Solstice visitors urged to pre-book parking
It hoped to ease the strain on local roads and limited spaces
People planning to attend this months Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge are being urged to book a parking space in advance to avoid disappointment.
English Heritage is continuing with the system it introduced ahead of last years Winter Solstice to ease the strain on its limited spaces, with the expectation that spaces will sell out fast.
It also protects the local road network, aiming to keep them clear and safe for people attending Solstice and local communities.
Pre-booked parking costs £25 for a car or van, £35 for a live-in vehicle and £5 for motorbikes. The last car park entry will be at 4.15am on Sunday 21st June.
The site will be open from 7pm on Saturday 20th June, with entry free, and visitors must leave the monument field by 8.30am, with the car park clear by midday.
People travelling to the ancient monument are advised to follow the signed diversion route, rather than their sat nav, and to expect long queues on the approach to the site.
What is Solstice?
Stonehenge was constructed to align with the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, with the first stones erected around 2,500 BC.
On 21st June, which marks the longest day of the year, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone—considered the ancient entrance to the monument from the ceremonial avenue—and its rays extend into the centre of the stone circle.
For the Neolithic people who built Stonehenge, the solstice would have been a time of celebration, as marking the changing seasons held both practical and possibly spiritual importance for their way of life.
Steve Bax, Operations Director at Stonehenge, said: “Celebrating the longest day of the year is a tradition at Stonehenge and it’s our job to look after the ancient stones and all the families and friends joining us at this special time. We strongly encourage everyone who wishes to come by car to book parking as early as possible to avoid disappointment. There are no alternative parking arrangements at Stonehenge.”
The event offers a chance for people to see the stones up close, but Steve reminds us that we have a responsibility to protect them.
He said: “As always, we want to remind people of how vulnerable the stones are – not only are they home to prehistoric carvings but extremely rare lichens grow on their surface which are easily damaged by touching them. Please treat them with respect for the future generations who want to enjoy midsummer celebrations in this remarkable historic place.”
Public transport available
The solstice, which marks the longest day and the shortest night, is taking place on the weekend of 20th and 21st June, and offers people a chance to witness the sunset and sunrise.
The tradition at Stonehenge welcomes thousands of people every year and visitors are reminded that public transport is available.
Salisbury Reds will be operating their shuttle bus service to the ancient site from Salisbury Train Station, New Canal Street and from Amesbury. A full timetable can be seen here.
People not visiting the site can watch the sunset and sunrise on a livestream on the English Heritage YouTube channel and Facebook page.