a practical planner

A PRACTICAL PLANNER for Groups & Travel Trade Professionals

Giving essential planning information, the green section explains pre-booking and ticketing procedures, contains prices and admission times and handy hints on reaching and arriving at Stonehenge.

With so much more to see at the transformed Stonehenge, the bronze section is a step-by-step guide on the new facilities and how to make the best of a visit, with an at a glance map, images and suggested timings for a two hour stay.

Turn to the yellow section to discover other attractions to build into a Stonehenge itinerary, plus details in brief on English Heritage services and products for travel trade professionals and group travel organisers and how to obtain them.

1 PLANNING AHEAD

2 THE NEW VISIT

3 INFORMATION & SUPPORT

FROM THIS TIME, EVERYTHING CHANGES

This guide provides tour operators, group travel organisers, guides and other professionals with step-by-step information to help plan visits to Stonehenge, following its transformation when superb new facilities open from the end of 2013. Split into three easy-to-read colour coded sections, it provides practical information, tips and ideas to smooth your way through advance planning and procedures to the day of the visit and beyond.

A NEW DAWN: STONEHENGE TRANSFORMED

Stonehenge booking line +44 (0)870 333 0604

SHUTTLE STOP Board here for the Stone Circle

VISITOR CENTRE Exhibition, Shop, Café & Toilets

COACH PARKING & group drop-off

Principal Artist: Bob Marshall

500m

SHUTTLE STOP Alight here for the Stone Circle

SHUTTLE STOP Fargo Plantation Alight here to walk to the Stone Circle (optional, 20 minutes)

2 HOURSBecause there is so much more to see and do, English Heritage advises travel trade professionals and group travel organisers to plan in a stay of around two hours at Stonehenge.

1PLANNING AHEAD

5

1 PLAN

NIN

G A

HEA

D

To book, tour operators and group travel organisers should call the Stonehenge-only booking line which is exclusively for travel trade professionals and pay by credit or debit card over the phone: +44 (0) 870 333 0604.

The phone line is open to take bookings Mondays – Fridays from 09.00 to 17.00 (UK time). Bookings are being taken from 1 October 2013.

The pre-booked timed ticket system means that visitor numbers can be managed effectively and spread throughout the day to help avoid congestion. Timed ticketing allows coaches and cars to arrive over the period of a 30-minute time slot – for example, between 11.00 and 11.30. Late arrivals due to genuine traffic delays or exceptional circumstances will be accommodated as soon as possible.

We suggest that operators and organisers plan in a two hour stop at Stonehenge. This provides sufficient time to explore the visitor centre with its internal and external exhibitions and its greatly improved facilities and

take the 20 minute round-trip journey to and from the Stone Circle. It also means visitors can enjoy the improved experience at the Stones as well as explore features in the wider Stonehenge World Heritage Site landscape if they wish to.

Although we recommend an optimum stay of around two hours, there is no time limit imposed on visits to Stonehenge. Some may prefer to plan a shorter visit of around an hour and a half, taking in fewer aspects of the site and its facilities. For others, a longer stay will be desirable – and this is also perfectly acceptable.

HOW TO BOOK

TO BOOK TICKETS SIMPLY CALL US:

+44 (0)870 333 0604

7

Pre-booking timed tickets is essential for groups of 11 or more and is strongly recommended for individuals and small parties of less than 11. It is the only way to guarantee entry on the day and at the time of your choice.


When booking groups, it is most important to give precise coach details – the number of coaches requiring a parking space and the size of each coach – and to estimate the number of people in the group. Exact group numbers can be fine-tuned – up or down – up to seven days before the visit.

TOP TIP A free audio tour app in ten languages will be available from the iTunes and Google Play store for download directly to mobile phones.

GROUP BOOKINGS

From the first day of opening late in 2013, new admission prices reflecting the improved facilities are:

ADULTS £13.90 CONCESSIONS £12.50 CHILDREN £8.30

These prices will be held until 1 April 2015.

Please note: To help tour operators plan ahead, these prices will not come into effect until 1 January 2014 for pre-booked group bookings. A 10% discount applies on bookings for 11 or more people, with one driver and tour leader free per group.

