Try to picture yourself in the middle of a circle of huge stones, with up to 40 tonnes each, arranged with such accuracy that they are still standing to this day. This is not the first chapter of a fiction book; this is life on Stonehenge, one of the oldest prehistoric monuments globally. Stonehenge is one of the many historic sites owned by English Heritage and it provides visitors with an insightful look into our forefathers’ minds and creativity.
A Testament to Human Creativity
Stonehenge is not just a pile of stones; it is the evidence of the people’s great ideas, their thoughts, and even their dreams. This man-made and still-standing monument dates back to the Neolithic period, over 4,500 years ago and it still attracts visitors in their millions. But what makes Stonehenge so special? What’s the reason for its enshrinement in the mystery? What is the magnitude of the project? Or maybe it is the bond that we can experience with our forefathers when standing in their shoes?
First of all, a visitor centre, which is a part of a modern architectural complex, will meet you as soon as you get close to the site. Here, there is an exhibition by English Heritage that helps put together the story of Stonehenge. A technological wizardry of state-of-the-art audio-visual presentations and a representation of the archaeological findings of this enigma of a site, and you will be on your way to peeling the layers of the onion.
Arguably, the most attractive option of the exhibition is the opportunity to meet the man who was alive 5,500 years ago. This is not some dreamy vision, but an archaeological analysis of skeletons discovered adjacent to Stonehenge. It is a gruesome wake-up call that those who laid down their lives to create this structure were like you and me, with families and dreams.
The Stone Circle: A Masterpiece of Engineering
Of course, the main focus is the Stone Circle, which is the principal attraction of the park. When this prehistoric masterpiece is viewed as a work of art in its entirety, one cannot help but wonder at the magnitude of the work that was accomplished. The sarsen stones, which are massive, were moved over a distance of more than twenty miles, while the bluestones, which are comparatively smaller in size, were imported from the Preseli Hills in Wales, a distance of one hundred and fifty miles.
The accuracy with which these stones were laid is quite impressive, given the fact that Neolithic people had very poor equipment to work with. The trilithons, which are two standing stones with a third rest on top of the two, are constructed in a horseshoe pattern; the circle stone consists of standing stones with cap stones, or lintels. Tour guides and other people who work or volunteer at the site are usually very informative and are happy to tell you interesting facts about the stones and their origins.
For the ultimate experience, there is the Stone Circle Experience from English Heritage. This special ticket enables the person to enter the circle itself when the circle is closed to the public. Being able to take a tour at Stonehenge with a maximum of 30 people per session is a rather unusual chance to feel the might of the ancient monument’s calmness.
Beyond the Stones: Exploring the Wider Landscape
Despite the fact that one can hardly find something more popular than the Stone Circle, Stonehenge has much more to offer. Other Neolithic and Bronze Age sites can be found in the surrounding area and all have their own tale to tell. Visit the Neolithic village reconstructed to the appearance of Stonehenge, with the possibility of entering the reconstructed houses and trying to feel like the people who built the monument.
But for those who dare more, there is an opportunity to compete with a copy of the sarsen stone on the hinge. It is entertaining and serves to make one perceive the mammoth effort that was invested in erecting the structure, thereby developing a newfound respect for the ancestors!
A Day Out for All Ages
As much as Stonehenge is an important archaeological site, it is even more famous for its ability to attract all age groups of people. Kids will enjoy playing in Neolithic houses and participating in the games that people of that time played, while history lovers will be able to get lost in archaeological data. It’s a good thing to go if you have even a nodding acquaintance with Stonehenge and the history of the place and Wiltshire will certainly make you marvel at the stones.
Well, after all that exploring, one is likely to feel hungry for food or, in other words, get an exploratory mouth. Thankfully, though, you can get a cup of coffee at the Stonehenge café. With a selection of hot and cold snacks such as the Rock Cakes, which have gained the café international recognition, the café focuses on local ingredients and has provisions for vegetarians and gluten-sensitivity disorders, among others. If you feel like having a soup, a classic pasty, or a vegan sausage roll, then there is something for everyone.
Preserving the Past for the Future
Stonehenge is not just a place for you to go and visit for a day trip; it is also a way through which you are contributing to the conservation of this monument. English Heritage, the body that maintains Stonehenge and other 400+ monuments and historical buildings across the country, is funded by the public and donors.
Stonehenge is helping to support the largest conservation programme ever undertaken by English Heritage and by visiting it, you are helping too. This great plan will involve the employment of highly trained people in the conservation of Stonehenge as well as other important monuments for people and future generations to benefit from.
Planning Your Visit
In order to fully appreciate Stonehenge, it is recommended that you book in advance. Apart from ensuring that you get a ticket, it also comes with the added advantage that you will pay a 15% discount on the ticket. Members of the English Heritage can get in free of charge, although it is recommended that you pre-arrange your visit online.
After that, you will proceed to the Stone Circle but when you get there, spend some time walking around the exhibition. Do not forget your camera; the stones are perfect for a background for photos in any season. And do not forget that Stonehenge is an open-air monument, so tourists should better take warm clothes according to the weather.
A Journey Through Time
Stonehenge is not just a place to visit for the day; it’s a trip through time. Right from the time you enter the visitor centre to the time you bid adieu to the stones, this is where you will be treading on the historical path of the generations that have amazed themselves with this wonder.
Indeed, Stonehenge is an ideal place for history lovers, families with children, and anyone who is interested in the world’s history and marvels. It is a place where one can feel history, a place of mysteries and a place where the great achievements of the ancestors are still a wonder.
Therefore, why not plan your visit today? Visit this place and be part of its history. Feel the magical atmosphere of Stonehenge and create a new history of this marvellous place. Who knows? maybe you will be the one to solve its mysteries! Book tickets with English Heritage!
