Stonehenge Special Access Guided Evening Tour from London

Enjoy a unique opportunity to walk among the ancient stones of Stonehenge during its after-hours special access tour from London. Priced at $219.46 per person and lasting approximately 11 hours, this guided experience takes you behind the ropes to visit the Inner Circle—a rare privilege that most visitors miss. The tour also includes stops at Avebury, a charming medieval village, and the West Kennet Long Barrow, a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial site. With round-trip transfers in air-conditioned comfort from Earl’s Court Station, this tour suits those eager for an immersive, historically rich day out.

While the group size is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a personal feel, the tour’s most celebrated feature remains the exclusive access to Stonehenge after hours, making it a standout choice for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach receive high praise, elevating the experience beyond just visiting ancient sites.

Key Points

• Exclusive after-hours access to Stonehenge’s inner circle allows walking among the stones—a rare and memorable experience.
• Tour includes visits to Avebury and West Kennet Long Barrow, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Britain.
• Round-trip transportation from London in air-conditioned vehicles ensures comfort and convenience.
• Expert guides provide engaging commentary, enriching the storytelling at each site.
• The tour is highly rated, with 5-star reviews emphasizing the knowledgeable guides and personalized experience.
• The tour duration of around 11 hours makes it a full, immersive day, although it requires advance planning due to early start times.

Stonehenge Special Access: An Evening of History and Solitude

This tour starts from Earl’s Court Station, where travelers are picked up in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. The journey to Wiltshire takes around an hour and a half, during which guides share insights about the prehistoric landscape and the history of the sites you’ll visit. Once in Wiltshire, the tour’s highlight begins: the exclusive evening access to Stonehenge, where the inner circle is open only to this group.

Being able to walk among the stones after hours offers a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere, far removed from the daytime crowds. Several reviews mention that guides like Kelly and Mark bring the stones alive with their stories, making the experience both educational and emotionally impactful. The small group size enhances this intimacy, allowing for unobstructed photos and a more personal connection to the site.

Visiting Avebury: The Quaint Neolithic Village

Before reaching Stonehenge, the tour visits Avebury, a medieval village famous for its massive stone circle. The site offers a short walking tour of the stones that surround the village, giving visitors a sense of the ancient landscape. After exploring, there’s free time to enjoy a meal, with the Red Lion Pub often recommended for its historic charm and hearty food.

Avebury’s less crowded atmosphere and expansive stone circle provide a different perspective on prehistoric Britain compared to Stonehenge. The village’s quaint streets and the stone circle’s size make it a peaceful, inspiring stop that balances the intensity of the main site.

West Kennet Long Barrow: A 5,000-Year-Old Tomb

After Avebury, the tour continues to West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic burial site over 5,000 years old. The site features large burial chambers that the guide takes visitors into, bringing its history vividly to life. Nearby, Silbury Hill provides a scenic backdrop to this site, adding to the sense of stepping back into deep prehistory.

The walk up the hillside to the barrow offers scenic views, and the interior chambers deliver a tangible connection to early ceremonial practices. This stop offers a quieter, reflective moment in the day, contrasting nicely with the more active archaeological sites.

The Exclusive Evening Visit to Stonehenge’s Inner Circle

The core of this tour is the special access to Stonehenge after hours, a privilege that makes this experience especially meaningful. Unlike standard daytime visits, this private group walks inside the circle—an experience described as “priceless” and “like stepping into a time machine”.

Your guide leads you through the stones, sharing detailed history and theories about their purpose. The light during the evening adds a magical quality, and the small group size ensures you have plenty of space to explore and take photos without crowds. Reviews highlight that guides like Pat Kelly and Edward enhance the visit with their enthusiasm and knowledge, making the stones feel even more alive.

This rare access is the main draw for many, and reviews consistently mention the exceptional value of walking among ancient stones during this quiet, contemplative time.

Logistics: Meeting Points, Transport, and Group Size

The tour begins at Earl’s Court Station (Stop C), with pickup included in the ticket price. The return also happens back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics for London-based travelers. The coach is described as modern and comfortable, equipped with air-conditioning, making the long day more pleasant.

Group sizes are capped at 30 travelers, creating an environment that feels intimate and allows guides to offer personalized commentary. The tour is suitable for most participants, with service animals allowed and near public transportation making access straightforward.

Tour Schedule and Timing

Most bookings are made around 58 days in advance, with different entry times in 2024, so travelers should check their E-ticket for the exact departure time. The full duration of approximately 11 hours means you’ll be out from early morning until late evening, ideal for those comfortable with long days of sightseeing.

The evening component at Stonehenge is carefully timed to coincide with twilight hours, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the visit. The tour’s itinerary provides a good balance between guided explanations and free exploration.

Value and Overall Experience

While the ticket price of $219.46 may seem higher than standard day trips, the exclusive after-hours access and small-group environment justify the cost. The reviews consistently highlight guides’ expertise and the personalized experience as key benefits.

The full day of visiting Neolithic sites with a knowledgeable guide makes this tour a compelling choice for anyone eager to combine history, archaeology, and a touch of adventure. The limited availability and early booking requirement reflect the tour’s popularity and the unique nature of the access.

Final Thoughts on the Stonehenge Special Access Guided Evening Tour

This tour offers an unmatched opportunity to stand inside Stonehenge’s iconic circle during twilight, with most visitors unable to do so. The mixture of guided storytelling, historic stops like Avebury and West Kennet Long Barrow, and luxury transportation make it a memorable, comprehensive experience.

It suits history enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking a profound connection with prehistoric Britain. The expert guides and personalized access are the tour’s strongest points, although travelers should prepare for a long day. The limited group size ensures a more intimate experience, appreciated in reviews for making the stones feel accessible and meaningful.

For those ready to explore Wiltshire’s ancient sites with a guide who brings history to life, this special access tour from London is a highly recommended choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The overall cost is $219.46 per person, including all stops and guided access.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from Earl’s Court Station (Stop C) in London and returns there at the end of the day.

How long does the tour last?
The full experience lasts approximately 11 hours, making it a full-day activity.

What makes this tour different from others?
The exclusive after-hours access to Stonehenge’s inner circle is the main highlight, allowing visitors to walk among the stones in a private setting.

Are guides experienced and knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise guides like Kelly, Pat Kelly, Edward, and others for their enthusiasm and expertise.

Is transportation comfortable?
The air-conditioned coach offers a comfortable ride from London to Wiltshire.

Can I bring service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What should I wear or bring?
It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking the sites; specific recommendations are not provided.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
The data does not specify accessibility details, but the small group size and easy access to sites suggest manageable conditions for most.

What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

Are food options provided during the tour?
The tour includes free time at Avebury, where lunch at the Red Lion Pub is recommended, but meals are not included in the package.

Is booking in advance necessary?
Yes, most bookings are made around 58 days in advance, and availability can be limited.

This Stonehenge Special Access Guided Evening Tour from London offers a rare chance to experience Stonehenge in a peaceful, intimate setting while exploring fascinating Neolithic sites. With high praise from past participants, the combination of exclusive access, expert guides, and comfortable transportation makes it a compelling choice for a memorable day out in Wiltshire.