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How to See Stonehenge Inner Circle

There are two ways to see the Stonehenge Inner Circle: a special inner circle tour or applying for tickets through the English Heritage website. Tickets allow for special access to the inner circle, allowing you to get up close to the stones. Standard entrance tickets only allow you to view the stone circle from afar, behind a rope. Not only do Stonehenge inner circle viewings enable you to access the inner circle, but they also take place outside normal admission times. This is often at sunrise or sunset, the perfect time for viewing the magic of Stonehenge.

Please note that if you wish to purchase tickets, it’s recommended to do so well in advance as visitor numbers are limited and tickets get sold out.

How to see Stonehenge inner circle:

We offer several different tours to the Stonehenge inner circle. Stonehenge Inner Circles tours are very exclusive and offered on only a few select dates during the year.

1, The first place to look is here >>>

Our inner circle tour is available in the early morning and late evening, enabling you to view either sunrise or sunset, when the stones take you back 5000 years to the Neolithic Age. As you wander the inner circle, you get to fully appreciate their enormous scale and appreciate even more the incredible feat of their very existence. With the morning tour, you will see the inner circle first and then continue onto the elegant Georgian city of Bath. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bath with an optional visit to the 2000-year-old Roman Baths. Finally, we drive to the small picture postcard medieval village of Lacock to enjoy breakfast at a 14th-century pub. The evening tour is reversed, starting in  Bath, followed by dinner, and ending with a visit at sunset to the Stone Circle.

The sunrise tour is available on most Mondays and Thursdays. The sunset tour is available on most Sundays and Wednesdays.

2. The second place to look is   here >>>

This is our evening tour and is similar to the first option. The difference is that there is no visit to Lacock and dinner is served at a restaurant in Bath. Enjoy this special access viewing away from the crowds and after Stonehenge is closed to the general public. This tour is available on most Tuesdays and Saturdays.

3. The third place to look is here >>> .

With this option, you will visit the inner circle in the early morning before it opens to the general public. Afterward, travel to the historic town of Windsor, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Windsor’s town centre. Food and drink are not included, but there are many pubs and cafes. Alternatively, visit the magnificent Windsor Castle, which is located within the town, a 900-year-old royal residence used by King Charles III, where you can view sumptuous artwork and furnishings. Within the grounds of the Castle lies St George’s Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest. There is also a cafe and gift shop in the Castle. This tour operates on most Mondays and Saturdays.

4. Private transfer from Central London With Early or Late Access .

Another way to see the inner circle at Stonehenge is to take a special access private tour .   You will be collected from your Central London hotel to visit Stonehenge early in the morning or later in the evening, with special access. Tickets must be purchased from the English Heritage website . We advise booking well in advance as tickets will get sold out. With this private transfer, you can combine a visit with other locations, including the stones at Avebury, the Georgian city of Bath, and Windsor Castle. Please contact us for more information.

5. Visiting Independently:

English Heritage, which is in charge of running and preserving Stonehenge, does offer a limited number of tickets to the public to see the inner circle. These tickets sell out fast, and you should apply well in advance. You can see more information about an independent visit and apply for tickets here .

6. Stonehenge Tours Without Special Access

We also offer a range of tours to Stonehenge without access to the inner circle; these tours include a visit to nearby sites such as Bath, Windsor Castle, and Oxford. They include luxury transportation in an air-conditioned coach and an experienced guide. You can see our range of tours via the link here >>>

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Stonehenge - A Visitor's Guide

• Evan Evans Tours
• Day Tours From London

Stonehenge 'Inner Circle Access' & Windsor

Selling Fast!

Enjoy a unique opportunity to explore the Inner Circle at the ancient Neolithic site at Stonehenge . Stand among and walk inside the impressive megaliths and uncover the mystery of Stonehenge before heading off to explore the historic city of Windsor or Windsor Castle. Choose from an early or late visit to Stonehenge to see the stones outside regular visitor hours.

Discover the  mystique of the Stonehenge Inner Circle , the charm of Windsor , and the timeless allure of Windsor Castle (if option chosen) . Join us on an unforgettable guided coach tour where the Stonehenge Inner Circle, the city of Windsor , and Windsor Castle create a series of lifetime experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. 

Evan Evans Office - 258 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1BS

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.

While over a million people visit Stonehenge annually, this unique opportunity allows you to go beyond the ordinary, offering direct access to the megaliths within the Stone Circle – an invitation extended to very few.

Unlike most visitors confined to a rope barrier positioned 15 feet away, you'll stand beside the magnificent Sarsens that tower over the circle, reaching an astonishing 30 feet (9 meters). Revel in the unparalleled experience of being within the Stone Circle, immersed in the mystique of these ancient megaliths, and witness Stonehenge as never before.

Escape the crowds and relish the peace and tranquillity that this exclusive access provides. Delight in the atmospheric beauty of Stonehenge, away from the usual hustle, as you create memories of a truly exceptional encounter with this iconic archaeological wonder. Book your special access tour now for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Stonehenge's ancient mysteries.

Explore the historic town of Windsor , a charming city immersed in centuries of royal tradition and heritage. Meander through its cobbled streets, peruse quaint tea rooms and explore charming shopping arcades as our knowledgeable tour guide breathes life into the rich history of this splendid royal town.

If you choose the option including entry to Windsor Castle, you will see the State Apartments, the grandest in all of England; you will explore the same rooms that are used today by The King and members of the Royal Family. Your journey will lead you to Windsor Castle , the ancestral home of the British monarchy, for almost 1,000 years.

This iconic fortress also serves as HM King Charles III's favoured weekend residence, adding a contemporary touch to its storied history. Windsor Castle proudly holds the distinction of being the world's largest and continuously occupied castle, inviting you to witness the grandeur of a living symbol of royal continuity.

Guests choosing the option to enter the Castle will also visit St George's Chapel , the scene of some of the most famous royal weddings of recent times. These include TRH The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank.

London Victoria Train Station

Your Tour will finish outside London Victoria Train Station, centrally located and easily accessible by national rail and underground; it is serviced by the Victoria, District, and Circle Lines and is in Travel Zone 1.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Early Tour departs: 5:30 am, Evan Evans Tours Office. Finishes: 4:15 pm approx. Victoria Station
• Late Tour departs: 9:15 am / 11:15 am, Evan Evans Tours Office. Finishes: 8:00 pm / 10:00 pm approx. Victoria Station
• Entrance to Windsor Castle is not included unless the option with Windsor Castle is chosen at the time of booking
• If choosing to visit Windsor Castle, then it will not be possible to also join the walking tour of Windsor
• Early tour visits Stonehenge first, followed by Windsor
• Late tour visits Windsor first, followed by Stonehenge
• As a working royal palace, Windsor Castle or parts of the castle are subject to short-notice closures
• We encourage guests with e-tickets to bring these on their smart devices
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols
• Early and Late versions of the tour operate on select Mondays and Saturdays, April 2024 - March 2025.
• Early tours visit Stonehenge first, followed by Windsor.
• Late tours visit Windsor first, followed by Stonehenge.
• Early Tour (select Mondays and Saturdays year-round): Departs: 5:30 am, Victoria Park Plaza. Finishes: 4:15 pm approx. Victoria Station
• Late Tour (select Mondays from until 16th September 2024): Departs: 11.15 am, Victoria Park Plaza. Finishes: 10:00 pm approx. Victoria Station
• Late Tour (every Monday in March 2025) / Departs: 9:15 am, Victoria Park Plaza. Finishes: 8:00 pm approx. Victoria Station

PACKAGE OPTIONS​​

Stonehenge 'INNER CIRCLE ACCESS', Windsor (Early):

• Stonehenge entry, including inner circle access
• Walking tour of Windsor
• Expert Guide
• Superior Coach with free Wi-Fi and USB charging

Personal Audio Headset

Stonehenge 'INNER CIRCLE ACCESS & Windsor (Late):

• Stonehenge entry, including Inner Circle access
• Walking Tour of Windsor
• Superior coach with free Wi-Fi & USB charging on board

Stonehenge INNER CIRCLE ACCESS with Windsor Castle (Early):

• Windsor Castle entry
• Superior coach and free Wi-Fi & USB charging on board

Stonehenge INNER CIRCLE ACCESS with Windsor Castle (Late):

• Superior Coach with free Wi-Fi and USB charging on board
• Entrance to Stonehenge
• Experience Stonehenge up-close with unique 'Inner Circle Access'
• Enjoy a Walking Tour of Windsor with your Expert Guide or entry to Windsor Castle (depending on option chosen)

What's Included

Expert tour guide, superior coach, wi-fi & usb charging on-board, entry to stonehenge, private viewing of stonehenge - walk inside the stone circle, walking tour of windsor (unless option including castle entry is chosen), what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off, entrance to windsor castle (unless option including castle entry is chosen).

