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| Stonehenge | New Visitor Centre |
After a two-hour drive from central London, our group disembarked at a separate coach park which also features a dedicated group kiosk. Tickets and audioguides were distributed there. The visitor centre, made of grey glass, steel and timber, is only a few minutes' walk away. On arrival, visitors have the choice to depart straight away for the stones or to explore the exhibition centre.
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| Coach park and group ticket kiosk | Exhibition |
Until last December, visitors had to rely on the comments from the audioguide or their guide to get some information about the monument. The exhibition centre now provides an insight on the history of Stonehenge, the lives of the people who built it, the techniques they used and presents a few of the theories around the mystery of the stones.
Entering the building, visitors find themselves in a dark room surrounded by videoscreens showing timelapse footage of Stonehenge through the ages and the seasons. After watching the sun setting from the centre of this virtual stone circle, it is time to discover the permanent exhibition. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the skeleton of a man who was buried there about 5,500 years ago, proving that the Salisbury Plain was already a special place long before the first stones were erected. Visitors also have the possibility to admire tools and everyday life objects used by the people who lived in the area at the time Stonehenge was built. A recreation of a Neolithic village (which should be finished by the end of January 2014) will soon complete the visit.
The visitor centre is located 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the stone circle itself. Visitors can take advantage of regular free shuttles or walk to the stones. Since the opening of the new facilities, there have been some comments from people complaining about the queues to get on the shuttle bus. The new booking system which will be introduced in February should help minimize congestion as visitors will have to reserve tickets in advance and will be allocated a time slot to enter the site. But, on the day of my visit, I did not have to wait more than a couple of minutes before being able to board an almost empty bus which took me to the stone circle in less than ten minutes.
In the midst of all these recent changes, Stonehenge remains the majestic and magnificent monument that has captivated millions of visitors for years. Unlike the 1968 visitor centre, the new building and car parks are invisible from the stone circle, leaving the view unspoilt. Visitors follow a path that goes around the stones while listening to comments on an audioguide. Returning to the exhibition centre can be done again by foot or by shuttle bus.
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| Shuttle bus queue, and shop | Cafe |
No 21st Century visitor centre is complete without a shop and a cafe. This one is no exception and there is an opportunity to buy various souvenirs ranging from magnets to books, board games and jewellery. The cafe offers a selection of sandwiches, salads and sweets to go. However, there was already a small queue on this quiet January day and it will be very busy in high season, so we would advise groups to plan a lunch stop in nearby Salisbury instead.
An hour used to be more than enough to explore the site but I found myself running back to the coach at the end of our two and half hour visit and I did not particularly take my time (except maybe in the shop when I was wondering whether I could wear a "Stonehenge Rocks!" hoodie http://www.english-heritageshop.org.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/EnglishHeritage/_Stonehenge_Rocks_Hoody/288641/Stonehenge%20Rocks!%20Hoody and still be in compliance with the Live Travel and Tours dress code...).
Was it worth it? Yes. The new visitor centre definitely brings something extra to what is still one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.
To sum up:
What has changed :
- Enhanced visitor experience with new exhibits and modern facilities
- Advanced reservation with a specific time slot compulsory
- A longer visit : minimum 2.5 hours needed
- Price increased from £ 9.00 to £14.90 for an adult ticket
What has not :
- The Stones : 5,000 years old, still going!
- Stonehenge remains a key attraction for groups travelling to the UK
Other resources:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25412430
By Caroline Grellier. All images copyright of Caroline Grellier.