Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tour from London: Sunset or Sunrise Viewing

Celebrating the summer solstice at Stonehenge from London is a unique way to mark the longest day of the year. This 11-hour tour, priced at $187.08 per person, offers an opportunity to witness the ancient UNESCO-listed site during its special festival atmosphere. You have the choice of a sunrise or sunset viewing, with sunset trips adding visits to Avebury and dinner in a charming pub. While the tour promises a memorable experience, some reviews highlight organizational issues, so it’s worth considering whether the timing and structure suit your expectations.

This tour is best suited for those interested in a cultural and historical experience combined with the ritualistic aspect of the solstice celebrations. It offers round-trip transportation from South Kensington, London, with a professional guide to enhance your understanding of the sites. However, potential travelers should be aware of the mixed feedback on organization and timing, especially during the busy solstice period.

Key Points

• Celebrates summer solstice at Stonehenge with sunrise or sunset options
• Includes access inside Stonehenge to walk among the stones
• Optional visits to Avebury for the sunset tour, with free entry to the stone circle
• Dinner in Lacock or at The George Inn (for sunset trips) is included, pending tour option
• Round-trip coach transport from South Kensington, with a professional guide
• Limited hotel transfer options; main meeting point is in central London

Starting Point at Millennium Hotel in South Kensington

The tour departs from the Millennium Hotel and Conference Centre Gloucester located at 4-18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington. This central London meeting point is near excellent public transportation, making it easy to access. The tour begins early in the morning or late in the evening, depending on the selected viewing time, with a coach providing air-conditioned comfort for the 11-hour journey.

This setup suits travelers who prefer a well-organized pickup from a central location rather than hotel transfers. The group size is capped at 55 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience with a professional guide leading the way and explaining the significance of each site.

Inside Stonehenge During the Summer Solstice

The highlight of this tour is the chance to walk inside the iconic stone circle at Stonehenge. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is especially lively during the solstice, with druids, sun worshipers, and pagans gathering to welcome the longest day of the year. The tour includes admission tickets to Stonehenge, allowing you to explore and experience the site up close.

The three-hour stop provides ample time to soak in the atmosphere, take photos, and listen to the guides’ explanations about the site’s history and rituals that still take place there. The site’s sacred ambiance, combined with the festival mood, makes this a distinctive event, though it can be crowded, especially during the solstice.

Sunset vs Sunrise Viewing Options

This tour offers a choice of sunrise or sunset viewing, each with its own appeal. The sunrise tour tends to be quieter and more introspective, allowing for a peaceful experience as the first light illuminates the stones. The sunset tour, on the other hand, is often more vibrant, with a festival-like atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon.

For the sunset option, the tour includes a visit to Avebury, a prehistoric stone circle with free entry. After exploring the stones, travelers can enjoy a supper in Lacock at The George Inn, a 14th-century pub, where a 1-course dinner is included. This addition adds a relaxed, social element to the evening, contrasting with the more solitary sunrise experience.

Visiting Avebury on the Sunset Tour

Avebury stands out as a significant highlight of the sunset option. As one of the largest stone circles in Europe, it offers a different perspective from Stonehenge, with fewer visitors and a more sprawling layout. The one-hour visit allows ample time to walk among the stones and learn about their prehistoric significance.

The free admission makes Avebury an accessible and meaningful addition to the tour, enhancing your understanding of ancient Britain’s ceremonial landscape. While the sunset timing adds a festive and reflective mood, storms or weather conditions can influence the experience, so being prepared for outdoor conditions is advisable.

The Dinner Experience at The George Inn

For those opting for the sunset tour, the 45-minute stop at The George Inn in Lacock offers a historic setting for dinner. As a 14th-century pub, it provides a cozy atmosphere and traditional surroundings. The included one-course meal offers a chance to relax after exploring the stones, although reviews mention that food quality varies and some found it inedible.

This dining experience adds a social aspect to the evening, giving travelers an opportunity to discuss the day’s sights and enjoy local history. Travelers should note that the dinner venue might change to a different village during certain dates.

The Experience of Celebrating Summer Solstice at Stonehenge

The core appeal of this tour is witnessing Stonehenge during the solstice — a time when the ancient stones are alive with celebrations. The festival atmosphere includes druids, sun worshipers, and pagan rituals, creating an energetic and mystical environment.

The guided explanations enhance understanding of the rituals and history, making the experience both educational and spiritual. The admission grants access inside the site, which is usually closed to the public, allowing for an intimate viewing during a time of significance.

Practicalities and Tour Logistics

The tour involves round-trip coach transportation from South Kensington, with air-conditioned coaches to ensure comfort during the long day. The group size is limited to 55 travelers, helping maintain a manageable atmosphere.

Travelers should be prepared for long hours and moderate physical activity, especially when exploring the stones. The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so arriving at the meeting point on time is crucial. The duration varies between 7 and 12 hours, depending on the chosen viewing option and the day’s schedule.

Considering the Feedback on Organization

While the tour offers a compelling experience, some reviews point out organizational issues, such as delays, lost coaches, and rushed schedules. These complaints highlight the importance of being flexible and patient during the busy solstice period. The guide’s knowledge is praised, but logistical hiccups can affect overall enjoyment.

Travelers should weigh these factors when planning, especially if punctuality and smooth logistics are priorities. It’s advisable to confirm details closer to the date and be prepared for potential delays.

Is This Tour Worth It?

This tour provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge with special access and a festive atmosphere. The choice between sunrise and sunset gives some flexibility to tailor the experience to personal preferences. The inclusion of visits to Avebury and dinner on the sunset trip adds variety.

However, the mixed reviews about organization and food quality suggest that potential participants should approach with realistic expectations. If history, ritual, and ancient sites excite you, this tour offers a meaningful way to mark the longest day of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, the tour starts at the Millennium Hotel in South Kensington. Travelers need to arrive at the meeting point on time.

What are the main differences between the sunrise and sunset tours?
The sunrise tour offers a peaceful start with an early morning view, while the sunset tour includes additional stops at Avebury and dinner in Lacock, creating a more social evening experience.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 11 hours, but can vary between 7 and 12 hours depending on the day and chosen options.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes admission tickets to Stonehenge and Avebury (for sunset), round-trip coach transport, a professional guide, and a 1-course dinner at The George Inn if selecting the sunset option.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a strong physical fitness level to comfortably walk around the stone sites and handle outdoor conditions.

What is the main criticism mentioned in reviews?
Some reviews mention poor organization, including delays and rushing, which can impact the overall experience. It’s good to be aware of this before booking.

This Stonehenge Summer Solstice Tour offers a memorable way to experience the ancient site during its most important festival, though travelers should consider the organizational aspects and weather conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.