From London: Stonehenge Summer Solstice Sunset Tour (Jun 20)
London
Celebrate Summer Solstice at Stonehenge with this once a year event. See the sun sets and witness the pagan rituals taking place.
This guided tour visits Stonehenge and Avebury to celebrate the Summer Solstice, suitable for history and culture enthusiasts based in London.
Highlights
- Celebrate Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
- See the sunset over the stones
- Entry to Avebury henge and stone circles
- Dinner in the village of Lacock
Description
Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Salisbury Plain, dates back nearly 5,000 years and is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments worldwide. Its purpose remains debated, from theories of a lunar observatory to a sun temple or a cemetery. Discover its secrets and experience the Summer Solstice celebrations here.
The tour departs London at 12:00 noon, heading west to visit the ancient stones at Avebury. Afterwards, it proceeds to the village of Lacock for an early evening one-course dinner. The group arrives at Stonehenge around 19:00 to join the Summer Solstice event. Visitors can walk among the stones and observe pagan rituals and ceremonies throughout the evening before returning to London around midnight.
Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice is an astronomical event occurring twice yearly when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point relative to the celestial equator. The term originates from Latin 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still), describing the Sun's apparent pause before changing declination. After the solstice, daylight hours begin to decrease, marking the midpoint of summer celebrated by many cultures.
Pagan Celebrations
Pagans honor the sun’s power as a divine force of life. The Summer Solstice symbolizes the union of the God and Goddess, marking the peak of fertility and the start of the harvest cycle. Celebrants gather at ancient sites, including Stonehenge and Avebury, to perform vibrant ceremonies through the night, celebrating the last sunset and sunrise before the sun’s shift.
Includes
- Access to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice event
- Return transportation from and to London
- Entry to Avebury henge and stone circles
- One-course dinner
- Local guide
Excludes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Important Information
- A 20 to 30 minute walk is required between the Stonehenge coach park and the monument.
- Sunset viewing depends on weather conditions.
- Guests cannot join the tour directly at Stonehenge.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes and dress for changing weather. Booking in advance is recommended due to high demand during the Summer Solstice event.
