July 2012
Monthly Archive
July 28, 2012
We are proud to offer our new Stonehenge Tour including two World Heritage Sites. This exclusive walking tour covers 5km and allows our archaeologist guide to introduce you intimately to the World Heritage Landscapes of Stonehenge and Avebury.
The most spectacular walk is accessible only on foot. A walking tour through some of the most magnificent scenery in England. – Lunch is included at a beautiful English country pub.
Walking Stonehenge and Prehistoric Wessex introduces our guests to some of the most imposing and mysterious ancient monuments in the world, certainly within the United Kingdom. These sites coupled with the beautiful Wiltshire countryside offer the participants of this walking tour a special and unique experience.
The tour is split between two World Heritage Landscapes. In the morning Stonehenge, situated within the most concentrated prehistoric landscape in the world is explored, as we walk the ancient processional way of the Stonehenge Cursus, explore Bronze Age burial mounds and visit the possible site of the Stonehenge builders village.
We finish our morning walking along the Stonehenge Avenue, following the ritualised path laid down over 4000 years ago, concluding with a guided tour around Stonehenge itself.
The Afternoon introduces Avebury with the largest stone circle, largest man-made hill and most impressive prehistoric burial chamber.
We also enjoy an English country pub lunch, once used as a scene in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers
Walking Stonehenge and Prehistoric Wessex is the unique opportunity to explore these famous sites in a well-paced and relaxed manor, enjoying the expertise of our archaeologist guides.
TOUR ITINERARY:
The morning starts with a visit to Durrington Walls and Woodhenge, home to the ‘Stonehenge Builder’s’ village and the most convincing evidence for human sacrifice. We then travel a short distance to Stonehenge. We enjoy a leisurely paced walk through the landscape immediately surrounding Stonehenge, visiting the Stonehenge Cursus, Bronze Age burial mounds and walk along the Stonehenge Avenue. We complete our morning at Stonehenge with a guided walk around the stone circle, our archaeologists bringing to life this enigmatic, ancient and mysterious monument.
It’s hard to miss this old gem of a pub as you drive into the Avebury World Heritage Landscape. Famous as the inspiration for a scene in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, this four hundred year old inn represents what an English pub should look like.
The Afternoon is spent at the Avebury World Heritage Landscape. We visit Silbury Hill, the largest man-made hill in prehistoric Europe. We enter the 5500 year old burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow, entering a sacred space originally reserved only for ritual specialists and the dead.
We finish by visiting the largest stone circle in Europe at Avebury, walking the West Kennet Avenue we enter the stone circle through the southern entrance, witnessing the contrast between the prehistoric remains and the beautiful medieval village situated inside. As John Aubrey in the 1600’s notes [Avebury]…”does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church.”
“A truly legendary day out in the ancient Kingdom of Wessex”
Full itinerary – http://www.stonehengetours.com/stonehenge-prehistoric-wessex-walking-tour.htm
The Stonehenge Tour Company
July 26, 2012
Stonehenge is perhaps the most iconic and mysterious of Britain’s many wonders. A large earthen levee surrounding two rings of massive stones located on a vast plain in Wiltshire County, Stonehenge is generally considered a sacred site, but experts differ in their opinions of the site’s original purpose. Although commonly linked to the Druids, Stonehenge was completed long before the first known Druid population arrived in the area. Perhaps it was a burial site for ancient kings or a centre of prehistoric astronomy. Whatever its origin, the mystical Stonehenge draws visitors of all ages and backgrounds
History of Stonehenge
Modern methods date Stonehenge’s earthen levee to approximately 3000 BC, although there is evidence that clearing and preparation of the site might have begun earlier. The inner circle was completed around 2200 BC and the outer circle finished sometime between 1500 and 1200 BC. The stones are arranged on mystical lines known as ley lines, which are said to harness magical energy and are aligned toward the summer solstice. UFO sightings and paranormal activity have been reported around Stonehenge throughout modern history. Until 1978, visitors were permitted to freely wander through the stone circles, leading to vandalism and theft. The popularity of Stonehenge led to a proliferation of highways, parking lots and street vendors. Today, the British government is committed to preserving the site and has undertaken extensive projects to protect the monument and limit the carnival atmosphere.