LATE 2013 - 31 MAR 2014 Late 2013 - 15 Mar 9.30am - 5pm 16 Mar - 31 Mar 9.30am - 7pm

1 APR 2014 - 31 MAR 2015 1 Apr - 31 May 9.30am - 7pm 1 Jun - 31 Aug 9am - 8pm 1 Sep - 15 Oct 9.30am - 7pm 16 Oct - 15 Mar 9.30am - 5pm 16 Mar - 31 Mar 9.30am - 7pm

26 Dec & 1 Jan 10am - 4pm 24 - 25 Dec Closed

Please note: Last admission time is 2 hours before the advertised closing time.

Opening times for 20-22 June may be subject to change due to the Summer Solstice.

PRICES & OPENING TIMES

9

Those expecting to bring high levels of clients to Stonehenge may qualify for the Agency Voucher Scheme, which will allow you to be invoiced after each visit, with 30 days to pay.

The prices detailed below apply to pre-booked visitors only. Extra charges apply to those buying tickets on the day of the visit, including groups.

1 PLAN

NIN

G A

HEA

D


Travelling by roadApproximate distance and drive times to Stonehenge, departing from:

Central London (Victoria) Distance: 85 miles/137 km Drive Time: 2 hours

Dover, Kent (Cross Channel Ferry and Cruise Terminals)Distance: 156 miles/252 km Drive Time: 2 hours 50 minutes

Folkestone, Kent (Eurotunnel)Distance: 147 miles/236 km Drive Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Portsmouth, Hampshire (Continental Ferry Terminal)Distance: 60 miles/97 km Drive Time: 1 hour

Southampton, Hampshire (Eastern Docks Continental Ferry Terminal) Distance: 33 miles/53 km Drive Time: 50 minutes

Tilbury, Essex (London Cruise Terminal) Distance: 120 miles/190 km Drive Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Travelling by train from central LondonTrains run to and from London Waterloo to Salisbury station twice each hour, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes each way. Timetables can be subject to alteration, so check before travel.

A regular bus service and taxis operate from Salisbury Railway Station to the Stonehenge visitor centre – a 9.5 mile/15 km journey. There are several car hire offices close to Salisbury station.

To reach the visitor centre and its new coach and car parks, vehicles approach from the A303 road, via the Longbarrow Roundabout and along the A360, to the Airman’s Corner roundabout where the centre is located.

TOP TIP The nearby destinations of Salisbury, Bath or Bristol can be combined with Stonehenge into a full day trip.

11

STONEHENGE (SP4 7DE) IS NEAR AMESBURY IN WILTSHIRE

GETTING TO STONEHENGE

1 PLAN

NIN

G A

HEA

D


Group ArrivalsUp to five coaches at a time can drop off at a bay right next to a Group Reception Point, just inside the coach park, before parking in one of the bays.

At the Group Reception Point group leaders exchange their voucher or booking reference for pre-printed tickets. There is one ticket for each group member, as they will be asked to show or have their ticket scanned at the exhibition and/or before boarding the visitor shuttle. Guidebooks and free audio tours in ten languages and orientation leaflets giving a snapshot guide to the whole site, can also be collected here if there is no guide accompanying the

group. English Heritage staff are on hand to help answer any queries.

Guides and group leaders then lead their party on the short two-minute walk to the visitor centre, which is clearly visible and well signposted from the coach park. There are benches along the way. Ample toilet facilities are located at the visitor centre.

Individual visitors/ small parties Driver guides, mini-buses, people carriers, cars and taxis carrying fewer than 11 visitors, use the car park, which has an overspill area for busy days.

Where to go firstMost groups will probably want to proceed directly to the visitor shuttle embarkation point to go to the Stone Circle before returning to enjoy all the visitor centre has to offer. In this case, proceed past the ticket booths to the other side of the visitor centre to pick up the shuttle. A suggested structure to a visit is outlined on pages 16 and 17, but you are of course free to proceed in any order you wish.

TOP TIP Visitors should take a comfort break at the visitor centre before leaving for the Stone Circle as there are emergency toilets only close to the Stones.

TOP TIP While drivers are waiting for their group to return, they can use a voucher for a free drink in the visitor centre café.

Group arrivals Coach drop-off and parking. Group leaders should report to the Group Reception Point.

Individual visitor arrivals Car park for vehicles carrying fewer than 11 visitors.

13

To one side of the visitor centre and screened by trees, there is a coach park with 30 parking bays. On the other side is a separate car park with 500 spaces. Both are clearly signposted and parking is free of charge.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

1 PLAN

NIN

G A

HEA

D


Movement impairedThe main areas - in and around car/coach parks, the visitor centre and the Stone Circle – are accessible by wheelchair via tarmac and grass paths (subject to weather). The visitor shuttle carriages are also accessible.

