“The most ancient of all monuments, Stonehenge is a giant stone circle located in Wiltshire, England. It was built about 3,500 years ago and was constructed by Neolithic people.”
There are a lot of questions that come up when someone hears this sentence. Questions such as “Why should we Book Now?”, “Does it really exist?” and “How does one get to see it?”
Well, here’s a little history lesson on Stonehenge. The first thing you have to understand is that Stonehenge isn’t the only structure at Stonehenge; there are actually three main stones. These stones are called trilithons. They were arranged so that they formed an astronomical observatory with a large central stone (the capstone) and two smaller stones (the lintels). This arrangement provided a place where the sun could be sighted at noon during the summer solstice. The other stones served as ladders that led up to the top of the structure.
A second interesting fact about these stones is that they were not cut out of solid rock. Instead, they were made from huge blocks of sandstone that had been shaped into flat slabs. The slabs were then fitted together like building blocks to create large blocks.
This type of construction has been used by Neolithic engineers since the beginning of time. The earliest example can be found in Jericho. In fact, this technique was later used to build the great pyramids of Egypt.
When we talk about Stonehenge being “ancient,” we need to take a look at its age and importance. Although it is thought that the site may date back as far as 3000 B.C., archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was constructed around 2000 B.C. It is believed that the monument was built to serve as a temple dedicated to the Sun God. There is evidence that suggests that Stonehenge was used for religious ceremonies. For instance, the position of some of the stones indicates that they were aligned to the rising and setting of the sun.
Another fascinating fact about Stonehenge is that it appears to have been built by a group of people who lived in the area. The reason for this is that the builders left behind very detailed drawings of the site. There are over 200 lines which show how the stones were placed. Also, there are several hundred carved symbols which were engraved into the rocks. If you want to learn more about the symbolism of Stonehenge, check out this article.
Finally, let’s talk about the tour itself. If you’re thinking about visiting Stonehenge, I strongly recommend taking a guided tour. You won’t find any information on the internet or anywhere else about the monument. The best way to experience Stonehenge is to go to the site and take a guided tour. Not only will you hear about the history of this amazing structure, but you’ll also gain insight into the methods used by the Neolithic engineers. And if you’d rather stay back at the hotel, don’t worry. Your guide will bring you back to the hotel after the tour.
If you decide to visit Stonehenge, you should pack light. There are many things to see and do at the site. As a result, most tourists tend to bring lots of stuff. But you should definitely leave your cameras and bags in the car. The guide will keep them safe while you’re inside.
It’s important to know that it is illegal to climb onto the stones themselves. The guides will give you a good explanation why this is the case.
One last point to make before leaving home is that if you’re planning on visiting Stonehenge in the wintertime, don’t bother. The weather is too cold and wet. The ground is frozen and there are no tours available.
Stonehenge Tour – A Treat for the Tourists
The Stonehenge Site
Stonehenge is considered to be one of the most mysterious sites on earth. The stone monument is made up of five concentric circles of stones. Each circle represents different seasons, days of the week, months of the year and even phases of the moon.
The Stonehenge Site is a World Heritage Site. This means that the world recognizes the importance of the site and protects it. This makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Britain.
The Stonehenge Site is located in Salisbury, England. Most visitors arrive at the site via train. Once you make it to the site, you’ll be met by a tour guide.
The Tour Guide
Each tour guide has a special skill set. Some guides specialize in astronomy and science. Others focus on Stonehenge’s history. Still others help you enjoy the sites and surroundings. Regardless of their specialty, each tour guide knows what he or she is doing.
Most tour guides are professionals, but you can always ask for recommendations. Ask other travelers to share their experiences with you. Many people have visited Stonehenge so they can tell you firsthand about the tour.
The Cost of Stonehenge Tours
Most tour guides charge between $50 and $70 per person. Prices vary depending on the season. During the spring and fall, prices are higher because fewer tourists visit the site. However, if you visit during the winter, you’ll pay less per person.
Many tour guides offer discounts for senior citizens. If you qualify, you might end up paying half price or less.
So whether you plan on climbing the stones or just walking around the site, you should expect to spend about $20 per hour.
Why Visit Stonehenge?
It’s one of the oldest and most famous archaeological sites in the world. There are a number of theories about the purpose of Stonehenge. One theory is that it served as a temple for worshiping the sun god. Another idea is that it was a place of burial. Yet another theory states that it was a place of healing. Whatever the purpose of the site, it clearly served as a landmark for the prehistoric people.
Today, Stonehenge remains one of the most well-known destinations in the United Kingdom. Millions of people travel to the site every year. That’s why it is imperative that you plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your tickets. Make sure you have plenty of time to spare.
Planning Ahead for Your Next Trip
Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about Stonehenge, you can start making plans. Whether you want to visit Stonehenge for the day or for a few hours, you can now start researching.
Do a Google search for places to stay near the site. Then call the local tourist office to get more information. If you want to take advantage of their specials, you should reserve your room early.
Once you have your itinerary figured out, it’s time to start packing. You’ll have to pack light. You don’t want to carry around a bunch of extra baggage. After all, you’ll probably be spending much of your time outside. So take clothes that are comfortable but still allow you to move freely.
And finally, take your camera along. It would be a shame to discover that you forgot it at home.
You’re ready to go! Now all you have to do is hop on the plane and head to England.
Your next stop: Stonehenge Tour – A treat for the tourists!