Can I wade into this from a tourism point of view?

In message
,
Mizter T writes
On 9 Feb, 12:45, Arthur Figgis wrote:
Paul Terry wrote:
In message , Jarle H Knudsen
writes

Is it possible to visit Stonehenge by public transportation from
London as
a one day excursion?

While it is possible, it is worth noting that many people find
Stonehenge rather disappointing unless they have a specialist interest.

The setting is disappointing, but it is still worth going to see.

Absolutely agree.

Although Stonehenge is often described as "disappointing", there is a
reason it is so famous. It is, as far as I am aware, absolutely unique
among the stone circles of Western Europe for having the lintels across
many of the stone uprights. This represents the absolute pinnacle of
what Neolithic to Bronze ages peoples achieved. Furthermore, the story
of the circle through three major phases and innumerable "sub-=phases"
is a fascinating one. In short it deserves to be seen.

However, visits usually involve an element of "disappointment because:

* The site is spoiled by its proximity to two busy roads.

* There is (amazing this) no on site interpretation other than the
audio tours included as part of the price.

* The circle is close to some aesthetically *hideous* fencing.

* The "ambience" of the site can be completely ruined by the sheer
number of visitors. Many of these are on tight excursions from London
fitting in far too much to be enjoyable [1] and can cause considerable
commotions as they rush in, rush out and are herded around by their
guides.

But it *is* I think, worth it.

I'd consider combining it with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral

Definitely.

Again, I'll third that!

And if you *do* go to Salisbury, on the Cathedral Close is the Salisbury
and South Wiltshire Museum which is among other things effectively the
Visitor Centre which Stonehenge itself lacks. This is where many of
the archaeological remains from the site are on display and the story of
the Circle is well told. (The Museum has much more, too. It's
excellent and lamentably-poorly visited.)

See www.salisburymuseum.org.uk .

(possible

via rail and bus) or with a visit to Bath. Several coach companies offer
day trips to Stonehenge + Bath from London for a reasonable price.

If someone is visiting Britain from abroad they should definitely visit
somewhere which isn't London, somewhere nice.


Absolutely. In the case of Stonehenge perhaps visitors might consider
staying overnight in Bath or Salisbury, perhaps at the end of their
visit before returning to Heathrow by National Express coach.

If you are going to the effort of making a longer visit, then taking a
walk around the Stonehenge Landscape, much of which is now "open access
land" is very worthwhile. Half a day lets to stroll around some lovely
gentle countryside and discover that the area is dotted with other
ancient sites: The Cursus, innumerable "barrows" and Woodhenge [2].
The Stonehenge Guidebook has a big feature on this and is enough to plan
a couple of hours walk.

Even on Stonehenge's busiest days you can walk a hundred meters or so
from the site and be in peace and quiet and be pretty much alone.

Other easy options for day trips from London are of course Oxford and
Cambridge, though there are so many other choices like Canterbury (are
there any day coach tours that take in the not so faraway Leeds Castle
as well?).
Yes, lots.

Beware of any tours which include "a lot", though. In my experience,
although attractive to those with little time they achieve "a lot" by
being rushed, which isn't what seeing Britain is about.

One might even consider a walk in the home counties
countryside.
Indeed. The Chilterns are just waiting for you! :-))


[1] But they sell, which is why operators run them.

{2) Yes, it does exist, although it's actually marked with concrete
posts!
--
Ian Jelf, MITG
Birmingham, UK

Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England
http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk