Ever wondered what it feels like to stand in the footsteps of our ancient ancestors? Well, on Salisbury Plain, two remarkable monuments offer exactly that experience. While everyone knows about Stonehenge, its lesser-known wooden cousin, Woodhenge, adds another fascinating chapter to this prehistoric tale.
Let’s start with the showstopper. Stonehenge stands proudly on the plain, its massive stones reaching up to 30 feet tall, looking for all the world like nature’s own crown jewels. Built around 2500 BC, these ancient rocks have been stopping visitors in their tracks for thousands of years. And trust us, no matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for that first glimpse of these magnificent megaliths.
We recommend starting your Stonehenge adventure at the visitor centre. It’s not just a place to pick up your tickets (which you’ll need to book in advance – this isn’t the kind of place you can just pop into on a whim). The centre houses fascinating exhibitions that’ll help you get your head around just how impressive this 4,500-year-old feat of engineering really is. Grab an audio guide too – it’s included in your ticket and brings the stones’ stories to life.
From the centre, you can either walk to the stones or hop on the shuttle bus. Walking gives you a chance to appreciate the wider landscape, which is dotted with ancient burial mounds and other remnants of our prehistoric past. Once you reach the stone circle, take your time. Walk around it slowly, watching how the stones frame the landscape and cast their shadows. It’s mind-boggling to think that people were doing exactly this thousands of years before the Romans even thought about visiting Britain.
Now, here’s a top tip – if you really want to get up close and personal with the stones, book a special Stone Circle Access visit. These happen outside normal visiting hours and let you step inside the circle itself. It’s a completely different experience when you’re standing among these ancient giants rather than viewing them from the path.
The weather can be, well, British, so dress accordingly. The stones are completely exposed to the elements, and that Salisbury Plain wind can be pretty fierce. Comfortable shoes are a must – you’ll be doing more walking than you might expect. Pack a picnic if you fancy – there are designated areas near the visitor centre where you can refuel while soaking up the ancient atmosphere.
But don’t stop at Stonehenge. Just three miles north, Woodhenge offers a fascinating counterpoint to its more famous neighbour. While it might look less impressive at first glance – concrete markers now stand where massive timber posts once stretched skyward – it’s a place that really gets your imagination working overtime.
Built around 2300 BC, Woodhenge would have been quite the sight in its day – six concentric rings of timber posts surrounded by a bank and ditch. Today, it’s peaceful and usually quiet, offering a more contemplative experience than its busier stone cousin. Best of all? It’s free to visit.
The concrete markers might not look like much, but stand among them and try to picture the wooden posts that once stood here. What ceremonies took place in this space? What stories were told? What lives were lived? The information panels on site help bring these ancient times to life, and the surrounding landscape, including the massive Durrington Walls, adds more pieces to this prehistoric puzzle.
We recommend visiting both sites – they’re different chapters of the same fascinating story. Start at Stonehenge in the morning when the light is good for photos, then head to Woodhenge later in the day. The contrast between the two sites, and what they tell us about our ancestors, is remarkable.
A few practical points to remember: book your Stonehenge tickets in advance through English Heritage’s website, especially in peak season. Woodhenge has its own free car park, making it easy to visit. Both sites are surprisingly accessible, with level paths suitable for wheelchairs.
Standing among these ancient monuments, you can’t help but feel a connection to the people who built them. Whether you’re a history buff, a mystery lover, or just curious about how our ancestors lived, these remarkable sites offer a window into Britain’s prehistoric past. Come with an open mind, a bit of imagination, and a sense of wonder – you’re going to need all three.
