Thousands welcome summer solstice at Stonehenge https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-65970567
@Mandypar
That is a huge amount of people!
@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
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.
@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.