@CinnamonGirlE It is. I guess it grows as more take the opportunity to be in among the stones (not normally allowed) because it just used to be a few druids and not much more when I was younger.

@Mandypar
I haven't ever been myself, but I remember pics of it online before and lots of people. But never anything like this!

@CinnamonGirlE When I was a child there were no restrictions - I remember visiting there and being able to walk around them and touch them. I think English Heritage doesn't limit the access on the solstice and allows touching but I feel that could change if any damage is done to them. I think there are some staff there to watch over them. It is also the one time when entry is free.

@Mandypar
I can understand the draw with the solstice and the easing of restrictions. Still don't believe it would be enough for me to brave that crowd as much as I would love to see it.

@CinnamonGirlE There is another stone circle not far from there which is much bigger - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/avebury

At Stonehenge, you can book the "VIP Experience" and then go in as part of a small party among the stones

@Mandypar
I have never heard of these. Thanks for sharing them with me.

@CinnamonGirlE I remember studying that kind of thing in school when I was 11. My Mum had already taken me to Stonehenge, but my school took me to Avebury, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. When I was about 10 I remember my primary school taking us to look at Akeman Street which was just up the road from the village. lol Lots of history.

@Mandypar
How wonderful to have those memories and that history right there next to you. We have history in the US, but not like that.

@CinnamonGirlE lol that's why so many of you come here for your vacation to see some of ours lol

@Mandypar
No doubt! I want to make it there, but just haven't yet.

@Mandypar
Why are they allowed among the stones now?

@Mandypar @CinnamonGirlE
Thanks for sharing and the info. I’ll make it there sometime “soon” too. From what I’ve researched some of my ancestors were from Wiltshire and generally Somerset.

@Mandypar @CinnamonGirlE
Us silly Americans wanted so bad to leave and become independent. But we so like to visit the “old world” we left behind. Marveling at the history. Ah the juxtaposition.