Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours
Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours
Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours
5
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Full view
About
Hi. My name is Pat Shelley and I provide tours in and around the Stonehenge area. I take you on an exploration of the many sites which help to explain what Stonehenge may have been about across some beautiful countryside. Many people come back again with other members of their family or on the recommendation of friends. We can help out with transfers and travel arrangements to make your travel plans as smooth as possible. I look forward to meeting you.
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Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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woody_dave
Chiangmai5 contributions
Sep 2019
Salisbury is not only an excellent centre to stay for visiting the prehistoric monument of Stonehenge, the city itself is quite unique in its rural surroundings and caters for all age groups.
Excellent restaurants are found all over the city, the old market place is still active and great for fresh vegetables and fruit to snack on during your walk about.
Salisbury cathedral is over 2000 years old and holds one of the four original hand written versions of the Manga Carter signed by king John at Runnymede on 15 June 1215.
The 14th century clock is the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, set in one of the finest architectural structural's in the UK.
Near by is the world famous Neolithic period Stonehenge, constructed some 5000 years ago and visited by over 1 million people every every year.
It is busy yes but you can find the time and space to take in the solitude and the immense significance of the structures, you can feel the history.
The visitors centre is an excellent introduction to the historical site and seasonal images are eye catching and absorbing.
Excellent restaurants are found all over the city, the old market place is still active and great for fresh vegetables and fruit to snack on during your walk about.
Salisbury cathedral is over 2000 years old and holds one of the four original hand written versions of the Manga Carter signed by king John at Runnymede on 15 June 1215.
The 14th century clock is the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, set in one of the finest architectural structural's in the UK.
Near by is the world famous Neolithic period Stonehenge, constructed some 5000 years ago and visited by over 1 million people every every year.
It is busy yes but you can find the time and space to take in the solitude and the immense significance of the structures, you can feel the history.
The visitors centre is an excellent introduction to the historical site and seasonal images are eye catching and absorbing.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacky B
Southampton, UK151 contributions
Aug 2021
My experience was bought alive by the museum which is not big but put the stones and area into context for me. By the time I had walked to the actual stones talking about the history I was quite feeling quite humbled.
For me the traffic passing so close by on the main road was a big distraction.
For me the traffic passing so close by on the main road was a big distraction.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DianneStewart
Charlotte, NC112 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
Visited Stonehenge with my adult daughter to investigate the area where some of my ancestors lived. It was an extraordinarily beautiful hot day and I needed a hat in the heat. It’s a beautifully presented historical site and the stones are fascinating. Parking was a breeze and there is a shuttle up to the stones from the visitor center. All this made for a very enjoyable visit. Great restaurant and fabulous ice cream!
Written June 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DIXONFRANCE
NIMES FRANCE1 contribution
I've read several reviews of Stonehenge which don't paint it in a good light. I think they must be posted by people who join large groups and do not have a decent guide who can explain its fascinating history.
I went on a great trip with a local company called Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours and it was brilliant. Not only did we see the stones, but some of the other amazing monuments in the area including the place where the builders of Stonehenge lived. The guide knew everything about the area. It was more expensive than most tours, but lasted nearly 4 hours. I figured we might only get to see Stonehenge once so we might as well do it properly. If you are booking with them try to get Pat as your guide, he should be on the TV!
I went on a great trip with a local company called Salisbury & Stonehenge Guided Tours and it was brilliant. Not only did we see the stones, but some of the other amazing monuments in the area including the place where the builders of Stonehenge lived. The guide knew everything about the area. It was more expensive than most tours, but lasted nearly 4 hours. I figured we might only get to see Stonehenge once so we might as well do it properly. If you are booking with them try to get Pat as your guide, he should be on the TV!
Written December 6, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TwofortheRoad_11
New Jersey24 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
In September we took the early morning tour of Stonehenge and other sites with Pat Shelley. I am an American who has probably been to Stonehenge about every ten years since the 1960s and I always leave feeling frustrated that I don't understand even what is known about the site. I feel that after the tour with Mr. Shelley I understand it as well as I ever will. Oddly enough, Mr. Shelley's use of a pop up book to illustrate the different phases of the Stonehenge site was immensely informative, as I had never understood the way the stones were moved around, and conventional guide books with diagrams where dotted lines represented different things had done nothing to allay my confusion. Mr. Shelley is entertaining and well informed, with very interesting insights into the history of archaeology at the site. The tour is very well organized and runs smoothly. The final moments of the visit to Stonehenge where the group approaches the monument from the direction that our pre-historic ancestors approached it, seeing it appear suddenly on a ridge, is very moving.
