Summer solstice anticipation builds

Tuesday, 20 June 2023 01:00

The longest day of the year arrives tomorrow morning as the sun rises over the ancient stones at Stonehenge.

The weather forecast looks good for this year's event as thousands of people are due to arrive at the stones to watch the sunrise over the Heel Stone just after 10 to 5 on Wednesday (21st June) morning.

Visitors are urged to leave their cars at home this year or car share where they can, as parking is limited.

For those walking, temporary crossing points will be installed on the A303 by Stonehenge Cottages.

Salisbury Reds’ special Solstice service goes from Salisbury railway station and Stand U in New Canal to a drop-off point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Buses will also stop at bus stops along the route via Amesbury.

The Salisbury Reds bus service is wheelchair accessible and begins at 18:30 hours on Tuesday, 20th June, and runs regularly (15-minute intervals) until 01:00 hours on Wednesday, 21st June.

A service taking people back to Salisbury will start again at 04:00 hours and run frequently until 10:00 hours. The collection point for the return service is in the same location as the drop-off point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.

There is a 25-30 minute walk (approximately 1½ miles or 2km) from the bus drop-off/collection point at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to Stonehenge.

This uneven walk is across National Trust downland: sensible footwear and a torch are advisable.

For those who are travelling by car, there is a £15 parking charge and the car parking times are as follows:

TUESDAY 20 JUNE SOLSTICE CAR PARK OPENS19.00 hours WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE LAST ADMISSION TO SOLSTICE CAR PARK06.00 hours (or when full)SOLSTICE CAR PARK TO BE VACATED12.00 hours (Noon)

The sunrise will be live-streamed on the official English Heritage YouTube channel.

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