Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Opened in 2013, the Stonehenge Visitor Centre aims to educate and display finds from Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The centre is 1.5 miles away from Stonehenge itself, with the oldest parts of the site able to be dated back to about 3100 BC, while the first stones are believed to have been raised at the site between 2400 and 2200 BC.

Today, the visitor centre is a fantastic addition to the site and is well worth a visit for anyone wanting to learn about the history of the famous landmark.

History of Stonehenge Visitor Centre

The idea for the Stonehenge Visitor Centre was first suggested in 2009. In 2010, Wiltshire Council granted planning permission for a centre, and English Heritage confirmed that funds to build it would be made available. In 2013, the A344 was closed to begin the work of removing the section of road and replacing it with grass. The centre, designed by Denton Corker Marshall, opened in December 2013.

The aim of the centre is to house both permanent and temporary exhibitions, including nearly 300 archaeological treasures such as jewellery and human remains that were excavated from the site. It also aims to educate about Stonehenge, the extraordinary story of how it was built and those who would have interacted with it.

Stonehenge Visitor Centre today

Today, the visitor centre houses an incredible range of displays and items relating to Stonehenge. Along with the fascinating array of items discovered at the site, a particular highlight is a 360-degree audio-visual display that demonstrates the changing seasons from inside the stones. Outside, reproduction Neolithic Houses are home to English Heritage volunteers making bread over an open fire, or crafting using Neolithic technologies.

There is also a gallery, gift shop and café that serves food using locally-sourced produce, as well as indoor and outdoor seating that means you can enjoy the stunning views.

Getting to Stonehenge Visitor Centre

Stonehenge Visitor Centre is located around 1.5 miles from the stones. A shuttle bus runs from the visitor centre to the stone circle, but it is also possible to walk for those who would enjoy the views. Stonehenge itself is clearly signposted from the A303, off the A360. Parking is available on site.