The mysteries of Stonehenge are perplexing questions that have fascinated scholars and mystics for centuries. Sometimes known as the Great Stone Circle, Stonehenge has been the subject of myths, folklore, and speculation since it was first constructed between 2500 and 3000 BC. Why was it built, what was its purpose, how did ancient people build something so large without modern equipment and why there?
My journey to Stonehenge started when I arrived back in London at St. Pancreas/King’s Cross Station. Going to Stonehenge was the next stop on my personal tour around the British Isles. I spent four days in Paris and had returned on the Eurostar Channel Train. Salisbury was my destination in order to visit Stonehenge, a place I had always missed on my other trips to the British Isles.
Train to Salisbury
The distance between London and Salisbury is about 84 miles. You can get to Salisbury from London by car, bus, or train. Yet, the most efficient way is by direct train from London Waterloo Station to Salisbury. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and trains depart hourly. You can reach Waterloo Station in London by taxi, bus, or tube (subway).
The first train leaves London at around 06:35 AM, and the last train departs at around 11:40 pm. Ticket prices can vary, but they typically range from £35 to £85. You can find tickets starting from as low as US$11.50 if you book in advance.
The train station in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, is called Salisbury Railway Station. It is located in the center of the town on South Western Road, Salisbury. The station is operated by South Western Railway and is also served by Great Western Railway
My next blog will be about what to do and see in Salisbury.
History of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England. It consists of a ring of standing stones, each around 13 feet high and seven feet wide. The stones weigh approximately 25 tons each. Stonehenge is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. It is considered a British cultural icon.
The history of Stonehenge is fascinating. It was built in several stages. The first stage began around 3000 BC. During this time, a circular earthwork enclosure was constructed. This enclosure consisted of a ditch, bank, and 56 pits known as Aubrey holes. These holes were named after John Aubrey, who discovered them in the 17th century.
The second stage of construction took place around 2500 BC. During this period, the large sarsen stones were erected. These stones were transported from the Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away. The smaller bluestones were brought from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 150 miles away. This feat was remarkable, considering the lack of modern technology.
The third stage of construction occurred around 2000 BC. During this time, the bluestones were rearranged into the horseshoe and circle formations seen today. The final stage of construction took place around 1600 BC. During this period, the bluestones were rearranged once again. The monument has remained largely unchanged since then.
Did People Live at Stonehenge?
People did not live full-time at Stonehenge. The site was primarily used for ceremonial and religious purposes. Archaeological evidence suggests that Stonehenge was a place of burial and ritual activities. The surrounding area, however, was inhabited by communities who built and used the monument.
The builders of Stonehenge lived in nearby settlements. One such settlement is Durrington Walls, located about 2 miles from Stonehenge. Excavations at Durrington Walls have revealed evidence of houses, pottery, and animal bones. This suggests that people gathered there for feasts and ceremonies. While Stonehenge itself was not a permanent residence, it was an important ceremonial site for the people living in the surrounding area
Biggest Mysteries of Stonehenge
The purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery. However, several theories exist. Some believe it was a burial ground. Others think it was a place of healing. Another theory suggests it was an astronomical observatory. The alignment of the stones with the solstices supports this idea. Despite the many theories, the true purpose of Stonehenge remains unknown.
The construction of Stonehenge is equally mysterious. The builders used simple tools made of stone, wood, and bone. They transported the massive stones using sledges and rollers. The stones were then erected using a combination of ramps, levers, and ropes. The precision with which the stones were placed is astonishing. This suggests that the builders had advanced knowledge of engineering and astronomy.
Who Owns Stonehenge?
The Stonehenge Landscape is a property of The National Trust, located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. The estate covers 2,100 acres surrounding the neolithic monument, which is administered by English Heritage. Much of the land is designated open access by the Trust, including the fields immediately around Stonehenge and other fields that were purchased through the years to protect the stones. Stonehenge itself is in the care of English Heritage, having been given to the nation in 1918 by Cecil and Mary Chubb, who had bought it three years previously from the Antrobus family.