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 72 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures, Please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms see Our Flexible Promise to You

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The best Stonehenge Inner Circle Tours from London this year: get VIP access!

Ancient rocks all tell a story and I wonder what the stones at Stonehenge could say? If only you could get up close and listen a little bit nearer to them…

Walking among the giant monoliths at Stonehenge is what most people assume will happen when they visit the ancient site. You can imagine the disappointment when they find out they can get nowhere close to them, even after paying for admission to this bucket list site! Not great, especially for overseas visitors who might only get this one chance to see it.

There is a solution to this though – and that is to join a Stonehenge inner circle tour from London that runs to this beautiful site. There are a few ways to do it but the easiest way is to join a VIP tour where they have the tickets pre-booked for you. No need to try and apply and get them yourself!

For a truly special trip to see Stonehenge, getting access to the Inner Circle is highly recommended and really gives you that lasting impression. Yes you can visit like everyone else, you can even see the stones up close for free , but nothing is as special as getting to wander up close with them – something that only a select number of people can do each day.

Is the Stonehenge inner circle tour worth it? Everyone I know who has done this inner access Stonehenge tour has said that’s it’s amazing and more than worth it. So if you’re ready to tick this bucket list item off then read on for the best way to get inner circle access to Stonehenge.

A note from the writer: Hey! I’m Kirsty and I’m probably Stonehenge’s biggest fan and expert on visiting – I’ve been so many times over the past few years!

I love encouraging people to come and see and really make the most out of their visit. Shout (or comment below) if you have any questions about visiting Stonehenge and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Our Top Pick

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

This well recommended tour allows you to have premium access to Stonehenge’s inner circle PLUS takes you to 2 of England’s most beautiful locations as well!

About these Stonehenge Inner Circle Tours from London

These inner circle Stonehenge tours from London are the best way to see Stonehenge because regular admission can get incredibly crowded. Doing it this way you’ll have way less people at the site AND you get to go inside the circle – it’s how Stonehenge was meant to be seen in my opinion!

In order to make the most of the day, most of these Stonehenge Inner Circle tours often combine other interesting places within reach of London. Some go to Bath , Windsor , Lacock , Avebury or Salisbury so you can choose which ones look best to you.

No matter what else is included, the star of the show is Stonehenge and getting to go where others visiting can’t. You’ll feel the magic and atmosphere of the stones in a way that everyone else can only dream of and it’s really something to tell everyone about when you get home!

Are you ready for a bit of ancient VIP treatment?

Some notes about these Stonehenge Special Access Tours from London:

• Be aware that you might have a very early start!
• Not all tours run every day
• Wear practical clothes – Stonehenge might be muddy!
• You still cannot touch Stonehenge, but you’ll get a magical experience
• These are generally smaller group tours so can get booked up…
• So when you know your dates to be in England I advise booking quickly!

Note – you can organise your own VIP inner circle access to Stonehenge through the English Heritage website. Check them out here but be aware that the dates are more limited and you’ll need to get to Stonehenge from London yourself.

1. Stonehenge Inner Circle Access plus Bath & Lacock

Rated: 4.5 out of 5.0 (1195 reviews) – Run by Premier Tours

This magical tour from London takes in much of England’s historic sites but, of course, Stonehenge dominates the day. You’ll not only see the wonderful stones but they will take you on a guided tour of the stones, over the rope and into where most visitors don’t get to go.

Guides are knowledgeable and will answer any questions you have about the stones or any of the history surrounding the site.

You’ll also visit two other fantastic English locations – Bath and Lacock.

Bath is a city full of beautiful buildings and you have a choice of exploring the Roman baths there too. Lacock is a small countryside village which is often used in films and period tv shows – there are lots of Harry Potter locations to see in this village!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had the best time! Highly recommend this trip! Getting to stand inside Stonehenge was a once in a lifetime experience. Ashley_B (Sep 2022) – click here to read more reviews

2. Stonehenge Inner Circle Access & Windsor Tour

Rated: 4.5 out of 5.0 (395 reviews) – Run by Evan Evans Tours

This Stonehenge special access tour allows you to gain entrance to the inner circle of Stonehenge, the place where others and where other tours cannot take you.

As well as seeing Stonehenge up close and personal, this tour also takes you to explore the town of Windsor.

Windsor is home to Windsor Castle where you can choose to buy tickets and look around there – this is the home of the King! Alternatively you can just do a walking tour of the town and learn about the history.

You can choose to do late or early tours as getting priority access to Stonehenge happens both before opening and after.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing opportunity to visit inside StoneHenge circle and see this ancient 4000+ year old stone structure up close. Michelle_N (Aug 2022) – click here to read more reviews

3. Sunset & Evening inner circle Stonehenge tour from London

Rated: 4.8 out of 5.0 (10 reviews) – Run by Anderson Tours

This Stonehenge Inner Circle Access Tour from London brings you to the ancient site in the evening which, depending on the year, might include sunset! No matter the weather and sun location, you’ll have a magical time there away from the crowds.

As well as getting access to Stonehenge from London you’ll also visit that other wonderful ancient stone circle nearby – Avebury! It’s one of my favourite places and you’ll also get up close to the stones here too.

The whole area is teeming with ancient sites such as Silbury Hill and West Kennet Barrow which are also visited and you can have lunch in the lovely Red Lion pub in Avebury too.

This tour is perfect if you’re really interested in the older, more ancient history of England!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Very well organized, wonderful to see Stonehenge outside of the opening times, the combination with Avebury and West Kennet Long Barrow was also very nice, this gave us a completely different view of the Stone Age, thank you (Aug 2022) – click here to read more reviews

4. Stonehenge Inner Circle, Bath, Lacock and Dinner

Rated: 5.0 out of 5.0 (18 reviews) – Run by Golden Tours

This Premium Stonehenge Inner Access Tour from London includes the city of Bath and village of Lacock like one of the others on this page – this one also includes a 2-course dinner in the price too!

This tour starts mid morning from London and you’ll drive to the small village of Lacock where movies such as Harry Potter were filmed. After that you’ll explore the city of Bath with its Georgian architecture and roman thermal baths.

Finally your icing on the cake is the special access tour to Stonehenge. You’ll arrive after the last tourists have gone from the site and you’ll get your own private access to the inner circle.

5. Special Access Morning Tour of Stonehenge from London

Run by Anderson Tours

This Stonehenge Inner Circle Access Tour from London starts super early to get you to the best spot before the crowds descend on Stonehenge. And that best spot is in the inner circle!

As well as that magical morning at Stonehenge, possibly getting that early sunrise light (depending on the time of year), your tour from London will also include the city of Salisbury.

Salisbury is a beautiful, medieval city with a huge and impressive cathedral. Your guide will explore this with you, highlighting all there is to know about it before returning to London.

Planning a Britain vacation? Join our FREE trip planning community!

Come and join our FREE Facebook group where you can get help with planning your Britain vacation of a lifetime!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England Travel FAQ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Do I need insurance for traveling to England?

YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!

Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.

Do I need a car for visiting England?

YES – If you’re wanting to explore England fully then a car is worthwhile. It will get you to all the small villages, countryside sights and all on your own timetable

I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices in England

How to book accommodation in England?

For hotels I recommend Booking.com

For apartments and cottages check out VRBO

Will my phone work in England?

Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.

If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.

What’s the best guidebook for England?

I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Where to get flights for England

Skyscanner is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to England.

Do I need a visa for England?

Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though .

Pin for later!

