TOP 10 EXPERIENCES

For England

3. Visit Stonehenge and Ancient Sites

England is home to some of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world, where the mysteries of the past echo through the rolling countryside and open skies. Scattered across its landscapes are relics of civilizations long gone, inviting visitors to step back in time and marvel at the ingenuity and spirituality of our ancestors. At the heart of these wonders stands Stonehenge, the iconic prehistoric stone circle that has captivated the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and travelers for centuries. Rising from the Salisbury Plain, the massive 4,500-year-old monoliths are arranged in a formation that still defies full explanation. How were these colossal stones transported from distant quarries? What rituals took place here under the stars? Theories range from astronomical observatory to ceremonial temple or sacred burial site—but none have definitively solved the mystery. One thing is certain: standing before the stones, silhouetted against the open sky, is a truly magical and humbling experience. Just a short drive away, the village of Avebury offers another extraordinary window into Britain’s Neolithic past. Older and even larger than Stonehenge, Avebury’s sprawling stone circle surrounds both farmland and homes, creating a surreal blend of ancient and everyday life. Unlike at Stonehenge, here visitors are free to walk among the towering stones, touch them, and feel the atmosphere up close. The surrounding landscape adds further intrigue, with Silbury Hill, the largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe, and the West Kennet Long Barrow, a 5,000-year-old chambered tomb where early Britons were laid to rest in reverence. Further north, the ancient legacy continues with Hadrian’s Wall, a monumental feat of Roman engineering that once marked the edge of the Roman Empire. Stretching 73 miles across the rugged English countryside, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to protect Roman Britain from northern tribes. Today, it offers a remarkable journey through time, as visitors walk along scenic trails that follow the wall’s path, discovering milecastles, watchtowers, and fortresses that once housed Roman soldiers. Sites like Housesteads and Vindolanda offer well-preserved ruins and immersive museums, showcasing everything from ancient shoes and tablets to the daily lives of those who lived and worked along this frontier. Together, these ancient sites reveal a fascinating story of human ambition, spirituality, and survival. England’s prehistoric and historic landmarks promise an unforgettable connection to the distant past.