Day Trips to Stonehenge from Bath

The ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the most famous sights in Britain, and one of the most enigmatic. There are plenty of theories as to the monument's function and history, but very little is known for certain. Stonehenge is about an hour's drive from Bath, and can be combined with other ancient sites or with a countryside walk for a superb day out. For visitors who are staying in Bath without a car, or who prefer not to drive, there are a number of companies offering coach trips to Stonehenge.

> Coach trips to Stonehenge from Bath

Stonehenge lies on a spot where a series of circular monuments were constructed between 3000BC and 1600BC. Originally made of earth and wood, the stones which now stand in a circle, aligned with the solstice rising sun, were brought from various locations: sarsens from the Marlborough Downs (these are the large standing stones in an outer ring, connected by lintels), and bluestones brought all the way from Wales; a considerable achievement. Stonehenge is part of a fascinating wider landscape, including various burial mounds, Neolithic long barrows, an earthwork of unknown purpose and Woodhenge, also oriented to the solstice sunrise.

Stonehenge is managed by English Heritage and is surrounded by land owned by the National Trust. Members of both these organisations are admitted free. A full-price adult ticket costs £5.50, and concessions and family tickets are available. An audioguide is included. Visitors may only walk within the stone circle by special advance permission, and in bad weather it may not be possible to use the walkway around the site. Stonehenge can be reached by public bus service from Salisbury (which has the nearest station).

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