Winter Solstice Event at Stonehenge - 5000 years of Astronomy at Stonehenge

To mark the end of the International Year of Astronomy, Stonehenge, with its 5,000 year long astronomical connection, is hosting a series of celebrations in December. The attractions include a free public astronomy exhibition, as well as the opportunity for Stonehenge visitors to ask the experts on the relationship between the sky and the ancient stone circle.

From 16th December to 3rd January 2010 visitors can enjoy a stunning exhibition - 'From the Earth to the Universe', which features incredible images of objects across the Universe- from stars to planets to nebulae and galaxies, all created using telescopes.

In the run up to the Winter Solstice, from 16th to 19th December leading specialists - both archaeologists and professional astronomers will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

For further information on the International Year of Astronomy, Royal Astronomical Society and celebratory events at Stonehenge visit the event's website.


Free talks and tours by leading archaeologists and astronomers


An opportunity to view the sunset itself


See the night sky from the stones (advance bookings only)


“From Earth to the Universe” exhibition

It is well known that there is a connection between Stonehenge and sunrise and sunset on the longest and shortest days of the year. To celebrate this connection between the stones and the sky, in the International Year of Astronomy 2009, a special event has been organised by the Royal Astronomical Society together with English Heritage.

Visit the website - Click here

Stonehenge Tours

I frequently get requests from tourists wishing to visit Stonehenge requesting who to travel with - here we go..............

The best way to visit Stonehenge is on a guided sightseeing tour. The majority of visitors are from overseas and do not have their own transport, therfore the best way to see Stonehenge is on a scheduled tour. Most tours depart from central London and usually include other destinations i.e Windsor Castle, Bath, Salisbury, The Cotswolds - not all in the same day I hasten to add. This is because Stoneheneg is almost 2 hours from London and the tour operators tend to do a circular tour taking in other tourist attractions. I have listed the options below:

1.Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bath Day Trip from London
2.Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip from London
3.Small Group Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Day Trip from London
4.London to Stonehenge Shuttle Bus & Independent Day Trip
5.Late-morning Departure to Stonehenge and Roman Baths
6.Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath and Lacock
7.Two-Day Trip: Stonehenge and Bath Overnight
Sadly not all operators offer a great experience. I am familiar with the good and the bad and have provided a link to a Stonehenge tour website that has managed to negotiate special discounts and only use the best companies and approved guides. The advantage of booking through them is that you get 'real time' availability and instant booking confirmation.
Stonehenge is the most visited attraction in Britain and by far the most popular tour so booking well in advance is essential, especialy if you are tring to join a 'Stonehenge special access' tour where there are very limited dates.

Click here to view all the Stonehenege Tours avaialble - enjoy and good luck!

Should you prefer a more personal experience and would like to visit Avebury Stone circle, Old Sarum, buriel mounds, Silbury Hill and even some crop circles please contact me for a private tour - I'm not greedy and a garantee a truly memorable day.

Was Jesus taught by the Druids ?

As a book of record the New Testament doesn't do too well on the early life of Jesus Christ.

The large holes may explain why so many outlandish theories have been able to build up about what the Son of God got up to as a boy.

But among those myths most perpetuated is that he visited Britain


Now a film has sought to add flesh to the fable by claiming it's perfectly plausible the Messiah made an educational trip to Glastonbury.

And Did Those Feet explores the idea that Jesus accompanied his supposed uncle, Joseph of Arimathaea, on a business trip to the tin mines of the South-West.

Whilst there, it is claimed he took the opportunity to further his maths by studying under druids.

Unsurprisingly, the documentary stops short of concluding the visit did take place, noting 'Jesus's shoe has not turned up'. However, the makers insist that while the visit is unproven, it is possible.

The theory is that he arrived by sea, following established trading routes, before visiting several places in the West Country.

In the film, Dr Gordon Strachan, a Church of Scotland minister, says it is plausible Jesus came to further his education. The country is thought to have been at the forefront of learning 2,000 years ago, with mathematics particularly strong.

Ted Harrison, the film's director, said: 'If somebody was wanting to learn about the spirituality and thinking not just of the Jews but also the classical and Greek world he would have to come to Britain, which was the centre of learning at the time.

'Jesus was a young man curious to find out about all sorts of things.

'We know there is a huge gap in the life of Jesus between when he was born and when his ministry started.

'He would have come to learn what was being taught about astronomy and geometry which was being taught at "universities" run by druids at the time.'

Mr Harrison, a former BBC religious affairs correspondent, says Jesus may just have been a boy when he left the Middle East for England.