The barrows provide a fine, elevated view of Stonehenge.
Image credit: A. Brookes (25.11.2017)
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If ever a photo makes me want to visit a site just for the view alone, this is it.
Wonderful view and photo. The stones down there look mighty in the landscape.
This was essentially my first sight of Stonehenge (apart from a glimpse from a bit further north before trees got in the way). It's quite something to walk towards it along the Avenue, but the sense of wonder was quickly dispelled on arrival at the fences.
It's tricky to visit here after spending time at so many sites with not a soul in sight and open access. I've only been once, about 15 years back. Next time I'd like to take your approach down the Avenue I think.
If at all possible arrange an out of hours visit... assuming they still do them?Managed that twice in the 00's and it really does put a new perspective on the stones. Didn't appreciate just how truly massive the sarsens are before.
Festive greetings Gladman :-)
Looking at their website, I think they do. Price £38.50. Though it might be just for groups?
english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/plan-your-visit/stone-circle-access-visits/#section4
Something to think about for next time thanks
Thanks both, yep have been considering that for some years. I think the minimum number is two people if I remember from last time I looked, but I imagine there would probably be more anyway.
I booked through English Heritage. I went in 1 hour before opening, cost a little more than standard visiting and I didn't get my first choice of day. There were about 12 of us all together, mainly from overseas (I only booked for myself). We were allowed to walk around the stones, however, we were not allowed to touch them although of course a number of us did without seeming to bother the security man who accompanied us. It was a freezing cold January morning and the bus waits so those who could not take the cold for 1 hour could go back and sit on the bus for a warm up. Brilliant way to see the site in relative privacy and I am certainly going to book again assuming the system is still there (it was when I checked recently). I went a couple of months ago as an everyday tourist and it was a horrific experience so personally, will never do that again.
Happy New Year everyone...
Yeah, I agree the everyday tourist 'experience' is worse than useless. Utterly counterproductive in my case - which is why I booked and came back, then brought my parents for a further close up look.
Would recommend people go to Stonehenge and walk the surrounding area as TSC did... rather than do the tourist thing straight off. Walk the avenue, cursus, the associated barrow cemeteries (Bush Barrow etc). If you can book an out of hours definitely do it because it really is a mind blowing monument... if not, a distant view is better than the tourist view in my opinion