We are pleased to welcome people to Stonehenge to celebrate Summer Solstice 2016. This year sunrise will take place at 4.52am on Tuesday 21 June, the longest day of the year. The sun will rises behind the Heel Stone - the ancient entrance to the Stone Circle from the ceremonial avenue - and rays of sun are channelled into the centre of the monument.

In recent years there has been huge growth in people and cars coming to the World Heritage Site for Summer Solstice. To protect Stonehenge and to encourage more people to use public transport, we've introduced a parking charge and made the event alcohol-free, to make the occasion cleaner, greener and more enjoyable for everyone.

The nearest train station is at Salisbury, and the Salisbury Reds bus company will be running a special service from Salisbury to Stonehenge through Monday night and into the next day, making it easy to travel to the site. Parking will cost £15 and can be paid for with cash or card on arrival. Visitors can check opening times, the conditions of entry and how to get to Stonehenge using public transport or a car share on the English Heritage website.

"A wonderful occasion for people to come together"

Kate Davies, General Manager of Stonehenge at English Heritage, said: "Stonehenge is a special place and this is a wonderful occasion for people to come together, as they probably have done for thousands of years, to celebrate the longest day of the year.

"As guardians of Stonehenge, it is our job to look after the monument. We ask all attending Summer Solstice to respect the stones and the people around you."

Inspector Dave Minty, Wiltshire Police said "The roads around Stonehenge will be very busy and there is limited parking available on site. We advise anyone planning to come to Stonehenge for solstice to use public transport or car share."

Follow @EH_Stonehenge@HighwaysEngland and @Wiltshirepolice for #summersolstice updates on the night.

Please note:
Stonehenge will close to visitors at 3pm on Monday 20 June (last admissions 1pm) and will be closed on 21 June. The site will open for Managed Open Access for solstice at 7pm on Monday 20 June to 8am on Tuesday 21 June.

The car parking fees apply to all visitors to Summer Solstice, including members of English Heritage and National Trust.