Rising from the rolling fields of Wiltshire, Stonehenge is the kind of landmark that will be instantly familiar to many, and yet deeply mysterious in its reasons for being. You’ve seen it in textbooks, documentaries, and even in pop culture. But standing before Stonehenge, in all its neolithic glory, is something else entirely. As Julia Richardson, Stonehenge operations manager at English Heritage, puts it, the site extends far beyond its iconic silhouette: “People think they know Stonehenge because it’s an image you see everywhere. But when you get here, you realise there’s so much more to learn.”
Richardson’s role offers a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to bring this prehistoric site to life. From overseeing visitor experiences to managing major events such as the solstice celebrations, her work spans everything from logistics to storytelling. “I like to think I have the really lucky job of doing all the nice bits,” she says. “From making sure the site is physically safe and welcoming, right down to the events we’re putting on and how our team is tasked to meet and greet people. It’s a little bit of everything.”
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Stonehenge was constructed by neolithic communities 4,500 years ago
That “everything” includes a surprisingly large team. Some 100 staff members – plus volunteers – work on site daily to ensure the best possible visitor experience. “Hopefully for our visitors, it’s all seamless, and they have no idea, but I don’t think everyone realises how many people there are who work on site to make sure that every day works really well.”
At its core, Stonehenge is a marvel of prehistoric engineering. Built by neolithic communities 4,500 years ago, it reflects a level of ingenuity that still surprises modern visitors. “We’re quick to think of them as ‘stone age people’ and not very intelligent,” Richardson says. “But actually, Stonehenge shows you that these people were very intelligent … they’ve engineered this incredible monument that still fascinates people today.”
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The stones – some transported from far away – are arranged with great precision
Some of the giant stones were transported more than 100 miles, perhaps even as far as the Orcadian basin in north-eastern Scotland, and shaped using sophisticated techniques more commonly associated with woodworking. They were arranged with precision to align with the solstices, yet their exact purpose remains inexplicable.
“Stonehenge is that gateway into this lost world,” Richardson says. “We’ve got lots of academics who are experts on Stonehenge. But because there are so many mysteries about it and things we just don’t know, a small child coming to site and noticing something – their guess can be just as insightful as an academic who’s been studying it for their whole life. I think that’s why people love coming here.”
Beyond the stones
What makes Stonehenge ideal for a day trip – or as part of a long weekend – is the depth of experience beyond the stones themselves. There’s a modern visitor centre, exhibitions, and reconstructed neolithic houses where visitors can step into prehistoric life. Families can handle replica tools, watch demonstrations and take part in seasonal events designed to engage all ages. “There’s stuff for all of the family,” says Richardson. “Parents and grandparents come with their kids and everybody gets something out of it.”
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Visitors can enjoy exhibitions in the modern visitor centre, or experience prehistoric life in reconstructed neolithic houses
The surrounding landscape is part of the appeal too. The approach to the stones, whether on foot or via shuttle bus, preserves a sense of isolation and anticipation. “You get to walk up through the fields and see it on the horizon … it’s just this magical space in our modern landscape.”
While access to the stones themselves is limited (viewing is from a perimeter path), it’s for good reason. Conservation is a constant priority. “The stones have been there for 4,500 years, and we’re just a little snippet of their timeline,” Richardson says. “We take safeguarding the site really seriously so we’re on watch, looking after and protecting it, because we want it to be there for another 5,000.”
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Despite being arranged in line with the solstice, the stones’ exact purpose remains a mystery
Measures introduced decades ago, such as restricted access and laser scanning, protect the stones from erosion and damage. They are also designed to prevent the loss of tiny but significant details, from ancient carvings to rare lichen ecosystems that grow on their surfaces. Special early access tours allow small groups to step inside the circle, offering a more intimate affair while preserving the site for future generations.
Beyond its history and archaeology, Stonehenge resonates on a deeply human level. Visitors arrive with their own stories, connections and reasons for making the journey. Richardson recalls one particularly moving encounter with an elderly visitor: “She was meant to be on this trip with her husband, who’d sadly died earlier in the year. And she was almost doing this pilgrimage to Stonehenge for him, because he was the one who was passionate about Stonehenge and she felt that being there made her feel closer to him.” It’s moments like these that reveal Stonehenge not just as a relic of the past, but as a place of reflection and personal meaning.
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Access to the circle is strictly limited in order to protect the stones themselves and the lichen ecosystems that grow on them
Whether you’re visiting from London or building it into a wider UK itinerary, Stonehenge offers something rare: a blend of mystery, history and atmosphere that lingers long after you leave. “It’s just so special and I feel so proud to be working here,” Richardson says. “In a world where we’ve solved so many mysteries, Stonehenge still stands there as this wonderful thing that so many people must have spent so many hours to create, and we still don’t quite know why.”
It’s this enduring sense of wonder, combined with its accessibility, family-friendly activities and stunning setting, that makes Stonehenge not just a place to visit, but a place to truly experience.
