London: Stonehenge Morning or Afternoon Tour with Optional Lunch

History

Stonehenge, located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most enigmatic prehistoric monuments, constructed between approximately 3100 BCE and 1600 BCE. This iconic stone circle, composed of massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones, was built in phases by Neolithic people, likely for ceremonial purposes, possibly tied to solar worship, burials, or astronomical observations. Its engineering—transporting stones from distant quarries—remains a remarkable feat, fueling theories about its purpose, from a sun temple to a mythical creation by Merlin.

A global symbol of ancient mystery, Stonehenge has captivated scholars and visitors for centuries, with its solstice alignments and enduring secrets making it a must-visit site. Its cultural significance and archaeological richness draw millions to explore its history, set against the sweeping landscapes of the English countryside.

Highlights

• Explore the 5,000-year-old Stonehenge with over 2 hours of free time
• Enjoy expert commentary via a multilingual audio guide (13 languages)
• Take a scenic drive through Salisbury Plain’s rolling countryside
• Savor a classic fish and chips meal at a London venue (if option selected)
• Benefit from skip-the-line entry and shuttle service to the stones

Full Description

Embark on a 6.5-hour morning or afternoon tour from London to Stonehenge, departing from Victoria Coach Station in an air-conditioned bus. Choose from multiple start times—8:15 AM (April–October), 10:45 AM, or 1:15 PM (April–September)—and enjoy a 2-hour scenic drive through Salisbury Plain, with a host or greeter providing insights in English. Upon arrival, use your skip-the-line ticket to access Stonehenge, its exhibition, and the shuttle bus to the stones (or opt for a 30-minute walk).

Spend 2.5 hours exploring the iconic stone circle at your own pace, using a downloadable audio guide (available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, German, Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Polish, Korean, Portuguese, and Javanese) on your device to uncover the monument’s mysteries. Marvel at the 40-ton sarsen stones, learn about theories of their purpose—sun temple, cemetery, or Merlin’s creation—and visit the exhibition to explore Neolithic artifacts and reconstructions. Capture photos of the stones against the vast plain and browse the gift shop for guidebooks or souvenirs.

After your visit, return to London via a 2-hour coach ride, with drop-off at Victoria Railway Station or The Jugged Hare in Victoria. If you’ve selected the lunch option, enjoy a classic British fish and chips meal at a traditional London venue, capping off your adventure with a taste of local cuisine. This tour offers a seamless, enriching experience of one of the world’s most famous ancient sites.

Why Choose This Experience?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, travelers with limited time, and those seeking a hassle-free visit to Stonehenge. The skip-the-line entry and shuttle service ensure maximum time at the site, while the multilingual audio guide caters to a global audience, making the monument’s history accessible and engaging. The scenic Salisbury Plain drive adds a picturesque dimension, and the optional fish and chips lunch provides a quintessentially British touch.

Compared to independent travel (costing around £50 for transport plus £25 for admission), this tour offers excellent value with comfortable transport, expert commentary, and a convenient schedule that returns you to London by early afternoon (morning tour) or evening (afternoon tour). Whether you’re a solo traveler or with family, this tour delivers a memorable, efficient way to explore Stonehenge’s enduring mystery.

What’s Included

• Entrance fee to Stonehenge and its exhibition
• Downloadable audio guide in 13 languages
• Use of the Stonehenge shuttle bus to the stones
• Transportation by air-conditioned bus
• Fish and chips meal (if option selected)

Itinerary

• Depart from Victoria Coach Station (Gate 19 for 8:15 AM, Gate 0 for 10:45 AM or 1:15 PM)
• 2-hour coach ride to Stonehenge with scenic Salisbury Plain views
• 2.5-hour visit to Stonehenge, including the stone circle, exhibition, and shuttle bus
• Free time for photos, exploration, and shopping
• 2-hour return coach ride
• Drop-off at Victoria Railway Station or The Jugged Hare, Victoria
• Optional fish and chips meal at a London venue (if selected)

Pricing

From $86 per person

Meeting Point

Meet at Victoria Coach Station, London. Check-in begins 15 minutes before departure at Gate 19 (8:15 AM, April–October) or Gate 0 (10:45 AM or 1:15 PM, April–September for the latter). Confirm your gate based on your booked time.

How to Get There

• By Tube: Take the Victoria, District, or Circle line to Victoria Station, then walk 5 minutes to Victoria Coach Station via Buckingham Palace Road.
• By Bus: Routes 11, 44, or 211 stop at Victoria Station, a short walk to the coach station; check TfL for real-time schedules.
• By Train: Victoria Railway Station, served by Southern and Southeastern trains, is a 5-minute walk to the coach station.
• By Car/Taxi: Use Uber or black cabs to Victoria Coach Station (SW1W 9TP), but parking is limited—consider nearby Eccleston Square parking.

Good to Know

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking (30-minute walk to stones if not using shuttle)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (Salisbury Plain is exposed and windy)
• Charged mobile device for the downloadable audio guide
• Cash for optional guidebooks or souvenirs at Stonehenge
• Snacks (no food allowed on the bus; facilities available at Stonehenge visitor center)

Know Before You Go

• Check-in 15 minutes before departure; you can only travel at your booked time.
• Travel time (2 hours each way) may vary due to traffic; plan post-tour activities accordingly.
• The Stonehenge shuttle bus (10 minutes) is included, but expect potential wait times; alternatively, walk 30 minutes to the stones.
• Download the free Stonehenge Audio Tour app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before departure.
• The tour is not fully wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain at Stonehenge; contact the operator for specific needs.
• No food or drinks are allowed on the bus to maintain cleanliness.

Reviews

• Amazing tour! The guide’s humor and kindness made it unforgettable. Highly recommend!
• Relaxing trip with a great audio guide. The bus driver was fantastic!
• Outstanding experience! The driver’s multilingual skills and the tour’s pacing were perfect!