Kirsty Bartholomew

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Stonehenge Inner Circle Tours

• Stonehenge inner circle tours
• Stonehenge day tours from London

Over a million people a year visit Stonehenge and most stay behind the rope barrier. So how do you get beyond the ropes and go inside the inner circle? Access to the inner circle is strictly limited to 30 people at a time and takes place early in the morning or in the evening when Stonehenge has closed to the public. There are only a few scheduled tours to the inner circle all of which are listed below for 2023/4. Spaces sell out very quickly and when they're gone, they're gone! The early morning tours from London mean a really early start - anytime between 4 and 5am. The evening tours mean a late arrival time back in London usually around 10pm. The first tour listed gives plenty of time to see Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape as seen on Secrets of Stonehenge (PBS) or National Geographic. Many of the others, except the last two, give very little time at the Visitor Centre, but you do get to see other sights. If these tours do not fit in with your schedule, have a look at our Day Tours from London page for ideas. However you decide to go - have a brilliant time!

Page last updated: Monday, January 22, 2024

• Classic Tour of London

Inner Circle Stonehenge Tour

• Tours to Stonehenge & Oxford
• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath
• Stonehenge & Windsor Tours
• Stonehenge & Bath Tours
• Overnight Tours of England
• Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, New Forest
• Leeds Castle, Canterbury, White Cliffs of Dover
• Brighton, Arundel Castle, Sussex Downs
• Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace, Oxford
• Harry Potter or Downton Abbey Tour
• Classic Scotland or Wales Tour
• Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle
• Avebury Circle, West Kennet, Silbury Hill
• Cruise Ship Pickup Tour
• The Cotswolds Tour
• Tours to Bletchley Park & Woburn Abbey
• Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court Tours
• Lake District Tours
• London Art Deco Tour
• Tours of Sussex
• Travel Advice
• 1 Hill Crescent, Worcester Park, London, KT48NB, UK

+44 (0)777 5888534

Toll Free & 24/7 Available

Admission costs are not included in any of the tours.

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Stonehenge Inner Circle

Start or finish your special day with an exclusive trip to Stonehenge with a private inner circle tour. One of the wonders of the world and steeped in mystery, this ancient temple was built around 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Egypt. It is classed as a World Heritage Site and thought to be a place of healing, as well as an astronomical clock and a religious site. This is a unique and private opportunity to visit the landmark and walk among the stones either during sunset or sunrise.

Spaces are very limited, please check the table below for availability before booking. Then using our booking form specify in the ‘additional information’ box your preferred date/time for the tour. Whilst we will do our very best to reserve your requested date/time, we cannot guarantee this until your payment has been received and the visit has been booked and confirmed. ​ To help you get the most from your Inner Circle experience, your guide can accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge. Please let us know upon booking if you would wish them to do so as you will need to cover the cost of an additional access ticket.

Salisbury Cathedral

In addition to visiting Stonehenge, guests alternatively may like to visit the picturesque City of Salisbury and it’s breathtaking Cathedral. Over 800 years old it is one of the UK’s most iconic medieval buildings. Discover the original 1215 Magna Carta, one of only four in the world, and explore its legacy in an interactive exhibition.

​Roman Baths

Alternatively complete your private tour by admiring the heritage of the City of Bath boasting spectacular Georgian architecture, and more listed buildings than London. Here you can visit the ancient Roman Baths, built over 2,000 years ago. The Romans harnessed the hot local springs and were able to engineer a magnificent complex of plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas.

Alternative Tour Sights

This tour can be customised with an alternative visit to Windsor Castle (the oldest and largest royal occupied castle in the world), Avebury (a Neolithic henge monument containing three stone circles), or Lacock Abbey & Village (picturesque streets and historic cottages featuring in Pride & Prejudice & Harry Potter).

Pickup Times and Lunch

If you choose the sunrise Inner Circle tour, pickup for your day tour will be early morning at 5am. For the sunset tour drop-off will be around 10pm depending on the actual time of the year. Times will be confirmed upon booking and based on your pickup/drop-off location.

​For lunch our tour guide will happily give you a number of options to choose from on the day.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour Availability:

Please note whilst we do our very best to reserve your requested time/date, we cannot guarantee this until your payment has been received and the visit has been booked and confirmed.

Inner Circle Tickets:

£45 per adult (18+) £27 per child (5-17) children under 5 are free.

Why We are Different

• The tours we provide are private guided tours. using a driver-guide.
• We are very flexible and very knowledgeable.
• We have over 10 to 15 years in the travel industry.
• We know the best routes. Back roads and timing and entry for each place you visit.
• We have many wonderful places to stop for food and lunch.
• We only use the latest large luxury mini Van’s.
• Our drivers are very friendly and very helpful.
• The itinerary can be changed on the day to suit your needs.
• We will give you a much more enjoyable day than using a large coach.
• We collect you from door to door.
• Great value for a private tour.

  David Stubbs , who is the owner of the company, highly recommended by Rick Steve’s, the travel writer and Trip advisor will conduct each tour where possible at no extra charge. If you really want to confirm he will conduct the tour personally, then mention this in advance by emailing us first to check David’s availability.  This would cost an extra £100.

Related Tours

• Stonehenge Tickets
• Windsor Castle Tickets
• London Pass Tickets
• Buckingham Palace Tickets
• Direct Stonehenge Express Tour
• Bath and Stonehenge Tour
• Stonehenge, Windsor and Bath Tour
• Inner Circle Stonehenge Tours
• Bicester Village Day Trip
• Paris Day Trips
• Stonehenge Solstice
• History and Facts about Woodhenge
• History and Facts about Avebury
• History and Facts about Salisbury
• Top 10 Things To Do Near Stonehenge
• Top 10 Pubs Near Stonehenge
• Top 10 Places To Stay Near Stonehenge
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• Accessibility
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Private Inner Circle Stonehenge Tours & Tickets

If you’re looking for a unique experience while in the UK and want to visit Stonehenge, check out the private inner circle tours. These exclusive Stone circle tours allow access to parts of the world famous monument that are otherwise closed off to the public, providing a more intimate experience with this ancient site. You’ll also benefit from expert commentary from your guide, who will give you a personalised tour experience and answer all your questions. So if you want to get up close and personal with Stonehenge, be sure to book one of these unique tours – remember, its the only way you can touch the Stones if you are visiting Stonehenge; you cannot do this with a general admission ticket.

Book your inner access tour today if you want to be one of the few people who can say they’ve been inside Stonehenge. You won’t regret it! Our knowledgeable and experienced guides will take you on a journey through the history of Stonehenge and give you an experience you won’t ever forget. Check out our selection of the best tour options and book soon because spots fill up fast! Don’t forget also we offer fully flexible cancellations and amendments, so you don’t have to worry if your plans change.

What is included in the inner circle tours of Stonehenge

Central london pick up.

Pick up and drop off from a central London location in a state-of-the-art air-conditioned coach.

Skip the line entrance

All entrances are included, and there is no queue. You will be taken by your guide directly to the stone circle.

Instant Online E-Tickets

Online e-ticket so you can get your inner circle Stonehenge ticket immediately and not worry about a printer.

Flexibility With Changes

Along with the lowest prices online you can also get free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to travel.

All our inner circle tours include an experienced tour guide who will be with you for the hour you spend inside Stone Circle. They will share their knowledge with you and answer any questions you may have.

Adults: £170 Child: £160

See the Roman Baths as well as touching the Stones…

Stonehenge private viewing, lacock and bath tour.

Enjoy a private inner circle tour of Stonehenge before the general public can gain access. Go beyond the rope and touch the stones. Then head to the Roman Baths as well as the picturesque village of Lacock.

Adults: £135 Child: £119

Our most popular private access morning tour…

Private access morning tour to stonehenge.

This special access morning tour will pick you up from central London in the early morning and get you into the stone circle before the rest of the general public.

Our most popular stone circle experience…

Private access evening tour to stonehenge.

This private access evening tour will see you visit Stonehenge after its closure to the general public. You will get a chance to walk amongst the Stones with a professional guide to assist you.

For those not worried about privileged access inside the inner circle…

Adults: £69 Child: £59

A scenic tour of the UK…

Windsor, stonehenge and oxford tour.

This day tour won’t get you into the inner circle but you still get a great up-close view of the Stones as well as seeing the historic city of Windsor and the University town of Oxford.

Our most popular full-day tour…

Windsor, stonehenge and bath tour.

