We’re a very proud bunch – we’re so proud that we have dedicated this whole blog to tell you how award-winningly brilliant we are! All the shiny industry travel awards we have won have been a result of our hard work, dedication and real relationships we’ve built with our customers. We’ve been recognised as “Best Guided Private Historical Tours 2024” what’s not to be proud of!
The extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer. We have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service, positive feedback from our customers, innovativetours and practises, great value and a commitment to promoting excellence.
“I feel very proud and thankful we have won these prestigious travel industry awards. I am proud of my fantastic team. Thanks to all our Stonehenge tour guides, drivers, customer service team and operations centre“ OPERATIONS MANAGER
WINNER: BEST ‘PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS OF STONEHENGE’ 2021/2022/2023 – TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS WINNER: BEST ‘STONEHENGE TOUR SPECIALIST’ 2020/2021/2023 – TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS
WINNER: BEST ‘HISTORICAL TOUR OPERATOR’ 2021/2022/2023 – SOUTH WEST ENGLAND PRESTIGE TRAVEL AWARDS WINNER: BEST ‘CRUISE SHIP TOUR OPERTOR ’2023 – UK NAUTICAL TOURISM AWARDS
We’re a very proud bunch – we’re so proud that we have dedicated this whole blog to tell you how award-winningly brilliant we are! All the shiny industry travel awards we have won have been a result of our hard work, dedication and real relationships we’ve built with our customers. We’ve been recognised as “Best Southampton Cruise Ship Tour Company 2023” in the ‘Luxury Life Nautical Awards’; what’s not to be proud of!
The extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer. We have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service, positive feedback from our customers, innovativetours and practises, great value and a commitment to promoting excellence.
“I feel very proud and thankful we have won these prestigious travel industry awards. I am proud of my fantastic team. Thanks to all our Stonehenge tour guides, drivers, customer service team and operations centre“ OPERATIONS MANAGER
Are you arriving into Southampton via ship? Then making your way directly to London? Why not take a tour transfer and make the most of the historic and beautiful landscape that lies in between?
It is far too easy to storm up the M3 highway, Southampton to London, oblivious to the history that is hurtling past you. Hampshire and Wiltshire play host to some of the country’s richest historical cities, so easily accessible from Southampton’s beckoning harbour. So instead of rushing past, take a tour transfer – spend a night in Bath, Winchester, or Salisbury – see Stonehenge and its surrounding area, teeming with Neolithic history. Turn a commute into an adventure, a private transfer tour experience exhibiting the best of the area which you almost missed! Needless to say we offer the same services from from London to Southampton.
This a small example of the rich history available to you when you disembark in Southampton, other locations include….
Southampton – Stonehenge – Salisbury – London heathrow Airport Terminals
Southampton – Lacock Village – Cotswolds – Bath – Central london
Southampton – Stonehenge Access – Traditional Country Pub Lunch – Southampton/ London
Taking an 8 seater private tour transfer tour is a magical experience, turning transit into a truly enlightening experience – making the most of southern England’s historical effervescence.
We also offer private day tours from Southampton and Portland Port
WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2021 / 2022 / 2023 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2021 / 2022
Stonehenge is a “must see” for anyone visiting the UK. Our 2024 Stonehenge Private Access tour gives you privileged access to the Stone Circle in the morning or evening.
Book your 2024 sunset or sunrise tours in advance and secure this exclusive experience.
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.
Demand for our Stonehenge access tours far exceeds supply. Do not expect to get tickets without booking well in advance. Register your interest with us now and our booking team will send you various options and live availability.
Our customised private Stonehenge tours continue to get 5 STAR reports on Trip Advisor and other quality review sites. Please take the time to view our customer feedback throughout our 25 years of trading. Excellence as standard.
2024 Private Group Custom Tours. Up close and personal We specialise in arranging customised Stonehenge special access tours to suit your requirements. Our door to door friendly service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day. Click here for private tours
To help you get the most from your Inner Circle experience, your Stonehenge tour guide will accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge.
Archaeologists say a 4,000-year-old tool kit found among the grave of a Bronze Age spiritual leader was used for working with gold.
A Bronze Age burial site in Wiltshire contained the skeletons of two people
One was buried with stone and metal artefacts indicating they were a shaman
Scientists have analysed these and found traces of gold on the surface
This suggests the shaman was also a skilled goldsmith and metalworker
The stone tool kit was found near Stonehenge more than two centuries ago but its use until now has been unknown.
Archaeologists from the University of Leicester detected traces of gold on their surface, indicating they were once used as hammers or anvils for metalworking. Pictured: Gold traces on stone used for polishing and smoothing
Researchers at the University of Leicester have re-examined grave goods discovered within the burial and found they were gold-working tools.
