Salisbury Plain & Stonehenge

Salisbury Plain is a vast, green expanse to the north of Salisbury that spans almost twenty miles west to east and 12 miles south to north. Much of it is now owned by the Ministry of Defence but that preserves it from modern farming and building practices, which would alter the terrain. Toward the south west of the Plain is one of the planet’s most famous landmarks, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge.

The earliest part of the complex is believed to be around 5,000 years old, though historians still debate exactly when and exactly why the site was built. The actual site is managed by English Heritage and the need to preserve its integrity means that members of the public are not generally allowed to enter the centre circle.

Much of the surrounding area, Stonehenge Down, is owned by the National Trust and there are a number of recommended walks for you to explore.