Stonehenge is one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments – and this August lucky visitors will win the rare chance to step inside the ancient stone circle.
Trips to Stonehenge can be a little hectic. Tens of thousands of people turn up to celebrate summer and winter solstices and most other days the site is a place of bustle, excited conversation and selfie action.
But throughout August, English Heritage is offering visitors the chance to win some guaranteed solitude within the hulking stones.
English Heritage, which manages the landmark, has launched a new initiative giving advance ticket holders the opportunity to win exclusive access to the monument before it opens to the public.
Normally, visitors can only view the stones from behind a barrier, with general public access inside the circle restricted since 1977.
Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of operations for Stonehenge, described the rope-free experience as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.
She said: ‘Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and a bucket-list destination for millions of people across the globe – but very few people have ever experienced the monument in complete peace and quiet.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand within the ancient stones with no one else around, soaking up the atmosphere and spirituality of this remarkable place.’
The site dates back around 5,000 years, with the stone circle erected during the late Neolithic period, around 2500 BC.
It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, recognised for its ‘incomparable testimony to prehistoric times’.
Two types of stones make up the monument – larger sarsens and smaller bluestones.
Ancient carvings on the stones are not visible from the public path but access to the inner circle would allow guests to see them in person.
Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of operations for Stonehenge, described the rope-free experience as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.
She said: ‘Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and a bucket-list destination for millions of people across the globe – but very few people have ever experienced the monument in complete peace and quiet.
‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand within the ancient stones with no one else around, soaking up the atmosphere and spirituality of this remarkable place.’
The winning booking groups will be given the private half an hour tour at 9am, before any other tourists arrive.
The award winning Stonehenge Tour Company offer private access inner circle tours throughout the year and considered the best local operator. Stonehenge Guided Rock Tours also offer various Stonehenge inner circle special access with expert local tour guides.
Relative Stonehenge Access Access Links
Step inside Stonehenge! Visitors offered rare chance to enter ancient stone circle usually reserved for VIPs – DAILY MAIL
Stonehenge brings back solo experience for first time in over 100 years – and at no extra cost – The Sun
Your chance to get up close and personal with Stonehenge – with no other visitors around – Salisbury and Avon Gazette
Your chance to get up close and personal with Stonehenge – with no other visitors around
Magic circle: Stonehenge offers lucky visitors 20 minutes alone in monument – The Guardian
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carved initials and names on the stones. One of them might even be that of Christopher Wren – a local lad who made good and went on to design the new St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666.
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