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Why we need a review

The need for new visitor facilities

The present visitor facilities adjacent to Stonehenge are inadequate and improvements have been limited by the sensitivity of their location.

Interpretation of the site is limited to a leaflet and an audio guide. The shop regularly becomes overcrowded, while refreshment is provided only by an outdoor kiosk. The parking area is too small, with vehicles overflowing onto the adjoining field at busy times.

The presence of the facilities and parking so close to the Stones represents a significant visual intrusion at the centre of the World Heritage Site.

The new visitor facilities

The new visitor facilities would provide better interpretation of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, along with a cafe, a larger shop and improved visitor amenities. Parking areas would be sufficient to accommodate the number of vehicles arriving on a busy day.

The facilities would be designed to be sensitive to the surrounding landscape. They would also be reversible, allowing for easy removal in the future.

If the facilities and parking are moved away from their current location, then assistance would be provided for visitors unable to walk to the Stones.

For sites more than 1.5km away, a ‘park and ride’ link (for example, low-emission buses) would take visitors to a drop-off point or points within walking distance of the Stones.

The closure of the A344

The closure of the A344 would bring substantial improvements to the environment of Stonehenge, allowing better access to the surrounding landscape.

It would reunite Stonehenge with the ancient processional Avenue, fulfilling the commitment made by the UK Government in 1986 when Stonehenge was inscribed as a World Heritage Site.

The closure of the junction with the A303 would improve road safety by removing a known accident black spot.

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Current visitor facilities and car park beyond © English Heritage

Download: Click on the document below

Public Consultation Booklet (38 pages - 2.1Mb)

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