A particular note for those people who have mobility problems, such as myself, some of the trip involves walking through a sheep pasture. I questioned Mr. Shelley in detail about the conditions during this part of the trip and the possibility of turning back if they proved too formidable, and was very impressed with his ability to explain exactly what they would be. This is a really professional guide! On the basis of his description, including grassed pathways, the size of dirt clumps, and walking over an electrified fence which would be laid flat, I attempted the trip which I had originally thought would not be workable for me, and it turned out to be exactly as described. Thus I had an experience that I had thought I would have to sit out. He was also very solicitous about my comfort and convenience, offering insightful suggestions about where exactly to step during the traversing of the electric fence, which he carefully held for me.
My husband and I enjoyed this tour very much and highly recommend it to others who want more than a cursory visit to Stonehenge.
A particular note for those people who have mobility problems, such as myself, some of the trip involves walking through a sheep pasture. I questioned Mr. Shelley in detail about the conditions during this part of the trip and the possibility of turning back if they proved too formidable, and was very impressed with his ability to explain exactly what they would be. This is a really professional guide! On the basis of his description, including grassed pathways, the size of dirt clumps, and walking over an electrified fence which would be laid flat, I attempted the trip which I had originally thought would not be workable for me, and it turned out to be exactly as described. Thus I had an experience that I had thought I would have to sit out. He was also very solicitous about my comfort and convenience, offering insightful suggestions about where exactly to step during the traversing of the electric fence, which he carefully held for me.
My husband and I enjoyed this tour very much and highly recommend it to others who want more than a cursory visit to Stonehenge.
Written January 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi TwofortheRoad. Thank you for your wonderful review of my tour around the Stonehenge landscape. I am glad that you found it a comfortable and, in places, a moving experience. I hope the rest of your trip went well and that you may be able to join us again on a tour. Kind Regards, Pat Shelley
Written January 18, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tanglehymn
San Francisco, CA1 contribution
Aug 2011
I booked a tour with a bus company to visit Stonehenge during the morning Inner Circle Access. Unlike most bus tours I've done, our bus driver ended up not being our guide. Instead, we met Pat (not affiliated with the bus company) at the site where he introduced us to the history of the area and the specific stones. My only complaint, and this has nothing to do with Pat, but rather the bus company I went with, was the amount of time we spent at Stonehenge. That is why I would fully recommend booking the tour directly from Pat to stay even longer and get even more out of your time. (I had booked the bus because of the ease of transport from London, but honestly, taking the train is just as easy.)
In addition to being a lovely morning in Stonehenge, Pat showed us around Salisbury and the Salisbury Cathedral. Pat helped me out personally by going over with me while I was there and over email various logistical details in order to visit the site again on my own. (I unfortunately could not take one of his tours as they were all booked at this point.) The fact that he would take so much time to help me, knowing that I would not be able to attend one of his own tours again speaks so much to his passion for the area.
Overall, Pat is an extremely nice and helpful person. His knowledge and intense passion regarding Stonehenge and the surrounding area makes him a brilliant tour guide. It's obvious that he loves what he does and that translates into a good time for all his tours. After all the tours I took on my vacation, I can easily say that Pat's was the most informative and engaging. I can't recommend him enough.
In addition to being a lovely morning in Stonehenge, Pat showed us around Salisbury and the Salisbury Cathedral. Pat helped me out personally by going over with me while I was there and over email various logistical details in order to visit the site again on my own. (I unfortunately could not take one of his tours as they were all booked at this point.) The fact that he would take so much time to help me, knowing that I would not be able to attend one of his own tours again speaks so much to his passion for the area.
Overall, Pat is an extremely nice and helpful person. His knowledge and intense passion regarding Stonehenge and the surrounding area makes him a brilliant tour guide. It's obvious that he loves what he does and that translates into a good time for all his tours. After all the tours I took on my vacation, I can easily say that Pat's was the most informative and engaging. I can't recommend him enough.
Written September 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AdventureRichard
1 contribution
May 2015 • Solo
Hello,
I was on a trip from the US to the UK for business and had a limited amount of free time with which to make a side adventure and see some of the wonders of Great Britain. It was difficult to choose exactly what to do and eventually I decided to go to Stonehenge.
A bit of background on me may be helpful. I'm a fit, almost 40, student of philosophy, lover of history and mystery. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, have done military service, traveled some of the world (30 countries) and currently work in medical device sales. Sadly, on this trip, I had to leave my wife and two small children behind, otherwise, I would most certainly have brought them...to Stonehenge.
It's difficult to summarize what made my tour with Pat Shelley so enjoyable, so I will attempt to distill it as simply as possible. YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ON A TOUR LIKE THIS BEFORE...unless you're an archaeologist or adventurer.
The day of the tour, it was overcast, cold and windy. Did I mention cold? It was on 2 May and I had to layer up for sure. From the meetup at the coach stop through to the drop off at the end, the tour was logistically well planned and executed, not to mention, informative, high spirited, and downright fun! Pat and the coach driver Steve were so friendly and well mannered, yet retained a looseness of wise professionals. The coach had plenty of space and the tour size was perfect. I think we had about 15 persons.
