What is the Explorer Tour?

The Explorer Tour is an exclusive experience offering a more personal and immersive visit to Stonehenge. It includes access to the monument field, including the inner circle as well as a tour of the Visitor Centre and wider landscape features including Woodhenge.

How is the Explorer Tour different from the standard Stone Circle Experience?

The Explorer Tour offers a more personal and intimate experience compared to the Stone Circle Experience, with a maximum of just five guests per session. Each tour is led by two of our experienced hosts, and guests are transported during their visit in private English Heritage Land Rover from the Visitor Centre to Stonehenge and to Woodhenge.

In contrast, the Stone Circle Experience is a guided tour of the monument field only, taking place either early in the morning before opening or in the evening after closing, with groups of up to 52 visitors. The Explorer Tour runs during the day and offers a smaller, more intimate exploration not only of the Stone Circle but also of the wider landscape, Woodhenge and the Visitor Centre.

The Explorer Tour also includes exclusive elements such as participating in a behind-the-scenes 'stone check', a task typically carried out by English Heritage staff. Additionally, each guest receives a complimentary goody bag and enjoys access to a hamper of refreshments.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately three hours and includes a guided tour of the exhibition, monument field, inner stone circle and the nearby site of Woodhenge and Durrington Walls.

How will we travel during the tour?

You will be transported in an English Heritage Land Rover for a comfortable and exclusive journey.

Will I have time to visit the shop, café and exhibition?

Unfortunately, there won’t be time to visit the shop, café or exhibition after your tour, as the facilities close at 5pm. We recommend arriving earlier if you’d like to explore them before the tour begins at 2.30pm.

Please note that a 20-minute refreshment break is included during the tour, with a stop in the café before continuing to the exhibition before you’re tour finishes at 5.30pm.

What exclusive elements are included in the tour?

Visitors will take part in a 'stone check' alongside our staff and enjoy access to the stone circle with very few others present, travelling in comfort by our brand-new English Heritage Land Rover. Following this, you’ll receive exclusive access to the exhibition after closing, including a fully private 15-minute tour.

Can I meditate during the tour?

As this is not a meditation-specific tour we recommend for visitors to contact venue hire via our website for dedicated meditation or spiritual use sessions.

Can I book the whole session for my group?

Yes, you can book the entire session (up to five guests). You are not required to have five people as smaller private groups are welcome.

How long will we spend inside the stone circle?

You’ll have 10–15 minutes inside the stone circle, including the 'stone check' before the general public arrives on site.

What is the route of the tour?

The tour begins with a meet-and-greet at the Visitor Centre, followed by a Land Rover journey to Woodhenge and Durrington Walls located about 10 minutes from Stonehenge. On returning, you’ll be guided through the surrounding landscape in the monument field (remaining on the designated path) before taking part in the stone check, where you’ll enjoy 10–15 minutes of exclusive access inside the stone circle once all other visitors have departed.

The experience continues with a 20-minute refreshment break in the café and concludes with a tour of the exhibition. 

Will the tour follow a set schedule?

The route is structured, but the hosts have flexibility to spend more time in specific areas based on group interest. However, time inside the stones is fixed and limited.

Is parking available?

Yes, free parking is available on site for VIP Explorer Tour guests.

Is the Explorer Tour accessible?

The tour involves walking over uneven ground and is therefore best suited for visitors with a good level of mobility. Please note that the Explorer Tour vehicle is currently not wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility requirements, we kindly ask that you contact us prior to booking. In some cases, accommodating these needs may require reserving the entire session for your party. We are committed to making our tours as inclusive as possible, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requirements.