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.
Demand for our Stonehenge access tours far exceeds supply. Do not expect to get tickets without booking well in advance. Register your interest with us now and our booking team will send you various options and live availability.
Our customised private Stonehenge tours continue to get 5 STAR reports on Trip Advisor and other quality review sites. Please take the time to view our customer feedback throughout our 25 years of trading. Excellence as standard.
2023 Private Group Custom Tours. Up close and personal We specialise in arranging customised Stonehenge special access tours to suit your requirements. Our door to door friendly service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day. Click here for private tours
To help you get the most from your Inner Circle experience, your Stonehenge tour guide will accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge.
Researchers argues that the design of Stonehenge was one big solar calendar
The entire site was the physical representation of one month, lasting 30 days
One theory is Stonehenge served as an ancient calendar, although others exist
Research showed the stones were added about 2500BC and remained in the same formation, indicating they worked as a single unit such as a calendar. Join us on a Stonehenge tour and hear all the latest theories
It had long been thought that the famous site of Stonehenge served as an ancient calendar, given its alignment with the solstices. Now, research has identified how it may have worked
Professor Timothy Darvill said the Wiltshire stone circle’s layout served as a physical representation of the year.
He said the research indicated “the site was a calendar based on a tropical solar year of 365.25 days”.
Although the origins of the site remain a mystery, in a paper published in the journal Antiquity, Prof Darvill deduced that the stones are displayed to represent a solar year of 365.25 days and were once used to help people keep track of time.
His analysis also includes new finds about the site’s history, along with analysis of other ancient calendar systems.
The prehistorian, who works at Bournemouth University, said that “the clear solstitial alignment of Stonehenge has prompted people to suggest that the site included some kind of calendar since the antiquarian William Stukeley.
“Now, discoveries brought the issue into sharper focus and indicate the site was a calendar based on a tropical solar year of 365.25 days.”
The significance of the layout is highlighted during the Winter and Summer solstices, when the sun is framed by the same stones every time.
The solstitial alignment helps to calibrate the calendar and any errors would be easily detectable as the sun would be in the wrong place during the biannual event.
Professor Darvill said: “The proposed calendar works in a very straightforward way. Each of the 30 stones in the sarsen circle represents a day within a month, itself divided into three weeks each of 10 days.”
The solar calendar was developed in eastern Mediterranean countries after 3000BC and adopted in Egypt as the Civil Calendar around 2700BC. It was widely used around 2600BC, at the start of the Old Kingdom.
This information raises the possibility that the calendar that Stonehenge tracks may be influenced by other cultures. SOURCE
RelevantStonehenge News Links: Stonehenge was a solar calendar, according to research – BBC Stonehenge may have been a giant calendar and now we know how it works – New Scientist Stonehenge mystery solved as a solar calendar – with links to ancient Egypt – Evening Standard Stonehenge mystery unravelled as scientists detail key use ‘Very straightforward’ – The Express Stonehenge may have served as an ancient solar CALENDAR, helping people track the 365 days of the year, study claims – Daily Mail Visit Stonehenge with the megalithic experts and hear all the latest theories – Stonehenge Guided Tours
British Museum unveils treasures at centre of new exhibition on Neolithic period
The forthcoming exhibition at the British Museum will celebrate the iconic megalithic monument Stonehenge in what the institution promises to be a “landmark show.” It can’t include Stonehenge, of course, but our private guided Stonehenge tours can depart from the museum and take you directly to the monument itself.
The World of Stonehenge is at the British Museum, London, from 17th February to 17th July 2022 and will surprisingly be the first time ever that the legendary site has served as the subject of a major event at the massive and prestigious museum. In keeping with that momentous occasion, curators putting the exhibition together have reportedly amassed a staggering array of artifacts, including approximately 250 pieces that have been loaned to the event from institutions throughout Europe and the UK.
A key part of the collection, this 4,000-year-old Bronze Age timber structure has been nicknamed the Stonehenge of the Sea after it re-emerged on a Norfolk beach in 1998. It consists of a large upturned tree stump surrounded by 54 wooden posts. The oak posts, some up to 3m tall and form a 6.6m-diameter circle around the upturned oak, creating a giant tree-like spectacle. A narrow entranceway was built aligning to the rising midsummer sun and it is speculated the monument was used for ritual purposes.
The aim is to set the stone monument – built 4,500 years ago, and one of the most recognisable sights in Europe – into the context of an era during which there was huge social and technological change.
