March
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Discover the secrets of Stonehenge at a fascinating new exhibition in London and other ancient sites across the UK with these Stonehenge-inspired holidays
A new exhibition at The British Museum in London reveals the secrets of Stonehenge, exploring its purpose, cultural power and the people that created it. The World of Stonehenge (until 17 July 2022) follows the story of Britain and Europe from 4000 to 1000 BC – the fascinating age of Stonehenge. If your curiosity has been piqued, here are some Stonehenge-inspiredholiday ideas:
Visit The World of Stonehenge exhibition at The British Museum
Be immersed in the secrets of Stonehenge at this ground-breaking exhibition which, owing to recent archaeological discoveries, sheds new light on the much-revered monument and the Neolithic Stone Age people who created it. Marvel at stone axes from the Italian Alps, intricate gold jewellery and early metalwork, including the Nebra Sky Disc – the world’s oldest surviving map of the stars. The pièce de resistance is Seahenge, a fascinating 4,000-year-old timber circle, on loan for the very first time.
Stay at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences and stroll to The British Museum from Mayfair. An overnight stay costs from £331 per room per night (two sharing), including full English breakfast and access to the hotel’s leisure facilities. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Visit Stonehenge in Wiltshire
Awe-inspiring and imposing, Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous and most impressive prehistoric stone circles world. Located on Salisbury Plain in the Wiltshire countryside, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has been shrouded in myths, legends and folklore for centuries. The sheer size of the standing stones as well as the sophistication of its architectural design is a site to behold.
Stay in Wiltshire at Lucknam Park, near Chippenham, from £350 per night, or Whatley Manor, near Malmesbury, from £260 per night. Room prices are based on two sharing, including full English breakfast.Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Visit Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills
Pembrokeshire’s Preseli Hills are now widely thought to be the source of some of the monoliths at Stonehenge. Archaeologists uncovered the remains of one of Britain’s biggest and oldest stone circles in Wales last year during filming for BBC Two’s Stonehenge: The Lost Circle Revealed.
Several of the monoliths at Stonehenge in Wiltshire are Pembroke Bluestone the same rock type as those at the Waun Mawn site in Pembrokeshire. Walk or cycle along the Preseli Stones Trail which runs along the southern foothills of the Preseli Mountains offering scenic views and glimpses of prehistoric remains, including standing stones and a stone circle.
For information, or to research and plan your next Pembrokeshire trip, see Visit Pembrokeshire for ideas and full details. Stay nearby at Preseli Hills Cottage, where a week’s self-catering stay costs from £520 (sleeps four). Or stay at the Grove of Narberth, which has fine views of the Preseli Hills, from £260 per room per night (two sharing), including full Welsh breakfast.Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929 (www.prideofbritainhotels.com).
Visit fascinating stone circles in Scotland
Scotland is home to many mesmerising stone monuments, some thought to date from when the first settlers arrived here over 10,000 years ago. From the north westerly Hebridean Isles to Dumfries and Galloway, some of Europe’s most ancient standing stones and stone circles can be seen across Scotland. Six not to be missed include Machrie Moor, the Ring of Brodgar, Kilmartin Glen, Clava Cairns, Calanais Standing Stones and the Standing Stones of Stennness.
Experience the ancient stone wonders on an adventurous road trip. Hire Daisy, an original 1973 classic VW Westfalia campervan, from beautiful Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. With a two-berth refurbished interior, Daisy has a radio/cd player, fridge and a solar panel – ideal for ‘off-grid’ explorations. The cost is from £622 for seven days, including breakdown cover, two insured drivers and mileage (200 km per day).To book, or for more information on Yescapa, visit www.yescapa.co.uk.