Stonehenge visit

The Stonehenge is an iconic symbol of England, with a history spanning 4,500 years (built in phases from 3,000 - 2,200 BC). It is a wonder of the world and an incredible piece of pre-historic architecture. It has gone through several phases of wear, tear, preservation and reconstruction over time to become what it is today.

Getting to Stonehenge is pretty straightforward from London, as there are multiple travel agencies that organise round trips to the site. Simply book online, show up at the coach station and your on your way! (It's about a 2 hour trip from London)

 My experience with Premium Tours was smooth and overall, positive.

At the heritage site itself, you'd be provided with an audio guide and map after getting your tickets.

Stonehenge - front view

Stonehenge - side view

Stonehenge - back view

At first glance, it's just a bunch of rocks stacked upon each other. But did you know, this structure is the only stone circle in the world to have lintels - the horizontal stone sitting on top of the uprights. The rocks were also strategically placed to align itself with the movements of the sun.

Mysteries still remain about the Stonehenge today. Specifically, why it was built or how it was used. Scientists, archaeologists and academics have theorised that it was possibly used as an ancient burial ground, but no one knows for sure.

Apparently, segments of the Stonehenge, all the way down to individual rocks are believed to be used for very specific reasons. I didn't pay too much attention to them, but I'd say if your really interested, listen closely to the audio guide and you should be able to have a clearer picture on what the various sarsen stones represent.

 

Prehistoric grounds, modern man!

The place was quite packed with tourists and you could really only walk around a barricade. I believe that there are options to actually go onto the site grounds, but these private tours are only on specific days of the year and are quite expensive to book.

At the end of the walk, you'd head back to the 'reception' site and exit the area through the food/gift shop. There is also a little exhibition area at the end to elaborate more on the Stonehenge's history and the life of the people who lived then.

Rock chocolate souvenir

Seeing that everything around were rocks, why not pick up some rock chocolate sweets from the gift shop to munch on on the way back? :)

Stonehenge is a prime example of a place where there is more to it that meets the eye. I'd say that its definitely worth the visit.