absthegal

Hey all!

I know that some years back, Stonehenge became less accessible, and that for a while now one cannot get too close or inside the ring, etc. But I've also heard that there is more accessibility with a group.

(To clarify, I'm not speaking of accessibility for mobility-challenged, but a "how close can I get" type of thing.)

I will be on a cruise in May, docking for one day in Portland, England. One of the attractions of this cruise was Stonehenge, to which I've never been and which my 17 year old daughter is very keen on seeing.

I would like to hire a guide/driver to visit Stonehenge but I'm afraid that we might be more limited in terms of the visit than with a group.

My questions are:
1. Do you know if there are privileges accorded to groups that are not given to professional guides?
2. Can you recommend a guide?
3. Do you recommend something within an hour or two drive of Portland other than Stonehenge?

Thanks!

janisj

>>I know that some years back, Stonehenge became less accessible, and that for a while now one cannot get too close or inside the ring, etc. But I've also heard that there is more accessibility with a group.<<

The stones were 'roped off' decades ago. No, one does not get better access with a group but there is 'Inner Access offered by English Heritage very early in the morning and late after closing time. This would not be possible on a shore excursion.

You don't need a guide - and a guide would not help you gain access. If you went to Salisbury by train then you could catch the local Stonehenge bus to the new visitors center and tour the site. (or you could use a driver) It is not at all what it was years ago - they closed the road and built a great new visitors center quite a long distance from the stones. From there you either take a shuttle to the stones or walk across the hills.

A group would not be of any benefit -- UNLESS the cruise ship is offering an excursion - which would be time effective. But it would not get you access to anything anyone else would have . . .

janisj

Meant to ask - are you sure you are actually docking at Portland - and not at Portsmouth?

absthegal

Yup, Portland. Not Portsmouth.

The cruise ship has excursions. They are the simplest but not always the most satisfactory options. (They also don't always "give back" to the local community quite as much, although one could debate that as they provide employment.)

I'm just exploring options right now. Thanks!

janisj

>>They also don't always "give back" to the local community quite as much, although one could debate that as they provide employment<<

I have no idea what that means -- southern England is not some 3rd world country, any tour you took would be operated by local companies . . .

Portland is just south of Weymouth, and is about 60 miles/90 mins to 2 hours from Stonehenge.

laurie_ann

If you decide you don't want to go as far as Stonehenge you might consider this excursion that we did on a weekend out of London staying in Weymouth (which is a pretty little town). http://www.jurassicsafari.co.uk/

absthegal

Thank you, both!