Book A Go Cotswolds Tour to Stonehenge this summer

Looking for a Cotswolds tour to Stonehenge? Go Cotswolds has got you covered!

As the Summer Solstice is approaching, we thought it was a great opportunity to shout about our NEW Bath & Stonehenge tour, which visits two incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one day!

The Summer Solstice is coming

‘The sun does not shine for a few tress and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.’ – Henry Ward Beecher

As the sun reaches the highest point in the sky, people around the world celebrate the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. This event, occurring around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, has been observed for thousands of years. It holds special significance for many cultures.

One of the most iconic and mysterious solstice celebrations takes place at Stonehenge. This prehistoric monument continues to captivate the imagination of scientists, historians, and visitors alike.

The summer solstice marks the moment when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun. Therefore, this results in the longest day and shortest night of the year. This moment has been acknowledged and celebrated by many civilisations around the world. From the ancient Egyptians, who built the Great Pyramids to align with the sun’s path, to the Inca festival of Inti Raymi in Peru, the solstice has inspired celebration across many different cultures.

If you have 5 minutes, watch this great video all about the Solstice at Stonehenge:

Stonehenge: A Mysterious Monument

Stonehenge, located on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC, its exact purpose remains shrouded in deep mystery.

The massive stone circle, with its distinctive lintel-topped pillars, aligns with the sunrise of the summer solstice. Experts believe it is an ancient solar calendar, or maybe used for ceremonial purposes somehow related to the solstice.

Each year, thousands of people gather at Stonehenge to witness the summer solstice sunrise. The event draws a diverse crowd, including druids, pagans, tourists, visitors and locals. Everyone is eager to experience the moment when the sun rises directly above the Heel Stone, one of the largest stones at the monument. This alignment creates a striking visual effect, emphasizing the monument’s connection to the cycles of the sun and the changing seasons.

For many, the solstice at Stonehenge is a time to honour nature, reflect on the passage of time, and embrace the light and warmth of the sun at its peak and welcome in the Summer.

Stonehenge in the daylight on a Go Cotswolds tour

Visiting Stonehenge

If you are planning a visit to Stonehenge this summer, prepare for a unique day out. Any time spent visiting these mysterious rocks is really interesting, but visiting for the Summer Solstice can be a truly eye-opening experience!

English Heritage manages this special site, organizes the event and preserves this ancient monument. It’s the only time of year you can walk among the Stones for free, so make sure you arrive early! Large crowds always gather here. Dress warmly too, as the weather can be unpredictable in the UK – even in June!

Whether you are drawn by historical curiosity, spiritual practice, or simply the allure of witnessing a spectacular sunrise, the summer solstice at Stonehenge is an amazing moment to participate in.

Can I see the Solstice on a Go Cotswolds tour to Stonehenge?

This year, the summer solstice is celebrated from the evening of Thursday 20th June to the morning of Friday 21st June 2024.

We don’t run a Go Cotswolds tour to Stonehenge on this date. We’d love to visit, but it is extremely busy at Stonehenge on the solstices. We’d have to leave incredibly early to catch the sunrise! You can, however, watch sunrise and sunset happen live from the comfort of your home, on the official English Heritage YouTube channel.

But you CAN visit Stonehenge with Go Cotswolds! This year, we launched our new Bath & Stonehenge tour. This enables you to visit TWO amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites in one day, from Stratford-Upon-Avon and from Moreton-in-Marsh.

Of course, this tour is very popular, so we have very limited availability! Our next available dates are:

  • Tuesday 18th June
  • Tuesday 9th July
  • Tuesday 13th August
  • Tuesday 20th August
  • Tuesday 27th August
  • and more!

Don’t delay – get your trip to Bath & Stonehenge this summer booked now: https://www.gocotswolds.co.uk/product/bath-stonehenge-tour/

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