With Summer Solstice 2010 near, we’re starting to prepare for our trip to Stonehenge to – hopefully – see the sun rise above the heel stone. (Go here for live updates from the Solstice celebrations or photos from the 2010 Solstice.) We can’t command the weather (only in our Stonehenge Solstice Virtual, where it is never cloudy), but we can supply some information and tips to make sure you get the most out of your Stonehenge Summer Solstice visit.
Read on for tips on how to get to Stonehenge, what (not) to bring and wear.
If you’re going, let us know in the comments, or do say ‘Hi!’ on the night itself.
Last year’s Summer Solstice at Stonehenge saw over 35,000 people attend, making it in my opinion a bit too crowded inside and around the megaliths (photographic evidence of that). No worries about being squished though: the number will probably be less this year, as the Solstice does not happen over the weekend. This year’s summer solstice will take place on a Monday (June 21th, of course) and the sunrise is expected to take place at 4.45am. As usual, English Heritage will provide ‘managed open access’ to the stones starting Sunday evening 7pm, so you can spend a night of celebration at the prehistoric site.
How to get to Stonehenge in time for the Summer Solstice?
The sun is set to rise at 4.45am on Monday morning, so arriving anywhere between 7pm Sunday and 4.00am Monday will do.
Take into account that it is a 20 minute walk from the car park to the stones, and quite a bit of time queuing before that to actually park your car.
Using public transport, it will take you at least an hour (walk and waiting for the bus included) to get from the Salisbury train station to Stonehenge. So leave on time!
Here are your ‘transport’ options:
Take the train to Salisbury and the 333 bus to Stonehenge
English heritage advises to use public transport, and trains indeed run regularly to Salisbury. Once there, for £9 (at 2009 prices) you take the special bus service to a drop-off point near Stonehenge. From there it is a 2.5 kilometres walk to Stonehenge through National Trust farmland, offering you a great view on the stone circle as you approach. I’d definitely advise this option – not least for the beautiful walk.
First and last bus from Salisbury to Stonehenge: Sunday 6.30pm and Monday 1.15am
First and last bus from Stonehenge to Salisbury: Monday 4am and 9.45 am
Definitely bring: walking shoes, torch
To Stonehenge by Car: Where to Park?
Expect the road to Stonehenge to be extremely busy, with a long time of queuing, and part of the A344 will be closed. As you approach Stonehenge, best from the direction of Amesbury, follow the signals (rather than your GPS) guiding you to the solstice car park at Airman’s Cross (entrance near the A344/A360 junction). From the car park, it is a 1 kilometre walk to Stonehenge. Camping is not allowed at the solstice car park.
Solstice car park opens: Sunday 7pm
Leave by: Monday noon
Definitely bring: driver who will stay sober!
What to bring to a Solstice Celebration? Booze, and what else?
Do Bring
Warm clothes and thermal underwear or blankets – Spending the night at Stonehenge WILL be cold, regardless of weather conditions. I am eternally grateful to the people who shared their thermal blanket with me last year, but still managed to drink about 7 hot cocoas just to keep warm. Do dress like you’re going to the North Pole, and bring a blanket to sit on. Watertight is a splendid idea as well.
Alcohol – Is permitted, but only in small quantities, and not in glass containers. Coffee, hot chocolate and other drinks are sold at the gathering area, but no booze. So if you think you can’t – or don’t want to – do without, you’ll have to bring your own. (Max. 2l beer or 75cl of wine per person.)
Photo camera – If you’re attending the Solstice you need to bring your camera gear! Smartphone cameras just won’t do. As it is actually quite dark (duh), you’ll also want to bring along a tripod, and someone to carry your tripod.
Food – It’s quite a long night, and although you can purchase food on the site I suggest you pack some breakfast.
Music instruments – Sound systems are a no-no, but acoustic instruments are allowed. Last year there was a piper, Morris dancers and lots of drums, but I think the night would have been more fun with a few more guitars and maybe even some jazzy saxophone? 😉
Toilet paper – Do you really trust the portaloos to have a contineous supply?
An adult – If you’re under 16, you’ll need to be accompanied by an adult.
Don’t Bring
Drugs – Please keep your drug use legal. Alcohol is allowed, as is nicotine. Anything beyond that is as illegal at Stonehenge as they are anywhere else. Police are present at the Stonehenge Summer Solstice and bags are checked for alcohol and drugs before entrance (The same goes for weapons, unsurprisingly).
Fire – No camp-fires, flaming torches, BBQs, candles or fireworks are allowed on the terrain. (If you smoke, you do want to bring along a lighter or matches rather than asking to borrow mine and not returning it!)
Animals – Dogs, pets or other creatures (?) are not permitted into Stonehenge. Exception is made for registered assistance dogs.
Camping at Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2010…
… is NOT allowed. No putting up your tents on the solstice site (or even bringing in sleeping bags), the car park or the surrounding National Park. However there are some local camp-sites in the neighbourhood:
- Stonehenge Campsite – Winterbourne Stoke, Salisbury, SP3 4TQ (017880 746514) – 4 miles from Stonehenge
- Stonehenge Touring Park – Orcheston, Nr Shrewton, Salisbury SP3 4SH (01980 620304 ) 5 miles from Stonehenge
- Salisbury Camping & Caravanning Club Site – Hudson’s Field, Castle Road, Salisbury, SP1 3RR (01722 320713 ) 10 miles from Stonehenge
- Coomble Caravan Park – Coombe Nurseries, The Race Plain, Netherhampton, Salisbury, SP2 8PN (01722 328451 ) 10 miles from Stonehenge
Regardless how you are going to get to the 2010 Summer Solstice at Stonehenge and where (and with whom) you plan to spend the night (or morning after), we hope you have a great time! Keep in mind that many who gather at the ancient stone circle for the solstice consider the site to be a sacred place (explained in this video).
If there are any must-know tips or must-take-along items I failed to mention, or you just want to say ‘Hi!’ prior to the Solstice, leave a nice message in the comments, and I’ll add the info/say ‘Hi!’ in return. And of course, if you can’t make it to Stonehenge, you can still experience the summer solstice one at our digital recreation of Stonehenge.
