Stonehenge Opening Hours & Tickets (2026 Guide)
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and attracts more than a million visitors every year. Because of its popularity, visiting the site requires timed entry tickets, and opening hours vary depending on the season.
Below is a clear guide to Stonehenge opening hours, ticket prices, and special Inner Circle access visits.
Stonehenge Opening Hours (2026)
Stonehenge opens to the public for general admission at 9:30am each day.
Closing times vary depending on the season.
1 January – 27 March 2026
9:30am – 5:00pm
Last entry: 3:00pm
28 March – 6 September 2026
9:30am – 6:00pm
Last entry: 4:00pm
7 September 2026 – 16 March 2027
9:30am – 5:00pm
Last entry: 3:00pm
Christmas Day
Stonehenge is closed on 25 December.
Opening times may also vary slightly during the summer and winter solstices, when special events take place at the monument.
Stonehenge Timed Entry Tickets
Stonehenge operates a timed entry system. When booking your ticket, you must choose a specific arrival time.
Your ticket allows entry within a 30-minute arrival window, after which you can stay on the site as long as you wish during opening hours.
Because visitor numbers are controlled, it is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance, particularly during the summer months.
Stonehenge Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary depending on age and visitor category.
Typical prices are approximately:
• Adults: £25–£30
• Children: £15–£18
• Family tickets: from £44
• English Heritage members: free entry
What Your Stonehenge Ticket Includes
A standard Stonehenge ticket includes access to:
• the stone circle viewing pathway
• the Stonehenge Visitor Centre exhibitions
• the Neolithic houses reconstruction
• the free audio guide (available in multiple languages)
• the shuttle bus between the visitor centre and the stone circle
Visitors can also walk the scenic pathway from the visitor centre to the monument if they prefer.
Stonehenge Inner Circle Special Access
Most visitors see the stones from the circular pathway surrounding the monument.
However, on selected dates throughout the year, Stonehenge offers special access visits that allow visitors inside the stone circle itself.
These visits take place outside normal opening hours, either before the site opens or after it closes.
Typical session times include approximately:
• 6:45am
• 8:00am
• 5:45pm
• 7:00pm
• 8:15pm
Each special access session lasts around one hour, during which visitors can walk among the stones and experience the monument at close range.
Only 52 visitors are allowed into the circle at each session, which makes these visits extremely limited.
Inner Circle Access Price
Inner Circle access typically costs from £70 per Adult & £40 per child when booked independently.
Because availability is limited and transport can be difficult early in the morning or late in the evening, many visitors choose organised Inner Circle tours from London.
Visiting Stonehenge on a Tour
Stonehenge is located about 90 miles (145 km) west of London, and public transport connections can be complicated.
Many visitors choose an organised tour that includes:
• transportation from London
• timed entry tickets
• professional guides
• organised schedules
Stonehenge tours from London typically start from £72 per person & £69 per child, family tickets £273, including entry tickets.
You can compare available tours here:
Stonehenge tours from London
Can You Enter the Stone Circle?
During normal opening hours visitors cannot enter the stone circle itself.
Instead, visitors walk around the monument on a circular path that allows excellent views of the stones from different angles.
Entering the circle is only possible during Inner Circle special access visits.
Best Time of Day to Visit Stonehenge
Stonehenge can be busiest between late morning and mid-afternoon, especially during summer.
For a quieter experience many visitors prefer to visit:
• early in the morning
• later in the afternoon
• outside peak summer months
Sunrise and sunset Inner Circle visits are often considered the most magical time to experience the monument.