Private Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Avebury Stone Circle Day Tour

Exploring the Mysteries of England’s Ancient Monuments: A Private Day Tour from London

If you’re drawn to mysterious stone circles and ancient sites that whisper stories from millennia past, this private Stonehenge, Woodhenge, and Avebury day trip offers an engaging and intimate dive into England’s prehistoric past. For around $1,092 per group (up to 8 people), you get a full 9-hour experience that combines expertly guided insights with flexible, personalized visits to some of the country’s most iconic and lesser-known heritage sites.

What we love most about this tour: first, the private guide experience—it means you get tailored stories and attention, not a rushed group. Second, the stops at Woodhenge and Avebury, sites often overshadowed by their famous neighbor, but equally fascinating and less crowded, offer a different perspective on ancient Britain.

One thing to keep in mind is that Stonehenge’s inner circle is not open during daylight hours, only accessible at sunrise or sunset. So, if you’re dreaming of walking among the stones, this tour focuses on the outer areas and surrounding sites.

This tour is perfect for those who want a deep, personal exploration of prehistoric Britain, especially if you’re interested in the legends and archaeology rather than just sightseeing. Families, history buffs, or anyone seeking a comfortable, guided experience away from the hustle of London will find it a worthwhile day.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide
• Visits to three major sites: Woodhenge, Stonehenge (outer circle), and Avebury Stone Circle
• Comfortable transportation in a private vehicle with Wi-Fi and air conditioning
• Flexible itinerary allowing tailored discussions of each site
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for added convenience
• Cost of entrance tickets to Stonehenge (£25.90) is paid separately by travelers

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour caters to travelers who appreciate authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences with the benefit of a private guide. The small group setting—just your party—fosters a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for asking all your burning questions about ancient Britain. The balance of renowned sites like Stonehenge with lesser-known locations like Woodhenge and Avebury makes it ideal for those wanting a broad yet intimate picture of prehistoric England.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Woodhenge – A Walk Through Ancient Britain

Our day begins with a visit to Woodhenge, a site often overshadowed by Stonehenge but equally captivating. It’s a walk the circle kind of site—imagine the prehistoric people who built it, their efforts to line up stones and structures that have lasted over 4,000 years. We spend around 30 minutes here, taking photos, discussing its purpose, and marveling at the preservation.

One review notes, “We had excellent pre-trip questions answered on Viator with the tour operator,” highlighting the personalized service even before the tour. Woodhenge’s free entry makes it a great, accessible start to the day.

Stop 2: The Enigmatic Stonehenge

Next up is the highlight: Stonehenge. This iconic site is about a 2-hour stop, where you can walk among the stones, snap photos, and listen to your guide’s insights. However, note that inner circle access is not available during the day, only at sunrise or sunset, so you’ll enjoy the outer areas and surrounding landscape.

The cost of the £25.90 entrance fee is not included, but many find it well worth the extra. Our previous guests loved the personalized narration, with one remarking that their guide, Nik, was “deeply knowledgeable” and tailored his comments to their interests. This is what makes the private tour so valuable—your guide’s ability to adapt and answer all your questions.

Stop 3: Silbury Hill – An Ancient Burial Site

A brief stop at Silbury Hill provides a glimpse into prehistoric burial practices. Standing atop or viewing from afar, you get a sense of the scale and purpose of this mysterious mound. It’s a quick 5-minute glance, but enough to appreciate its significance.

Stop 4: Avebury Stone Circle – A Walk Among Giants

The Avebury site is a highlight for many. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features one of the largest stone circles in Europe and is less crowded than Stonehenge. You can walk around, touch the stones, and absorb the atmosphere of a site still alive with history.

A guest review mentions, “Nik tailored his comments to our interests,” which really captures the essence of this private experience—your individual curiosity shapes the visit.

Stop 5: Cherhill White Horse and Monument – Iron Age Art on the Hillside

For a final brief stop, you’ll view the Cherhill White Horse and monument, ancient hillside art carved into the landscape. It’s a quick stop, but it offers a different perspective on how ancient peoples used the landscape for storytelling and symbolism.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides bottled water, a driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and private transportation. The vehicle is a comfortable mini-van with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and heating, designed to seat 6 to 8 passengers depending on your group size.

However, food and drinks are not included, so it’s wise to bring snacks or plan a quick lunch during the day. Also, entrance fees to sites like Stonehenge are paid separately by travelers—pre-purchasing tickets is recommended to avoid queues.

The Experience of Traveling with a Private Guide

Reviews consistently praise guides like Nik and Neil for their deep knowledge and ability to customize the experience. One guest wrote, “Nik made the visits quite interesting and tailored his comments to our group,” which underscores how valuable this personal touch is. It’s not just about ticking off sites—it’s about understanding their stories and significance in a way that resonates.

Guests also appreciated the timed pickups, which made logistics straightforward, especially after a cruise or from a London hotel. The small vehicle size allows you to access sites that larger coach tours can’t manage, reducing the crowds and giving you a more relaxed experience.

Additional Considerations

While this tour offers a fantastic blend of sites, remember that Stonehenge’s inner circle isn’t accessible during daylight hours—a common misunderstanding. If walking among the stones is a priority, you may need to plan separately for sunrise or sunset visits or consider other options.

The cost of entrance tickets to Stonehenge (£25.90) is an additional expense, but the tour’s value lies in the guided narration, exclusive visits, and flexibility. It’s something to budget for.

Who Would Thrive on This Tour?

This experience is best suited for history enthusiasts who want an immersive, private experience. Families will appreciate the family-friendly approach and the relaxed pace, while those interested in archaeology and legends will find the guided explanations enriching. The small-group setting maximizes interaction and flexibility, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a tailored approach over large bus tours.

In The Sum Up

This private day tour offers a genuine and engaging way to explore some of England’s most iconic prehistoric sites. The combination of expert guidance, flexible pacing, and access to lesser-known but equally fascinating locations like Woodhenge and Avebury provides a well-rounded experience that’s hard to match.

Travelers who value personalized attention and deep insights will find this tour a highlight of their trip. While the extra cost of site entrances adds to the overall expense, the value of having a knowledgeable guide and the comfort of a private vehicle make it worthwhile.

It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to connect with the ancient past in a relaxed, informative setting, avoiding the crowds and feeling like a guest rather than just a tourist.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, it’s described as family-friendly, and the small-group format makes it a comfortable way for kids and adults to enjoy the sites together.

How long is the drive between sites?
The overall tour lasts about 9 hours, with the vehicle providing a comfortable, air-conditioned ride. The exact driving times depend on traffic and the order of stops.

Do I need to buy tickets to Stonehenge in advance?
Since entrance tickets (£25.90) are not included, it’s recommended to purchase them beforehand either online or at the site to avoid queues, especially during peak times.

Can I get access to the inner circle of Stonehenge?
No, not during daylight hours. Inner circle access is only available at sunrise or sunset, which is outside the scope of this daytime tour.

What is the group size?
The vehicle accommodates 6 to 8 passengers, making for a more intimate and flexible experience.

Is this tour available on specific days?
While the tour is booked on average 39 days in advance, specific availability will depend on your date and the operator’s schedule.

What should I wear?
Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended, especially since these sites involve walking over uneven terrain and outdoor exposure.

This private tour strikes a great balance between fascinating archaeological sites and personalized insights, making it an ideal choice for those eager to explore the prehistoric monuments of southern England without feeling lost in the crowd.