After the huge success of our tours in previous years we are delighted to announce our 2010 departure.
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| Each year on the 22 December visitors from around the world gather at Stonehenge early in the morning to mark the Winter solstice and to see the sunrise above the stones. At dawn the central Altar stone aligns with the Slaughter stone, Heel stone and the rising sun to the northeast.. More information |
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"A Once in a Lifetime Opportunity!"
STONEHENGE SPECIAL ACCESS TOUR
Each year on the 22 December visitors from around the world gather at Stonehenge early in the morning to mark the Winter solstice and to see the sunrise above the stones. At dawn the central Altar stone aligns with the Slaughter stone, Heel stone and the rising sun to the northeast.
The Winter Solstice is the most important day of the year at Stonehenge and a truly magical time to be there. It's an ad hoc celebration that brings together England's New Age Tribes (neo-druids, neo-pagans, Wiccans) with ordinary families, tourists, travelers and party people - 100's of them!
For many the impulse to arrive at Stonehenge in time for the Solstice is a little like all those people drawn to the strange rock in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It's akin to a spiritual experience. Anyone who has witnessed the crowd become silent as the sky begins to brighten can attest to that.
Stonehenge is carefully aligned on a sight-line that points to the winter solstice sunset (opposed to New Grange, which points to the winter solstice sunrise, and the Goseck circle, which is aligned to both the sunset and sunrise). It is thought that the Winter Solstice was actually more important to the people who constructed Stonehenge than the Summer Solstice. The Winter Solstice was a time when most cattle were slaughtered (so they would not have to be fed during the winter) and the majority of wine and beer was finally fermented.The exact time for the Winter Solstice is December 21th, 11.39pm (UK time). The sunset on the 21th is at 3.53pm and the sunrise on the 22th of December at 8.04am. Exceptionally, you can also expect a full moon on December 21th.
The small group (16 people) nature of this tour means you can have a real personal experience.
TOUR ITINERARY:
Depart central London at 6am December 22nd 2010. Mini Coach Travel to Stonehenge with guide and spend 1 - 2 hours inside the circle and witness the sun rising, Druid Ceremony and festivities. Back to London at 12pm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This is not like our traditional guided 'Private Access' tour. Although this tour is guided it does not visit other attractions and is not everyone's cup of tea, however those who do participate will never forget it and will surely 'tell the tale' for many years to come...... Please take the time to view our images / video of previous 'Solstice Tours'.
For those of you who have not visited this sacred site, we should mention that the complex is roped off. Visitors observe the stones from a distance and are not permitted within the temple complex..........our 'Winter Solstice' tours allow you to be amongst the stones and to actually touch them.
N.B. With this exception English Heritage do not allow any other 'private access' tours between 19th December and 25th December
Price: £ 99 (Includes return transport from London, guide services and entrance to Stonehenge)
English Heritage did not confirm the date for Open Access for Stonehenge for the Winter Solstice yet, but most likely this will be dawn on the 22th of December. (The sunrise on the 22nd is closer to the actual solstice than that on the 21th of December.) Expect a short period of access, from approximately 7.30 to 9.00am. They work works closely with agencies, and people from all sectors of the community, in order to create a peaceful occasion - ensuring an event that can be safely enjoyed by all and protects Stonehenge and its surrounding Monuments.
Testimonials from previous 'Solstice' Tours
Going with a solstice veteran made all the difference - I would not have wanted to do it on my own. Pat really knew his stuff and took good care of us. Well done!
Conny - Boston 2009
You promised a 'once in a lifetime experience' and that's exactly what we got - wow!
Mick and Narelle - Australia 2009
The atmosphere was electric inside the inner circle - a real tribal gathering. It could have been 4000 years ago.
Phil - New Zealand 2009
Highly recommended. If you want to see Stonehenge this is the way to do it! You only live once.........
Rickard and Anne - Sweden 2009
The photos I took were 'award winning'. I managed to get next to the alterstone as the sun was rising. A perfect evening, see you next year. A big thank you to our guide.
Roberta - USA 2009
We were going to take the train, bus, taxi etc but so glad we went with you guys. It worked out cheaper and allot less hassle, the kids loved it.
Casey and Family. Canada 2009
We had the time of our lives but take my advice "Leave your inhibitions at home, let your hair down
and go with the flow" I went to the Burning man Festival last year but nothing can beat Stonehenge at Solstice time....
Phil Gaymer - Florida
MORE STONEHENGE INNER CIRCLE TOURS
Our regular 'Private Access' tours have departures throughout 2010 - Click here
We also have a 'inner circle' tour which departs EVERY Tuesday (April - October) Click here for itinerary
More about the Summer Solstice - Click here
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