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 exhibition and wider landscape features such as Woodhenge & Durrington Walls.

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 (SCE), with a maximum of just 5 guests per session. Each tour is led by two of our experienced hosts, and guests are transported throughout their visit in a private English Heritage Land Rover, travelling from the Visitor Centre to Stonehenge, with additional stops at Woodhenge and Durrington Walls, located 10–15 minutes away from Stonehenge.

In contrast, the SCE 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 10–15 minutes inside the inner circle and the opportunity to observe English Heritage staff carrying out a “stone check”, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how we care for the monument. You’ll also have time for photos and to hear additional history about Stonehenge.

Each guest receives a complimentary goody bag and a snack bag of treats to enjoy during the tour, as well as a hot drink from the café before heading into the exhibition where your tour will conclude.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 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, the shop and café will be closed by the time the Explorer Tour finishes, as the facilities close at 17:00. If you’d like to visit them beforehand, you’re very welcome to arrive earlier and explore the facilities ahead of your 14:30 tour.

However, during the tour you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the exhibition, along with a snack bag from the café to enjoy as you go. You’ll also receive a goody bag featuring a selection of Stonehenge products to take home.

What exclusive elements are included in the tour?

Visitors will enjoy access to the inner stone circle with very few others present, travelling in comfort in our brand-new English Heritage Land Rover. Following this, you’ll also receive exclusive access to the exhibition after closing.

Can I meditate during the tour?

While this is not a meditation-specific tour, we recommend that visitors 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 5 guests). You are not required to have 5 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, where your host will share further stories about Stonehenge and provide an opportunity for photos. Our Stonehenge Visitor Assistants will also be carrying out the “stone check,” which you’ll be able to observe and take part in to see how we care for the monument.

Please note that lighting conditions will vary depending on the time of year, with lower light levels expected during the winter months.

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 10–15 minutes from Stonehenge. Upon returning, you’ll be guided through the surrounding landscape in the monument field (remaining on the designated path) before walking inside Stonehenge, where you’ll enjoy 10–15 minutes of exclusive access to the stone circle once all other visitors have departed.

After your visit, you will return to the café to collect a hot drink, and the experience concludes with a exclusive tour of the exhibition. While the overall structure of the tour is set, there is flexibility to spend more time at areas of particular interest. Please note, however, that time inside the stone circle is strictly limited.

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.