Yesterday marked summer solstice, the longest day of the year. Around 9,500 people gathered to watch the sun rise at Stonehenge in Wiltshire, one of the seven wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.
A significant World Heritage Site, Stonehenge has been the site of the summer solstice for thousands of years and English Heritage opens up the stones for public access on this occasion, one of the few times visitors can get close to them since they were cordoned off in the late 1970s.
2018 is a special year for Stonehenge: it marks the centenary of the stones being gifted to the nation by local barrister Cyril Chubb and his wife Mary.
During the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, the ancient entrance to the stone circle, and sunlight is channelled into the centre of the monument. The site holds special significance for members of the Druid and Pagan community, who perform rituals and celebrations at the summer and winter solstices.
While the 2018 solstice has passed, it’s not too early to consider making arrangements for 2019’s event to celebrate the Solstice season in the relaxed and magical atmosphere of Salisbury Plain itself.
Stonehenge Campsite
This multi award-winning camping and glamping site is the closest to Stonehenge – just 2.2 miles by road (A303) or 4.5 miles walk. For those that prefer, the site offers a private shuttle bus to and from the Stones on the night of the Solstice – from 9-11pm and 5-7am.
Every June for the last 10 years, the site has held the Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival, the only camping and live music event within the vicinity of Stonehenge during the Summer Solstice.
The festival is becoming increasingly well known throughout the area for its live entertainment, featuring an inspirational range of artists and representing the very best of local talent. International acts also perform here, before heading to Glastonbury to perform during the following week.
The Events Barn hosts a hub of entertainment every day, from early afternoon until late. Each festival morning, there is Yoga workshop for guests to join in and healing workshops with Reiki and healing sound.
The on-site caterers provide delicious food throughout the festival, including high-quality vegetarian and vegan options, craft beers and cider. There is a fully licensed bar which runs all day, and a large communal fire pit where guests gather each evening to enjoy each others’ company.
Stonehenge Campsite offers the only dedicated festival that allows camping en masse and is the main campfire and food festival for the Solstice. All its Pods, motorhomes and hard-standing or grass camping pitches are available to book during the festival
But with so many attractions and so much to offer throughout the year, you don’t have to wait until the solstice to visit this part of the UK.
Book early to ensure you’re part of the celebrations for the 2019 new dawn.
