Stonehenge

World Heritage Site Stonehenge is one of the most important prehistoric monuments in the world. Dating back an astonishing 5,000 years, its exact purpose has been long debated.

The monument stands on a small mound in a vast plain of the Wiltshire countryside, not far from Salisbury. As you approach by road, the stones suddenly come into view far off in the distance. You can’t help but feel excitement, awe, and perhaps a little fear. The sheer scale of the stones shocks you, despite having seen them in hundreds of pictures.

Stonehenge is made up of 2 concentric stone circles encircled by a deep trench in the earth. It’s thought construction happened in several stages spanning 1,600 years. The stone includes Bluestone, Sarson and Welsh Sandstone, which travelled over 240 miles to reach Wiltshire. The heaviest stones weigh 50 tonnes – it would have taken 600 men to move just one!

We still don’t know what its original purpose was. Some say it was a temple to worship the gods. While others describe it as an astronomical observatory, or prehistoric calendar, because of the way it aligns with the sun and moon. There are many theories, but one thing is certain; Stonehenge has endured millennia, and no matter what you beliefs, you’ll feel there’s something sacred about it.

It cost £5.90 for adults and £3 for children to enter inside the fenced off area. But you can get a good view from outside the main enclosure and there are many free prehistoric monuments and artefacts in the local area like Woodhenge (www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.327) and Avebury (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-avebury/) circle – the largest stone circle in Europe.

For more visitor information see: Stonehenge (www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge)

For you are interested in attractions like Stonehenge then the Great British Heritage Pass (www.visitbritaindirect.com/en-GB/detail.aspx?ProductCode=Tp1) is a must-have item to purchase before you travel. Only available to the overseas visitor it allows free entry into up to 600 castles, museums and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain.

Get your Great British Heritage Pass

For any of you garden lovers or those planning a history or heritage themed trip around Britain, the essential "buy before you leave" product is the Great British Heritage Pass. Providing free entry into over 600 castles, gardens and stately homes across the length and breadth of Britain, it really is the key to unlocking Britain's secrets.

For full details and to order click here