Stonehenge, England

Here’s a detailed 3 to 4-day itinerary for visiting Stonehenge, England, including surrounding attractions like Salisbury, Avebury, and Bath. This itinerary explores the ancient history of Stonehenge, charming medieval towns, and scenic countryside, offering an immersive experience in the heart of England.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Stonehenge

• Morning:

  • Arrive in Amesbury or Salisbury, both excellent bases for your visit to Stonehenge. Salisbury offers a medieval charm, while Amesbury is the closest town to Stonehenge, about a 10-minute drive away.

  • Head straight to Stonehenge. Book tickets online in advance to skip the lines, and take the shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the stone circle. Walk around the ancient stones, marvel at their mystery, and learn about the monument’s alignment with the solstices through an audio guide or the Stonehenge app.

  • After visiting the Stone Circle, explore the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, which features exhibitions on its history, ancient artifacts, and reconstructed Neolithic houses that demonstrate life during its construction period.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at the Stonehenge Café near the Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy sandwiches, soups, and snacks.

  • After lunch, take a walk around the Stonehenge Landscape, managed by the National Trust. Explore the Avenue, an ancient ceremonial pathway, or visit Woodhenge, a nearby timber monument. If you have time, visit the Cursus Barrows, a Neolithic burial site just north of Stonehenge.

• Evening:

  • Return to Salisbury for dinner at The Haunch of Venison, a historic pub known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional British food, such as venison pie and local ales.

  • After dinner, take an evening walk around Salisbury Cathedral Close, where you can admire the majestic Salisbury Cathedral, which is beautifully illuminated at night.

    
    

Day 2: Salisbury and Old Sarum

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral, one of the most stunning Gothic cathedrals in England. Don’t miss the Magna Carta, one of the four surviving original copies, displayed in the Chapter House. You can also climb to the top of the Cathedral Spire (the tallest in the UK) for amazing views of the countryside.

  • Take a stroll around Cathedral Close, a peaceful area surrounding the cathedral, where you’ll find historical buildings and museums like Mompesson House, a National Trust property showcasing elegant 18th-century interiors and gardens.

• Afternoon:

  • Enjoy lunch at The Cathedral Hotel or a nearby café in Salisbury’s town center.

  • In the afternoon, visit Old Sarum, an ancient hill fort just outside Salisbury, offering a mix of history and nature. Explore the ruins of an old castle, the remains of a medieval cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views of Salisbury and the countryside.

• Evening:

  • Dine at Greengages Café, a local favorite serving fresh, seasonal British cuisine.

  • After dinner, enjoy a quiet walk through Salisbury’s medieval streets, soaking in the town’s historic atmosphere.

    
    

Day 3: Avebury and the Wiltshire Countryside

• Morning:

  • Take a scenic drive to Avebury, about 40 minutes from Stonehenge. Avebury is home to the largest stone circle in Europe, and unlike Stonehenge, you can walk freely among the stones. Start at the Avebury Museum to learn about the history of the site and the people who built it.

  • Wander through the Avebury Stone Circle and explore the nearby West Kennet Avenue, a ceremonial path lined with ancient stones. Visit Silbury Hill, a mysterious man-made mound that dates back to 2400 BC, believed to be one of the largest prehistoric mounds in Europe.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at The Red Lion, a cozy pub located in the heart of Avebury. Enjoy traditional British dishes, such as fish and chips or a hearty ploughman’s lunch.

  • In the afternoon, explore more of the Wiltshire countryside. You can visit West Kennet Long Barrow, an ancient Neolithic tomb where you can walk inside and see the burial chambers. Alternatively, drive through scenic villages and rolling hills for a peaceful countryside experience.

• Evening:

  • Return to Salisbury or Amesbury for dinner at The Chapter House, known for its modern British menu and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy a meal made with fresh, local ingredients.

  • Spend your last evening relaxing in one of the town’s cozy pubs or enjoying the serene surroundings of your accommodation.

    
    

Day 4 (Optional): Day Trip to Bath

• Morning:

  • If you have an extra day, take a day trip to Bath, a historic city known for its Roman heritage and Georgian architecture. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Salisbury.

  • Start your visit with a tour of the Roman Baths, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman spa complexes in Europe. Learn about the history of Roman Britain and see the hot springs that have been flowing for thousands of years.

  • Afterward, visit Bath Abbey, a beautiful Gothic church with intricate stained-glass windows and ornate carvings. Climb the abbey tower for panoramic views of the city.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at The Pump Room, an elegant restaurant that has been serving visitors since the 18th century, and try their famous afternoon tea or classic British fare.

  • In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Royal Crescent, a stunning row of Georgian townhouses overlooking Victoria Park. For a glimpse into Georgian life, visit the No. 1 Royal Crescent Museum, a restored townhouse that showcases the luxurious lifestyle of Bath’s elite in the 18th century.

• Evening:

  • Return to Salisbury or Amesbury for your final dinner. Consider dining at Anokaa, a modern Indian restaurant in Salisbury offering creative and contemporary dishes.

  • End your trip with a relaxing evening, enjoying the charm and history of the English countryside.

    
    

Tips for Visiting Stonehenge:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Stonehenge is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the site is less crowded. Avoid peak summer days, especially around the summer solstice (June 21), unless you want to experience the celebrations.

• Getting Around: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Stonehenge and the surrounding areas, including Avebury, Salisbury, and Bath. Alternatively, you can take a train from London to Salisbury and join local tours or use buses to reach Stonehenge.

• What to Pack: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be exploring outdoor sites and countryside trails. Bring a rain jacket or umbrella, as England’s weather can be unpredictable. If you visit in summer, sunscreen is recommended due to exposure at Stonehenge and other open-air sites.