Stonehenge has become the most visited paid-for tourist attraction in the south west of England.

Figures from tourist board Visit England show the iconic Neolithic monument had more visitors last year than the Eden Project in Cornwall, the first time Stonehenge has surpassed the Cornish attraction since it opened in 2001.

In 2010 more than a million people visited the stone circle, which is up 1.9 per cent on the previous year, but overall the figures showed paid-for attractions suffered a decline of one per cent.

David Andrews, chief executive of Visit Wiltshire, said: “Stonehenge is a fabulous site and we’re extremely lucky to have it in the county.”

Peter Carson, head of Stonehenge at English Heritage, said: “Last year for the first time ever, Stonehenge attracted over a million visitors. We are delighted at its success.

“Visitors continue to be intrigued by these ancient stones and recent archaeological research undertaken within the World Heritage Site has helped to fuel this fascination.

This rise in visitors is also due to more overseas holiday makers, who are attracted to England by the favourable exchange rates and wish to see the UK’s premier prehistoric monument.”

Visit England surveyed 1,082 non-charging and paid-for tourist attractions and the British Museum was top with 5.8 million visitors last year.

Why not visit Stonehenge before the crowds arrive on one of our ‘Stonehenge Private Access’ Tours.  These must be booked in advance.

The Stonehenge Tour company
www.StonehengeTours.com