Experience the Summer Solstice 2012 at Stonehenge

Stonehenge is one of the most mystifying and fascinating attractions you are likely to unearth in your lifetime. Visit this attraction during the Summer Solstice and you will especially see why it has engendered such wonder and debate.

Solstice, or Litha is defined as a stopping or standing still of the sun. It is the longest day of the year and the time when the sun is at its highest elevation. This date has held sacred import for thousands of years as humans have unfailingly been astounded by the immense life-giving force of the sun. The Celts commemorated it with bonfires that supplemented the sun's energy, Christians celebrated the feast of St John the Baptist towards the end of June and the Chinese commemorated the Summer Solstice with the festival of Li, the Goddess of light. Celebrators characteristically congregate at Stonehenge, the archaic stone circle in Wiltshire, to see the sun rise. The Heel Stone and Slaughter Stone, positioned outside the main circle, align with the rising sun.

Intriguingly, Summer Solstice revelers used to number, incredibly enough, in the region of 70,000. In 1985 they conflicted with up to 500 police in the notorious ‘Battle of the Beanfield’. For many the wish to get to Stonehenge in time for the Solstice is analogous to a sacred experience. Stonehenge was deemed a World Heritage Site in 1986 and still maintains its deeply sacred and unearthly feel, in spite of the great number of tourists who visit. If you decide to visit this remarkable site during the Summer Solstice, you are making an altogether very wise decision. However, you should also make certain you also spend some time exploring into the enchanting regions that are in close proximity to Stonehenge.

Indeed, if it is spirituality you are looking for, do not limit your tour to the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge. Stonehenge is not the only antique landmark in this area. Indeed, just 25 miles north of Stonehenge is the striking Avebury complex, which is a vigorous competitor to be the most impressive of all the remaining antediluvian earthworks in Europe. The Avebury stone circle is truly much better than that of Stonehenge – but the stones are slighter. Upon visiting Avebury, you can touch its stones, which you are not able to do at Stonehenge.

Windsor Castle is certainly well worth visiting. Indeed, it is not for naught that Samuel Pepys avowed the Castle to be ‘the most romantique castle that is in the world’. That was in 1666 – however, it is a true today as it ever was. In 43 AD the Romans began the creation of ‘Aquae Sulis’, the Roman Baths, as a refuge affording tranquility and relaxation, distinct from other Roman defensive town settlements. Take a Bath and Stonehenge tour for an especially captivating experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Golden Tours is one of the leading sightseeing company, offers a wide range of tours. These include London tour, London to Paris day trip, Stonehenge tour from London, Roman Bath tours, Leeds castle tour, David Hockney exhibition, London bus tour, London Pass, Windsor tour and many other.