Summer Solstice at Stonehenge - Official details from EH

Submitted by Andy B on Wednesday, 23 May 2001  Page Views: 9686

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Stonehenge is currently open, however, access at the Summer Solstice is conditional on there being no outbreak of Foot and Mouth in the vicinity. English Heritage is pleased to be providing managed open access to Stonehenge over the Summer Solstice 2001. This is part of the progress towards achieving the vision of the Stonehenge Master Plan to provide greatly improved public access to the World Heritage site.

English Heritage continues to work closely with the Wiltshire Constabulary, the National Trust and many others from all sectors of the community. The key priorities are to ensure safety and public order, to protect Stonehenge and its surrounding monuments and to allow everyone who comes to enjoy a peaceful celebration of the solstice.

Entry will be free of charge but subject to the Terms and Conditions.

INFORMATION - OPENING/CLOSING TIMES

Access will be granted to Stonehenge between 2000 hours on Wednesday 20 June 2001 until 0900 hours on Thursday 21 June 2001. Please do not arrive at the car park or monument in advance of the opening time.

Sunrise is at 0455 hours on Thursday 21 June.

Normal visitor operations are scheduled to resume at 1000 hours on Thursday 21 June.

PARKING

The car park will be near Airman`s Cross as per last year and will be free, just off the A303, near the A344/A360 junction and will be clearly signposted with RAC signs. People will be able to walk the 1 km to Stonehenge safely along the A344, which will be closed to unauthorised traffic. Subject to weather conditions, coaches and large vehicles may need to be directed to hard standing.

The car park will open at 1900 hours on 20 June 2001. Last admission will be at 0700 hours on 21 June 2001. The car park will close at 1400 hours on 21 June 2001 at the latest. People are advised not to arrive at the car park in advance of the opening times.

The Stonehenge car park next to the monument will be closed to the public. Any cars found parked illegally in the surrounding area are liable to be removed.

ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

There will be a minibus service between the designated car park and Stonehenge for people who are wheelchair-bound, have mobility difficulties or are infirm. The minibus will be available from just before 2000 hours on 20 June 2001 to 0900 hours on 21 June 2001.

Wheelchair users, accompanied by one carer, will be given access to Stonehenge via the visitor entry point and the tunnel under the A344. This access route will be closed to the general public.

Wheelchairs will not be provided by English Heritage.

ROAD CLOSURES

Road closures are likely to be in operation to ensure safe pedestrian passage to Stonehenge and allow unimpeded access in the event of an emergency. Please follow the signs as advised.

COUNTRYSIDE AWARENESS

People are asked not to drop litter and respect local farmer`s crops and livestock.

SMOKING/FIRE RISK

If weather conditions have been hot and dry, subject to Fire Brigade advice it may be necessary to ask people to not smoke.

LAVATORY FACILITIES

Portaloos, including toilets for disabled people will be provided.

REFRESHMENT FACILITIES

Authorised catering points, selling hot and cold refreshments, will be provided. No unlicensed, non-invited traders will be permitted to set up.

FIRST AID/EMERGENCY SERVICES

The Wiltshire Ambulance Service, St Johns Ambulance Service and the Wiltshire Fire Brigade will be in attendance.

RUBBISH DISPOSAL

There will be a designated area for rubbish disposal and black refuse sacks will be provided.

MEETING POINTS

There will be two clearly marked meeting points, one in the designated car park and one close to the entrance to the monument.

LOCAL CAMPING FACILITIES

There are two local campsites. Please check availability and entry conditions in advance.

Stonehenge Touring Park, Orcheston, Nr Shrewton. Tel: 01980 620304

Salisbury Caravan & Camp Site, Hudsons Field, Castle Road, Salisbury. Tel: 01722 320713

Tourist Information Centre for local area. Tel: 01980 622833/Fax: 01980 625541

GENERAL ADVICE

Despite the time of year, the weather at Stonehenge can be very cold and damp, and people are advised to wear appropriate warm clothing and footwear. The monument will be illuminated during the hours of darkness, but lights will be turned off at dawn. People may want to bring a torch for the walk from the car park. It is also a new moon that night and therefore will be very dark.

LIABILITY

English Heritage accepts no liability for any injury to persons or loss of or damage to property arising in any way whatever whilst at Stonehenge or the designated car park and entry is at people`s own risk. Although the car parking field will be stewarded, please note that any person entering this area does so at their own risk.

SOLSTICE INFORMATION HOTLINE

For further information about the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, please telephone English Heritage on 0870 333 1186.

MAP/PLAN

A map/plan will be publicised on the website before Solstice and be handed out on the night.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY TO STONEHENGE Stonehenge is Britain`s greatest prehistoric monument and a World Heritage Site. To many, it is considered to be a sacred site of spiritual significance. People coming to celebrate the solstice are asked to respect it. These Terms and Conditions apply in most cases throughout the year in accordance with English Heritage`s duty of care to members of the public and our duty to protect Stonehenge and its surrounding monuments. Adherence to the Terms and Conditions is essential if we are to ensure that access at the solstice is sustainable and does not jeopardise future years.

CLIMBING ON THE STONES Please do not climb on the stones, in the interest of your personal safety, the protection of the monument and respect for those attending Solstice. As well as putting the Stones themselves at risk of damage, climbing can harm the delicate lichens that cover them.

FIRES OR FIREWORKS

Please do not light fires, fireworks, flaming torches, candles or any other sort of naked flame. This not only infringes local bylaws, but also constitutes a potential fire hazard and is against stringent Health & Safety guidelines.

AMPLIFIED MUSIC

Stonehenge is seen by many as a sacred site and amplified music is not appropriate. No amplified music will be permitted at Stonehenge, the surrounding landscape and the designated car park.

DOGS OR OTHER ANIMALS

Please do not bring dogs or other pets with you, as they are not permitted into Stonehenge. Apart from potentially upsetting stock and wildlife in the area, animal faeces present a health risk to people walking barefoot and small children within the monument area.

CAMPING OR EQUIPMENT

Please do not put up tents. Please do not bring camping equipment or large items to the monument. There are Health & Safety issues relating to camping and it is also inappropriate to the setting of Stonehenge.

BOTTLES,GLASS OR OTHER OBJECTS

Please do not bring glass to Stonehenge or the car park as many people walk barefoot throughout the year at Stonehenge and livestock and wildlife graze in the area. This includes any other instrument or object that could cause damage.

Source: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/news-events/news/ExpandedResult.asp?Id=229