fun to do kids stonehenge england   Travel for Kids
England
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Stonehenge

Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site, is a popular tourist destination, but well worth it. It's a marvel of Neolithic construction techniques. How did they get the blue stones from Wales, over 200km away, and how did they heave those immense heavy capstones on top of the upright stones? Other mysteries abound – was the site used for astronomy, rituals of the sun and moon, healing rites to cure disease, or rites of human sacrifice on the Slaughter Stone?
  Stonehenge
      At Stonehenge, stop into the visitor center before going out to the stones. You walk on the grassy circular ditch around the stones, but you can't get near them. This makes the stones seem even more mysterious, remote, inscrutable, defying graffiti and the touch of modern civilization. Even so, when we were there, a toddler ran out into the grassy area next to the stones, his parents had a hard time convincing him to get back on the path (another greasy handprint on those old stones …).
      Be sure to reserve timed tickets for entry in advance: book tickets
      Tip: Stonhenge is situated on large grassy Salisbury Plain, surrounded by public access land. In the long days of summer, bring a picnic supper, and dine on the grass.
Avebury
  Avebury – Stonehenge is more famous, but Avebury is a much larger stone circle. The Neolithic stones in Avebury are sprinkled throughout the village, and kids can touch and climb on them. We had a great time running around the stones, spread over a large area, and having tea in the little village. There's also small museum with artifacts and archeology.
      Also, stop off to take a look at Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. Imagine piling up all that dirt with simple tools!
    Wayland's Smithy (Ashbury, Oxfordshire) – Walk a short distance down The Ridgeway National Trail to find this Neolithic burial chamber, constructed over 5000 years ago. The long barrow is edged with huge, mystical-looking sarsen stones, and it's fun to hide in the small chambers.
kids books stonehenge england
     
where is stonehenge  

Illustrated history of Stonehenge, where prehistoric peoples constructed this mysterious monument of giant stones over many centuries, and the latest exciting archaeological discoveries. (Chapter book)

 

     
If Stones Could Speak
Marc Aronson, Mike Parker Pearson

Follow an archeologist around the site to discover why prehistoric people built Stonehenge, where did the stones come from, ceremonies and rituals for the dead, and more. Good for older kids. (Chapter book)

 

 
If Stones Could Speak stonehenge kids history archeology
     
Stonehenge: Build Your Own Ancient Wonder kids activity pack  

Arrange 16 mini-stones in a circle, just like the real Stonehenge, and find out about the legends and history of this extraordinary monument. Small enough to bring on your trip. (Activity pack)

 

(More children's books on other England pages)
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