You cannot leave London without completing this best-selling London Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Tour! Check out the most beautiful Georgian city in England. Your tour includes a visit to Windsor Castle, a visit to the famous Roman Baths and Pump Rooms and Stonehenge of course.

Adults: £82 Child: £72

Two of our most popular destinations in one tour…

Stonehenge and bath tour.

Two of our most popular destinations for trips together! Spend half a day in the beautiful Roman city of Bath, take a walking tour with our guide where you can see the Roman Baths and then spend an afternoon in the miracle of Stonehenge! Travelling from central London on a luxury bus and accompanied by a professional and knowledgeable travel guide, this really is a great way to spend the day.

A BIT MORE ABOUT OUR

Stone circle private tours by coach.

All of our full-day and half-day London to Stonehenge Tours involve central London pick-up and drop-off at the end of the tour. Visitors will travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with a knowledgeable guide to assist them on their tour of the best attractions in the UK. Often it’s an early start, so you want to travel comfortably; many coaches include free wifi to keep in touch during the journeys, look up what’s to come or share your experiences online. You don’t need to worry about parking far away at Stonehenge either when travelling on one of our luxury coaches as the coach parks near the main car part and just a short walk to the award-winning visitor centre and main entrance.

• Stonehenge Visitor Guide + Inner Circle Tour Review

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

Let’s travel to Stonehenge. This famous stone circle is located in the Salisbury Plain about three hours from London. It’s close enough to visit in a day, and we’re going to show you exactly how.

We chose to take a Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour, which is the only way to go inside the stone circle. We’ll explain exactly what that is and fully review our experience, too.

Let’s get started!

In this Post

Here’s what we’re covering in this post. We invite you to read the full guide or jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in.

What is Stonehenge

How to get to stonehenge from london, stonehenge ticket options.

• Plan your Visit

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour Review

Stonehenge is one of many ancient stone circles around northwestern Europe. It is not the largest or oldest of these stone circles (nearby Avebury claims both of those titles), but Stonehenge is the most architecturally impressive.

Stonehenge is made up of an outer ring of tall sarsen stones, topped by horizontal lintel stones and an inside ring of smaller bluestones. Inside the rings is an alter made of two sarsen stones and a connecting lintel stone.

Some of these stones are believed to have been transported hundreds of miles from Wales. How exactly the stones were moved and placed remains a mystery to this day.

No one really knows exactly what Stonehenge was used for, though most theories suggest that it was used for astrological or religious purposes.

The stones align with sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice, suggesting the stones may have been used as a calendar that tracked the solar year. Evidence found at the site suggests people most likely gathered at the site during winter solstice specifically.

Human remains found at the site also suggest it may have been burial ground. The condition of the bones and their origins suggest that Stonehenge was more a place of healing, and not a site of war or fighting.

Construction on Stonehenge began around 3000 BC and took about 1000 years and four different stages. The final notable change to Stonehenge was in roughly 1600 BC. Over thousands of years, the monument slipped into ruin with some rocks shifting, falling and aging.

Stonehenge Today

Today, Stonehenge is owned by the Crown, maintained by the National Trust and protected as English Heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The area around Stonehenge has been developed into a modern tourist attraction. The site has been constructed in a way that allows tourists to conveniently visit the stone circle without damaging the stones or the surrounding land.

The Stonehenge Visitor Centre and parking lot is located about 1.5 miles from the stone circle itself. Here you’ll find the ticket office, bathrooms, restaurant, gift shop and museum exhibit. There’s also an outdoor area with reconstructed neolithic houses.

There is a shuttle bus that runs between the visitor center and the stones every few minutes. This shuttle is included in the ticket price. There’s also a walking path between the visitor center and the stones. The path is just over a mile and the walk takes about 20 minutes.

Both the shuttle bus and walking path will lead you to a paved walkway that encircles Stonehenge. Guests must stay on the pathway and observe Stonehenge from a short distance away. This is to protect the stones and surrounding land from the 800,000 guests who visit Stonehenge each year.

The only way to cross the ropes and enter the stone circle at Stonehenge is to take an inner circle tour. We cover more on that later in this post .

Stonehenge is located in the Salisbury Plain in southern England about 85 miles from London. There are three main ways to get from London to Stonehenge. Depending on your mode of transit, it can take 2.5 to 3 hours to make the journey.

Option 1: Tour to Stonehenge

The easiest and often cheapest way to get from London to Stonehenge is to take a tour that includes transportation. Some tours will pick you up at your accommodation and others will start from a central meeting point. Most tours will include stops at one or more additional attractions in the area, like Windsor or Bath.

There are several tour providers, but we suggest booking through Get Your Guide. They have a great selection of tour options to Stonehenge with transportation from London. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund if your plans change.

Option 2: Public Transportation to Stonehenge

You can also take public transportation from London to Stonehenge. There is not a train station at Stonehenge,  so you have to take the train and a bus.

Take the South Western Railway from London Victoria station to Salisbury. Then, there are a few different bus options that go from Salisbury to Stonehenge, including Salisbury Reds and The Stonehenge Tour . Buses typically run every hour and take about 30 minutes.

Taking the train and bus from London to Stonehenge will take about 2.5-3 hours. Depending on how your timing works out, this can be the fastest option because you skip London traffic. However, public transit to Stonehenge is expensive.

Train tickets run between £28 – £47 per person, each way. Bus fare is an additional £17 per person. That means it can cost £73 or more per person round trip. That’s more expensive than some tours which include transportation.

Option 3: Car to Stonehenge

You can also reach Stonehenge by car. It takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Stonehenge from London, but that can vary based on traffic.

Driving might be the best option for London locals, but travelers arriving to the UK by air may not find this as convenient. Central London traffic can be brutal — BRUTAL. They also drive on the opposite side of the road in England compared to many other countries. This can be stressful at best and dangerous at worst.

Unless you already have a car or are very comfortable driving in the UK, we don’t recommend driving to Stonehenge.

Visitors to Stonehenge will have the chance to see this famous stone circle up close — just maybe not as close as you think.

During regular operating hours, guests must remain on a roped-off path that encircles the ancient monument. At its closest, the path is about 50 feet from the actual stones, but it is further away on different sides.

The only way to get up close to Stonehenge is to splurge on an inner circle tour. During this exclusive experience, you can actually enter the stone circle itself. No guests are ever allowed to touch or climb the stones.

Let’s break down the these two very different ticket options.

General Admission at Stonehenge

The only ticket option during regular operating hours at Stonehenge is general admission. Tickets to Stonehenge include access to the indoor and outdoor museum exhibits, visitor center amenities, free shuttle service to the stones and access to the walking path around the stone circle.

During standard operating hours, all guests must remain on this paved sidewalk. There is 24-hour security on site making sure that no one crosses the roped-off boundary into the area immediately around stones. This is to protect the stones and surrounding land.

You can purchase Stonehenge General Admission tickets online in advance (up to 9 AM on the day of your visit) or on-site at the ticket office at the visitor center.

Tickets purchased online are slightly cheaper and also guarantee entry in the instance that tickets sell out. In most cases, you don’t need to purchase tickets more than 24 hours in advance. Even during peak travel season, selection for the following day is usually pretty good.

Adult General Admission tickets to Stonehenge purchased online cost £23.60 during peak days, £21.80 during standard days and £20 during off-peak days. You can check peak dates on the calendar here .

If you purchase your tickets at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, adult tickets cost £24.20 everyday. Discounts are available for students, children and families. There’s also the option to purchase a more expensive ticket which includes a voluntary donation.

Each ticket is for a specific time. Guests must arrive within 30 minutes of that time, but can stay as long as they like. The last ticket time is for 2 hours prior to closing time.

Inner Circle Tour

Guests who want to see Stonehenge as close as possible and walk through the stone circle will need to splurge on a special tour. There are a few different names for this special experience, but most are called “Inner Circle Tours.”

An inner circle tour of Stonehenge means you will quite literally get to enter the inner circle of the stones. These tours allow a small number of guests to cross the rope barrier, walk right up to stones and get all the photos #forthegram.

Inner circle tours at Stonehenge only take place in the early morning before the site opens to public and in the evening after the site closes. These tours are extremely limited and only offered on select days. Tickets for these tours can be hard to come by and tend to book up early in advance.

