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Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2025: A Magical Morning Among the Stones
- Jenn & Leon
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
Not all trips are planned. Some unfold like they were meant to happen. We did not originally book our UK house sit with the solstice in mind.
We were simply looking forward to a peaceful two-week stay in Pewsey following five weeks up north in Stoke, both arranged through TrustedHousesitters.
But when we realized we were just 30 minutes from Stonehenge, and that the solstice would occur during our stay, it felt like the universe was nudging us toward something special.
By the time we got there, we knew we were in total alignment. This was where we were meant to be, and the timing of everything could not have been more perfect.
We’ve visited Stonehenge before, walking its perimeter like so many others. But during the solstice, something changes.
The inner circle opens. The crowd swells. And the ancient stones are no longer out of reach. You can touch them, stand among them, and feel their energy from within.
In this post, we take you behind the scenes of our magical solstice morning at Stonehenge, plus everything you need to know if you’re thinking of going in 2026 or for the winter solstice.
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From Co-op to Crystal Clear
Our journey didn’t begin at the stones. It began in Pewsey town centre, on an ordinary shopping trip.
Just after leaving the Co-op, we spotted Crystal Clear, a small spiritual shop tucked along High Street.
Jenn has a lifelong love for crystals and energy, and I’ve always shared that curiosity. So in we went.
Inside, a rich conversation unfolded with the shop’s owner, Richie, part mystic, part historian. We spoke about ancient traditions, Wiltshire’s crop circles, and the magnetic pull of sacred places.
He casually mentioned the solstice (which he has attended many times) and gave us local insight: avoid the chaos of the official English Heritage car park.
Instead, park in Larkhill, at the end of Willoughby Road, and walk in across Salisbury Plain. No fees. No tickets. No fuss.
The Longest Day Begins at 3 AM
When the alarm went off at 3:00 am, we almost didn’t go. The comfort of the bed tugged hard.
But something told us we’d regret missing it. So by 3:50 am, we were driving through the quiet Wiltshire countryside under a soft pre-dawn sky.
Arriving in Larkhill, we found others had already lined the road with cars, but space remained. We parked easily and set off on foot.
The path stretched straight ahead, stony, silent, and glowing faintly under the moonlight.
It took us just over half an hour to cross the field. The wind was gentle. The energy is unmistakable.
As we crested the final rise, the sky turned from ink to indigo, then to rose gold.
Sunrise at the Stones
At exactly 4:50 am, the sun appeared, rising behind the Heel Stone and sending rays across the gathered crowd.
It was too packed near the front to see the alignment clearly, so we stayed back, enjoying the view in stillness while drums and chants echoed across the plain.
Later, as the mass of people began to drift, we made our way toward the inner circle.
This was the part we’d waited for. Hand in hand, we stepped between the megaliths, towering, ancient, and buzzing with energy.
Around us, people played flutes, meditated, danced barefoot, or simply looked up in awe. A group practiced yoga nearby. The air smelled of coffee and earth. It felt both deeply human and timeless.
Touching the stones is something we’ll never forget. The texture, the weight, the energy; words can’t fully capture it.
The Story Behind the Stones
Stonehenge’s story begins over 4,500 years ago, making it older than the pyramids of Egypt.
What began as an earthwork enclosure around 3100 B.C. evolved into a masterpiece of prehistoric engineering, with concentric rings of massive sarsen stones (from nearby Marlborough Downs) and bluestones (sourced from the Preseli Hills in Wales, over 140 miles away).
Although recent archaeological theories explore Orkney’s Neolithic influence, geological analysis confirms that the bluestones were transported from Wales, an astonishing feat given their size and distance.
The monument’s design is astronomically aligned. At the summer solstice, the sun rises directly behind the Heel Stone, and at the winter solstice, it sets in line with the central trilithon stones.
These alignments suggest the site functioned as a solar calendar, guiding agricultural, ritual, or spiritual events.
