Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tour

Looking to experience the magic of the summer solstice at Stonehenge? Choose from a sunset or sunrise tour and join the ancient celebrations at one of the world's most iconic monuments.

Stonehenge — A Once-a-Year Event

The most famous prehistoric monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge stands alone in the vast, empty plain of Salisbury. Its origins date back nearly 5,000 years, and it has been the subject of public debate and spiritual fascination ever since. Was it a temple to the sun, an observatory of the moon, or an elaborate ancient cemetery? Who were the people who carried and carved these 40-tonne stones? Come and unlock the secrets for yourself and marvel at this extraordinary feat of ancient engineering, while enjoying the wonderful celebrations that mark the summer solstice.

Sunset Tour (20 June) — 12.5 Hours

Your tour departs London at 12 noon and heads west towards the site, taking time to enjoy the ancient stones at Avebury, before continuing to the picturesque village of Lacock for an early evening supper, included in the price. From here, you'll journey to Stonehenge itself, arriving at roughly 7pm as it begins its annual celebration of the summer solstice. Huge crowds gather, and you'll have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this historic event, walk among the stones, and observe the pagan rituals and ceremonies that take place throughout the evening.

Sunrise Tour (21 June) — 7.5 Hours

Your tour departs London at 1am on 21 June and heads directly to Stonehenge, arriving at roughly 3am. The annual celebration of the summer solstice will be well under way by then, as the atmosphere builds towards sunrise and the climax of the event. Huge crowds gather, and you'll have plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere of this historic morning, walk among the stones, and observe the pagan rituals and ceremonies taking place.

What is the Summer Solstice?

The solstice is an astronomical event that occurs twice each year, when the sun reaches its highest or lowest point relative to the celestial equator. The word "solstice" comes from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the sun appears to stand still in the sky before reversing direction. After the summer solstice, the sun no longer rises as high in the sky and daylight begins to reduce. For this reason, the solstice is seen as the midpoint of summer in many cultures, and a cause for celebration.

Pagan Celebrations

Like many religious groups, Pagans hold deep reverence for the strength of the sun and the divine power that creates life. Many believe the Goddess takes over the earth from the Horned God at the beginning of spring and is at the height of her power and fertility by midsummer. The solstice marks the symbolic marriage of the God and Goddess, seen as the force that creates the harvest's fruits. To celebrate, Pagans and non-Pagans alike gather at ancient sites including Avebury and Stonehenge, taking part in colourful ceremonies through the night, marking the last sunset or sunrise before the sun changes direction once more.

• Access to Stonehenge to celebrate the Summer Solstice
• Entry to Avebury henge and stone circles (Sunset option only)
• Dinner (Sunset option only)
• Professional guide
• Transportation by luxury air-conditioned coach

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel drop-offs

Good to Know

• The tour departs from Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4–18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London SW7 4LH, near Gloucester Road Underground Station. Your guide will meet you at the hotel's casino entrance. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure (1am for the Sunrise tour on 21 June).
• The Sunset tour returns to London around midnight to 1am; the Sunrise tour returns around 8.30–9am. The tour concludes at Victoria Station, with drop-offs along the way at Gloucester Road, Hyde Park Corner and Trafalgar Square.
• There's a 20–30 minute walk to reach the celebrations, including some walking on grass, so please wear warm clothing and sensible footwear. This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Due to the nature of this event, timings are approximate and we're unable to accommodate requests to join the tour at Stonehenge itself.
• Alcohol, glass and naked flames are not permitted on site. Small groundsheets, blankets and some personal food in a small bag are allowed (no large rucksacks). Please help preserve this historic site by not touching the stones and disposing of litter at the recycling points provided.
• If the supper venue in Lacock is unavailable, an alternative will be arranged in a nearby village.
• Free cancellation and full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before departure.