Visiting Stonehenge via the Public Path: Routes, Tips, and Trade-Offs

Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic prehistoric monuments, is famously ticketed and managed by English Heritage. However, there is a legal and well-trodden public footpath that allows visitors to see the stones up close for free. This guide explains how to access Stonehenge via the public path using three popular routes: from the Durrington Walls/Woodhenge walk, from the Stonehenge car park/visitor centre, and from Larkhill (Fargo Road/Willoughby Road). Each route offers a unique experience and comes with its own set of pros and cons.

Accessing the Stonehenge Public Path

1. From Durrington Walls/Woodhenge (The Durrington Walk)

How to Find the Way:

Start at Woodhenge car park (SP4 7AR).
Enter the pedestrian gate opposite Woodhenge and walk downhill into Durrington Walls.
After exploring, turn left and walk up the slope to a gate.
Go through the gate, cross the road, and pass the Cuckoo Stone.
Continue to the next field, keep right, and follow the track to a crossroads.
Turn left on the gravel bridleway, then right at the ‘King Barrows’ sign.
Follow the path past woods to a pedestrian gate; go through it.
You’ll now be on the ancient Stonehenge Avenue. Head down the valley, and before the interpretation panel, turn left uphill toward Stonehenge.
You will reach the public path near the stone circle, separated by a fence from the ticketed area1 78.

Pros:

Immersive walk through ancient landscape, including Woodhenge, Durrington Walls, and the Cuckoo Stone.
Free parking at Woodhenge.
Great for those interested in the broader prehistoric context.
Less crowded, more peaceful8.

Cons:

The walk is about 5 miles (8 km) round trip and takes 2–2.5 hours.
Not suitable for dogs (fields often have sheep).
Surfaces can be uneven; not ideal for those with limited mobility78.

2. From the Stonehenge Car Park/Visitor Centre

How to Find the Way:

Park at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre (parking fees may apply).
Grab a drink or use the facilities if needed.
Walk down the same road used by the shuttle bus toward the stones.
When you reach the shuttle drop-off point, look for a public access gate on the left.
Go through this gate to join the public path, which runs parallel to the paid path and brings you close to the stones5.

Pros:

Straightforward, signposted route.
Facilities (toilets, café) available at the Visitor Centre.
Suitable for those who want a shorter walk (about 1.7 miles each way)5.

Cons:

Parking may not be free; check current fees.
The path can be busier, especially with tour groups.
You will not have access to the visitor centre exhibitions or the full 360° circuit around the stones (only ticket holders get this)5.

3. From Larkhill (Fargo Road/Willoughby Road)

How to Find the Way:

Use postcode SP4 8NS for your GPS to reach the junction of Willoughby Road and Fargo Road in Larkhill.
Park along the side of the road, near the intersection (look for the white “Stonehenge World Heritage Site” sign)2 6 1112.
Walk due south down Willoughby Road, past the houses, until the road turns into a gravel track.
Continue straight; the path is a public right of way and leads directly to the Stonehenge site.
When you reach the paid entrance, look for the clearly marked public footpath gate next to the ticket checkpoint.
Enter the public path for a close (but not inside the fence) view of Stonehenge2 4 612.

Pros:

Closest free parking to Stonehenge; walk is only 15–30 minutes each way612.
Path is easy to follow and mostly flat.
Very popular with locals and savvy visitors; clear views of the stones46.

Cons:

The gravel track can be bumpy and muddy; not ideal for buggies or wheelchairs12.
No facilities en route; no toilets or café.
Path can be unclear in places, especially at night or in poor weather4.
Limited parking; can get crowded during peak times26.

Comparing the Routes

Route	Distance/Time	Parking	Facilities	Scenery & Experience	Accessibility	Pros	Cons
Durrington Walls/Woodhenge	5 miles/2–2.5 hours	Free at Woodhenge	None on route	Prehistoric landscape, monuments	Uneven, not for dogs	Historic sites, immersive, peaceful	Long walk, uneven, no dogs
Stonehenge Car Park/Visitor Centre	1.7 miles/30–40 min each way	Paid	Full	Direct, alongside shuttle route	Paved, accessible	Shorter walk, facilities available	Parking fee, busier, limited path access
Larkhill (Fargo/Willoughby)	0.7 miles/15–30 min	Free roadside	None	Fields, direct approach	Gravel, uneven	Closest free parking, shortest walk, clear views	Bumpy track, limited parking, no facilities

General Pros and Cons of the Public Path

Pros:

Completely free and legal.
Views are only a few metres behind the paid path; you can see the stones clearly.
No need to book in advance.
Experience the wider landscape and approach Stonehenge as ancient people did2 4 612.

Cons:

You cannot walk all the way around the stones (view is from one side only).
No access to the visitor centre exhibitions or shuttle.
Paths can be muddy, uneven, and exposed to weather.
No toilets or refreshments except at the visitor centre (if you start there)4 512.

Final Tips

Arrive early or late in the day for fewer crowds and better light for photos4.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing.
Respect the landscape: stick to paths, keep noise down, and don’t bring dogs where not allowed.
Bring water and snacks, especially if taking the longer Durrington walk.

Visiting Stonehenge via the public path is a rewarding, budget-friendly way to experience this ancient wonder—just choose the route that best fits your interests and energy level.