Stonehenge also sits within a greater sacred landscape. Nearby lie Durrington Walls, a vast Neolithic settlement, the Stonehenge Avenue, and hundreds of burial mounds.
It was not just a monument; it was the heart of an ancient ceremonial world.
Solstices at Stonehenge
⪢ Summer Solstice (June 20–22)
The sun rises behind the Heel Stone and shines into the heart of the circle.
Celebrated as a time of life, fertility, and solar power, with music, rituals, and joy.
The only time of year you can legally walk among the stones without a special booking.
⪢ Winter Solstice (Dec 20–23)
The sun sets between the great trilithons inside the monument.
A more solemn event, marking the return of light after the longest night.
Many archaeologists believe this was the more important solstice for the ancient builders.
Both solstices are free and open to the public, managed with care by English Heritage.
Whether you go for sunrise in June or sunset in December, you’re part of a tradition stretching back thousands of years.
How to Get to Stonehenge
Stonehenge is located in Wiltshire, England, about 15 km north of Salisbury and 140 km southwest of London.
Despite its remote feel, it’s very accessible by public transport, car, or guided tour.
By Car
From Amesbury, follow the A345 and A3028. We recommend parking along Willoughby Road in Larkhill, a free alternative with easy walking access.
The A303 often closes on solstice morning — check diversion routes in advance.
By Train
By Tour
💡 From Larkhill, the walk across Salisbury Plain to Stonehenge takes around 30 minutes along a rough stony track. Wear good shoes and bring a torch!
Where to Stay Near Stonehenge
Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Salisbury hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the area.
Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination.
Tips for Visiting
● Aim to arrive by 4 - 4:30 am for the summer solstice, or by 3:30 pm for winter.
● Bring warm layers, snacks, water, and a headtorch.
● Toilets and food vans are available near the site.
● You can camp overnight in nearby fields — speak to local landowners or check with Crystal Clear in Pewsey for tips.
● Stay nearby through TrustedHousesitters if you're looking for a slower, more local experience.
● Respect the space — everyone from druids to yogis to tourists gathers here. It’s a rare moment of shared humanity.
Interesting Facts About Stonehenge
● Older than the pyramids — built over 4,500 years ago
● The bluestones were transported from Wales, over 140 miles away
● Some stones resonate when tapped, suggesting they may have been chosen for sound
● Paintings and carvings once adorned the stones
● Only 17 of the 30 original sarsens still stand
● Alignments match both the sun and moon, making it a complex astronomical site
● Thousands of burial mounds dot the surrounding plains
● The entire site may have evolved over 1,500 years
● Spiritual groups continue to hold modern-day rituals during the solstices
● UNESCO status protects Stonehenge as part of a larger ceremonial landscape
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Our Experience Rating:
Stonehenge Summer Solstice
There’s no way to fully prepare for what it feels like to stand inside Stonehenge at dawn, watching the sun rise through a gap that ancient builders placed thousands of years ago.
It’s more than a sight, it’s a feeling. A stillness. A surge. A reminder that life moves in cycles, and we’re lucky to witness them.
If you’re even thinking about attending the solstice in 2026, do it.
Whether it's the golden glow of midsummer sunrise or the quiet reverence of midwinter sunset, you’ll leave changed—no doubt about it.
FAQ: Stonehenge Summer Solstice 2025 – What You Need to Know
What date was the Stonehenge Summer Solstice in 2025?
The summer solstice sunrise at Stonehenge was celebrated on Saturday, June 21st, 2025. The sun rose around 4:52 AM, but visitors arrived overnight.
Is entry to Stonehenge free for the solstice?
What time does the site open for solstice celebrations?
Can you touch the stones during the solstice?
What should I bring with me?
Is it family-friendly?
What’s the best way to get there?
Are there toilets and facilities?
Is the solstice livestreamed?
Can I attend the Winter Solstice too?
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