2 days ago
Summer solstice 2025 - Stonehenge celebrations and more
Thousands of people are set to mark the summer solstice, which signifies the end of spring, and for many is a spiritual celebration at dawn. Each year, pilgrims make their way to the base of Stonehenge in Wiltshire to witness the first rays of sunlight piercing through the ancient stone monument's design, built around 2500 BC, enables the sun to rise precisely over the stones on the summer solstice, sparking a sacred and symbolic year the alignment will fall on 21 June at 03:42 BST.
What makes the solstice the longest day of the year?
The summer solstice occurs when the earth's northern hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, making it appear at its highest point in the this tilt, there would be no seasons due to an equal amount of daylight all is the time of year when the position of the rising or setting sun stands still in its movement along the word solstice comes from the Latin words for sun (sol) and to stand (sistere).
How is the summer solstice celebrated?
Many people gather around the Stonehenge circle, which is believed to have been used as an important religious site by early Britons about 4,000 years to English Heritage, it is likely worshippers conducted rituals and ceremonies relating to the changing seasons, the sun and the Neolithic people, sunlight provided warmth for them and their animals and for helping crops to grow.
Today, people travel from around the world to witness this sacred alignment, and druid ceremonies are often performed with prayers, rituals and drums. Visitors are also permitted to be closer to the stones on this special day, potentially even touching them.
How do I get there?
For people travelling by train, Salisbury station is 12 miles (19 kms) have been warned that parking is very limited and visitors are advised to car share, English Heritage said. Visitors are also encouraged to cycle to the site and there is designated bike spaces in the car can find out more about travel options here.
What shall I bring?
Visitors are urged to wear sensible footwear and bring lots of warm layers if they are staying at the site umbrellas are not permitted, so a waterproof coat with a hat might be required. People have also been asked not to wear hi-vis jackets as this can cause confusion with safety officials.
What else do I need to know?
Visitors have been urged to respect the site, which is viewed as sacred by many people around the includes not climbing on the stones and taking all your rubbish away with it is a world renowned historic monument, amplified music and alcohol are not allowed at Stonehenge, in the surrounding landscape or in the car or remote-controlled flying devices are also banned.
