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WINTER 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! The winter solstice, when the length of the day starts to increase once again, was a symbol of rebirth for our ancestors, and on this day Stonehenge opens to visitors to witness the sunrise from the centre of the monument. 

 

Join us from early morning to travel down to Stonehenge in time to witness those first rays of the reborn sun. We won't be alone, there could 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 audio recording of Winter Solstice 2018.

 

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 enter a 6000-year old grave.    

 

Small print: visible sunrise not guaranteed!

NEXT TOUR DATE: 21st December 2024

 

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PLAN FOR THE DAY

 

0315 We depart from central Cambridge on our journey to Stonehenge. There will be a comfort break included in the journey.

 

0645 Arrival at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. The sun rises a little after 8am but first we must walk the 3km to the stones through the open landscape. This is midwinter don't forget, hopefully the sun will show but whatever the forecast come prepared for the cold, the wet, and the windy, and with sturdy walking shoes!

 

On arrival at Stonehenge join the throng of people in the centre of the circle in preparation for the sun's imminent rise. Alternatively, retreat to a quiet vantage point a short distance from the circle and lap up the spiritual significance  of solstice. Run naked through the landscape if you must!

 

0915 As the crowds start to dissipate 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.

    

1100 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. First, we visit a 6000-year old tomb, the West Kennet Long Barrow, and enter the tomb itself. Back outside take in the wonderful views across the countryside to the world's largest man-made prehistoric hill, Silbury Hill. Finally, we walk around the Avebury stone circle, the world's largest stone circle, before stopping at the wonderful souvenir shops in Avebury village.

 

1300 Lunch in the pretty market town of Marlborough

1345 Depart for the journey back to Cambridge.

1630 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 3.15am and returns at 4.30pm 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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