We got to the site early, though not too early and from the start, Mr. Shelley provided narrative information preparing us for our experience at Stonehenge. Mr. Shelley, clearly is the local expert, but is also clearly the local favorite. I mention this because the ease with which we navigated the tour was due in part to Mr. Shelley's good working relationships with the folks that manage and guard this important monument. It's clear to me that Stonhenge is a part of Mr. Shelley and Mr. Shelley is a part of it!
My friends have asked me, was it worth it to pay extra to be right there next to the stones? Besides being right there and feeling their ancient presence up close, the information provided by Mr. Shelley's narrative was incredible and unlike the few other tours that I saw visiting (it wasn't crowded but there was another group in the stones when we were there). Truly, Mr. Shelley transformed what was an amazing experience into a superb and unforgettable one. And it didn't just begin and end with the stones!
The stones were awesome. But another part of what made this tour more than worth the money, was the excursion to the other local features in the land and the overall archaeological perspective provided by Mr. Shelley along with actually walking the land.
It's one thing to get off a bus and see a monument, only to get back on the bus and go home. It's an entirely different thing to see the monument as those who lived in its early existence would, and getting such an in-depth view and experience is priceless.
I really can't say enough. I've probably said too much! You cannot go wrong with Pat Shelley. I only hope he is still around doing this amazing service to humanity when I bring my family back in the near future.
I was on a trip from the US to the UK for business and had a limited amount of free time with which to make a side adventure and see some of the wonders of Great Britain. It was difficult to choose exactly what to do and eventually I decided to go to Stonehenge.
A bit of background on me may be helpful. I'm a fit, almost 40, student of philosophy, lover of history and mystery. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, have done military service, traveled some of the world (30 countries) and currently work in medical device sales. Sadly, on this trip, I had to leave my wife and two small children behind, otherwise, I would most certainly have brought them...to Stonehenge.
It's difficult to summarize what made my tour with Pat Shelley so enjoyable, so I will attempt to distill it as simply as possible. YOU'VE NEVER BEEN ON A TOUR LIKE THIS BEFORE...unless you're an archaeologist or adventurer.
The day of the tour, it was overcast, cold and windy. Did I mention cold? It was on 2 May and I had to layer up for sure. From the meetup at the coach stop through to the drop off at the end, the tour was logistically well planned and executed, not to mention, informative, high spirited, and downright fun! Pat and the coach driver Steve were so friendly and well mannered, yet retained a looseness of wise professionals. The coach had plenty of space and the tour size was perfect. I think we had about 15 persons.
We got to the site early, though not too early and from the start, Mr. Shelley provided narrative information preparing us for our experience at Stonehenge. Mr. Shelley, clearly is the local expert, but is also clearly the local favorite. I mention this because the ease with which we navigated the tour was due in part to Mr. Shelley's good working relationships with the folks that manage and guard this important monument. It's clear to me that Stonhenge is a part of Mr. Shelley and Mr. Shelley is a part of it!
My friends have asked me, was it worth it to pay extra to be right there next to the stones? Besides being right there and feeling their ancient presence up close, the information provided by Mr. Shelley's narrative was incredible and unlike the few other tours that I saw visiting (it wasn't crowded but there was another group in the stones when we were there). Truly, Mr. Shelley transformed what was an amazing experience into a superb and unforgettable one. And it didn't just begin and end with the stones!
The stones were awesome. But another part of what made this tour more than worth the money, was the excursion to the other local features in the land and the overall archaeological perspective provided by Mr. Shelley along with actually walking the land.
It's one thing to get off a bus and see a monument, only to get back on the bus and go home. It's an entirely different thing to see the monument as those who lived in its early existence would, and getting such an in-depth view and experience is priceless.
I really can't say enough. I've probably said too much! You cannot go wrong with Pat Shelley. I only hope he is still around doing this amazing service to humanity when I bring my family back in the near future.
Written May 6, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon L
Winchester, UK71 contributions
Nov 2015 • Family
I would not have wrote this a few years ago as yes the stones themselves were a wonderment to see the facilities surrounding it were not.But now with the new visitor center built and what this offers now is great. You can watch the seasons pass and take a trip through time with the incredible audio-visual 360 degree view from inside the Stones,you can Imagine what it feels like to stand in the middle of Stonehenge at winter and summer solstice, this being only one of the unique and memorable experiences.There is a large Cafe and shop and of course a trip to the Stones themselves and walk around the Stone circle.The Visitor center is fully accessible as is the Stones by the way of Land train.And this being only 12miles from the Beautiful Historic City of Salisbury with it's imposing Cathedral is also well worth a visit.