However, there are no paths on the wider grass landscape. There are accessible toilets at the visitor centre and an accessible emergency-only toilet close to the Stones.

Visually impairedAudio descriptive tour (subject to availability). Braille and large print guides, orientation leaflets and exhibition highlight tours.

Tactile objects in the internal exhibition and touching stones in the external exhibition.

Hearing impairedAudio tour with hearing loop in 10 languages (subject to availability). Induction loop available. The English Language version of the audio tour covers the Stones only. All other versions of the tour cover the exhibition area and the Stones.

Audio toursAll audio tours for the Stones last approximately 30 minutes and for the exhibition, 15 minutes.

ACCESS

The whole site meets the needs of those with special access requirements as far as is possible.

15

1 PLAN

NIN

G A

HEA

D


17

2THE NEW VISIT

Groups can be dropped right outside the group reception, before coaches park in one of 30 bays.

There’s a two-minute walk from the coach park to the visitor centre to catch the shuttle to the Stones. Group members should use the toilets here before boarding.

The visitor shuttle takes 10 minutes and goes all the way to the Stones. Visitors can choose to disembark halfway and explore the Stonehenge landscape en route to the Stone Circle.

The shop has plenty of souvenirs to provide memories of Stonehenge. Build in time to enjoy a drink and snack in the café before leaving.

With an exhibition, a shop, café and toilets, make sure you allow enough time to enjoy the visitor centre.

Shuttles leave the Stones every few minutes for the return journey to the visitor centre.

HOW TO STRUCTURE A VISIT

19

2 TH

E NEW

VISIT

The environmentally-sensitive visitor centre is divided into two separate buildings, connected by a canopy roof above a central walkway – where individual visitors can collect tickets or show their pre-printed tickets at an admissions’ booth with four tills. They can also collect orientation leaflets here and pick up audio tours – if they haven’t already downloaded them in advance. Groups by-pass this admissions point.

On the left is a glass building containing a large café and spacious shop; to the right a timber building housing the exhibition.

Before leavingGroup leaders can rendezvous with their party in the orientation area outside the visitor centre and call their coach driver so party members can be met at the coach drop off/pick up bay.

TOP TIP Visitors can download audio guides onto their smartphones when they arrive at the visitor centre using the free on-site Wi-Fi facility.

TOP TIP Visitors should take a comfort break at the visitor centre before leaving for the Stone Circle as there are only emergency toilets close to the Stones.

THE VISITOR CENTRE

21

At the entrance to the visitor centre is a large forecourt, a perfect space to assemble groups together – especially as toilets are on this side of the building and accessible before going inside.


RECOMMENDED TIME TO ALLOW:

20 MINUTES VISITOR SHUTTLE ROUND TRIP, 30 MINUTES AT THE STONE CIRCLE

50 MINUTES IN TOTAL

The service is frequent, there is no need to pre-book time slots or hold a timed ticket for this part of the visit. Each shuttle vehicle can carry 60 people, so although we cannot guarantee that large groups will not be split, there is enough room for most groups to be seated in the same vehicle whenever possible.

Special platforms at both ends of the journey have been designed to allow level boarding for visitors with mobility difficulties or using wheelchairs.

Able to transport up to 850 people each hour, visitor shuttles will arrive and leave every four minutes on average – and more frequently on very busy days.

Allowing for boarding and disembarkation, it takes a total of 10 minutes to reach the Stones. Shuttles make a stop at Fargo Plantation about halfway to the Stones – so that visitors can walk part of the way if they wish. This means they can take in more of the ancient landscape and see some of the archaeological features at close hand. Visitors can also approach Stonehenge the way that prehistoric people may have done, by walking alongside the ancient processional way – the Avenue. Leaders of groups occupying the whole of a shuttle can ask shuttle drivers not to make this stop if time is pressing.

The shuttle service follows the route of the decommissioned

A344 road and passengers can use the time to watch the landscape unfold as they travel quietly through it – there is no intrusive commentary to spoil the contemplative journey and features to look out for are clearly marked on their orientation leaflets.

Passengers are dropped and collected close to the monument. In the first few months after opening, the old buildings and car park will be in the process of demolition and removal behind hoardings. There may be some noise during this time, but after that, the experience at the monument will be a much quieter and atmospheric experience.

A pathway ensures easy access around the monument.

