The UK Stonehenge Summer Solstice
What: Celebrated for thousands of years, the Summer solstice at England’s famous Stonehenge is both a religious and historical festival and a chance to explore and unpack the mystery that is Stonehenge as tens of thousands of people arrive at the Neolithic monument providing a night full of parties, spiritual awakening and reflection to greet the longest day.
Taking place on the Solstice – the day with the longest period of daylight as one of Earth’s poles reaches its maximum tilt and – you can expect the historic Stonehenge site to host religious sermons and music as people stay up from sunset to witness the sunrise align perfectly with the thousand year old heel and slaughter stones of Stonehenge and signal the coming winter, with the magnificent sunset drapped against the Stonehenge backdrop adding an extra element of mystique to the solstice that just might help you unpack the mystery of Stonehenge.
When: While there is also a winter solstice, the best time to witness the solstice phenomenon is during the English Summer – when conditions will be considerable warmer – so while the date differs each year expect and prepare for a solstice in the middle of June.
Where: The Solstice takes place at the wonder of the world that is Stonehenge, which is closest to the beautiful village of Amesbury Wiltshire — and easily accessed by Car or by one of the multiple free national park buses that connects Amesbury to Stonehenge. For those commuting for the solstice from outside Amesbury the nearest train station is Salisbury – with both regular buses and Taxis (or ubers) available to make sure you get to Stonehenge to witness the sunset.
Duration: The solstice officially lasts for the full day of sunlight – some 16 hours, but for the spectacle at Stonehenge you want to arrive around 2 hours before sunset the night before – approximately 6pm to enjoy all of the festivities and immerse yourself in the experience and then be prepared to camp out and enjoy the occasion until sunrise – approximately 4am the following day where the sunrise makes for incredible views over the historic Stonehenge.
Tickets: This is the one time of the year where entry to Stonehenge (which usually costs £17) is completely free – so it’s advised to use the extra money on some warm clothes and a traditional English cup of tea to bring in the solstice.
Need to Know: The big one is the English weather, despite being summer don’t rule out a rain shower or two and expect it to be cold in the morning during the sunrise – so come prepared in layers! – also be aware for pick pockets and zero tolerance towards disruptive behavior !