How to Book a Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

You can book an inner circle tour of Stonehenge two ways. The first option is to book the Stonehenge Stone Circle Experience directly through the English Heritage site. This option is the cheapest (Adult £48, Child £29), but it does not include transportation from London.

If you need transportation to Stonehenge from London, your best bet is to join a private tour. There are a few different tour providers that offer these tours, and they typically include additional stops at other nearby attractions. We booked the Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip through Get Your Guide, which we review in full later in this post .

If you’re booking a private tour, be sure to verify that the tour includes “inner circle” access in the description. A true inner circle tour will be very early in the morning or run late in the evening. There are many Stonehenge tours that don’t include inner circle access, so be sure you’re booking the right one.

The private tour option is more expensive. This is because it includes more stops, a private guide sharing information the whole way and transportation. Our tour cost $160 per person, which we know is not cheap.

Plan Your Visit

There are a few things you should know in advance as you start to add Stonehenge to your London travel plans. Consider the timing of your visit and how long you want to stay in the area, among other things. If you’re taking a tour, you should review some of the nearby attractions and select the tour itinerary that is best for your group.

Here are a few items to keep in mind.

Best Time to Visit Stonehenge

More than once during our June visit to Stonehenge, our tour guide told us that the best time to visit Stonehenge was in the winter. He said there are always fewer people on the tour, the site is much less crowded during the day and the ancient people who built Stonehenge were actually there in the wintertime.

While this is all certainly true, the fact of the matter is that England is freaking cold in the winter. I’ve never been to London later than October, but even then I was bundled up in a North Face jacket or drinking tea from inside a cozy hotel.

If you’re not interested in standing in an open field in the middle of winter, may I suggest shoulder season? Plan your Stonehenge visit in the Spring (April/May) or fall (September/October) to benefit from off-peak pricing, lower crowds and moderate temperatures.

If you’re visiting during peak summer months, there are still ways to beat the crowds. Try to plan a visit on a weekday and schedule your visit for early in the morning (right at open) or late in the afternoon (the last admission is 2 hours before close).

When is Stonehenge Open

Stonehenge is open almost every day of the year. The site closes on Christmas day (December 25) and has adjusted/limited hours during the semi-annual solstice (June 20-21 and December 21-22).

Opening hours vary by season. Stonehenge opens daily at 9:30 AM.  From late May to early September, the site is open till 7 PM. It closes at 5 PM the rest of the year.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Stonehenge

We suggest spending about 3 hours at Stonehenge.

Plan for 30 minutes each way to get between the visitor center and the stones. You can take the walking path, which is just over a mile and takes 20-25 minutes to walk. Or you can take the shuttle bus that runs continually throughout the day. It’s a short drive, but you’ll want to account for the queue and load times.

Then plan to spend about an hour at the stones themselves and another hour at the visitor center. The visitor center has a small, nice indoor museum exhibit and some outdoor replicas of neolithic houses. There’s also a food court and gift shop, which you’ll likely want to stop at.

This estimate does not include transit time. Depending on how you get to Stonehenge, this will likely be another 3 hours or so each way.

Where to Stay Near Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a popular day trip from London. There is no need to tack on added nights near Stonehenge if you are already planning to stay in central London.

However, if you do choose to stay overnight near Stonehenge, there are a couple good options.

The best place to stay near Stonehenge is in the nearby town of Salisbury. It is a small town, but has a few reasonably priced hotels. You might consider The Merchant’s House,  Mercure Salisbury White Hart Hotel or even the local Best Western.

Another fun option if you happen to be in the UK with a camper van is wild camping. It’s free to park on one of the nearby streets overnight for almost as long as you want. They do clear out the space during the solstice events, but otherwise it’s a great free place to stay. Again, assuming you have a camper van. For more information on wild camping at Stonehenge, check out this helpful guide .

Things to do Near Stonehenge

If you’re visiting Stonehenge, there are a few other popular attractions in the area that might be worth visiting as well. Most tours to Stonehenge from London will include stops at one or more of these attractions.

• Windsor: This charming town is home to Windsor Castle, which is the primary residence of the Queen. The town itself is filled with classic English pubs, gorgeous gardens, pedestrian shopping streets and more.
• Bath:  This English city is famous for its Roman history. Popular attractions include the Roman baths, gothic Bath Abbey and impressive Georgian architecture.
• Oxford: Home to one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, the city of Oxford is bursting with history, scholarship and beautiful buildings and squares.
• Salisbury : A small town near Stonehenge with a charming city center. You can also visit fellow National Trust site, Mompesson House, or see one of the original copies of the Magna Carta at Salisbury Cathedral.

For our visit to Stonehenge, we chose to visit with a tour group. We selected the “ Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip ” tour which we purchased through Get Your Guide.

We selected the evening tour, which departs London later in the morning, stops at Windsor first, and then goes to Stonehenge for the inner circle tour after the site has closed to general admission guests.

In this section, we’ll breakdown the details of our experience on this specific tour.

Why We Chose This Tour

We chose this tour for two reasons: transportation and inner circle access.

Transportation from London to Stonehenge was really important for us. Since we were visiting with a young child, we didn’t want to deal with the hassle and time delays that come with taking public transit. (If it were just us adults, we likely would have tried that though.)

We weren’t traveling with a car seat, so we needed a transportation option that wouldn’t require one. I reached out to the provider for this specific Stonehenge tour, Evans Evans Tours, and they confirmed that they typically operate a 53-seater coach. This particular vehicle type allows children to sit on their parents lap safely without a car seat.

Another reason we chose this specific tour was because we really wanted Inner Circle Access. We only anticipated visiting Stonehenge one time, so we figured we’d just go all in and see it the best way we could.

Booking Our Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

By the time I was booking our tour a month in advance, there were very limited inner circle tour options available. Our trip was also over the summer solstice, which further limited our options. This Stonehenge tour from Get Your Guide was the only one that had space available during our trip dates.

We booked the tour titled “ From London: Stonehenge Inner Circle and Windsor Day Trip .” If you click “Book Now,” you will be prompted to selected the number of guests and the date. This tour is only offered on select Mondays and Saturdays.

Then you can select your time. There’s an early option that goes to Stonehenge first before it’s open to general admission guests, then stops at Windsor before returning to London, or a late option that visits Windsor first and then goes to Stonehenge for the inner circle experience after the site has closed.

After you purchase your tickets, you’ll receive a voucher in your email.

These tours can sell out, especially during peak season in the summer. I recommend planning early and booking through Get Your Get as soon as possible. They offer free cancelations up to 24 hours in advance, so you can easily cancel if your plans change.

This tour was not cheap. This specific Stonehenge inner circle tour cost $160 per person adult. Seniors over 60 and children 3 – 16 are slightly cheaper and children 2 and under are free.

Transportation from London

Our Stonehenge inner circle tour departed from Park Plaza Victoria London hotel. This location is across the street from the tour provider’s office and just a short walk from Victoria Station.

The instructions state to meet in the lobby of the hotel 15 minutes prior to departure. Everyone on our tour was on time and we actually were able to depart early.

London traffic is horrendous. I swear there was a point where we literally did not move for 15 minutes. As we crawled through London traffic, the tour guide provided a slew of fun facts and stories about London, the Queen and neighborhoods we passed through.

The Stonehenge inner circle tour is quite popular and often has a large group. Transportation is typically on a large 53-seat coach bus. During our tour, every seat on the bus was full.

The bus was clean and comfortable, and they ran the AC at an American-approved level. The seats were close together, but only noticeable because we had a child on our lap. There were seatbelts and we were told to keep them on the entire trip.

First Stop: Windsor

Our first stop was Windsor, where we spent about 3 hours. The town is cute and very walkable. The focal point of the town is of course Windsor Castle, the main residence of Queen Elizabeth.

When we got off the bus, we were given a few minutes to use the bathroom and grab a quick drink or snack. Our guide distributed audio headsets and led our group into town. He then offered a 30 minute optional walking tour through town and then we were free to explore for another 2.5 hours.

There was an event at the castle on the day we were there, so it was closed to visitors. Otherwise, you typically have the option to go inside the castle during this tour. Admission is not included in the price of the tour though.

Even if you don’t go inside the castle, there is plenty to do in Windsor. There are several pedestrian shopping streets and lots of pubs and restaurants to get lunch. There’s also a large grassy area called the Long Walk, which offers a great view of the castle and is a nice place to picnic outside.

