Stonehenge (from Salisbury)
The world's greatest prehistoric monument — just 9 miles from Salisbury
Stonehenge is the most famous prehistoric monument on earth — a ring of standing stones dating back 4,500 years that continues to confound and amaze. Located just 9 miles north of Salisbury, it makes for the most natural day-trip combination: the Cathedral city of the Middle Ages paired with the ancient wonder of the prehistoric world.
The stones were erected in multiple phases between 3000 and 1500 BC, with the famous sarsen sandstone trilithons — some standing over 7 metres tall and weighing 25 tonnes — brought from Marlborough Downs, 25 miles away. The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales, 200 miles distant. How this was achieved by Neolithic people remains one of history's great unsolved questions.
English Heritage manages the site with a visitor centre that contains original finds and a detailed history of the monument. The walk from the visitor centre to the stones (about 1 mile) is along a well-maintained path with the monument gradually revealing itself on the horizon — a genuinely thrilling experience. Inner circle access is available for special sunrise/sunset bookings.