What to Do at Stonehenge
The first place you come to is the Stonehenge Visitor Center. It is a fantastic place to start your visit. Here’s what you can do there:
- Exhibitions: The visitor center has fascinating exhibitions that delve into the history and construction of Stonehenge. You’ll find artifacts discovered at the site, including tools and pottery.
- 360-Degree Cinema: Experience a 360-degree view of Stonehenge through the seasons. This immersive experience gives you a sense of what it feels like to stand in the stone circle.
- Neolithic Village: Explore the reconstructed Neolithic houses. These houses give you a glimpse into the lives of the people who built Stonehenge. You can see how they lived, cooked, and worked.
- Audio Guides: Pick up an audio guide to enhance your visit. The guides are available in multiple languages and provide detailed information about the site.
- Gift Shop: Don’t forget to visit the gift shop. You can find unique souvenirs, books, and gifts related to Stonehenge and its history.
- Café: Take a break and enjoy some refreshments at the café. They offer a variety of snacks, meals, and drinks.
The visitor center is a great way to enrich your understanding of Stonehenge before you explore the monument itself.
How to get to the site from the Visitors Center
To get to Stonehenge from the visitor center, they offer shuttle bus service which you can pick up in the Center’s parking lot. The shuttle bus runs frequently and takes you directly to the monument. The ride is short, about 10 minutes. If you prefer, you can also walk. The walk is about 1.5 miles and takes around 30 minutes.
I took the walk instead of the bus and you end up walking across pastures and fields. The path is well-marked and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. As you are walking you notice large burial mounds also known as barrows that dot the landscape. The barrows around Stonehenge are ancient burial mounds that contain the remains of individuals from various periods. These mounds date back to the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The people buried in these barrows were likely members of the local communities who lived in the area and participated in the construction and use of Stonehenge. The barrows include both sexes, and some of the graves contain valuable artifacts, suggesting that the individuals buried there held significant status within their communities.
How to Get to Stonehenge
There are several ways to get to Stonehenge from different locations. Here are the options:
London:
- Train: Take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Salisbury, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Stonehenge.
- Bus: Take a bus from London Victoria Coach Station to Salisbury. The journey takes about 3 hours. From Salisbury, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Stonehenge.
- Car: Drive from London to Stonehenge. The distance is about 84 miles, and the journey takes around 2 hours.
Cardiff:
- Train: Take a train from Cardiff Central to Salisbury. The journey takes about 2 hours and 13 minutes. From Salisbury, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to Stonehenge.
- Car: Drive from Cardiff to Stonehenge. The distance is about 90 miles, and the journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From the North:
- Train: Take a train to London or Salisbury, then follow the directions from those locations to Stonehenge.
- Car: Drive from your location in the North to Stonehenge. The journey time will vary depending on your starting point.
Stonehenge is a remarkable monument, standing as a testament to the ingenuity and determination of ancient civilizations. Its history spans thousands of years, with each phase of construction adding to its mystery and allure. The purpose of Stonehenge will always remain a complete mystery. What were the giant slabs of stones for? Why here? What exactly did the people who built it do here? Questions that will never be answered. The subject for endless debate and countless theories.
Some people have written online that they were underwhelmed by Stonehenge. That it was just a bunch of big rocks in a circle. Boring! However, that circle of rocks is 5000 years old and was visited by 1.3 million people in 2023.
It is a living history of man right in front of you. I must admit I was a little underwhelmed at first. Yet, as you study the site and think about the methods used to transport and erect the massive stones, you marvel at the engineering skills of its ancient builders. Plus the mysterious feeling that the place has, you begin to realize how amazing this place is. This enigmatic site continues to captivate the imagination of visitors from around the world, drawing them to uncover its secrets and marvel at its grandeur. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, a visit to Stonehenge is well worth the trip.
All Photos by James Carey. Copyright 2025 Carey-On Creative, LLC., Atlanta, GA. Tripswithjames.com is a trademark of Carey-On Creative, LLC.
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