Stonehenge

Recently we went to check out Stonehenge- i.e., we drove an hour and paid £8 to look at some really old rocks. Rocks that you can't even get close to.

Stonehenge is run by English Heritage, which runs many historical locations in the country. If you have a membership to English Heritage, then your entrance to Stonehenge (and the other places) is free.

 Ok so from my first comment, it doesn't really sound like a place you'd want to visit, right? That was not my reaction, but the reaction of the others with me (ahemm) BEFORE we went. I am proud to say they were singing a different tune after.

 When you arrive, you do your basic park, pay, and enter. From the road, it looks like you could just walk up and jump the very low fence without paying, which I am sure you could do. However, for those of us who like to do things legally, it's the former.

Now, what I mentioned before is true. You can't get close to the stones. This is due to graffiti, vandalism, yadda yadda. Instead, you get this cattle herd circling around the stones (minus the "moos").

However, it is ok that you aren't close. The stones are massive, and the walking circle is far enough out that it gives you a perfecty clear and unobstructed view the whole way around. Sure, climbing in and out of the stones would be fun, but if I can't do that, the second best thing is getting a fabulous picture.

Pretty fabulous if I do say so myself. 

The cost of the tour covers a free audio guide- I am a huge fan of these, because they let you get information while still getting to move at your own pace. Some people paid for tour guides to come along with them, but I learned very early on in life (thanks to growing up in a tourist town), that you don't need to shell out for a tour guide as well.. just meander behind someone else who has!

Testing the electromagnetism of the stones- the woman held the metal rods towards the stones, and they pushed themselves away- without her doing anything!

So how long do you stare at these stones? Well, we wandered around them, stopped and took a ton of pictures, pondered over the construction...all-in-all about 20 minutes. Yeah I know, it's not a lot of time. There is a cafe near the entrance if you want to stay longer (I guess to "make more" of the trip).

Another reason I didn't mind not being able to get close to the stones is cause I have an awesome camera... Just look at the zoom! 

The countryside around the stones provides a nice view as well. There are many ancient burial mounds near the area.

Currently, they are building an addition to the simple tourist trap that is currently Stonehenge. It's a good half a mile away, sure, but it will definitely add some much needed facilities to the landmark.

This stone is randomly off by itself.

So, what's the final say on visiting Stonehenge?

I say do it- but don't drive all the way out just to visit it. Stonehenge is about a 45 minute drive from our house, on the west side of London. If you are in the city, you are looking at almost 2 hours. 

While we were in the area, we went to Cheddar Gorge (which I will blog about soon). Combined, those two made the perfect day out! Also nearby is Longleats Safari park, and the historic city of Bath. 

So, do yourself a favor and check out these mystical and awe-inspiring stones. But don't stop there- take advantage of getting to learn a bit about the England outside of big city life!