The bluestones originated in the Preseli Hills in Wales, transported over 150 miles to the site.
Chemical analysis of the sarsen stones suggests they originated from West Woods, 15 miles north of the monument.
Excavations have revealed that the site was a major burial ground, containing the remains of at least 150 individuals.
The stones were originally erected using mortise and tenon joints, a technique typically used in woodworking.
The site includes a 'cursus'—a large rectangular earthwork enclosure—stretching 1.8 miles to the north.
Modern laser scans have revealed previously unknown carvings of axe heads and daggers on the stones.
The Stonehenge landscape includes the Avenue, a processional route aligned with the solstice sunrise.
The site was once part of a larger complex that included the nearby timber circles of Woodhenge.
The heel stone stands outside the main circle and is positioned to mark the rising sun at the summer solstice.
Recent geophysical surveys have identified an entire 'hidden' landscape of pits and ritual structures surrounding the main circle.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument consisting of an outer ring of vertical sarsen standing stones, each around 13 feet high and weighing nearly 25 tons, enclosing smaller bluestones. Construction occurred in several phases between approximately 3000 BC and 1500 BC. The monument is aligned with the solstices, with the sunrise of the summer solstice and sunset of the winter solstice framing the stones. The site includes a world-class exhibition center featuring over 250 archaeological objects and a reconstruction of an early Neolithic house. It is managed by English Heritage and remains a protected UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors travel from the visitor center to the stones via a dedicated shuttle service or a walking path. The surrounding landscape contains a high density of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, including hundreds of burial mounds.
The elevated path near the stones provides a clear, unobstructed angle for capturing the circle's alignment.
Book your entry slot online well in advance to guarantee access, as capacity is limited.
Allow time to visit the exhibition hall at the visitor center before taking the shuttle to the stones.
Dress for changing weather, as the site is exposed and lacks natural shelter.
Do not attempt to drive directly up to the stones, as there is no public parking at the monument itself; use the provided visitor center facilities.
The site is open daily year-round, except for Christmas Day.
Visitors are required to stay on designated paths; touching the stones is strictly prohibited.