This is a fiercely emotional exhibition, full of love for the people of the distant past. It even wants us to learn from them. The early agriculturalists who built the henges were communal, sharing feasts at a camp called Durrington Walls near Stonehenge. There are even remains from a party when early farmers and the last hunter-gatherers ate together, the hunters cooking venison they caught, the farmers serving beef from their herd. Many of our guided tours include Durrington Walls and Woodhenge as part of the package.
Visiting Stonehenge once? Do it with the local experts!!!!!
Smartphones have made it easy to book a Stonehenge tour with a quick click using digital tools or an app but there are many reasons to consider booking directly with the actual operator instead. Not only do we offer an incredible pool of advice you can trust, we can also get you the best value tour deals every time.
Booking directly with the tour operator might seem outdated to some but with the pace of life and your busy schedules it is actually a time saving, safe way to book your tours – you just might need a little patience while we go off to find you the best possible Stonehenge tour deal. After all why should you pay more and why we must we absorb a huge commission fee booking via an online automated travel app. Sit back, relax and let us humans do the hard work.
Most importantly, if anything goes wrong, we can step in and offer a solution. If that hasn’t convinced you, here are 10 reasons to book with the Stonehenge Tour Company
AWARD WINNING
We’ve been recognised as “Best Stonehenge Guided Tour Specialists” 2020 / 2021 / 2022 by industry professionals and peers; what’s not to be proud of! The extensive research and judging process is driven by merit and centred around an in-depth evaluation of skills and the tour services we offer. We have demonstrated expertise within our field, dedication to customer service and a commitment to promoting excellence. Stonehenge Tours, has demonstrated excellence and commitment in this industry, even in the face of uncertainty, its a privilege to be recognised.
WINNER: Best Stonehenge Specialist 2021 – Prestige Travel AwardsWINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour Operator’ 2021 – South West England Travel and Tourism Awards
ESTABLISHED AND RELIABLE
Stonehenge Tours have been operating since 1995. We are the original and still the best company to offer tours of the Stonehenge Stone Circle. We are based in nearby London and Salisbury conveniently close to the monument, making us ideally situated to assist with tours from far and wide for those who want an authentic Stonehenge experience. This can range from an individual on a budget tour to a VIP on an exclusive and bespoke customised tour. We have operation centres in London, Bath, Salisbury and Southampton which means we can offer tours and transfers throughout the South-West of England.
BOOK YOUR STONEHENGE TOUR DIRECT
We no longer work with travel apps like Viator, TripAdvisor, ToursbyLocals, GetaGuide etc etc etc, as we are confident that close, direct contact with our customers is far more efficient and enables our prices to be more competitive. It also protects customers from some of the ‘scams’ being offered on sites where operators are not approved, licensed or legal – you have been warned! We have a customer-based operation which offers a full care package before, during and also after your tour. We are delighted to announce that 95% of our customers highly recommend us with over 50% repeat business.
STONEHENGE ONLY!
We are the only UK tour operator to focus exclusively on Stonehenge. We do not sell Theatre tickets, Hotels, Eurostar, Flights, etc. We live, breathe and sleep Stonehenge. We know the market and we listen to what you want and will be able to match you with a better tour than you can find on the internet. Our team of local human experts are keen to share their extensive knowledge of Stonehenge and unrivalled transport solutions.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Search for ‘Stonehenge Tours’ or ‘Stonehenge VIP access tours’ (or wherever you fancy in London or Britain) online and you’ll find hundreds of results to trawl through. Even if you ask friends and family for advice and spend hours reading online reviews, there’s still a huge amount of planning and research needed before you even think of clicking ‘book’. One of the main reasons to book direct with us is our in-depth knowledge of Stonehenge, London, Bath, Salisbury, Cruise Ships ports. We will SAVE you an enormous amount of precious time. You don’t need to do your travel homework for a successful tour. We already have it done for you!
STONEHENGE INSIDER KNOWLWDGE
Over 25 years of insider Stonehenge knowledge. Stonehenge Tours have been taking visitors to Stonehenge for over 25 years. We are Britain’s leading providers of Stonehenge archaeological, cultural and historical day trips and have a well-earned reputation for high quality and reliable travelling – we’ve been doing it since 1995. Dont just take our word for it, visit our customer reviews.
SAVE MONEY WITH VALUE ADDED EXPERIENCES
We will save you money based on our tour supplier relationships — or at least match the price you find — while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into pur trips. Sometimes a package that you book online yourself won’t include those, making the experience appear cheaper. There are a lot of value-adds that tourists don’t even know about that can be added by a local British tour operator. Ever wonder why the couple on a Stonehenge tour got VIP inner circle access with a bottle of champagne and you had to view the monument from the fence with a cold coffee? They probably used us!
