Enjoy the Spring Equinox with a Stay in Salisbury
The Spring Equinox is the official start of spring. Taking place on the 20th or 21st of March every year, it’s one of only two days in the year (the other being the autumnal equinox in September) when day and night are of equal length.
Built over 4,500 years ago, it’s been debated for hundreds of years what the exact purpose of Stonehenge could be. However, it’s clear that the stones were carefully placed to mark four core dates throughout the year, the Summer and Winter Solstice and the Spring and Autumn Equinox.
Whenever you visit, Stonehenge is unquestionably an incredible experience, but there is no denying how special observing the sunrise or sunset can be at the Stone Circle.
On these four days, National Heritage allow people to get even closer to the stones, stepping over the protective barriers to celebrate an incredible sunrise and mark the moment when the seasons change.
What Happens on the Equinox?
People in the Druid and Pagan community, and others who wish to experience the Solstice or Equinox gather early at Stonehenge to witness the sun rise above the stones in the circle.
It’s a time of celebration marking the start of the new season and it’s believed to be a time of balance and renewal.
For many years, Stonehenge has been a place of pilgrimage for those celebrating the passing of the seasons.
Celebrating the Equinox at Stonehenge
Visiting Stonehenge on both the Equinoxes or the Solstices there is no charge to enter the site.
These four days are the only opportunity you will have to get close to the stones though there are rules to follow in order to ensure no further damage is done to them:
- No climbing on the stones
- No loud music
- No antisocial behaviour (including drugs, alcohol, blades/weapons)
- No camping
It’s recommended you arrive early as the sun is due to rise at 06.10am on the Spring Equinox.
Make a Weekend Trip of it
If you’re planning your trip to Salisbury to visit Stonehenge to experience the sunrise, why not make a long weekend of it?
Salisbury is a beautiful city with a great deal of history.
It’s the home of the oldest working clock and tallest Cathedral spire. If you love history, you can visit the Magna Carta, originally written in 1215 and kept safely in the cathedral.
The site of an Iron Age fort, and medieval castle, Old Sarum has fantastic views out over Salisbury and is a great place for picnics and nature walks.
Salisbury Market is a place to get locally grown produce, hand-made crafts and collectables. A market has been held on the Market Square for almost 800 years and currently takes place twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Charles Hope apartments in Salisbury offer you the perfect balance of comfort and a home away from home. With fully equipped kitchens, stylish bathrooms and comfortable double beds you can get a great night’s sleep before getting up early to visit Stonehenge for the sunrise.
Our apartments in Salisbury City Centre and our three-bedroom property close to the train station are ideally situated to help you make the most of your time in this historic location.