Daytime Tours
Numerous tour companies offer day trips to Stonehenge from London. These tours generally combine a visit to Stonehenge with a tour of nearby Bath and other local attractions. Daytime tours are an excellent choice for those with limited time. Private, customized tours are available at a higher rate. Ask for tour recommendations at your hotel or at any visitor center in London.
Inside the Circle Tours
Some tour companies, including The Stonehenge Tour Company and Salisbury Guided Tours, have negotiated access to Stonehenge’s inner circle. These tours are pricier than traditional tours and availability is quite limited. Contact the company of your choice as soon as possible to book your tour. Some Inside the Circle tours take place at sunset or sunrise, offering a different view of the monument than that available during the day.
Solstice Tours
If you will be in the area during June, plan to take a solstice tour of Stonehenge. Most Stonehenge tour companies offer a special overnight solstice tour. Visiting on the solstice allows you to view the monument as the ancients intended, with the sun positioned directly over the Heel stone, Slaughter stone and Altar stone. Not all solstice tours provide access inside the circles, so make sure you understand exactly what you are getting.
Touring on Your Own
If you prefer to travel independently, you may visit Stonehenge on your own. English Heritage manages the site and admission is free to members of the National Trust. All others pay a nominal charge. Note that you will not be allowed to enter the circles, but a visitors’ walkway around the site allows you to view it from all angles. Audio guides in 10 languages are included in your admission fee. The walkway is wheelchair accessible.
Nice to see our tours recommended on USA Today: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/stonehenge-tours-11402.html
The Stonehenge Tour Company
The Original and still the bet Stonehenge Tours – http://www.StonehengeTours.com
July 19, 2012
Single and Multi-day Trips Exploring London’s Neighboring Cities and Nearby Countries Expand the Olympic Experience Beyond the Games.
As the week started off with record numbers of travelers arriving at London’s Heathrow Airport, the spotlight began to shine even more brightly on the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and, the crowds that would follow through the beginning of September. Viator.com – the leading resource for researching and booking more than 10,000 tours and activities in 800-plus destinations in more than 150 countries – offers a selection of the best things to do in London, but is also highlighting some ways to take a break from the games and the crowds for both Brits and visitors alike.
Trade Water Polo for Windsor and Hogwarts Known as the city of spires, Oxford is a delightful day trip from London for exploring historic colleges and relaxing along the riverbank while rowers glide by. Viator’s Best of England Small Group Tour: Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath and Oxford gets travelers out of London for four days with stops at the most famous English landmarks and sights in each city including Christ Church College, or Hogwarts Dining Room to Harry Potter fans. Another famous college town – Cambridge – is only an hour north of London by train and well-explored during Viator’s Cambridge and Oxford Historic Colleges of Britain Day Trip.
On a Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock, an expert tour guide will help unlock the secrets of the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed monument. For a little history and a little pop culture, the Private Tour: ‘Downton Abbey’ Film Locations Tour led by a private chauffeur and guide visits Highclere Castle (the real-life Downtown Abbey) and the village of Bampton (the real-life Downton village). Leave Phelps in the Pool for Shakespeare in Stratford-Upon-Avon History buffs will enjoy the three-day Heart of England Tour: North Wales, Stratford-upon-Avon and Buxton, where they can trace Shakespeare’s footsteps, explore beautiful castles and enjoy the great outdoors.
A three-day tour to Devon and Cornwall gives travelers a glimpse of King Arthur’s reign with stops at historic ruins such as King Arthur’s Round Table. The small-group Day Trip to Bath, Lacock and Stonehenge highlights some of the most beautiful and historic sites in England, including the history of the Roman Baths. For a glimpse of royalty, the Hampton Court Palace Bike Tour along the River Thames is a great way to experience the home of Henry VIII, now a historic palace museum with wonderful gardens and a famous maze. Forgo the Fencing for Family Fun
Beatles fans young and old will enjoy hopping onboard the Independent Three-Day Trip to Liverpool, which includes round-trip train travel from London, two-night accommodations in the Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel and admission to the award-winning Beatles Story Experience.
