Visiting Stonehenge on Summer Solstice

Stonehenge is, of course, one of the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monuments in the world. It is located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, and is estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. It is also a significant sacred site for many people, and the summer solstice is one of the most important days of the year at Stonehenge.

The monument consists of two concentric circles of large standing stones, surrounded by a ditch and bank. The inner circle is made up of 30 sarsen stones, each weighing up to 50 tons. The outer circle consists of 60 bluestones, which are smaller and lighter than the sarsen stones.

Stonehenge: A History of Mystery and Wonder

The purpose of Stonehenge is unknown, but it is thought to have been a religious or ceremonial site. The stones are aligned with the solstices and equinoxes, suggesting that they may have been used to track the seasons or to predict astronomical events.

Stonehenge was built in several stages over a long period of time. The first phase of construction began around 3000 BC, when a circular earthwork was built. The sarsen stones were erected around 2500 BC, and the bluestones were added a few centuries later.

Stonehenge has been a source of fascination and wonder for centuries. It has been featured in countless books, movies, and television shows. In recent years, Stonehenge has become a popular pilgrimage site for people from all over the world.

Here are some of the theories about the purpose of Stonehenge:

• Religious or ceremonial site: Stonehenge is thought to have been a place of worship or pilgrimage. The stones may have been used to represent gods or spirits, or to perform rituals.
• Astronomical observatory: Stonehenge is aligned with the solstices and equinoxes, suggesting that it may have been used to track the seasons or to predict astronomical events.
• Burial ground: Stonehenge is surrounded by a number of burial mounds, suggesting that it may have been a burial ground for important people.
• Meeting place: Stonehenge may have been a place where people from different groups came together to meet and trade.

Whatever its purpose, Stonehenge is a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the ingenuity of the people who built it. It is a reminder of our shared past and a reminder that there is still much that we do not know about our world.

Midsummer Night at Stonehenge

The sun sets into midsummer night at Stonehenge

On the summer solstice (midsummer night), the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun rises directly behind the Heel Stone, a large sarsen stone located at the northeast entrance to the stone circle. This alignment is thought to have been deliberate, and it is one of the many things that makes Stonehenge so special.

Visiting Stonehenge on summer solstice is a truly unique and magical experience. Thousands of people from all over the world come to Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, and the atmosphere is electric. There is music, dancing, and drumming, as well as many other activities and ceremonies.

If you are planning to visit Stonehenge on summer solstice, there are a few things you need to know. First, it is important to be aware that it is a very busy day. The site is open to the public free of charge on summer solstice, and it can get very crowded. It is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Second, it is important to be respectful of the sacred nature of Stonehenge. This means dressing appropriately and being mindful of your behavior. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and to stay on the marked paths.

Here are some tips for visiting Stonehenge on summer solstice:

Here are some other things to do in the Stonehenge area:

No matter when you choose to visit Stonehenge, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Seacliff Beach: A Hidden Gem at North Berwick in Scotland

Seacliff

Seacliff Beach is a hidden gem located just a short distance from the popular seaside town of North Berwick in Scotland. This secluded beach is known for its stunning scenery, clean sand, and tranquil atmosphere.

We took a train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick and a bus to the beach. You can alternatively drive through a narrow and winding road that takes you past the ruins of Tantallon Castle and the Bass Rock. The drive is well worth it, as it offers breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the surrounding coastline.

History of Seacliff Beach

The history of Seacliff Beach is closely linked to the history of Tantallon Castle, which is located nearby. Tantallon Castle was built in the 14th century and was one of the most powerful castles in Scotland. The castle was besieged on numerous occasions during the Scottish Wars of Independence and the English Civil War.

In the 18th century, Seacliff Beach was used as a landing point for troops and supplies destined for Tantallon Castle. The beach was also used as a staging post for raids on the castle.

In the 19th century, Seacliff Beach became a popular destination for Victorian tourists. The beach was also used as a location for a number of films and television shows, including the BBC drama "Monarch of the Glen."

Geology of Seacliff Beach

The rocks at Seacliff Beach are part of the Ballagan Formation, which is a geological formation that dates back to the Carboniferous period. The Ballagan Formation is made up of sandstone, siltstone, calcareous mudstone, and dolomitic limestone.

The red sandstone cliffs at Seacliff Beach were formed by the erosion of the Ballagan Formation. The cliffs are home to a number of interesting geological features, including potholes, sea stacks, and caves.

The beach itself is made up of sand and gravel that has been eroded from the surrounding cliffs. The sand is a mixture of quartz, feldspar, and mica. The gravel is made up of a variety of rocks, including sandstone, limestone, and shale.

Things to do at Seacliff Beach

Seacliff Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. The beach is also a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It is also a great place to go for a walk or hike along the coastal path. If you are lucky, you may even spot some wildlife, such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds.

Once you arrive at Seacliff Beach, you will be greeted by a long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water. The beach is backed by towering red sandstone cliffs, which provide a dramatic backdrop.

Here are some of the things you can do at Seacliff Beach:

If you are looking for a secluded and beautiful beach to visit in Scotland, Seacliff Beach is a perfect choice. With its stunning scenery, clean sand, and tranquil atmosphere, it is sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Here are some tips for visiting Seacliff Beach:

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. The city has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age, and it is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Arthur's Seat.

History of Edinburgh

The earliest evidence of human habitation in the Edinburgh area dates back to the Iron Age. The city was founded in the 7th century AD by King Edwin of Northumbria, and it quickly became an important center of trade and culture.

In the 11th century, Edinburgh became the capital of Scotland. The city played a major role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, and it was besieged by the English on numerous occasions.

In the 18th century, Edinburgh experienced a period of rapid growth and prosperity. The city became known as the "Athens of the North" due to its many cultural institutions, including the University of Edinburgh and the National Museum of Scotland.

Main Tourist Attractions of Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to a number of world-class tourist attractions, including:

Edinburgh is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone. With its rich history, stunning scenery, and world-class attractions, it is no wonder that Edinburgh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.

We return to London and take a Eurostar train across the Channel Tunnel to Paris, France. That photo story is at "France: Eurostar fast train from London through Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)  to Paris, Château de Versailles, Musée du Louvre and La Tour Eiffel, TGV Lyria fast train from Paris to Zurich".

Note: Prose in this post received AI assistance from Bard.