THIS week sees the Summer Solstice – with Stonehenge set to once again be the focal point of UK celebrations.

Thousands descend on the World Heritage Site each year, heading to Wiltshire from not just across the country, but across the globe.

The solstice, on June 20/21, occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun – making it also the longest day of the year, in sunlight terms.

Historically, the solstice has been an important focal point for cultures, as it is an important time for farming and more.

In Druid tradition, the time around the Summer Solstice is known as Alban Hefin – ‘the light of summer’ or ‘light of the shore’.

Stonehenge is an important part of the historic cultural celebration of midsummer, built to align with the sun on those days.

Now, each year, thousands of people – Druids and more – make the pilgrimage to the Wiltshire site to watch the sun rise.

Stonehenge Summer Solstice road closures and diversions

National Highways is urging anyone using the A303 around Stonehenge this week to plan their journey in advance.

A number of road closures will be in operation as the week progresses, with traffic diverted via sections of the A345, A303 and A36.

Meanwhile, a 40mph speed limit will be in place on the A303 between the Countess roundabout and Longbarrow roundabout, with lay-bys closed and the dual carriageway reduced to a single lane.

For those attending the site, Engligh Heritage – which manages the monument – allows free entry, with certain conditions.

Access to the monument field starts at 7pm on June 20.

A spokesperson said: “The weather can be unpredictable, so bring warm clothing and sun cream, and wear sensible footwear.”

They added: “Assistance dogs are welcome, but please leave your pets at home.

“Please respect the stones and all those attending Summer solstice.”

Rules at Stonehenge for those attending the Summer Solstice

The full list of rules for Stonehenge at Solstice is:

• NO CLIMBING ON THE STONES
  Please do not climb or stand on any of the stones – this includes the stones that have fallen. This is for your own safety and also to protect this special site and respect for those around you.
• NO AMPLIFIED MUSIC
  No amplified music in or around the monument field.
• NO ALCOHOL
  Alcohol is not allowed within the monument or monument field; it will be confiscated, and those in possession may be asked to leave.
• NO ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
  Drunken, disorderly, and anti-social behaviour will result in removal by security or police.
• NO DRUGS
  Illegal drugs are prohibited; the police will take action against offenders.
• NO GLASS
  No glass items are permitted in to the Monument Field.
• NO BLADED OR SHARPLY POINTED ITEMS
• NO DRONES
  Drones or remote-controlled flying devices are not permitted. Please see: The Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Stonehenge) Regulations 2024).
• SMALL BAGS ONLY
  Counter-terrorism measures apply, only small bags are allowed on entry.
  Security searches may be conducted, with illegal items confiscated and entry refused.
• NO OPEN FLAMES
  No open flames, enclosed or unenclosed, are permitted within the Monument Field.
• NO SMUDGE STICKS OR SMOKING
  No smouldering items, for example smudge sticks or burning incense, including smoking in the stone circle.
• NO LEAFLETING/FLYERING
  To reduce litter, leafleting or flyering is not allowed.
• NO TENTS, SLEEPING BAGS OR CAMPING CHAIRS
  Camping is not permitted at Stonehenge and sleeping on the ground is a trip hazard which can interfere with the work of the emergency services.
  Chairs* are permitted for visitors who need them. Please make sure the chair is designed for outdoor use and place it on an area of level ground, at least 2 metres away from any of the standing or fallen stones. Please ensure that chair legs are not driven into the ground.
• TOILETS
  Please use the toilets provided in the Monument Field and Solstice Car Park and do not desecrate the Monument or surrounding land.