How to see the 2025 Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

Stonehenge will be open for the Winter Solstice again this year with sunrise expected at 08:09 GMT.

While thousands flock to the ancient monument for Summer Solstice for the longest day, it also attracts a crowd for the shortest day, this time on 21 December.

English Heritage has said that anyone planning to come along must pre-book parking if they are bringing a vehicle.

People will need to walk more than a mile to get to the stones once they have arrived, with the charity letting people in from 05:15 GMT.

To book parking, you need to visit the English Heritage website, which can be done until capacity is reached.

The parking area will be open from 05:15 GMT and people need to have left the monument by 10:00 GMT and the car park by 11:00 GMT.

If not there by 07:30 GMT, you might not be able to get in.

Those driving there have been told to expect a slow-moving queue to get in.

Car parking is £15, £5 for motorcycles and £20 for motorhomes.

The charity is encouraging people to use public transport, including a special bus service from Salisbury to the stones being run by Salisbury Reds.

Richard Dewdney, Head of Operations at Stonehenge, explained that the requirement to book parking is in the hope of reducing traffic congestion in the area and stopping people from leaving vehicles in “unsafe places in the surrounding area”.

The charity said the walk to the stones takes around half an hour and those with accessibility needs can get a shuttle bus from the visitor centre.

It is recommended that people wear warm clothing and bring a torch.

The café at the Stonehenge visitor centre will be open early too.

People are asked to not touch or climb on the stones.

English Heritage also wants to remind people that the site is a sacred place to many and therefore ask for respect towards others and the stones.

Conditions of entry include not bringing alcohol, taking rubbish home and not bringing prohibited items, such as drones, camping gear and pets that are not assistance animals.

English Heritage will be livestreaming the event too, on its YouTube channel.