London to Salisbury

This historic journey from London to Salisbury offers one of England's most rewarding short drives, combining urban sophistication with ancient mysteries. The route takes you through the heart of southern England, passing quintessential countryside, charming market towns, and culminating at the world-famous Stonehenge monument. What makes this drive truly special is the seamless transition from London's bustling streets to the rolling chalk downs of Salisbury Plain, where 5,000 years of history unfold before your eyes. The route follows ancient pathways that have connected these lands since prehistoric times, making it a journey through both geography and time. Year-round accessibility makes this drive perfect for any season, though each offers unique charms - spring brings vibrant green fields, summer offers long daylight hours for exploration, autumn paints the landscape in golden hues, and winter provides crisp, clear views of the monuments against dramatic skies. This scenic route consistently earns top ratings for its perfect blend of convenience, historical significance, and natural beauty.

Begin your journey from central London by heading southwest via the A4 (Great West Road) toward Hammersmith and Chiswick. After approximately 15 miles, merge onto the M25 clockwise at Junction 15, continuing for about 8 miles through moderate traffic that's heaviest during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM). Take Junction 12 to join the M3 motorway southbound toward Basingstoke and Southampton - this 35-mile stretch offers the smoothest driving with dual carriageways and excellent road conditions. After 30 miles on the M3, exit at Junction 8 toward Andover/A303, then merge onto the A303 westbound. This historic route follows an ancient ridgeway and provides stunning countryside views for 25 miles. Traffic can be heavy during summer weekends due to holiday travelers heading to the Southwest. Near Amesbury, take the A344 exit toward Stonehenge - clearly signposted and impossible to miss. After visiting Stonehenge, continue south on the A360 for 8 miles into Salisbury city center. The final segment passes through typical English countryside with some narrow sections requiring careful attention, especially when meeting oncoming traffic. Total journey time ranges from 1 hour 45 minutes in optimal conditions to 2.5 hours during peak periods.

Stonehenge

15m from Salisbury from London

Prehistoric monument

Stonehenge (2-3 hours recommended): Located just off the A303, this UNESCO World Heritage site requires advance booking, especially during peak season. The state-of-the-art visitor center includes an excellent museum, interactive exhibits, and reconstructed Neolithic houses. Audio guides are included with admission and highly recommended for understanding the monument's significance. The stone circle itself sits 1.5 miles from the visitor center, accessible via a shuttle bus that runs every 10 minutes. Plan to spend at least 2 hours here - one hour in the visitor center and museum, and another walking around the stone circle. The gift shop offers unique archaeological-themed souvenirs. Food options: The visitor center café serves light meals, sandwiches, and hot drinks with locally sourced ingredients. For a more substantial meal, The Stonehenge Inn in nearby Durrington offers traditional pub fare. Amesbury (30-45 minutes): Britain's oldest continuously inhabited settlement, just 2 miles from Stonehenge. Visit the Amesbury History Centre and see the Saxon burial mounds. Several petrol stations and convenience stores line the A345. Woodhenge (20-30 minutes): A lesser-known Neolithic monument 2 miles northeast of Stonehenge, free to visit and rarely crowded. Concrete posts mark where timber posts once stood in ceremonial circles. Old Sarum (1-1.5 hours): The original site of Salisbury, featuring Iron Age hillfort ruins and Norman castle remains. Offers panoramic views of Salisbury Cathedral and surrounding countryside. English Heritage site with small admission fee.

Salisbury Plain: This vast chalk plateau offers some of southern England's most dramatic landscapes, with rolling hills stretching to the horizon and ancient burial mounds dotting the countryside. The plain is particularly stunning during golden hour, when the grassland glows amber against the sky. River Avon Valley: As you approach Salisbury, the route descends into the lush river valley, offering beautiful views of water meadows and medieval field systems still in use today. Durrington Walls: Visible from the road near Stonehenge, this massive Neolithic henge monument spans 1,640 feet in diameter - larger than Stonehenge itself. Barrow Cemeteries: Hundreds of Bronze Age burial mounds are scattered across Salisbury Plain, creating an otherworldly landscape that speaks to thousands of years of human habitation. Figsbury Ring: An Iron Age hillfort offering spectacular 360-degree views, located just north of Salisbury. A short detour provides panoramic vistas across three counties. Photo opportunities abound: The approach to Stonehenge from the northeast offers the classic postcard view; Old Sarum provides elevated shots of Salisbury Cathedral's spire piercing the skyline; and the high chalk downs offer endless opportunities for landscape photography. Hidden gem: The village of Great Durnford, slightly off-route, features a perfectly preserved medieval church and picturesque thatched cottages beside the River Avon.

Best departure time: Leave London between 9-10 AM to avoid morning rush hour and arrive at Stonehenge before afternoon crowds. Weather considerations: Salisbury Plain is exposed and can be windy; bring layers regardless of season. The area experiences typical English weather with frequent light rain - pack a waterproof jacket. Safety: Mobile phone coverage is excellent throughout the route. The A303 can experience sudden slowdowns due to Stonehenge 'rubbernecking' - maintain safe following distances. Parking: Stonehenge visitor center has ample free parking. Salisbury city center offers several pay-and-display car parks; Cathedral Close car park is most convenient for tourists. Street parking requires payment Monday-Saturday, 8 AM-6 PM. Old Sarum has free on-site parking. Navigation: Clear signposting throughout, but GPS recommended for finding smaller attractions. Facilities: Service stations with restrooms are available at regular intervals along the M3 and A303. The Stonehenge visitor center has excellent facilities including baby changing and accessibility features.

Fuel costs: Approximately £15-20 for a typical car (assuming current UK petrol prices around £1.45/liter and 35 mpg efficiency). Admission fees: Stonehenge adult tickets £23.50 (book online for small discount), Old Sarum £6.50 adults. Parking: Stonehenge free, Salisbury city center £3-8 depending on duration and location. Meals: Stonehenge visitor center café £8-12 per person for light lunch, traditional pub meals £12-18, Salisbury restaurants £15-25 for dinner. Accommodation (if staying overnight): Salisbury offers options from budget Premier Inn (£60-80/night) to luxury Cathedral Lodge (£150-200/night). The Rose & Crown in Salisbury city center provides good mid-range accommodation (£90-120/night). Total day trip estimate: £50-70 per person including fuel, admissions, and meals. Money-saving tips: English Heritage membership pays for itself if visiting multiple sites. Picnicking on Salisbury Plain is permitted and offers significant savings while enhancing the experience.

This route shines year-round, each season offering distinct advantages. Spring (March-May) brings vibrant green landscapes, wildflowers, and mild temperatures ideal for walking around monuments. Summer (June-August) provides long daylight hours perfect for photography, though expect larger crowds at Stonehenge and higher accommodation prices. Autumn (September-November) offers stunning colors across Salisbury Plain, clearer skies for views, and fewer tourists. Winter (December-February) delivers dramatic skies, crisp visibility, and mystical atmosphere around ancient sites, plus significantly reduced crowds and prices. Weather is generally mild but changeable - the Gulf Stream keeps temperatures moderate. Peak tourist season runs June-September, so booking accommodations and Stonehenge tickets well in advance is essential. Off-peak visits offer better value and more intimate experiences with the historical sites.