We will be sight-seeing with our three children (13,11 and 7) in June in Great Britain. We will be trying to travel mainly by train. Stonehenge would be difficult to get to and we are wondering if it is worth the trouble. Everything I've been reading suggests that it is difficult to see since they have it roped off from a distance and that several highways around it as well as all the tourists make it rather unpleasant. I am debating whether to take a train from London to Salisbury and then a bus to Stonehenge or if we should instead take a train to Bath and spend the day there. We don't have enough time to do both.Does anyone have any suggestions?

We took our teenager a couple of years ago - and all of us felt "ho-hum" about Stonehenge. Kind of like, ok, we've seen it now, but no big deal. Rick Steves recommends Avebury, near Bath, highly - a much bigger stone circle, more interesting, and you're free to wander among the stones. The most convenient way to see either stone circle is with an all-day bus tour. He recommends "Mad Max", departing from Bath. <BR>

We took our teenager a couple of years ago - and all of us felt "ho-hum" about Stonehenge. Kind of like, ok, we've seen it now, but no big deal. Rick Steves recommends Avebury, near Bath, highly - a much bigger stone circle, more interesting, and you're free to wander among the stones. The most convenient way to see either stone circle is with an all-day bus tour. He recommends "Mad Max", departing from Bath. <BR>

I've done Salisbury-Stonehenge, and it was fun. The town (and cathedral) are pretty interesting unto themselves; the bus tour includes a guide who gives you some local history/culture (like pointing out one of the few remaining thatch-roofed houses in England). There are more accessible monoliths nearby (Amesbury? Ainsbury? Fodies, help me out here) that aren't roped off...they really are quite something to see...

One of the day trips I took while I was in London was a group motor coach tour (bus) to Bath, Salisbury, and Stonehenge -- all three in one day. I don't remember the cost but I thought it was reasonable because it was a full day and included a guide on the bus to tell you about the places but then when you got to each place you were free to do whatever you wanted and roam on your own and just meet the bus back at a certain time. It was a good day to see three places in a relatively short period of time and learn a little of the history without having to do the driving, etc. I would recommend it. Of the three, Bath was by far the most interesting and fun.

Talk to your children about the 'mysticism" of Stonehenge, so they will be prepared to see something other than "just a bunch of big rocks" which is what it is...I found it fascinating, and I'm so glad I made the trip. It doesn't take long to see it once you're there, so a tour to Bath or elsewhere on the same day is wise. Have a great time! <BR>

I agree with Judy. I'm amazed people can think of them as a pile of rocks. I thought they were a highlight of England and wouldn't have missed it. <BR>

Mathis, <BR> I have been to Stonehenge three times and it still never ceases to amaze me. I think it is definitely worth seeing. If you get a chance though see Avebury. It is very impressive albeit a little odd. You can't miss the stones when you drive into the village; They are on both sides of the road. Bath is my favorite English city next to London. The Georgian architecture is beautiful and the baths are fascinating.

Mathis, <BR> <BR>As an American couple living in London for the past 5mos, we have seen quite a bit, naturally. I highly recommend seeing Stonehedge, Bath, and Salisbury last. We took a day's bus (coach) bus tour (Golden Tours) from central london to all 3 areas, BUT, they have since cut out Salisbury as too many folks complained they didn't have enough time in Bath. Aside from the Salisbury Cathedral, there isn't much to see. <BR>Bath, #1 choice, is extraordinary.. and your kids will enjoy it. The Roman Baths tour (like a museum, but on the actual site of the ancient ruins of the baths, is well worth the visit. (take your Kodak!). Stonehedge is #2.. <BR>again, something you'll never understand and never forget. You CAN <BR>get up close enough (within 10yrds) tho it is roped off. (the stones ARE big). <BR>The guide on bus tour would enhance what you gain from the stones. <BR> <BR>Good luck..if you need to write me personally, do so. <BR> <BR>-ellen

I have been to Stonhenge before they roped it off, & I have been there since it has been roped off. IMO, it is still worth seeing. It is not difficult at all to get there, & you do not need to take a tour bus, if you don't want to. Here is what we did for our day trip from London. Took the train to Salisbury, & purchased our tickets for the public bus, to Stonhenge, inside the train station. You catch the bus right in front of the station. We then walked over to the Salisbury Cathedral & went thru that. Then to the train station to catch the bus to Stonhenge. Visit Stonhenge & then catch another bus from Stonhenge. We then asked the bus driver to drop us off at the stop for Old Sarum - which is the site for the original Salisbury. We went up the hill & you can walk thru all the original ruins of the old city. That was enjoyable - was worth the stop, at the time, I even said our boys would enjoy exploring thru these ruins. There were not alot of people at Old Sarum either. Then went back & caught the bus to Salisbury, back to the train Station & then train back to London. Sure Stonhenge is roped off, & there is a reason for that. Stonhenge is not as delicate as the furniture, paintings, belongings, & tapestries, that are roped off in houses, castles, abbeys, etc that you may visit, But Stonhenge is no less a treasure than any of those things & needs some type of preservation to be there for future generations. I have also been 2 Bath a couple of times on day trips from London. Both cities are worth visiting, but don't let Stonhenge being roped off, discourage you from going there. If you want some ideas for some other day trips, email me. <BR>

I've wanted to see Stonehenge since 4th-grade geography class, and it was as stunning as I had expected it to be, all those years. Although a British friend suggested we forego that stop, I can't imagine having been to England and not seeing Stonehenge. We went to Bath the day before, Stonehenge & Salibury the next. You'll forever wonder what you missed . . . although I didn't know about Avebury before reading this post, and will add it to my agenda for next time. A further note: we were there in March, and it was bone-chilling cold .... the coldest place on our entire trip, but perhaps that's part of the place.