Eton College — famed school of elites like Prince William, Tom Hiddleston and Ian Flemming — is also located in Windsor. Our guide said that the Eaton campus is one of his favorite places and where he always chooses to spend his time in Windsor during the tour.

Without a toddler, we would have gotten a beer at a cute pub and spent a few hours wondering every inch of town. Instead, we spent two hours on the Long Walk with a napping toddler. #parenting (I kid. It was lovely and we’re happy to do it.)

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

It was about an hour drive from Windsor to Stonehenge. We then had about 45 minutes to see the museum exhibits, grab food at the cafe and visit the gift shop.

There was enough time to walk to the stones, but it would have really cut into your museum/eating time. Otherwise, there was one shuttle bus ready to take the group to the stones at a set time.

When we arrived at the stones, we were kept outside the ropes for a short period of time so everyone could take photos of the stones without anyone in the picture. Then we were allowed to pass beyond the rope and enter the inner circle of Stonehenge.

We were allowed to freely walk around and through the stone circle, but we were not allowed to touch or step on any of the stones. There was a security guard with us making sure no one broke these very basic rules.

Our guide was not only incredibly knowledgeable, but was also quite the photographer! He was snapping photos in all the best spots for everyone in our tour group. At one point, nearly half the group was in line for one of his photo spots.

We had about one full hour to wonder around the stones, take photos and experience this ancient stone circle. This was more than enough time for us. We spent the last half of our time sitting in the grass and just soaking it in.

After our inner circle experience, we loaded back into the bus for our return drive to London.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour Feedback

We enjoyed this tour. It was a really fun, well run and a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we won’t soon forget. If money was no issue and you had the luxury to plan in advance and secure a ticket, we’d recommend it.

First off, I was really impressed by our guide specifically. He was incredibly knowledgeable and flooded us with facts and fun stories from the moment we left London to the moment we returned. He was incredibly knowledgable, answered questions and gave us great suggestions for things to do throughout the trip and back in London.

Windsor was a nice stop on the tour. We probably wouldn’t have otherwise gone to Windsor, so it was a good push to get there. It was a cute, walkable city and it was nice to see the castle, even from a distance.

Seeing Stonehenge in real life was cool. I won’t say it was life changing. In fact, Stonehenge is exactly what it looks like in photos. I think I expected to be more wowed by the size or organization, but I just didn’t feel that. That said, seeing it up close made me appreciate the difficulty and effort that must have gone into building it.

Overall, the Windsor and Stonehenge inner circle tour was easy and really enjoyable.

Is the Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour Worth It?

At $160 per person, this specific tour is expensive. The most obvious question is, “Was it worth it?”

Let’s start by saying that a basic tour without inner circle access is definitely worth it. It’s the most convenient and cheapest way to get to Stonehenge from London. Inner circle tours are generally about $100 more than general admission tours. So the question is should you spend the extra money for inner circle access?

I think the most important thing is managing your expectations. You don’t necessarily need the inner circle tour to have a great experience at Stonehenge, but you should know that it’s an option.

I think a lot of people expect to get a lot closer with general admission and that’s just not the case. It’s important to understand what you’re getting with both different tour options, and then decide if seeing the stones up close is important to you.

We personally splurged on the expensive inner circle tour because we figured if we were going to make the trek out there, we might as well see it as close as we can. We don’t regret that decision, but we do think we would have likely had a fine time with general admission.

The view from the sidewalk is honestly pretty good. So if you’re looking to save some money or if the timing doesn’t work out for you, we think general admission is just fine.

What you get during the inner circle experience is pretty straight forward. If you want a relaxing, private, up-close look at the stones, this is for you. That might not be important to everyone, and just know that it’s not essential to having a good Stonehenge experience. Just set your expectations accordingly.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour with a Baby

We’ve mentioned throughout this post that we brought our almost-two-year-old toddler on this Stonehenge inner circle tour. The tour we took is family-friendly and children of all ages are welcome.

Children ages 3-16 receive a discounted price of $128 and children two and under are free. If you bring a child under 3, they will not get their own seat on the bus and will need to sit on an adult’s lap. Children do not need a carseat on this tour.

I will say the bus is a bit cramped. We did okay with our child who was almost two, but it was hard at times to keep them from banging the seat in front of us. The bus ride with a child closer to 3 would be a bit tough, especially if you have a squirmer.

This tour requires a good amount of travel time. It took about 1.5 hours to get from London to Windsor, 1.5 hours from Windsor to Stonehenge, and then almost 2 hours from Stonehenge back to Victoria Station in London.

It’s a long travel day and either leaves really early or gets back pretty late. We took the later tour and didn’t get back into the city until about 11. This means you’ll have to be flexible with sleep schedules.

If you have a child who can sleep in a carrier, Windsor was a great place for a nap. The Long Walk is pretty, quiet and shaded. Kids who can nap on your lap in the bus will also fare quite well.

Stonehenge is great for kids. The museum has a really cool 360-degree theatre experience and other interactive exhibits to keep them busy. Outside they can explore ancient homes and even try to pull a stone themselves.

The stone circle couldn’t be more ideal for a young child. The monument is outdoors and there’s so much space. Kids can freely roam and even be pretty loud without parents feeling too bad. The hardest part is that you can’t touch the stones, which can be hard for handsy toddlers.

There’s plenty of good food options for children throughout the day. There are several quick-service and sit-down restaurants in Windsor for a late lunch. You get to Stonehenge around dinner time, and the cafe will be open. They have a wide range of meals and snack options that are great for kids, and there’s highchairs available in the dining area.

That said, if you have a picky eater or dietary restrictions, we’d recommend bringing your own meals. We filled a bento box with veggies, fruit and a sandwich that we picked up at a convenience store in London. (We always travel with one of these .) It’s also a good idea to bring snacks for the bus rides.

Our little one loved Stonehenge, just not quite as much as the London Eye . We get it — it’s a tough act to follow.

Closing Thoughts

All things considered, we really enjoyed our visit to Stonehenge. It’s always cool to see ancient places in real life that you usually only see on Instagram. The stone circle was beautiful and impressively built and a true testament to human strength and ingenuity.

We did have a panic moment the day before our tour when we thought the trip was going to be just too much for our little one. Fortunately, they did great. We know they won’t remember it, but we’re glad that we’re taking them on these kinds of adventures so early in life.

While we loved our visit to Stonehenge, we probably wouldn’t recommend it for your first trip to London (unless you’re really interested in stone circles).

A visit to Stonehenge, however you get there, is likely to take an entire day out of your London itinerary. There is just so much to do in central London, that it’s really hard for me to justify spending a full day out of the city. I think Stonehenge is a great activity for a second or third trip to London, though.

More From This Trip

• British Airways Business Class Review – 777 from JFK to LHR
• London Travel Guide
• Things to do in London with Kids – Family Travel Guide + Tips
• How to Use the London Underground – A Beginner’s Guide to the Tube
• Bankside Hotel London Review
• London Eye Visitor Guide – How to Visit the Iconic Ferris Wheel in London
• Little Venice London Boat Ride Guide & Review
• Visiting London Transport Museum
• Complete Guide to Big Ben in London
• Borough Market Visitor Guide
• Best Views of Paris that Aren’t the Eiffel Tower
• Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris – A Complete Guide
• Walking in Paris – 5 perfect walks through Paris with maps
• Paris with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Tips
• Montparnasse Tower Visitor Guide + Tips
• Amsterdam with Kids – Planning Guide, Things To Do & Sample Itinerary

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

Whispered stories in colossal stones await. Stand within Stonehenge's sacred circle, and get up-close and personal with the enigmatic momument. Combine your prehistoric pilgrimage with Salisbury's soaring spire, Bath's timeless elegance, Windsor Castle's royal grandeur, historic Lacock or Neolithic Avebury.

Itinerary so far...

Start or finish your special day with an exclusive trip to Salisbury Plain with a private Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour . This exclusive tour allows you to get up close and personal with the ancient stones. Archeologists and scientists have been studying this prehistoric site for centuries and still haven't completely fathomed the true meaning and function of the site.

Travel in comfort through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and look out for ancient burial mounds in the landscape as you head towards the enigmatic Salisbury Plain—home of the famous stones. If you're really lucky you might spot a crop circle or two (depends if the combine harvesters have been out though!).