STONEHENGE TOUR RESOURCESAND THE POWER OF COLLABRATION
We have a reputable and strong working relationship with all leading Stonehenge operators and have direct access to their timetables at discount prices. If we are unable to help with one of our many scheduled guided tours or arrange a private customised tour then we can assist with booking with one of our preferred travel partners at the best possible price. Stonehenge Tours only partners with leading British tour operators that have been tried, tested, and recommended by experts, offer their customers financial protection and the highest standards of customer service and satisfaction.
BOOK AND TRAVEL SECURELY AND HELP WITH ANY EMERGENCIES
All payments are processed through our Stonehenge Tour secure online platform and tour bookings are covered by our money-back guarantee. When you travel, our local experts are always on hand to offer help if you need it. All you need to do is contact us with some general information about your requirements and we’ll do the rest.If anything goes wrong, a real person is here and can save the day. Having someone to help in an emergency is definitely one of the top 10 reasons to book direct with us. We offer a 24 / 7 mobile number and full customer support should you experience and difficulties.
BECAUSE WE ARE TOTALLY AWESOME
Our operations team are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable, and knowledgeable people you’ll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count — they have been archaeologists, hotel owners, attraction managers, tour guides, bus drivers, story tellers, professors and old hippies. We all have one thing in common: We are passionate about sharing Stonehenge and the South-West of England with you with you. Take advantage of our services.
Visiting Stonehenge once? Do it with the local experts!!!!!
Stonehenge Guided Tours WINNER: Best Stonehenge Tour Specialists 2020 / 2021 WINNER: Best ‘Historical Tour’ Operator 2020 / 2021 Operating Stonehenge Tours Since 1990 www.StonehengeTours.com
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.
Demand for our Stonehenge access tours far exceeds supply. Do not expect to get tickets without booking well in advance. Register your interest with us now and our booking team will send you various options and live availability.
Our customised private Stonehenge tours continue to get 5 STAR reports on Trip Advisor and other quality review sites. Please take the time to view our customer feedback throughout our 25 years of trading. Excellence as standard.
2023 Private Group Custom Tours. Up close and personal We specialise in arranging customised Stonehenge special access tours to suit your requirements. Our door to door friendly service will take you wherever you want to go…….at the time and pace to suit you. Our personalised service gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility without the worry of driving so you can all relax and enjoy the day. Click here for private tours
To help you get the most from your Inner Circle experience, your Stonehenge tour guide will accompany you during private access to give you all the interesting stories surrounding Stonehenge.
The December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and this year it falls on 22nd December
In ancient Pagan traditions, the winter solstice was a time to honor the cycles of life and death and celebrate the sun’s rebirth as the days would slowly begin to lengthen in the months leading into spring. Many modern practitioners of Pagan and earth-centered spiritual traditions observe the holiday, and at Stonehenge, the celebration is particularly special.
There is no access to the inner circle at Stonehenge on between the 18th and 27th December inclusive because of the winter solstice. There is, however, open access on the morning of the 22nd December to watch the winter solstice sunrise which happens about 8.09am. We are are offering our usual exclusive guided Winter Solstice tour that departs from London or Bath, pleae visit our Stonehenge Tour website for full details.
THE winter solstice: the shortest day and longest night of the year.
So what is so important about this date? What about it possesses people to dress in unicorn masks and visit Stonehenge?
Here, we take a look at just what the winter solstice is – and why a day with so little sunlight is worth celebrating.
What is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice is a phenomenon that marks the shortest day of the year. Often referred to as the official beginning of winter, the solstice generally only occurs for a moment.
The true solstice occurs when the Earth is tilted the furthest away from the Sun on its axis. Despite it only lasting a moment, the full day is recognised.
When is the Winter Solstice?
The winter solstice generally falls between December 20th and 23rd. This means, for the UK, the sun will rise at 8.04am and set at 3.54pm – meaning we will have just 7 hours and 49 minutes of daylight. In 2021, it will fall on Wednesday, December 22nd.
A winter solstice also occurs in the Southern Hemisphere, with the day occurring in late June.
How is it celebrated?
The day is one that is celebrated by pagans and druids, with rituals of rebirth performed throughout history on the day.
One of the biggest celebrations in the UK occurs at Stonehenge with crowds gathering to watch the sunrise on the morning of the winter solstice.
The crowds of devotees, often dressed for the occasion, regularly gather at the historic site. It is just one of the many pagan festivals, which include midwinter, midsummer and inbolc – the day that traditionally marks the start of spring.
The importance placed on the day comes from how people were previously so ecoenomically dependent on the seasons with straveation common in the first months of winter.
Will the days start to get longer?
After the solstice, the days will start to get longer. The process is gradual, with minutes added everyday.
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