The Magic of Summer Solstice: Brace Yourself for an Unforgettable Festival Experience

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge 2023: Everything you need to know

Celebrating the Longest Day of the Year

Stonehenge, the ancient stone circle located in Wiltshire, England, is getting ready to host this year’s Summer Solstice Festival. As the longest day of the year approaches, visitors from all over the world gather at Stonehenge to celebrate and witness ancient rituals and the stunning sunrise over the sacred site. The festival has been a tradition for many years, attracting druids, pagans, and curious spectators.

After a significant decrease in visitors due to the pandemic, Stonehenge is once again welcoming crowds. Prior to Covid, up to 30,000 people would gather to witness the sunrise on the Summer Solstice. However, last year’s gatherings were banned and the site was closed due to social distancing restrictions.

The Significance of the Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice is a time of great cultural and spiritual importance in many societies. It marks the peak of the sun’s journey and the longest day of the year. In Pagan traditions, it symbolizes the power of the sun god and the celebration of midsummer.

At Stonehenge, the alignment of the Heel Stone with the rising sun during the Summer Solstice has fascinated historians and archaeologists for years. While it is still uncertain whether Stonehenge was intentionally built to align with the solstices, the phenomenon continues to enchant visitors.

Visiting Stonehenge for Summer Solstice

Entry to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice is free of charge, and tickets are not required. However, English Heritage, the organization responsible for managing Stonehenge, advises visitors to read the Conditions of Entry and the information provided on their website before deciding to attend.

During the Summer Solstice festival, Stonehenge offers “managed open access” to all visitors. The monument field opens at 7pm on Tuesday, June 20th, and closes at 8am on Wednesday, June 21st. Sunrise on the Summer Solstice day is at 4.52am, with the last admissions to the Solstice Car Park at 6am. The monument field will close at 8am and the car park will be cleared by noon.

Travel Directions

Visitors to Stonehenge have several options for travel. English Heritage recommends checking the Connecting Wiltshire travel information page for updates on bus services to Stonehenge. National Express operates services to Salisbury, the nearby city, from many major UK cities. There are also organized coach tours from London and other cities, often including visits to other attractions in the area.

For those traveling by train, Salisbury railway station is the most convenient stop. From there, various local transportation options, including shuttle buses, are available. Visitors traveling by car can follow signs from the A303, off the A360, and park at the site. Parking charges may apply during peak periods.

Watching Summer Solstice from Home

If attending the Summer Solstice festival in person is not feasible, there will be a live stream of the event on the English Heritage Facebook and YouTube pages. This allows individuals to experience the beauty and symbolism of the summer sunrise from the comfort of their own homes.

Accommodations Near Stonehenge

For visitors planning to stay near Stonehenge, there are various hotel options in the area. The Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge and the Travelodge Amesbury Stonehenge Hotel are both in close proximity to the site. Additionally, Fairlawn House, The Rose & Crown, and The Riverside Manor House Hotel offer comfortable accommodations for travelers.

Respecting Stonehenge and the Celebration

Stonehenge is a significant World Heritage Site and holds cultural and spiritual importance to many. Visitors are reminded to respect the stones and the attendees of the Summer Solstice. Admission to the festival is free, and English Heritage hopes for a peaceful and celebratory solstice.

If unable to attend, English Heritage will provide a live stream of the sunset and sunrise on their Stonehenge Facebook page and YouTube channel.

In conclusion, the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is a captivating and enchanting event that allows visitors to connect with ancient traditions and witness the beauty of the sunrise. Whether attending in person or watching the live stream, the experience is sure to be an unforgettable one.