Your first stop-off point is Woodhenge, where you'll see pillars marking the positions of Neolithic wooden posts aligned to the summer solstice sunrise. Next, visit Durrington Walls, the site of an ancient henge. These are important World Heritage Sites and will certainly whet your appetite for the main attraction—Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is the most famous and enigmatic historical site in Britain. Developed in stages over a 5,000 year period, the giant standing stones weigh up to 50 tonnes and dominate the landscape of Salisbury Plain. Was it a ceremonial temple… or built by aliens? You decide.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tours last for an hour and take place in the early morning or evening, outside normal visiting hours. They're also subject to very limited availability, with a maximum of 30 people per session so you'll need to book in good time.

On site is the fabulous Stonehenge Visitor Centre where (if your time slot allows) you can further explore the mysteries of the ancient stones. Here you'll enjoy world-class exhibitions and multi-media displays. Outside there are reconstructed Neolithic houses—where if you're lucky—you might see ancient crafting demonstrations and bread-making using prehistoric techniques.

You'll probably be feeling peckish by now so it's off to a traditional English pub for lunch. We suggest The Wheatsheaf at Lower Woodford, a lovely wood-panelled pub with a garden and play area for children, serving snacks and British comfort food. They usually have a good range of beers on too! You'll get to see more of the countryside as we take the scenic route back.

Pickup Times and Lunch

If you choose the sunrise Inner Circle tour, pickup for your day tour will be early morning at 5am. For the sunset tour drop-off will be around 10pm depending on the actual time of the year. Times will be confirmed upon booking and based on your pickup/drop-off location.

​For lunch, our tour guide will happily suggest a number of options to choose from on the day. There know some excellent traditional country pubs which are well worth a visit.

Combine with…

Salisbury Cathedral: In addition to your Stonehenge Inner Circle experience we can combine your tour with a visit to the historic city of Salisbury with its magnificent thirteenth century cathedral. See the 123 metre spire (the tallest church spire in the country), an original Magna Carta, and the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, dating to 1386. Roman Baths: As well as the amazing Roman Baths–which are 2,000 years old–the beautiful city of Bath boasts amazing Georgian architecture exemplified in the Royal Crescent and the Circus. Windsor Castle: A favourite of the English monarchy, the castle’s history stretches back almost 1,000 years. It’s the oldest and largest royal occupied castle in the world. Avebury: Not just one Neolithic stone circle here, but three! It’s so big, it encircles the village. There’s a haunted pub to boot! Lacock Abbey & Village: The quaint unspoilt village with historic cottage lined streets is a popular combination with the Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour. The abbey was founded in the thirteenth century and has a Tudor stable courtyard, which retained many of its original features.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour Booking

Spaces are limited for this tour so here is what you need to do to ensure your Inner Circle Tour booking runs smoothly:

• Check if your required date is available on the English Heritage website
• If your date is available on the English Heritage website, contact us to check if we have a driver guide available (it's likely we will have)
• Once your tour is agreed with us, purchase your tickets from the English Heritage website

To help you get the most from your Inner Circle experience, your guide can accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge. You will need to book an extra ticket if you require this service.

• Pick-up early morning or early afternoon depending on booking time
• Stonehenge Inner Circle
• Stonehenge Visitor Centre (depending on time of tour)
• Durrington Walls
• Lunch at a traditional English pub (We like The Wheatsheaf at Lower Woodford)
• Combine with: Salisbury Cathedral, Roman Baths, Windsor Castle, Avebury or Lacock Abbey & Village
• Drop-off back to London

STONE CIRCLE INNER CIRCLE ACCESS

go behind the ropes for a magical a MAGICAL experience ‍ Before 1978 you were free to walk around inside the stone circle at Stonehenge once you’d paid your admission fee. The lack of any guards overnight meant people also hopped the fence once the site had closed.   Finally, in response to the over 800,000 annual visitors, access was restricted. An article entitled “Heritage Under Siege” in New Scientist (Sept 27th, 1979) reports the Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Historic Buildings as saying: “The whole problem of Stonehenge is numbers … all through the year. What menaces Stonehenge are the millions of feet (and hands) of the ordinary visitors.” … and continues: “An archaeologist calculated that if each visitor walked around the central area just twice during his or her visit, the effect would be the same as having one man standing on each square foot inside the ring and jumping up and down on that spot 62 times every day throughout the year.” ‍ After March 1978, everyone was banned from inside the circle – including archaeologists and other researchers, much to their annoyance. Department of the Environment officials said that the plans to allow out-of-hours access to “those with a special interest” had to be abandoned because the custodians were unwilling to work overtime. And so it remained for a long time. Eventually things changed and these days it’s possible to book to go inside the stone circle on what is called a “Stone Circle Access” or “Special Access” visit. These are one-hour long slots before and after the monument is open to the public during the day, and a maximum of 30 people are allowed inside at a time. ‍ Eventually things changed and these days it’s possible to book to go inside the stone circle on what is called a “Stone Circle Access” or “Special Access” visit. These are one-hour long slots before and after the monument is open to the public during the day, and a maximum of 30 people are allowed inside at a time.Eventually things changed and these days it’s possible to book to go inside the stone circle on what is called a “Stone Circle Access” or “Special Access” visit. These are one-hour long slots before and after the monument is open to the public during the day, and a maximum of 30 people are allowed inside at a time. You can try and book as an individual, or via a tour company who will provide a well-informed guide to show you some of the hidden features that you might otherwise miss. Once inside, if the light’s right you can pick out some of the hundreds of examples of wrencarved initials and names on the stones. One of them might even be that of Christopher Wren – a local lad who made good and went on to design the new St. Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666. One thing that a lot of people fail to notice is the sound of the place – there’s a definite sense of entering into an enclosed, peaceful space a soon as you come in through the primary entrance beneath the central lintel of the three on the northeast side of the circle. It’s only when you’re up really close to the monument that the epic scale of the stones really strikes you – the tallest one is over 7m from grass to top, and there’s a further 2.5m in the ground. Weighing in at over 40 tons it’s a beautifully shaped monolith that was part of the tallest trilithon on the site. Sadly its partner upright fell and broke long ago, leaving the lintel they both supported lying on its side in the southwest part of the central area. The bluestones, though much smaller than the sarsens, are still impressive rocks – the tallest one stands leaning in front of the highest sarsen stone and has a wide groove worked all the way down one edge. No-one knows why. There are a few rules – no standing on the stones, no touching them, no smoking – but apart from that you’re free to wander around and properly appreciate both the enormity of the large sarsen blocks, the elegance of the bluestone pillars and the ingenuity of the builders who created the monument over 4,500 years ago. If you have the chance, by far the best way to see Stonehenge is through a Stone Circle Access visit. ‍ We pioneered the exclusive Stonehenge ‘Inner Circle Access’ experience and were the first commercial operator to offer this unique visit.  We continue to be the market leaders in exclusive sunrise and sunset tours .  Our company is surviving the Coronavirus pandemic and are here for the long term.  We welcome customers back again and again.   Others follow where we lead……………

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Experience Stonehenge Special Access privately

Your road map to experiencing walking among the stones at stonehenge without going on a tour.

In an ideal world, everyone visiting Stonehenge would like to walk among the stones at Stonehenge. Unfortunately the world is not perfect and if you visit Stonehenge during public opening hours the monument is roped off.

The good news is that English Heritage, who run Stonehenge, allow you beyond these ropes at special sessions outside normal public opening hours. These sessions are called Special Access or Inner Circle tours.

We have a dedicated page explaining what to expect at a Stonehenge Special Access session .

Options   Independent visits   Important information   Hire a Stonehenge guide   Private transport with guide   Tour destination map   Enquiry form

Options for visiting Stonehenge inner circle

Your options for experiencing Special Access at Stonehenge include a choice of public tours departing from London, Salisbury and Bath.

Public tours to Stonehenge Special Access are a very popular choice as it is much easier to get tickets via a tour and the thorny issue of getting to Stonehenge is all taken care off.

Stonehenge Special Access tours - full details

The alternative independent option of experiencing Stonehenge Special Access is the subject of this page.

