Wandering Wit​h
Wandering Wit​h
Yasmin Saoirse
Stonehenge, when is the best time of year to go?
Stonehenge, when is the best time of year to go?
As a tour guide I have spent a lot of time at Stonehenge. And even more inside their coffee shop! 😆
I have been fortunate to see it at all times of the year and in all manner of weather. So when is the best time of year to visit Stonehenge?
My absolute favourite time of year to visit Stonehenge is when there is a chill in the air. When as we are headed down the motorway and we could be forgiven for thinking we have taken a leap back in time. As we stare out of the window into the fog. When everyone is desperately searching for glimpse of the monument before we've left the coach. We grab our coats as I reassure everyone that, yes, the monument really is here. Somewhere in the fog. And we go searching.
The shuttle bus up to the stones sheds no light on the mystery as its high-beams illuminate the pathway ahead. We get off of the bus deep into the air of enchantment that encapsulates the Salisbury Plain this morning.
We follow the path up towards what I keep telling everyone is definitely the monument. The rope barrier to our side is decorated with water droplets and frost. We begin to see shapes in the fog.
Just a few steps more we're there.
When the fog surrounds Stonehenge it is the most picturesque I have ever seen it. You can hear the cars along the A303 go by, but you can not see them. In fact you can almost feel the solitude of the monument. That has stood the test of time. For centuries, watching the world around it change. Keeping its secrets buried in the Earth. You can take a moment to clear your head and loose yourself in the story. What really happened here all those centuries ago? Why is this shrine, this tribute still here when very little of the people who built it remain?
It becomes easier to understand why people dedicate their lives to answering these questions. In that almost silent moment beside the stones. Framed by fog in your heart forever.
For this post I didn't just want to give you my opinion, so i reached out to two of my amazing friends who are also fellow tour guides. And asked them, what time of year is their favourite to visit Stonehenge.
Rozie R
Rozie R
"I love Stonehenge in winter, ideally getting there early just as the sun starts to break the morning mist. In winter the site is much quieter but no less beautiful, and let's face it, there is no guarantees on the weather at any time of year! Late winter is full of hope with the first early flowers appearing with a promise of warmth to come, but in the meantime it's just you, nature and those ancient stones. Magic!"
Photograph by Rozie, you can find Rozie on instagram @rozieguide
Sandra C
Sandra C
"Having visited many times over the years, mid to late September is my favourite time to visit Stonehenge. It is generally quieter after the busy summer season/crowds and lengthy queues to catch the coaches to the stones. Not as hot as the summer months, but still warm and sunny. A perfect month to savour the splendour of the monument and walk around it and contemplate a bygone age."
