How to enjoy the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

Thursday, 21 December 2023 00:00

Tomorrow (Friday, 22nd December) is the Winter Solstice and the shortest day of the year.

We have put together all the information you need to know to enjoy the solstice in person or remotely.

The weather for the event is expected to be fairly mild for the time of year, but there will be cloud around, which may affect the visibility of the sunrise.

Hundreds of people will head to the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge to celebrate the solstice. The car parks at the site will open at 5:15 am, with the cafe opening at the same time.

Parking will cost £5 per car and £2 per motorbike, with a shuttle service to the stones from the visitor centre. Alternatively, you can walk to the stones. This takes around 25 minutes.

Access to the stones will begin at 7:45 with sunrise expected at a few minutes after 8 am.

You can also travel to Stonehenge by bus; Salisbury Reds will be operating their 333 bus service to Stonehenge, so you can watch the Winter Solstice.

Buses will leave Salisbury between 0530 and 0640, returning from Stonehenge between 0915 and 1015. The timetable and fares are available to download by following this link: 333 Timetable

If you don't fancy making the journey yourself - you can watch the sunrise online - https://www.youtube.com/EnglishHeritage - with the live stream starting at 7 am.

More from Local News

Tributes paid to Stuart Withers after fatal accident in Salisbury

Tributes are being paid to Stuart Withers, who was knocked down and killed in an accident in Salisbury yesterday (22nd November) morning.
Salisbury's match against Maidstone United is ON

Salisbury's match against Maidstone United this afternoon is ON!
Shops tested on 'Challenge 25 policy' when selling knives

Almost 60% of shops visited by during a week of action focusing on knife crime passed the 'Challenge 25 policy' and didn't sell knives or bladed articles to under-age shoppers.
SEND families invited to online meeting to hear updates on SEND support

Wiltshire Council is inviting families of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to participate in an online session as part of the consultation on the funding for Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Longleat closed today due to bad weather

Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire will be closed today (Saturday 23 November) due to the forecast of strong winds.
Salisbury MP visits local primary school

Salisbury's MP has visited Winterbourne Earls Primary School and answered children's questions on a range of subjects.
Man in his 70s dies after Exeter Street collision

A man in his 70s has sadly died following a road traffic collision in Salisbury City Centre this morning (22nd November).
Weather Warning: Salisbury set for Heavy Rain this weekend

The Met Office has put a yellow weather warning in place across the area thanks to Storm Bert.