Are you wondering where Stonehenge is? I got you covered. I have been to Stonehenge several times. So let me share with you where this iconic landmark is located. Stonehenge is an awe-inspiring monument with truly distinctive features. The theories that add to the mystery of this destination are worth delving into.
Where exactly is Stonehenge? Stonehenge is located on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom. Stonehenge is bordered by the Cursus to the north, the Amesbury Archer Cemetery to the west and the River Avon to the east. Stonehenge’s latitude is 51.1740 and longitude -1.8224.
Although Stonehenge is indeed shrouded in mystery, there are stories from people in the field that can help us decipher what the purpose of this place is. Let’s learn more about the location and characteristics of Stonehenge.
Where is Stonehenge on the map?
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Stonehenge at a Glance
Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that welcomes millions of visitors each year. It is championed by English Heritage, the charity that manages and preserves England’s historic sites and buildings.
The site where Stonehenge is located, Salisbury Plain, is a large plateau with an area of ​​300 square miles or 780 square kilometers. In addition to being the location of Stonehenge, it is also a military training area and home to vast wildlife.
The wall of Stonehenge is about 100 meters in diameter. The average height of the stone blocks is 5-6 meters, and the weight is about 25 tons.
There are two types of stones at Stonehenge.
- Scary stones – these are the massive sandstones that form the outer rim of Stonehenge. They have an ash-white color. Sarsen stones are commonly found in the south of England.
- Blue stones – these are the smaller stones that make up the inner layer. They have a bluish-gray color. The Bluestones are from the Presley Hills in South West Wales.
In addition to stone types, Stonehenge also has named stones. Some of them are as follows:
- Altar stone – it is the most famous blue stone and is believed to have been used as a centerpiece
- Karn Manny – this is the name of the Presley Hills quarry in Wales
- Craig Ross-y-Fellin – this is a quarry that could have been the source of the bluestones
- Preseli Spotted Dolerite – as its name suggests, this blue stone has an aesthetic mottled pattern
- Rhyolite – is a volcanic rock that is usually gray or brown in color
Distance from Stonehenge to other destinations in the United Kingdom
| SIGNIFICANCE | DISTANCE |
| Avebury to Stonehenge | 38.78 kilometers or 24.1 miles |
| Bath city Stonehenge | 53.59 kilometers or 33.3 miles |
| Cotswolds to Stonehenge | 86.9 kilometers or 54 miles |
| Windsor Castle to Stonehenge | 109.9 kilometers or 68.3 miles |
| London to Stonehenge | 130.3 kilometers or 88.1 miles |
Fun facts about Stonehenge
- The approximate age of Stonehenge is 5000 years. Although it has been here for centuries, the exact reason for its existence is still unknown. Many believe that it is for religious and ritualistic purposes.
- It is estimated that the construction of Stonehenge took about 1,500 years. This theory arose because the elements found showed significant age gaps between each other.
- The stones are linked to the movement of the sun, giving the impression that Stonehenge could have been used as a calendar or observatory.
- The original layout of Stonehenge is believed to be circular. There may have been two circles: the outer sarsen circle and the inner bluestone circle.
- Stonehenge’s most massive stones weigh a whopping 25 tons, or 22.6 metric tons each. This is something that confuses many people because no one seems to be able to determine how the stones were moved and kept in their upright position.
- There is a replica of the Sarsen stone on site where one (or more) can try and see if they can move the stone the way the old workers did. It can be safely assumed that no one ever moved the said stone from its place.
- The Stonehenge bluecars are believed to have traveled 240 kilometers from the Presley Hills in South Wales to Wiltshire. The way they were transported there might have involved a boat trip or some other means involving several stages.
- Stonehenge was once sold at auction, and someone did. For £6,600, a local and wealthy British businessman named Cecil Chubby bought Stonehenge as a gift for his wife. In today’s currency, this amount is equivalent to approximately £730,000.
- Every year people gather at Stonehenge to celebrate the summer and winter solstices. At these times you can witness the alignment of the stones with the rising and setting sun.
- It is believed that Stonehenge once served as a cemetery. According to scientists, at least 64 Neolithic people were buried here. 56 pits or “Aubrey pits” contained cremated human remains.
More about Stonehenge
- Stonehenge is definitely one of the places you must visit when you are in the UK. This ancient site is undeniably a popular tourist destination.
- Your two-week itinerary in the UK wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see Stonehenge. Be sure to check out my recommendations so you can see the best the country has to offer.
- Stonehenge is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK. Others are Blenheim Palace, the City of Bath and Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, to name a few.
- Salisbury is a day trip away from London, making a trip to Stonehenge quite possible.
- There are many ways to see Stonehenge. Get Your Guide has Stonehenge tours combined with other great attractions in the area, so be sure to check them out.
- Stonehenge is easily accessible from neighboring areas of the UK. I trust Trainline and Omio when it comes to booking train and bus journeys. If I need to book a flight to where Stonehenge is, I go to Skyscanner. When I need to rent a car to go to Stonehenge, Discover Cars saves me a lot of time by giving me all the options in just one click.
Frequently asked questions about Stonehenge
Where exactly is Stonehenge?
Stonehenge is located right on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, United Kingdom.
Is Stonehenge in Somerset or Wiltshire?
Stonehenge is in Wiltshire.
Stonehenge is close to London.
In which country is Stonehenge located?
Stonehenge is located in the country of England.
Where is Stonehenge in Europe?
Stonehenge is located in the United Kingdom, which is part of the continent of Europe.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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All things Zany Travel Blog, exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history and culture. Our travel media brand was founded by travel and hotel industry expert Ryazan Tristram, a dual citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to create a great travel community and travel advice, visa and travel guide resource for travelers. Join us as we travel the UK and beyond on a mission to share the best of the world.