For the return journey, visitor shuttles wait at the departure point until they are full or the next shuttle arrives, to provide shelter in the event of bad weather.

TOP TIP For a truly memorable experience, arrange a special pre-booked out-of-hours Stone Circle visit for your group or clients. Enormously popular, they are available outside normal opening hours only with an advance booking – call +44 (0)870 333 0605.

23

The visitor shuttle service operates from a platform located just outside the shop, with those waiting to board standing in the shelter of the building’s canopy.

THE STONE CIRCLE

2 TH

E NEW

VISIT


25

The first encounter for visitors is a trip through time inside a virtual Stonehenge. Entering a 360 degree projection space, visitors can stand inside the stones as they are now, before journeying back in time to the monument when it was first built. Passing into the rest of the exhibition, visitors will find archaeological treasures excavated at Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape, alongside films exploring the World Heritage Site during the prehistoric era. Other films debate different theories, past and present, about the purpose and meaning of Stonehenge. There is a temporary exhibition gallery which will host a rolling programme of exhibitions.

Doors lead directly from the exhibition to an outdoor exhibition space where a cluster of reconstructed Neolithic huts (based upon archaeological excavations at nearby Durrington Walls) will be built early in 2014, giving visitors an idea of how our ancestors lived. Visitors will also be able to see the touching stones and an interactive sarsen model.

All exhibition text is in English, but a highlights tour will be included as part of the foreign language and accessible audio tours. An audio descriptive tour for those with visual impairments is also available.

Please note: The exhibition contains ancient human remains.

THE EXHIBITION

Imaginative displays and archaeological artefacts in the exhibition act as an introduction to Stonehenge and set the scene for visits.


15 MINUTES

THE EXHIBITIONS ARE FREE-FLOW AND PEOPLE CAN SPEND AS LONG HERE AS THEY WISH

TOP TIP In the exhibition, don’t miss the tools that were used to build Stonehenge and some beautiful jewellery excavated from burial mounds nearby.

2 TH

E NEW

VISIT


Visitors can enjoy countryside views while eating delicious food, either inside or outside, where additional seating and tables for 60 people are under the dappled shade of the canopy. An additional area can be opened up providing more space in the peak summer months. This means tour operators, group travel organisers and guides can plan in a proper refreshment stop for morning coffee, afternoon tea or lunch at Stonehenge if they wish. Food can also be bought to take away. Smart new toilets are regularly monitored to ensure a high level of cleanliness.

The shop offers plenty of space to browse through the extensive range of books, gifts and souvenirs, many made in the UK exclusively for Stonehenge. Shopping makes best sense at the end of a visit to Stonehenge after returning from the Stone Circle, so that visitors don’t have to carry bags around. Updated Stonehenge Guidebooks are available to buy.

TOP TIP Look out for best buys like fridge magnets, T-shirts and exclusive hand-crafted glassware. Visitors can also buy from home at the English Heritage online shop – www.english-heritage.org.uk

27

A 110-seater counter service café serves hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches, cakes, salads and other sweet and savoury delicacies.


30 MINUTES

THE CAFÉ AND SHOP

2 TH

E NEW

VISIT


29

3INFORMATION & SUPPORT

A huge and well-coordinated communal effort was needed to transport the stones – some from over 150 miles away – by land and water and then to shape and raise them. Stonehenge is aligned with the rising and setting of the sun at the solstices and was the focal point of a landscape filled with prehistoric ceremonial and burial sites. But its exact purpose is still intensely debated and Stonehenge remains a source of fascination and, for some, a focus of worship and celebration.

Until now, facilities to welcome visitors to the World Heritage Site have been limited and outdated. But the project led by English

Heritage to transform Stonehenge not only provides world-class facilities, but also returns a sense of context and dignity to this ancient marvel of human endeavour.

After removal of the road and high ugly fencing right next to the Stone Circle the old parking area and visitor buildings will be cleared and grassed over in 2014. Eventually, the road, car park and visitor buildings will be gone – leaving Stonehenge surrounded by grass and reunited with its ancient approach, the Avenue. Visitors will be able to enjoy the special atmosphere of the Stone Circle with fewer distractions from modern–day sights and sounds.

ABOUT STONEHENGE

The first building work at Stonehenge began around 3000 BC in the Neolithic age. Changes to this unique monument continued until about 1600 BC in the Bronze Age.

