Stonehenge: A Natural Wonder
Originally published Feb 16, 2016.
Today’s post is from my trip to Stonehenge. Originally, I had never planned to go and visit Stonehenge during this trip, as its fairly out of the way if you don’t have access to a car or a tour. Luckily a friend had been sent an email advising us of a tour for students and we knew we had to take advantage of it. Stonehenge is approximately a 4-hour drive from the midlands, which was a nice way of seeing more of the countryside. (Still not over the amount of sheep and swans that are dotted throughout the land here!)
When we arrived at the site it was brutally cold, I had several layers on including a wool jumper, winter coat, scarf and gloves and I was still affected by it. Initially we were not sure that we would find enough to do at the site for the two hours that we were given. Yet assured that is plenty of time to wander around and take it all in, but there is also more to do if you plan on spending longer at the site as well. Check out some of the recommended trip itineraries here.
One of the features of the museum is the various exhibitions which showcase a range of displays. These range from the history of the site, items that have been found, through to items that have featured Stonehenge in their narratives. See this page for more information on the significance of Stonehenge and it’s historical context.
The drive to Stonehenge is beautiful in its own right, as you pass through many small English towns, each have their own feel and look. Additionally, you also drive right past the stones on the way to the entrance to the site, which gives you an alternate view of them. The stones and the entire site are surrounded by miles of lush green farmland filled with sheep flocks. They live on some of the world’s most priceless real estate and are completely oblivious, much to my own amusement.
Visiting the site was fantastic and whilst I loved it, I couldn’t help but wonder if the overall majesty of it was taken away somewhat by the fact that it is in plain view on such a wide-open space, compared to say if you had been forced to truly explore in order to discover it. Don’t get me wrong, its absolutely brilliant that such a historical site is so widely accessible to people of all ages and abilities. I also think for me at least, it didn’t truly sink in that I had seen Stonehenge until after I had left the site.
Personally, I would love to visit the site again, but I think I would aim to visit during a different season. As I mentioned earlier the weather was so intense, that the wind almost strong enough to move us around. As many would know for years now, you cannot actually get close enough to touch the stones for preservation reasons. There have been many stories in years gone by, of visitors carving on the stones and even chipping away segments to take home. Not to mention the oil from our hands is enough to damage such an old site, given as well that thousands, at a conservative estimate, visit every year. Despite this you can still see the site from various angles with several viewing areas.
I should also note that personally for me, visiting the site has made me further inspired to go out and see more of the natural historical sites that Britain has to offer.
Overall it was a great experience and was one that I very much enjoyed. History is something that I studied extensively throughout school and being able to see somewhere like this first hand is something I never thought I would do. For anyone who is visiting Britain and even those who reside here, I would encourage you to go and visit Stonehenge. Plan a day around it and go explore the entire region surrounding the site, which has much to offer as well. Sites like this are very special and should be experienced to the full extent. My next post will be from the second half of this day, featuring a short afternoon stopover in the beautiful city of Bath!
Kathleen Freeman is a graphic designer and freelance writer; she is currently undertaking a Media and Communications degree. In her spare time she continues the search to find the book/coffee shop combination store throughout the globe.
All images, unless otherwise stated, are copyright of Kathleen Freeman, and may not be reproduced without express written permission of the author.