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SUMMER SOLSTICE: STONEHENGE & AVEBURY

Guided day tour from Cambridge

Adult £119.00/Student £109.00/Child £99.00

Maximum 16 passengers

Have you ever wanted to stand in the centre of Stonehenge? At sunrise? Well, here's your chance! Friday, 21 June 2024 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and, symbolically, the sun at its most powerful. 

 

Join us early that morning to travel down to Stonehenge in time to witness those first rays of the sun. We won't be alone, there will be several thousand others doing the same! Be captivated by the unique solstice atmosphere; its peaceable vibe, the music and chanting, eccentric minds and eclectic dress. Listen to a short recording of Winter Solstice 2018, expect a similar atmosphere but with larger crowds for the summer celebrations.

 

Afterwards, we head to the peaceful sanctuary of Avebury to enter the world's largest stone circle, visit the world's highest man-made prehistoric hill and, time-permitting, enter a 6000-year old grave.    

 

PLAN FOR THE DAY

 

0030 We depart from central Cambridge on our journey to Stonehenge. There will be a comfort break included in the journey.

 

0330 Arrival at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. The sun rises at 4.52am but first we must walk the 3km to the stones through the open landscape. Although this is midsummer, this is England don't forget, so although the sun will definitely rise there's no guarantee we'll see it! Also don't forget, the temperature in June can be warm or even hot in the daytime but can be cool at dawn so consider coming prepared with warm clothes and sturdy walking shoes.

 

On arrival at Stonehenge join the throng of people in the centre of the circle in preparation for the sun's rise. Alternatively, retreat to a quiet vantage point a short distance from the circle and soak in the spiritual significance  of solstice. 

 

0452 Sunrise!

 

0600 As the crowds start to depart we start our walk back to the Visitor Centre for a warming coffee before taking the short drive to our second stop, a complex of Neolithic monuments as important as Stonehenge located around the quaint village of Avebury.

    

0730 On arrival your guide will explain both of today's destinations and point out the various elements of the Avebury complex.

 

Avebury dwarves Stonehenge and some parts of the complex are older than Stonehenge itself. Time-permitting, we visit a 6000-year old tomb take in the wonderful views across the countryside to the world's largest man-made prehistoric hill, Silbury Hill. Afterwards, we walk around the Avebury stone circle, the world's largest stone circle, before visiting the wonderful souvenir shops in Avebury village.

 

0930 Breakfast/early lunch in the pretty market town of Marlborough

1030 Depart for the journey back to Cambridge.

1300 Arrive back in central Cambridge.

INCLUDED

 

  • Expert guidance from a passionate, experienced driver-guide
  • Return travel from your chosen departure point
  • Entry to Stonehenge & Avebury

NOT INCLUDED

 

  • Meals - You are welcome to bring food and drink on to the bus and eat while we travel between destinations
  • Entry fees to attractions (unless stated)

DEPARTURE POINTS

 

Tour departs at 0.30am and returns at 1pm from/to the main entrance to Parkside Swimming Pool, Gonville Place, Parker's Piece. Departure times and return times for all other departure points will vary - please check your e-ticket for the correct departure time.

 

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