The Winter Solstice (Stonehenge, England)
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
As we move further away from the winter months and edge a little closer towards springtime, I reflect on my first solstice at the iconic Stonehenge and its significance.
Stonehenge and its surroundings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site): located on Salisbury Plain (Wiltshire), this prehistoric monument is one of the most famous in the world. Come and marvel at this iconic stone circle. There is an entry fee but if you attend during the summer or winter solstice, the entry is free and you are actually able to walk amongst the stones. Please note: these are the only two times that you are able to get so close to the stones- for the rest of the year, there is a barrier with a footpath that circles around.
The Winter Solstice at Stonehenge
This year I decided to attend this magical event and it was truly incredible! It took place on the morning of the 21st December and you simply watch the sunrise come up through the stones. It was an early start- waking up around 4 am- in order to catch a pre-booked Salisbury Red bus as soon as possible! I used the Salisbury Red app in advance, booked the travel tickets and then turned up around 5.15 am in Salisbury city centre in order to join the queue for the first couple of buses. A return ticket for one adult is a very reasonably priced £14 and I can imagine it is much less stress than attempting to drive and park up there! The transportation was seamless and the organisation of the event was brilliant.
After arriving at the entrance of the site/visitor centre, there is then a short walk to the stones (approximately one mile) although there are shuttle buses that you can take. I loved the walk in the dark: it was atmospheric and the anticipation amongst the droves of people was infectious!
On approach, you could hear the beat of drums echoing out from the centre of stones along with singing, chanting and dancing; the atmosphere was intoxicating! Lots of people turned up: from families and couples to groups of friends; pagans, druids and Morris dancers; and finally, both the curious tourists to avid attendees. Approximately 8, 500 people gathered here to celebrate in 2025, which is naturally less than the summer solstice: which sees up to around 25, 000 people. If you are not keen on large crowds, you can stand further back from the stones to spectate the slowly encroaching sunrise.
Th sun rose at little after 8 am and although there was a little cloud cover, it still didn't detract from the ambience and awe of the occasion. Seeing a crowd of people coming together to celebrate the simple and natural beauty of the world was incredibly rejuvenating and refreshing. And I am now keen to experience the summer solstice, which I know will be much busier but at least it will be a little warmer!
My Experience:
It can sometimes be difficult to make the effort to do something different and invite a new tradition. We can get so stuck in the same routines, with the same expectations. But what happens when we decide to break the mould? Step out of the everyday and into the unknown? Waking up at 4 am on a weekend can feel like hard-work but it was worth it: the experience was invigorating!
The event itself is a reminder promise and re-birth, a chance to connect to nature and its cycle of life and when we take a moment to appreciate the power of simplicity, experience and human connection, it truly is a gift that can sometimes be overlooked.
So as we shed the layers of the winter months, I look forward to the lightness of spring and all it has to offer.
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