Kids with a passion for trains will enjoy riding the rails on the London to Dublin Rail Trip, the Edinburgh Rail Day Trip or the Paris Rail Day Trip – and mom and dad will enjoy ample time exploring the capital cities of nearby Ireland, Scotland and France. And the entire family will enjoy a traditional English lunch in the Cotswolds, an area seemingly unchanged by the modern world and famous for beautiful villages and rolling hills.
For more things to see and do in London and the surrounding area during the Olympics – or any time of the year – as well as the latest deals, promotions, contests and Viator news, visit the Viator Travel Blog as well as Viator’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2012/7/prweb9711326.htm
The Stonehenge Tour Company – www.StonehengeTours.com
July 18, 2012
Sacrilege, a huge inflatable Stonehenge replica, will briefly appear in London parks this summer.
A section of Sacrilege, the life-sized inflatable model of Stonehenge conceived by Jeremy Deller Photo: Jeremy Deller
As part of the London 2012 Festival celebrations, Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller has created Sacrilege, a life-sized inflatable replica of Stonehenge which has popped up unexpectedly in locations throughout the country. With the Olympics beginning shortly, the massive bouncy castle is now set to begin its brief tenure in London.
First seen in Glasgow, the work is a co-commission between the Glasgow International Festival of Visual Art and the Mayor of London, and has been supported by Creative Scotland and the Arts Council England.
Deller has described the work as “a way to get reacquainted with ancient Britain with your shoes off” and access to the bouncy castle will be free and open to people of all ages. Mayor of London Boris Johnson expounded on the broad range of people it is likely to appeal to, saying: “’You don’t have to be a specialist in ancient British history or an acolyte of the summer solstice ritual to be aware of the unending fascination that Stonehenge continues to inspire around the world. Jeremy Deller’s Sacrilege is a wonderfully witty, quite literal leap into that history and a fantastic example of the irreverence that are hallmarks of our great British humour and our incomparable artists. I have no doubt it will be a great hit with Londoners as well as visitors to the capital.’
Although exact opening hours of the portable Stonehenge are unconfirmed a list of London opening dates and locations have been released and are listed below. Dates are subject to change so it is advisable to confirm before departure for the venue. For updated information on times and local weather conditions members of the public are asked to follow sacrilege on Twitter @Sacrilege2012.
Sacrilege tour dates (subject to change)
Sat July 21 – Sunday July 22
Central Park, Greenwich, London
Wednesday, July 25
King Edward VII Park, Brent, London
Saturday, July 28
Paddington Recreation Ground, Westminster, London
Sunday, July 29
Cheam Park, Sutton, London
Tuesday, July 31
Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith & Fulham, London
Wednesday, August 1
Hampstead Heath, Camden, London
Thursday, August 2
Clapham Common, Lambeth, London
Saturday, August 4
Burgess Park, Southwark, London
Sunday, August 5
Barra Hall Park, Hillingdon, London
Tuesday, August 7
East Ham Central Park, Newham, London
Thursday, August 9
Crystal Palace, Bromley, London
Friday, August 10
Alexandra Palace, Haringey, London
Saturday, August 11
Christchurch Green, Redbridge, London
Sunday, August 12
The Waterworks Nature Reserve, Lee Valley Park, Enfield, London
Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/uk/london/9405605/Jeremy-Dellers-Stonehenge-bouncy-castle-comes-to-London.html
The Stonehenge Tour Company – http://www.StonehengeTours.com
July 12, 2012
ATHLETICS hero Michael Johnson carried the Olympic Torch around Stonehenge during a special event at sunrise today.
The 400-metre world record holder and Olympic gold medallist paraded the flame at the World Heritage Site at dawn as he ran the first leg of day 55 of the relay around Britain.