31

3 INFO

RM

AT

ION

& SU

PPORT


They range from top sites in the south of the country like Queen Victoria’s Osborne House on the Isle of Wight and Dover Castle in Kent to gems further north like Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire, Rievaulx and Whitby abbeys and some of the best preserved Roman sites along Hadrian’s Wall, just south of the border with Scotland. Hundreds of colourful events with an historic flavour are staged at many of our sites every year.

GroupsEnglish Heritage offers a generous 15% discount (10% at Stonehenge) for groups of 11 or more at all its sites and events, plus a free place for one tour leader and driver with each

group. Free familiarisation visits can be arranged and at many sites, themed guided tours can be pre-booked. Full details can be found in the English Heritage Group Visits Guide – contact the travel trade team to obtain a copy.

Overseas visitorsEnglish Heritage Overseas Visitor Passes give unlimited free entry to attractions and free or reduced price entry to events for 9 or 16 days for a one-off payment - with commission paid to operators on pass sales. To order passes, call +44 (0)870 333 1181 or visit the travel trade pages of the English Heritage website. Proof of overseas residency, such as a passport, may be required.

Sales supportPlease ask if you would like us to supply you with top quality photographs or our logo for your brochures (subject to approval).

English Heritage membershipOffering exceptional value for families and individuals based in the UK, English Heritage membership provides free admission to properties and free or reduced entry to events for a year. Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/membership

Education visitsFree visits for UK-based education groups can be pre-booked – contact +44 (0)870 333 0606.

Hiring an English Heritage propertySeveral properties can be hired for exclusive corporate events as well as for wedding ceremonies and receptions – visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/hospitality

MORE FROM ENGLISH HERITAGE

33

From lovely houses and gardens to mighty castles, romantic abbey ruins and ancient monuments, English Heritage has over 400 historic properties open to visitors throughout England.

CONTACT US

To discuss opportunities for group visits with a member of the professional English Heritage Travel Trade Team, to subscribe to the free travel trade newsletter or to order a complimentary copy

of the Group Visits Guide, call +44 (0)20 7973 3529 or email [email protected]. Details can also be found on www.english-heritage.org.uk/traveltrade

3 INFO

RM

AT

ION

& SU

PPORT


NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Old SarumCastle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD

Close to Stonehenge – and on the way to Salisbury – is another English Heritage site, Old Sarum.

An ancient Iron Age hill fort, Old Sarum grew over the centuries into the original site of Salisbury, with a cathedral at its heart. Eventually its citizens relocated to the present site of Salisbury. Old Sarum has inspired books by Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth) and Sarum by Edward Rutherford.

The evocative remains of the prehistoric fortress, Norman palace, castle and cathedral can be seen at Old Sarum today. Pre-booked guided tours are available for groups.

www.english-heritage.org.uk /oldsarum

+44 (0)1722 335398

Salisbury & South Wiltshire MuseumThe King’s House, 65 The Close Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EN

The museum houses a fascinating collection spanning the history and archaeology of Salisbury and South Wiltshire from prehistoric times to the present day.

New galleries featuring the Amesbury Archer and other exciting archaeological discoveries from Salisbury and South Wiltshire opening spring 2014.

www.salisburymuseum.org.uk +44 (0)1722 332151

Wiltshire Museum41 Long Street, Devizes Wiltshire SN10 1NS

Brand new major Prehistoric Wiltshire displays. Featuring never-before displayed gold finds from the Stonehenge and Avebury landscapes.

Group bookings available.

www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk +44 (0)1380 727369

Many artefacts in the new exhibition area at Stonehenge have kindly been loaned by both museums.

35

3 INFO

RM

AT

ION

& SU

PPORT


Download the Visit Wiltshire and Visit Salisbury Apps and have up to date information at your fingertips!

Wiltshire is a perfect all-year destination for groups with plenty to see, do and experience. Extend your day visit to an overnight stay and see more of what Wiltshire has to offer. With a history spanning over 6,000 years, we have Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, Britain’s tallest Cathedral spire in Salisbury, magnificent stately homes and gardens and some great shopping experiences. Look out for our themed itineraries to help plan your visit, special offers and more, all on our website and in the Group Visits and Travel Trade guide.

Please call or email for a copy of our Group Visits and Travel Trade guide.

www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups +44 (0)1722 341760 [email protected]

VisitWiltshireLtd

@VisitWiltshireThe Stonehenge Environmental Improvements Project is supported by:

Heritage Lottery Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, the Linbury Trust, the Wolfson Foundation and many other donors.

(SMB_07.13)COL8500

a practical planner

Documents