, view their exclusive Autumn Equinox tour 

Equinox Links:
Autumn Equinox Celebrations 2021 Stonehenge News Blog
What is the autumnal equinox? Royal Museums Greenwich
What is the Autumn equinox? Here’s what you need to know. National Geographic
Stonehenge and the Druids – Who are the Druids? Stonehenge News Blog
Stonehenge Autumn Equinox Tours – Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Stonehenge Pilgrims – Stonehenge News Blog

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for Equinox updates and Stonehenge news
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Stonehenge Summer Solstice Open Access 2022

12 06 2022

Summer Solstice Sunrise Celebrations at StonehengeThe summer solstice is one of the few times access is granted inside the stones.

The summer solstice will be on 21 June 2022: 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. Stonehenge is a world renowned historic Monument and part of a World Heritage Site. It is seen by many who attend as a sacred place. The Stonehenge summer solstice is a popular annual event that sees thousands of people descend on Wiltshire to celebrate the changing seasons. Summer solstice falls on the longest day of the year.

Please note that last normal admissions to Stonehenge is on Thursday 20th June at 13:00 and the site will close at 15:00 in preparation for Summer Solstice Managed Open Access. Stonehenge will re-open for normal admissions on the afternoon of Friday 21st June. Please check our social media channels for the exact time.

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 page before deciding whether to come.

What is the summer solstice?

At the summer solstice, the sun travels the longest path through the sky, and therefore that day has the most daylight. The exact moment of the solstice is the time of year that the Earth is closest to the sun.

According to the astronomical definition of the seasons, the summer solstice also marks the beginning of summer, which lasts until the autumnal equinox (22 or 23 September in the Northern Hemisphere, and 20 or 21 March in the Southern Hemisphere). Under the meteorological definition, which splits the year into four seasons of three full months each based on the Gregorian calendar, winter starts on 1 December every year, and summer starts on 1 June.

When is summer solstice in 2022?

The summer solstice will be on 21 June 2022. It most commonly falls on this date, but can be anywhere between 20-22 June. The exact time of the solstice will be 10.13am in the UK.

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.

THURSDAY 20th JUNE 2022 
SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS19.00 hours
ACCESS TO STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD19.00 hours
SUNSET21.26 hours
FRIDAY 21st JUNE 2022 
SUNRISE04.52 hours
LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK06.00 hours (or when full)
STONEHENGE MONUMENT FIELD CLOSESSOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED08.00 hours12.00 hours (Noon)

How much are tickets to Stonehenge?

Entry is free of charge and you won’t need tickets to attend. Usually, tickets to the site cost £17.50. You will however have to pay for parking.

English Heritage says on its website: “We are 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 before deciding whether to come.”

How to watch the summer solstice online

ENGLISH Heritage plan to make use of technology once more to enable enthusiasts to enjoy the summer solstice from the comfort of their own homes If you’re not able to get there in person, you can watch the summer solstice from Stonehenge online by using the Stonehenge Skyscape website. It has been set up by English Heritage to enable anyone from around the world the experience it. The event will also be livestreamed on the Stonehenge Facebook group and the English Heritage YouTube channel.

The charity is asking people to be mindful of the environmental issues if travelling to the stones and to car share or use public transport wherever possible. This would help to reduce CO2 emissions at the World Heritage Site.

English Heritage advise those who wish to celebrate the solstice at Stonehenge to bring only essential items with them and to check the website.

USEFUL SOLSTICE INFORMATION

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.

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Links:
Experience the summer solstice and Stonehenge without leaving the house – SALISBURY JOURNAL
Druid Leader King Arthur Uther Pendragon, Head of the Loyal Arthurian Warband. STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Stonehenge summer solstice 2022: Tickets won’t be needed to attend ancient site – WILTSHIRE LIVE
Summer Solstice 2022 – when is the longest day of the year? DAILY EXPRESS
When is the longest day of the year? Summer solstice 2022 date and how it’s celebrated at Stonehenge – INEWS
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tours from London / Bath – SOLSTICE TOURS U.K
Solstice and Equinox Experience Tours – SOLSTICE EVENTS UK
The Stonehenge Solstice Pilgrims – STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Respecting the Stones.  Managed Open Access –STONEHENGE NEWS BLOG
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. From Past to Present. Stonehenge New Blog
Why Thousands Of Pagans Gather At Stonehenge For The Solstice Stonehenge News Blog

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and 2022 Summer Solstice updates
http://www.Stonehenge.News


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Thousands gathered at Stonehenge to celebrate the annual winter solstice.

24 12 2021

Crowds came together for the biggest gathering at Stonehenge since the pandemic began. Thousands of people gathered at Stonehenge on Wednesday morning to celebrate the annual winter solstice. The event, which marks the first sunrise after the longest night of the year, saw 2,500 people visit the World Heritage site in Salisbury – the largest gathering at the 5,000-year-old location since the start of the pandemic. The festivities were also watched by over 55,000 people worldwide, with Druids and Pagans amongst those who marked the occasion.

Druids and pagans were joined by hundreds of others to mark the end of the longest night.

English Heritage allowed access to the site but also live streamed the sunrise for those who wanted to watch at home.

Historians believe the turning of the year was celebrated by the people who erected the stones.

It was the first time since lockdown began in March 2020 that open access was allowed at the World Heritage Site on Salisbury Plain, with about 1,000 people attending.

The curator of Stonehenge, Heather Sebire, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: “The whole monument is orientated to the midwinter sunset and the midsummer sunrise. Today is marking the turning of the year.

As the drumming echoed around the site, everyone, tourists, locals and the religious, turned their faces to the east in unison to greet the sunrise.

People marked the moment in different ways – some quiet, some jubilant – but you could sense a real joy in the air.

Stonehenge Winter Solstice 2021 Links:
Thousands gather at Stonehenge for winter solstice celebration = The Independent
Winter solstice Sunrise at Stonehenge 2021 in photos – Salisbury Journal
Winter Solstice at Stonehenge: Crowds gather for special sunrise at Wiltshire monument – ITV
Stonehenge winter solstice crowd the biggest of pandemic – BBC
Stonehenge Winter Solstice Tours, book now for 2022 – Stonehenge Guided Tours
Dawn again! Stonehenge revellers celebrate the first sunrise after Winter Solstice… – Daily Mail
Experiencing solstice at Stonehenge for the first time – Wiltshire Times

The Stonehenge News Blog
Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest Stonehenge News and Winter Solstice updates.



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