Backpackers Guide to London

Stonehenge

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Introduction

Stonehenge may well be the oldest surviving architectural structure made by man. Archeologists estimate it to have been built sometime during the Neolithic and Bronze Age era. The cluster of stones is said to have been constructed between 2500 and 2000 BC, and the circular earth bank and ditch at around 3100 BC.

The word “Stonehenge” is said to have been derived from the Old English word "stan" meaning "stone”, and either the word “hencg” for “hinge” or “hen(c)en”, which translates to gallows.

In 1986, Stonehenge and its immediate surroundings were included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. It is owned and managed by English Heritage and is a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument. This magnificent post-and-lintel stone structure can be found near in the English town of Amesbury, Wiltshire, which is located 8 miles north of the small, cathedral city of Salisbury, and around 90 miles west of London.

Location

There are several ways by which tourists can reach the famed stone structure. If you’re familiar with the streets of London, then from the airport, you may drive directly to Stonehenge. There are different routes coming from both airports, but once you reach the M3 Basingstoke, Junction 12 motorway, there is only one route to the famed monument.

If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain, might as well take the scenic route and go by Coach. Coaches to Amesbury (not Stonehenge) run from the Heathrow Airport and the Victoria Coach Station in Central London. If you’re coming from Gatwick, you have to go to either one of these stations first, and take the coach to Amesbury. Once at Amesbury, you can either walk (it’s just 2 miles anyway) or take ride on one of the local buses or taxis.

Finally, you can reach Stonehenge by train. If you opt to go by train, you need to depart from London’s Waterloo Station. A train journey lasts about an hour and half and the nearest station to Stonehenge is located at Salisbury. From there, you’ll probably need to take a bus or a cab to the site.

Accomodation

If you wish to spend the night, you can stay at one of the two available accommodations in the vicinity. The Mandalay Guest house, located about a mile and a half from Stonehenge is probably the closest bed and breakfast accommodation you can find. Mandalay has five non-smoking bedrooms each decorated tastefully and equipped with a colour television and en-suite bathroom. From Mandalay, guests need only to walk 20 minutes to reach Stonehenge.

The other accommodation alternative is the Stable Cottage in the village of Potterne. As the name implies, the Stable Cottage used to be a stable in the 17th century. Since then it has been converted to a guest house. This historic accommodation has a lounge, kitchen/diner, one double room with en suite shower room and toilet. The cottage is also equipped with electric heaters, refrigerator, microwave, colour TV, video, CD radio cassette. There is also a parking area for one car.

To preserve the condition of the accommodations both are non-smoking areas, and pets are not allowed in the premises.

Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677