Lions, lanterns and lots more! – a unique Christmas celebration at Longleat COMPLETED About This Page:

[chezp]

Sunday 30 November – part one: shall we go and have a look at Stonehenge?

We didn’t sleep too badly, although I wouldn’t say we slept that great either. I know I was awake around 5:00am, as I heard a clock chiming that, but thankfully I didn’t hear it again. I know Mark said he’d heard more chimes than me, indicating he hadn’t slept that great. I’m sure the wine didn’t help, and I know I woke up with a bit of a sore head, although fortunately that soon subsided.

We crawled out of bed just before 8:00am, and headed down for breakfast. On the way down, I got a couple of photos of the place in daylight, as we hadn’t seen it in daylight before.



I guess everyone staying here must’ve said they’d also have breakfast at 8:30am, as the father and daughter were down at the same time as us, and there was a family of six who were already down, but were only just being served when we arrived.

We certainly heard some interesting conversations from everyone else in there. We gathered some of the family went to Bath, and apparently they spent an hour looking for parking while we think the rest of them went to a shopping centre in Bristol, and apparently most of the shops were still open at 9:00pm last night. I guess that explains why we didn’t see them for dinner last night.

There was a selection of cereal out for us to pick from, along with orange or apple juice, then you ordered what hot items you wanted. I just went for a fried egg, mushrooms and tomatoes. I didn’t fancy vegetarian sausages this morning, and this was perfect, although I think she could’ve found a smaller plate for it.



Of course, Mark went for a full English breakfast, and his plate was a little bit more full than mine…



When we were done eating, we headed back up to the room to get ready. We both commented on the fact that everyone else was still down at breakfast, and were all really taking their time. I headed out to take some stuff out to the car, and took the opportunity to get a few photos of the place…

Then we took the rest of the stuff down, and I went to hand back the key and settle up for last night’s meal, and we were on our way. This is a lovely village.



As you can see from these photos, it was still a very misty and murky morning, which certainly brought some atmosphere to the drive…



We were just coming up to the roundabout where you turn off for the Stonehenge visitors’ centre, and I suggested we go and have a look at it, as I knew it was relatively new. I thought it had opened in the summer, but we later discovered that it actually opened on 18 December 2013, so it’s nearly a year old. It’s a weird building…



We figured that as the car park was quite empty, we might stand a chance of being able to get in. The reason I say that is that we’d both heard about the need to pre-book now, and the fact that you can’t just get walk-up tickets. Well, thankfully we had no problems on that front. We were directed to the members’ section, as here both the National Trust and English Heritage members can get in for free, as the National Trust owns the land around the stones, while English Heritage is responsible for the stones themselves.

We chatted to the guy there and he told us that during the peak periods, if you don’t pre-book, you could easily be out of luck, as on the busiest days, they do become swamped, and once they’re full, that’s it, no-one else is getting in for the day. It will become apparent why that’s the case shortly.

We also talked to him about when President Obama came here, and the nightmare it caused them. I mean, think about it, Stonehenge had to be closed for his visit, and can you imagine if you’d pre-booked only to discover that you couldn’t then get in? You’d be pretty mad, and the guy we spoke to was working that day, and said it wasn’t pretty, especially as they couldn’t tell people why it had been suddenly closed with little notice. Not an easy situation to deal with I’m sure.

Next: the sun streams down on Stonehenge!

[Colexis Mom]

What a murky morning! Can't wait to hear about Stonehenge!

[Cam22]

I have finally caught up with all the updates since 12/3. Wonderful animal sightings. The Chinese lanterns are pretty during the day, but breathtaking at night when they are lit. The bed and breakfast pub looked very comfortable. The foggy weather definitely adds to the atmosphere of your trip.

[chezp]

Sunday 30 November – part two: the sun streams down on Stonehenge!

I figured that the first thing we’d do is head over to the stones. Now here’s why they limit the visitor numbers. The visitor centre is now located a couple of miles away from the stones themselves, so you have to take a bus over there. Of course, in the busiest periods, that’s going to mean a wait, as there’s only so much capacity on the buses. We literally walked up and were one of the last people on the bus…



I have to say I think we were the only ones on here not of Far East origin, shall we say? That was a pattern that was replicated at the stones, where I reckon at least 85-90% of the visitors were also of that origin. I know there were some Americans there and I heard some Italian being spoken, and we think that there were Russians there. As we went around, we only heard one other couple speaking what I’d term English – i.e. we could tell from their accents that they were British. In a way, I thought it was nice that they’re obviously attracting so many foreign visitors, but in another way, I think it’s such a shame that there are so few “locals” there. I guess it’s only the experience on one day, and if we went another day, we might see something very different.

When we arrived there, we had a bit of a shock, and here’s why:



We knew that the original visitors’ centre was no longer there – obviously given there’s now a new one, but I wasn’t expecting them to still be getting rid of the old one. However, once all the work is completed, it will all look amazing, and it will be a much more natural setting for Stonehenge, which is important.

They had a lot of information here about the area:



The sun was casting some beautiful light on the fiends and trees in the distance, and it looked just stunning.