Stonehenge Special Access independent visits

Stonehenge is isolated. For your own private Stonehenge Special Access visit you will need your own private transport to reach Stonehenge at the times Special Access sessions operate.

We can organise a range of transport from cars up to touring coaches if you do not have a car, from London or the Salisbury area.

During Stonehenge Special Access sessions you are on your own. No official will be there to explain what you are witnessing, no audio guides are made available and at the visitor centre. It's all closed down except the toilets.

We have access to some of the best Stonehenge guides available both from Salisbury or London. Whether you have your own car and just need a local guide for your Stonehenge session or are a group from London who wants a driver-guide we can help.

Stonehenge Special Access private visits - before you go any further...

Making a Stonehenge Special Access visit requires a level of commitment, it is not just a matter of paying a supplement to gain privileged access on demand.

Key points are:

• You cannot get Special Access during normal public opening hours. All year, there are one hour morning tickets for timed entrances between 5am and 8am. Session times vary according to season. Between March and September there are evening sunset sessions after Stonehenge has closed and before darkness
• There is no Special Access at all between late September and early December and the last two weeks of June
• Tickets are around three times the price of standard admission during public opening hours
• No guide is at the monument to explain what you are seeing or answer questions, there are no information boards and no audio guides.
• Demand far exceeds supply, dates are routinely sold out 4 to 6 months ahead in the summer months, evening sessions are particularly popular

Stonehenge Special Access - ticket availability & purchase

You can check availability of Stonehenge Special Access tickets at the official Stonehenge page.

You can also make an application for tickets on this page.

English Heritage - Stonehenge Special Access ticket availability

Stonehenge Special Access - how we can help you

• For those with your own transport providing a quality guide to accompany you during your special access session
• Providing private transport with or without guide from London or from Salisbury. (Salisbury is the nearest major centre to Stonehenge with a railway link to London)
• Providing custom tours that include a Stonehenge Special Access session to an itinerary of your own specification. We can cater for small and large groups, though remember 30 people is the maximum number of tickets for any session

Stonehenge Special Access - expert guide hire

If you have already purchased your tickets or are about to, we can arrange for a guide to meet you either at Stonehenge, London or Salisbury.

Note, you will need to buy a ticket for the guide too!

Note, the minimum you can hire a guide for is 4 hours. An indicative price is around £150.

While a Special Access tour is technically only an hour, to set it in context clients should also see the Visitor Centre exhibition during its working hours and the features of Stonehenge landscape, especially Durrington Walls/Woodhenge where the most recent archaeological discoveries were made.

Stonehenge Special Access - private transportation with guide

Stonehenge special access with transportation and guide from salisbury.

For those without their own transport Salisbury is the nearest major town and effectively acts as the gateway to Stonehenge for those without their own transport.

Trains run at least hourly direct to London, as well as Bath and Southampton amongst other destinations.

The first train from London is too late for a morning Special Access, but evening sessions you can do as a day trip from London. There is a wide range of accommodation in Salisbury to stay overnight.

An indicative cost for a complete vehicle for up to 4 people plus guide for 4 hours is £270, to which you will need to add the cost of tickets.

Just fill in our Stonehenge Special Access enquiry form at the bottom of the page with your personal requirements.

Stonehenge Special Access with transportation and guide from London

We can provide the same service from London and its airports as from Salisbury.

Stonehenge is best part of 2 hours drive from Central London, so most people will make a day of it and combine Stonehenge with destinations like Bath, Windsor, Avebury or perhaps the Cotswolds, (see map of tour destinations from London ).

TRAIN TICKETS

Book in advance and save money on your train journey

• UK buses • Eurostar • Virgin trains

Stonehenge Special Access day tour itineraries

We can provide full day tour itineraries from both London and its airports and Salisbury from anything from one person to a large group requiring a full size touring coach.

The simple graphic below depicts typical travel times between the most popular tourist destinations around Stonehenge which may inspire you, but the there is so many more options.

Just fill in this Stonehenge Special Access enquiry form at the bottom of the page with your ideas to kick-start the process.

Stonehenge Exclusive Inner Circle Sunset Access Tour from London.

Stonehenge Inner Circle Evening Access Tour 2024

Tour highlights.

• Private evening access viewing of Stonehenge
• Return transport on a luxury coach to the beautiful village of Lacock, cultural city of Bath and the exclusive Inner Circle at Stonehenge. Visit Lacock - A delightful Saxon village See where Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice were filmed Meal stop in a 13th century Pub (food/drinks not included) Visit Bath - Free time to shop and explore Entrance to the Roman Baths and Pump Room included

Stonehenge – Exclusive Access To The Inner Circle ‍ Frequently referred to as one of the wonders of the world, Stonehenge is a 5,000 year old mystery that still has experts scratching their heads today. Regarded as a British cultural icon, the purpose of Stonehenge remains unknown; is it an ancient clock, a place of prayer, or a Neolithic town hall? The so-called ‘bluestones’ were transported by Neolithic builders over 150miles, without machinery and before the invention of the wheel. The large standing stones weigh up to 25 tonnes and were placed upright; a huge feat of human strength and technology, and for what? After visiting Lacock Village and Bath you’ll be granted exclusive access to the Inner Circle of Stonehenge, getting up close to the 5,000 year old stones, all the better for figuring out the mystery for yourself.

Visit Lacock Village

Leave the hustle and bustle of London behind to explore the idyllic village of Lacock. The pretty village dates back to the 13th century where its vibrant market built up a reputation for its thriving wool industry during the Middle Ages. Stone cottages and half-timbered houses make this beautiful village a popular filming destination, and numerous films in the Harry Potter franchise have been shot here. ‍ Two-course Meal After you’ve explored, promenaded and mused over a mystery, you’ll be whisked away for a two-course lunch at a traditional English pub (food / drink not included)

Your coach will be heading back to London for an arrival time of approximately 10pm (11pm in July and August due to later sunsets). You can take your complimentary walking tour in London at your leisure.

‍ Next stop is another English gem, the Georgian city of Bath. Beautiful architecture, cobbled streets and a rich history make Bath the quintessential English city. Home to both Jane Austen and Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, Bath has attracted many a cultured figure from history drawn to the Roman Bath’s, tea rooms and lush countryside. Take a walk around the city and enjoy its pretty streets while learning about its colourful past.

Visit Stonehenge as the Sun Set

You’ll be granted exclusive access to the Inner Circle of Stonehenge, getting up close to the 5,000 year old stones, all the better for figuring out the mystery for yourself.

TOUR DEPARTS FROM CENTRAL LONDON AY 10.20AM AND RETURNS APPROX. 10.30PM

*food/drink not included

This is a very popular tour and must be booked well in advance!

Free expert advice for stonehenge access tour options.

We can also arrange extra dates for private groups, ideal for couples, families and small groups

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Stonehenge Inner Circle Tour

"We arrived at dawn on December 22nd. We were allowed to go into the Circle. It was a very moving and unforgettable experience" - Marie Griffin Cascone, San Diego County

• Private car/minibus

TOUR PRICES FROM

Prices include:.

Prices are per car/minibus not per person and include your private tour guide, collection and return to your central London hotel and tax but not entrance fees where applicable, parking or meals unless stated. Please add £20 for collections from London Train Stations. Stonehenge at Dawn admission

This tour is available in most languages. Select your language on checkout.

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About The Tour

In the evening after Stonehenge is closed to the public, or at dawn before it is open, we can arrange a special access visit to this awe-inspiring monument. Walk among the giant sarsen stones towering 6.4 m high, weighing up to 50 tonnes. Marvel at how stones of such monumental scale were quarried, transported and erected 5,000 years ago when the only tools available were made of wood, bone and stone.

Stonehenge at Sunrise - 360° Panoramic Image

Dusk or Dawn dates: October to November: Not available December to February (except December 18th to 28th): Sunrise March to September: sunrise or sunset

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Archaeology tour of wessex, stonehenge & avebury, we really enjoyed our tours with sam. we felt like we had lost a friend after our last tour.

Daniel Baker

Why choose us?

Because you insist on the longest-established and most experienced service available in Britain. Founded in 1958, British Tours is still under the same management. About Us

Who is your Guide?

Our guides are personable educated men and women, chosen for their knowledge, special interests, backgrounds and personality. They will collect you by car from any central London location and guide you inside places of historic importance

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