Every year on 21 June, thousands of people gather at Stonehenge to watch the sun rise above the Heel Stone ÔÇö the precise alignment that the monument's builders calibrated 5,000 years ago. It is free to attend and one of the most remarkable public events in Britain. Here's how to be there from Salisbury.
What Happens at the Solstice
English Heritage and Wiltshire Police open Stonehenge to public access from around midnight on the morning of 21 June. Visitors can walk among the stones freely ÔÇö no entrance fee, no timed entry required. Sunrise on the solstice typically occurs between 04:45 and 05:15 depending on the year. After sunrise, the site remains open until approximately 07:00 before normal ticketed operations resume.
Getting to Stonehenge from Salisbury for the Solstice
The standard Salisbury to Stonehenge Shuttle does not run at solstice hours (our first departure is 10:05 daily). For the solstice, you will need to arrange alternative transport for the outbound journey.
Pre-book a taxi: Contact a Salisbury taxi firm at least 2ÔÇô3 days before the solstice. Demand is very high and many drivers prefer not to work the early hours. Agree a pick-up time and confirm by phone the evening before.
Drive: Car parks near Stonehenge (Solstice car parks are designated annually by Wiltshire Police) are open for the event ÔÇö check wiltshire.police.uk in June for the current arrangements.
Return from Stonehenge
After the sunrise, plan to return to Salisbury. The Salisbury to Stonehenge Shuttle picks up from the Stonehenge car park from 10:40 onwards ÔÇö you can book a return slot and rest in Salisbury before catching your train home.
What to Bring
Warm layers ÔÇö even in June, pre-dawn on Salisbury Plain is cold. A torch. Water and snacks. No alcohol is permitted within the monument area.
Ready to visit Stonehenge from Salisbury? The shuttle departs directly opposite Salisbury Train Station. Just £20 return per person, all in.
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