At first, as we walked around, the sky was very dark…



…. But then suddenly the clouds parted, and wow, the sun was streaming down on Stonehenge – what a beautiful sight!



As we walked around, I couldn’t resist taking photos of the surrounding countryside, bathed in beautiful sunshine. You’ll see some burial mounds in these shots, and I’m sure on the audio guide we had, it said that there are something like 300 around here.



Next: I bet they don’t even think twice about the view!

[lauriep]

I'm glad more steps are being taken to restore the area around the stones and control the number of visitors at one time. The first time I went there was no visitors' center (at least not that I remember) and you could walk all around. There were not very many people visiting, but you could already see that the beautiful grassland was being affected by the foot traffic. You just parked on a section of grass then and walked over.

[Colexis Mom]

Great pictures from Stonehenge!

[chezp]

Originally Posted by lauriep

I'm glad more steps are being taken to restore the area around the stones and control the number of visitors at one time. The first time I went there was no visitors' center (at least not that I remember) and you could walk all around. There were not very many people visiting, but you could already see that the beautiful grassland was being affected by the foot traffic. You just parked on a section of grass then and walked over.

Oh wow, how things have changed since then!

[Cam22]

Very fascinating information about Stonehenge! Great pictures, especially when the sun came beaming down.

[chezp]

Sunday 30 November – part three: I bet they don’t even think twice about the view!

Although, in some of these photos, it may look as if people are right up by the stones, it’s an optical illusion, as you can’t get right up to them. However, the route they take you on gets you close enough to get some good photos of them and you with them, if that’s what you want – and of course everyone does. We both thought that the route now is a lot closer to the stones than when we were last here in May 2008 with Sue and Steve.



As we made our way around, suddenly the sun came streaming through, lighting up Stonehenge, and what a wonderful difference it made.



I couldn’t resist getting photos of these guys – what a cool view they have, and I bet they don’t even think twice about it!



This stone has been reinforced with concrete, and they’ve left it obvious, so that people can see the restoration work that’s been required to ensure that these great stones can continue to stand.



Finally we were getting close-up to the stones…



… and from here, you could see the sun in the sky behind it, which is a neat effect, and one I’m very glad we got the chance to see.



Our circuit completed, we made our back to the bus stop, seeing this guy on the way….



… and also some more of the landscape…



We walked down to where a bus was, but I had a feeling as we made our way down that we wouldn’t be in luck for getting this one, especially as there was a big group in front of us. I was right, and they got on, and then it pulled off, but at least it meant we were first in line for the next bus. I sat down while Mark waited in line, and when the bus appeared, I got up to join him.

Being first in line meant that we got seats, and not everyone did, as those who were last on had to stand. Thank goodness that wasn’t me.

When we got back, we had a look in the shop, and wow, it’s very impressive. I honestly don’t remember the shop at all at the old visitor centre, which I think tells you something. It was massive, and packed with loads of things, and of course, we bought a few things. I did contemplate getting this mug…



… but honestly, we have so many mugs, it’s really not funny, and I’ve promised myself that I won’t get anymore, as it’s just getting silly. However, we did get an obligatory fridge magnet, a Christmas ornament, some shortbread for my work colleagues, and Mark got a wonderful T-shirt of Stonehenge with the sun behind it, which was very reasonably priced. As we walked around the shop, I smelt a gorgeous scent, and tried to find out where it was coming from, as I absolutely loved it, and it appeared to be from some hand cream, so I tried it. Now usually I find that hand cream over here is very greasy, which is why I always get mine from Bath and Body Works in the States. However, this wasn’t at all greasy, and it was a lovely consistency, so while it wasn’t cheap, I figured it was worth getting, and with that we bought our purchases.

I have to say the woman who served us was just wonderful, and so friendly, and wanted to ensure that we had had a good time, and was really keen to hear our thoughts, which was so encouraging.

Next: I don’t think you’re going to move that…

[Colexis Mom]

More great shots from Stonehenge! I'm glad you enjoyed your visit!

[Disneybine]

Ok, now I know where my confusion about this TR being about Scotland came from - and I'm honestly embarrassed to write this: I always thought Stonehenge was in Scotland

[lauriep]

I'm such a typical old fogey, constantly bringing up how things "used to be", but not only were there no restrictions on how close you could get to the stones, but you could touch them and CLIMB on them! It's no wonder they needed reinforcement. The dramatic sky makes for a great backdrop. I love the photos of the pretty little starling.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by Disneybine

Ok, now I know where my confusion about this TR being about Scotland came from - and I'm honestly embarrassed to write this: I always thought Stonehenge was in Scotland

Hey don't worry - live and learn and at least now you know.

[chezp]

Originally Posted by lauriep

I'm such a typical old fogey, constantly bringing up how things "used to be", but not only were there no restrictions on how close you could get to the stones, but you could touch them and CLIMB on them! It's no wonder they needed reinforcement.

Oh my goodness! You are right, no wonder they needed work doing to them. I knew people could touch them, but I had no idea you could climb on them!

[Cam22]

Lovely pictures of the stones! That mug is too cute!