15/07/2026
I finally had time to share my Stonehenge Solstice journey 🌅.
Hopefully, it will inspire and motivate someone else to experience something special for themselves.
I still find myself going back to that feeling and the energy I had in my head that day. ✨
Summer Solstice 2026 – My Experience & Top Tips
I finally experienced the **Summer Solstice at Stonehenge**, and it was honestly one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had.
I left **North London at around 7:45 pm on Saturday 20 June 2026**, and the journey took approximately **1½ hours**. The drive itself was beautiful. I was lucky enough to see the **sunset on the way to Stonehenge**, which made the whole journey feel even more special.
I arrived while it was still daylight, which I would definitely recommend. Seeing Stonehenge in the evening light, watching people arrive and feeling the excitement building before the night celebrations began, was a magical part of the experience.
I had booked the official Stonehenge car park (£25). From the car park, it is around a **25-minute walk** to the stones.
**Top tip:** Remember exactly where you parked! The car park does not have numbered spaces or clear markings, so it can be difficult to find your car again after being awake all night. Make a mental note of a landmark nearby—mine was a distinctive camper van—which helped me recognise my area when I returned.
Another tip: if you see an empty portable toilet on the way, use it! The closer you get to Stonehenge, the busier they become. The queues were around **10 minutes**, but they get longer as more people arrive.
Before entering the site, there is a security check and bags are inspected. It is a **non-alcohol event**, so alcohol is not permitted.
Inside, there are plenty of food stalls, drinks stalls and places to get snacks throughout the night.
The atmosphere was incredible.
Thousands of people had gathered from all over the world. People were sitting on blankets, relaxing, sleeping, chatting, dancing, singing and celebrating. Around the main stone circle there was music, drumming, chanting and a real sense of joy.
The whole area felt alive. There was a beautiful mix of excitement, happiness and connection. People were simply enjoying the moment and being part of something that has been celebrated for thousands of years.
It had been a hot day and a warm evening, but don't forget **mosquito repellent**—they were definitely still around.
Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking. Even though the weather was warm, bring something warm for the early hours because temperatures drop during the night.
I stayed until around **midnight**, then walked back to the car and slept for a few hours. If you plan to sleep in your car, bring blankets or a sleeping bag—it gets surprisingly cold before sunrise.
I set my alarm and woke up at **3:00 am**, got ready and walked back towards Stonehenge for sunrise.
If you want a good viewing spot, get there early. Many people stay near the stones all night, so the best positions are already taken by sunrise.
Then came the most magical part.
As the sun started to rise, the atmosphere changed completely. People were cheering, clapping, singing and playing music. I managed to make my way inside the stone circle, and standing there as the first sunlight appeared was unforgettable.
The warmth of the rising sun, the music, the smiles and the energy of everyone around me created such a special feeling. It was peaceful, joyful and something I will always remember.
At around **6:00 am**, I started walking back to the car.
With thousands of people leaving at the same time, expect delays. There are road closures around Stonehenge, and the roads become very busy. The journey home took much longer than the journey there—I arrived back in North London at around **9:00 am**.
My final tips:
* Bring plenty of water and snacks for the journey home.
* Wear comfortable shoes.
* Bring warm layers or blankets for the early morning.
* Use the toilets when you get the chance.
* Remember where you parked!
Would I do it again?
**Absolutely.**
The Summer Solstice at Stonehenge is so much more than watching a sunrise. It's the atmosphere, the people, the music, the history and the feeling of being part of something truly unique.
From watching the sunset on the way there to watching the sunrise among the stones, it was an unforgettable experience.
I will definitely do it again.
Mira D 😉
PS: These are not professional photos — they were all taken on my phone. I didn’t go there to create perfect images; I went there for the experience.
