usa > Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Situated high on Salisbury Plain, just 1 hour's drive from the outskirts of London and 10 miles north of the beautiful cathedral city of Salisbury, Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance.

Stonehenge was erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC by no less than three different cultures and its orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features.

Now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge is surrounded by the remains of ceremonial and domestic structures, some older than the monument itself. Altogether, the site covers some 6,425 acres and comprises over 400 scheduled monuments.

Thanks to Stonehenge's shaped stones, unique jointing and perfect geometry, this amazing feat of engineering is the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The name Stonehenge - literally 'hanging stones' - is thought to originate from Anglo-Saxon times.

During the day, visitors can view Stonehenge from the paths which take them around the perimeter of the stone circle. But Special Stone Circle Access tours are also available outside normal opening hours - either early in the morning or in the evening - in which you can walk within and around the stones. These access tours last for one hour and must be booked in advance.

Specialist tour guides can be arranged, and an audio tour is available.

Click here for video clip from "My Favourite Place" on the History Channel. The Stonehenge episode features on Sunday 25 May 2008 at 6pm UK time, 1pm US Eastern time, and is presented by British comedian Bill Bailey.

Stay either at the 3* Red Lion Hotel in nearby Salisbury, or at luxury Bishopstrow House near Warminster. Click on the establishments for more details.

Stonehenge is included in a choice of itineraries.