stonehenge - inner circle

My DH and I did the inner circle thing several years ago and it was worth every penny. It really was one of the highlights of our trip. We got to mingle within the stones for an hour and it was amazing. When leaving, I was looking at how far the roped off area is from the stones and we agreed that if you stood that far away it really wouldn't be nearly as impressive.

From memory, the inner circle is one hour before and one hour after the regular hours. So it was not early enough for sunrise. And I can't remember how many were allowed in, but we were there with maybe 20 other people? Certainly not enough to call a crowd by any stretch.

Melody

Hi Jim -- My daughter and I are reserved for Stone Circle Access next month. At least in the summer months, there are three sessions before regular opening hours... one hour each beginning 5:30am, 6:45am and 8 am. We chose the 5:30am session in order to see sunrise or shortly thereafter (official sunrise the day we are there is 5:22am).
One reason I chose the early access is I am a hobby photographer and sunrise at Stonehenge would be good -- just pray on my behalf that there is sun visible to rise that day. Also, there are fewer people (max 30 per session) and closer access -- there are no ropes to stand behind. Just don't touch the stones.

This thread makes me happy that I saw Stonehenge way back in the olden days (1976), when everyone had "inner circle" access, and you could, indeed, touch the stones. As I recall, I was also carrying a fairly large backpack.

I walked among the stones in the old days. I got a big thrill out of it since my family came from this part of England.

Inner accèss is very worth it and sunrise just makes it even better !

My husband and I recently returned from the UK and we did the stone circle access. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and I loved getting up close to see the stones. Since 1978, they've prevented the general public from getting close and you're forced to view them from 30 yards or so behind ropes. But the stone circle access lets you visit the stones before opening or after closing times and you get amazing photos, without tons of people in them. We managed to get some amazing shots of just us and the stones. Our friends thought it was a private visit. Worth every pound and highly recommended. If you're going to travel all the way to see Stonehenge, you might as well pay a little extra to see them up close. I found out about this from a Rick Steves forum and I'm so grateful that person told me about it. Now I'm telling all my friends to do the same when they visit. Enjoy!

Where can you book the inner circle tour? I'm just looking for the early, up-close experience. Web searches show tour companies that want to take you more places. Poking around the English Heritage site I can find places to buy tickets, but they're for the regular hours (not the early access). Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks!

The Stonehenge number is 011443703330605. I think. I need to call again in the morning, and if I have it wrong I'll post a correction. The 011 is the international access code, the 44 is Britain's country code , and the 03703330605 is Stonehenge's area code and phone number, only I don't think you have to do the first 0. Apparently the first morning group is at 5:00, early enough for sunrise. Should be dramatic.

Here is an excerpt from the confirmation email I received:

"If you have any questions, please email us at [email protected] or call us on +44 (0)370 333 0605"
booking.
It is the email address to which I originally wrote asking for details about this booking.

I'm booked for the end of May. There were two time choices left (of three, in May) when I booked, and I booked February 5--almost three months in advance. One of those times had only a few spots left. So, if you want to do this in July, I'd advise booking ASAP.

I've read differing views on whether or not it is "worth it," but I want to do it, and it may be my only chance, so that's enough for me. I don't think I'll regret doing it, but I'd probably regret not doing it. Some say you can get better photos during regular hours, when there aren't other people among the stones, but with your inner circle access, you are allowed to go back again during regular hours and don't have to pay again.

I love those kinds of experiences. For example, in the Czech Republic, I visited a 14th century castle ruin, which we could go "inside," and I loved that. So, I feel like I'll love walking among the stones at Stonehenge, too, no matter what other, more jaded people might think of it.

English Heritage allows a maximum of 30 people inside, and you get about an hour. You are not supposed to touch the stones, FYI, in case that matters to you.

You can look up the sunrise time at Salisbury (near Stonehenge) for your date here: http://www.timeanddate.com/sun/uk/salisbury

Looks like July has three time choices in the morning, also: 5:00, 6:15, and 7:30.

Although Stonehenge is the most famous pre-historic site in the UK, you should be aware that many other sites with standing stones, burial tombs etc. exist which have free access at any time. Avebury is perhaps the nearest of these sites to Stonehenge which does have free access at any time. Near to Avebury is the West Kennet Long Barrow (tomb) and Silbury Hill.

Those interested might like to click the map. Zoom down on areas that you plan to visit and click on the symbols for more info of what you would find at that location. http://www.megalithic.co.uk/asb_mapsquare.php

Thank you for the tip, we have been intrigued by the descriptions of the long barrows.

We're scheduled for July 3, at 5:00. Sunrise is at 4:58, so it could be epic. Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry; your input was most helpful in making a decision.