June 20 - June 21
Stonehenge, Wiltshire, UK
The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, is a time when days are long and nights are short. There's no better time of year to celebrate this event, and no better place to do so than during the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. This ancient megalithic structure in Wiltshire was built around 5000 years ago and consists of massive stone boulders arranged in a ring. Each stone stands about 4 meters tall, 2.1 meters wide, and weighs around 25 tons.
When is the Summer Solstice?
The Summer Solstice occurs between June 20 and 22, typically on June 21. It is the time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. In 2024, the Summer Solstice celebration at Stonehenge will take place from the evening of June 20 to the morning of June 21, with the sunrise being livestreamed on the English Heritage YouTube channel.
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
For millennia, people have made pilgrimages to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice. Druids once revered this site, so expect modern-day druids to arrive to celebrate the event with worship, rituals, and ceremonies praising the fertility of the land and the forces of nature.
English Heritage provides free access to Stonehenge during the solstice, provided visitors adhere to the established rules of conduct at the monument. After the sunrise on June 21, Stonehenge will reopen for regular paid visits.
The Ancient Monument of Stonehenge
Stonehenge was designated a scheduled ancient monument in 1882 and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986 for its outstanding cultural and archaeological value. It is owned by the British Crown and managed by English Heritage, which encourages following their Twitter @EH_Stonehenge for updates on the Summer Solstice. All events at Stonehenge are regulated according to the UK government's roadmap, taking into account the epidemiological situation.
How to Get to Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is located in picturesque rural Wiltshire, 13 km north of the city of Salisbury. You can reach this ancient monument by various means of transportation:
- By car from London: Take the M3 motorway towards Southampton, then turn onto the A303 towards Salisbury and follow signs to Stonehenge. From other cities in England, choose a route to Salisbury and follow the signs from there.
- By public transport: Take a train to Salisbury, then a bus or taxi to Stonehenge. Alternatively, take a tour bus from London directly to the monument.
- On foot or by bicycle: It's about 16 km from Salisbury to Stonehenge via scenic country roads.
Helpful Tips for Visitors
- Plan your stay in advance and book accommodation in Salisbury or nearby villages. Hotels fill up quickly during the solstice.
- Dress for the weather and bring warm clothing, even if it's hot during the day – nights can be chilly.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no cafes or shops at Stonehenge itself.
- Be prepared for large crowds and possible traffic congestion during the celebration days.
- Be patient and respectful of the traditions and beliefs of other visitors.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of unity with nature and people from around the world who have gathered to celebrate this ancient festival of life.
The Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is a spectacular sight and a unique opportunity to connect with the mysteries of the past, feel in tune with the cycles of nature, and become part of a centuries-old tradition. This event is sure to leave a lasting impression!