Written December 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine L
Sydney, Australia47 contributions
Sep 2014 • Solo
I'd been to Stonehenge twice before doing this tour - the first time just the standard tourist visit walking around the outside of the stones and going "wow". The second time we arranged to go in the early morning to actually walk within the circle and again spent the visit going "wow". Pat Shelley's tour is a whole different experience - he provides loads of information and brings it all together so you feel like you understand what you're looking at. He took part in, and is very knowledgeable about, the excavations in the area over the last few years and has some great photos to show.
The really different thing about this tour is that you don't just go and look at Stonehenge. He takes the group for a walk through the ritual landscape, looking at barrows, and the Cursus. And as a bonus you get to walk up the ancient Avenue toward Stonehenge, which is really special. He also includes a visit to Durrington Walls and Woodhenge, which brings everything together. One suggestion, wear hiking boots as the trip involves walking through fields, also be prepared for close encounters with cows.
I most highly recommend this tour - it's a real 'insider' tour with a guide who is extremely knowledgeable, which adds a whole extra level of interest and enjoyment to a site which is, all by itself, quite amazing. If anyone tells you that Stonehenge is over-rated, don't believe them - it's stunning, and Pat's tour is a great way to really appreciate it.
The really different thing about this tour is that you don't just go and look at Stonehenge. He takes the group for a walk through the ritual landscape, looking at barrows, and the Cursus. And as a bonus you get to walk up the ancient Avenue toward Stonehenge, which is really special. He also includes a visit to Durrington Walls and Woodhenge, which brings everything together. One suggestion, wear hiking boots as the trip involves walking through fields, also be prepared for close encounters with cows.
I most highly recommend this tour - it's a real 'insider' tour with a guide who is extremely knowledgeable, which adds a whole extra level of interest and enjoyment to a site which is, all by itself, quite amazing. If anyone tells you that Stonehenge is over-rated, don't believe them - it's stunning, and Pat's tour is a great way to really appreciate it.
Written September 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Christine L for the fabulous review and for being the 400th reviewer.
I'm glad you enjoyed the the tour despite how early it was, but we were rewarded with a pectacular sunrise for our efforts.
Hope you can join us again.
Kind Regards,
Pat
Written September 12, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JoyGomez
Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA3 contributions
Simply put, there is no better way to visit Stonehenge than with Pat Shelley. He breathes life into the ancients with his knowledge and enthusiasm. I cannot imagine traveling all the way to England to see Stonehenge any other way. Well worth the effort and price of the tour. You won't be sorry. We spent 3 weeks touring the British Isles and this was the most memorable and awe-inspiring visit of all. Do it.
Bill and Joy Gomez
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Bill and Joy Gomez
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
Written September 1, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry, can i have informations? I would go to stonehange tomorrow
Written October 19, 2019
Hi, I wanted to ask who did you use for the tour. I would love a similar experience and struggling to find anyone who runs it? Thanks
Written June 18, 2019
Stupid Question #1: how do I book your tour or see availability? I don’t see any link on this page and going to the main page there isn’t any visible listing of your tour.... we will be there July 17 for the day! Thank you!
Written June 25, 2018
Unfortunately TA does not include wepage links anymore. Search pat shelley + stonehenge on Google and you will find me.
Written June 25, 2018
liebsell
Albany, California
I'd like to book a sunrise tour of Stonehenge from Salisbury. August 10, 2018. How do I arrange that?
Written June 12, 2018
Hi liebsell, If you go to the website and follow the links to Stonehenge Special access there is a booking link at the bottom of the page . Search Pat Shelley + Stonehenge on Google and you will find it.
Written June 12, 2018
Hi,
My wife & I are staying in Southampton. We'd like to tour Stonehenge on June 22. Do you have an "after hours" tour on that date? If not, what tours are available?
Thanks
R. Fiore
Written May 31, 2018
I'm afraid the inner circle is closed that day and we are not running tours then. Sorry.
Written June 1, 2018
Hi Pat my wife and I are traveling down from Bath tomorrow the 30th to see Stone and would love a tour if you have availability. You can reach out to me if a possibility. Thanks Kurt
Written May 28, 2018
Hi Kurt. I am not available that day. Try Lion Tours in Bath. Hope you have a good time.
Written May 29, 2018
Are your tours wheelchair accessible for person who can't get out of chair
Written April 29, 2018
Hello! We are a family of three who would like to do this toir with you in mid May. The link to your website on tripadvisor and also theroadforks blog is not working. May I have your email id please for further communciation. Thank you.
Written February 21, 2018
Hi abhishil I just checked and the link is working here. I cannot put website links on this answer, but if you use the search terms pat shelley and stonehenge in Google you will be able to get hold of me.
Written February 21, 2018
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