Flame … Michael Johnson with the Olympic torch in front of the ancient stones
Speaking afterwards, Johnson gushed: “It was amazing. It was a great experience to carry the torch around the iconic Stonehenge.
“It was amazing, unbelievable.
“I don’t rank. It’s all great. This is great; winning an Olympic gold medal is great.
“Life is great for me. This was incredible, just a really incredible, magic moment.”
Johnson, 44, who won four Olympic gold medals and holds the world and Olympic records in the 400 metres and 400-metre relay, predicted that Britain will do a great job of hosting the Games.
He said: “It should be a great Games. The Olympics is always phenomenal.
“The competition on the track should take care of itself and I think London will do a great job of hosting the Games.”
At Stonehenge, near Salisbury, Wilts, Johnson posed with university student Amelia Clifford, who ran with the torch yesterday.
Amelia, known as Millie, is a promising young 400 metres and 400-metre hurdles athlete.
The 19-year-old, from Salisbury, who is studying politics at Birmingham University, said it was a dream come true to meet her hero.
She said: “It was amazing. It is such a pretty setting and I’m carrying the Olympic Torch with Michael Johnson.”
After Johnson ran today’s first leg he handed the torch to sixth form student William Copp, 17, who uses a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy.
Today’s proceedings at Stonehenge followed an event at the site on Tuesday when fires lit up the ancient stones as part of the London 2012 Festival.
Article from The Sun: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4425054/Olympic-hero-Michael-Johnson-carries-the-flame-around-Stonehenge.html
The Stonehenge Tour Company
July 8, 2012
Work to improve Stonehenge’s environment will get under way next week – following decades of wrangling with many millions spent on various fruitless schemes and consultations.
Representing English Heritage, the operator of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Renée Fok commented that things are finally starting to get done around Stonhenge now that the upgrade will begin next week. The mysterious Wiltshire monument is among the world’s most famous tourist sites and receives over a million visitors every year – half of which travel from overseas.
While the stones continue to amaze, Stonehenge’s environment and facilities have been the subject of withering criticism on numerous occasions, with the likes of Simon Jenkins, the National Trust’s chairman, calling the site a “disgrace”. One of the main problems is that Stonehenge is surrounded by roads such as the A303, which is constantly busy with traffic, and the A344.
Additionally, the site’s car parks become overcrowded and the visitor centre is in need of a facelift. Under the new scheme, to cost £27 million, “a landscape transformed” has been promised by English Heritage. The project’s keystone is the grassing over of part of the A344 and its closure. Existing buildings and visitor car parks are to be removed with an innovative and new visitor centre built alongside shops, cafes, galleries, and an “education space”.
by Alfie FEATHERSTONE – Renee Fok, Stonehenge, UNESCO – Source Link:
The Stonehenge Tour Company
July 2, 2012
A crop circle formation about 700ft long with a snake-like pattern has appeared in a field in Wiltshire.
Experts said the formation in Milk Hill represents the transit of the planet Venus across the sun, an astronomical event that started last week.
Crop circle researcher Michael Glickman said: “It’s wonderful and enigmatic and I’m convinced it is not man-made.
“There are too many of these which are of such great quality for them to be dismissed as made by humans.”
Microlight pilot and crop circle enthusiast Matthew Williams, who photographed the formation, disagrees and said he believes it was created by people who have improved their crop-circle-making skills.
He said: “Usually in the season, things develop from basic circles in the beginning to being much more complicated later on.
“I would say this formation is a case of people getting up their skills. There are a lot of people out there who make them.
“It’s a peculiar design and I think it’s the best out there this year.”
Source link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-18626542
If you are in the Stonehenge area on tour or independantly be sure to visit this amazing crop circle
The Stonehenge Tour Company – http://www.StonehengeTours.com
The most spectacular walk is accessible only on foot. A walking tour through some of the most magnificent scenery in England. – Lunch is included at a beautiful English country pub.
Stonehenge Guided Tours 