I have official started my 52 new things, in 52 weeks! I had planned to start the challenge with an evening yoga class, but I've been so busy at work that before I knew it my first week was almost over. I didn't want to start this whole project late so on Friday evening I scrolled frantically through the list. The weather report looked a bit grim and I started thinking, 'perhaps I could start by baking some bread or biscuits?'. Both those options would have been fine but secretly I wanted to try something I bit more interesting. Luckily when I woke up on Saturday, the weather had defied the reports so we could head out and begin with number 22 - Visit Stonehenge.
We had driven past Stonehenge a few weeks back, when I was coming up with the list, so I was very happy that I could start the project off here. I have spent all my life living in the UK and I had never visited this UNESCO World Heritage site!
Entrance to the site costs £16 and on their website you are encouraged to book in advance. We booked our tickets on Saturday morning for Saturday afternoon so I don't think you have to worry about going at the last minute. We have our National Trust membership so we were able to go free! Bargain!
As you enter the site, past the cafe and the gift shop, there is a small section showing how the locals would have lived during the era Stonehenge was constructed. We wandered around, trying to decide if we'd give up our flat for one of these (yes, but only if we got farm land with it!) and Stuart made himself comfortable for a spell.
To get to the monument there is a shuttle bus, or if you are feeling a little more energetic you can walk there. We decided to take the scenic option and walk. It is only about one mile, and it gives you a chance to enjoy the countryside.
Then we were treated to our first view of Stonehenge.
It was extremely busy, with families, school groups and couples but, being outside I never felt too cramped or rushed. We had been given an audio guide so I kept stopping to listen to this whenever someone may have been standing where I wanted to get to. So I was learning stuff whilst waiting! And here is a little of what I learnt. The monument is constructed of two main types of stone, sarsen stones and bluestone. Sarsen stones may have been brought from the local downs but the bluestones are more likely to have been moved all the way from South West Wales. We don't know why they had to use bluestone, from over 150 miles away, but the end result is pretty spectacular - even with over 4500 years of wear and tear.
Up until the 1970's you used to be able to walk though the monument, but after a spat of graffiti (damn you 70's teenagers) it is now roped off. They also say on the audio guide that is roped off due to the archaeological treasures under the ground yet to be found, but I think most the blame should be put on the people from the 70's! In a way it is good that it is roped off, as it means you can take photos without people in them, but I really wanted to walk into the middle and appreciate the size and significance of the site.
Then we were treated to our first view of Stonehenge.
It was extremely busy, with families, school groups and couples but, being outside I never felt too cramped or rushed. We had been given an audio guide so I kept stopping to listen to this whenever someone may have been standing where I wanted to get to. So I was learning stuff whilst waiting! And here is a little of what I learnt. The monument is constructed of two main types of stone, sarsen stones and bluestone. Sarsen stones may have been brought from the local downs but the bluestones are more likely to have been moved all the way from South West Wales. We don't know why they had to use bluestone, from over 150 miles away, but the end result is pretty spectacular - even with over 4500 years of wear and tear.
There is one section where you can get the closest to the stones, maybe a couple of metres away, and a guide is there to answer any questions you may have.
However, if you really want to get closer to the stones, here is my advice; be a cute toddler, get your parents to tell you to run to the stones so they can take a photo, and then be really confused as they shout at you to come back (whilst they quickly grab as many photos as they can) meanwhile the guide will look on wondering why the parents are pretending you ran across on your own volition. How I envied that toddler and her disregard for the rules. But it does also give me the opportunity to show just how tall and impressive the stones are compared to a small human!
I was pleasantly surprised with my visit to Stonehenge. I thought it might be a little boring looking at stones in a field, but with the audio guide and the general awe of seeing this historic location I had a really good time. The weather definitely helped too! The £16 fee seems a little steep, but if you join the National Trust or English Heritage you get free entrance. If you want to visit I would recommend you see if there are any other sites that these two charities look after that you'll visit over the year and consider joining one or the other - it'll probably be worth it in the long run. And that's my first new thing done, only 51 weeks to go!
I was pleasantly surprised with my visit to Stonehenge. I thought it might be a little boring looking at stones in a field, but with the audio guide and the general awe of seeing this historic location I had a really good time. The weather definitely helped too! The £16 fee seems a little steep, but if you join the National Trust or English Heritage you get free entrance. If you want to visit I would recommend you see if there are any other sites that these two charities look after that you'll visit over the year and consider joining one or the other - it'll probably be worth it in the long run. And that's my first new thing done, only 51 weeks to go!
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