Rising above Salisbury Plain like jagged fingers grasping their way out of an early morning mist, Stonehenge never fails to impress. In winter, its stones cast long shadows that invoke visions of druids chanting ancient rites to the sun. In summer, the stones sizzle under the sun on a hilltop that affords great views of the countryside and the ancient barrows (burial mounds) lying just beyond the main road. The original approach to Stonehenge was from the east, the route taken by the ancient people who built and enlarged this site between 3000 and 1600 B.C. Stand in the car park looking away from the stones, gaze up to the trees beyond and appreciate what an impressive entrance to the site this would have been. Modern day visitors have to dive down a dank tunnel under the road to reach the site, past the inevitable gift shop. Before diving down, however, do touch the large blue stone that stands outside the entrance. It’s the nearest you can get to any stone on a standard visit, and the only one you can actually touch. The super-keen can book a Stone Circle Access visit, which occur either very early and/or late in the day, depending on the time of year. Once on the site, wander around the edge of the great stone circles at your leisure. The audio guide is worthwhile, pointing out the meanings of the bumps, pits and moats of this undulating site. It doesn’t matter what time of year of time of day you visit, you’ll never be alone at Stonehenge, so ignore the hordes and use some imagination. It’s mind-boggling to try to work out just why on earth the original builders would have hauled such vast stones over such enormous distances. Entrance to the site is a reasonable $11 for adults. Remember, the stones are on top of a hill, so go dressed for any unexpected changes in the British weather!