Solstice at Stonehenge Midsummer Night in England to Edinburgh and Seacliff Beach at North Berwick in Scotland

Thousands gather at Stonehenge for summer solstice sunrise - the only time visitors can touch the ancient stones

If you think getting the family to agree on a restaurant is hard, try coordinating a trip to Stonehenge with four adults and four kids during the summer solstice. The place is like a 5,000-year-old rock concert, but with more druids and fewer porta-potties. Our European family adventure began right here, kicking off a whirlwind 15-day journey across five countries. We would explore the "Big Four" European nations - United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Germany - plus Switzerland, ultimately ending at the dramatic crater of Mount Vesuvius. This first segment took us from London to Stonehenge, then by train to Edinburgh and the hidden coastal treasure of Seacliff Beach in Scotland. You can follow our complete route on this interactive map.

Fun fact: The summer solstice at Stonehenge is the only time English Heritage allows visitors to walk among the stones themselves. Normally, you're kept at a respectful distance, like you're visiting royalty who haven't had their coffee yet. But on this one magical morning, you can actually touch these ancient giants that were dragged from Wales by people who apparently thought "let's move 50-ton rocks 150 miles for fun."

Watch: Summer Solstice at Stonehenge in England, Seacliff at North Berwick & City of Edinburgh in Scotland

Experience our journey through a video capturing our London-based expeditions to Stonehenge and Scottish highlights including Seacliff Beach at North Berwick and the magnificent city of Edinburgh. Watch the full video here.

Video journey from Stonehenge to Scotland's dramatic coastline and historic Edinburgh

That video captures what it's really like traveling with kids to ancient sites - equal parts wonder and "are we there yet?" moments. The footage of Stonehenge at dawn is particularly magical, unless you're the parent trying to convince an eight-year-old that yes, this IS more exciting than Minecraft.

Visiting Stonehenge on Summer Solstice

Stonehenge stands as one of the world's most iconic and enigmatic prehistoric monuments. Located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, this ancient site dates back 3,000 to 5,000 years and remains a sacred location for many. The summer solstice represents one of the most significant days at Stonehenge, drawing visitors from across the globe.

The monument features two concentric circles of massive standing stones surrounded by a ditch and earthen bank. The inner circle consists of 30 sarsen stones weighing up to 50 tons each, while the outer circle contains 60 smaller bluestones transported from Wales. These stones are precisely aligned with solar events, particularly the solstices and equinoxes.

Stonehenge: A History of Mystery and Wonder

Archaeologists believe Stonehenge was constructed in multiple phases over centuries, beginning around 3000 BC with circular earthworks. The massive sarsen stones were erected around 2500 BC, with the distinctive bluestones added later. The transportation of these stones - some from over 150 miles away - represents an extraordinary feat of Neolithic engineering.

Theories about Stonehenge's purpose range from astronomical observatory to religious temple, burial ground to healing center. What's certain is that its alignment with solar movements suggests sophisticated astronomical knowledge among its builders. The site continues to captivate researchers and visitors alike, with new discoveries still emerging about its construction and significance.

Key theories about Stonehenge's purpose include:

• Religious or ceremonial site: Possibly used for rituals, worship, or pilgrimages, with stones representing deities or spiritual concepts
• Astronomical observatory: Aligned with solstices and equinoxes to track seasons and predict celestial events
• Burial ground: Surrounded by numerous burial mounds suggesting it served as a cemetery for important figures
• Ancient healing center: Some theories suggest the bluestones were believed to have medicinal properties
• Community gathering place: May have served as a meeting point for different groups to trade and socialize

Regardless of its original purpose, Stonehenge represents a remarkable achievement of prehistoric engineering that continues to inspire wonder and speculation.

Midsummer Night at Stonehenge

Sunset at Stonehenge during summer solstice - the ancient stones perfectly align with the setting sun on the longest day

Watching the sunset at Stonehenge is like seeing the world's oldest clock strike the hour. The stones were placed so precisely that on the solstice, the sun sets right in the middle of the arch. It's a Neolithic masterpiece that still works, unlike my smartphone after a day of travel photos.

During the summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, the sunrise aligns perfectly behind the Heel Stone at the northeast entrance to the stone circle. This deliberate alignment creates a breathtaking spectacle as sunlight streams through the monument's arches. On midsummer night, thousands gather to celebrate with music, dancing, drumming, and various ceremonies, creating an electric atmosphere that blends ancient traditions with modern spirituality.

If you plan to visit Stonehenge during summer solstice, prepare for large crowds as the site opens free to the public on this special day. Arriving early helps avoid the biggest throngs. Respect the site's sacred nature by dressing appropriately and staying on marked paths. British weather being famously unpredictable, come prepared with layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear.

Practical tips for visiting Stonehenge on summer solstice:

• Arrive early: Beat the crowds by getting there before sunrise
• Dress appropriately: Respectful attire for a sacred site, plus layers for changing weather
• Stay on paths: Protect the archaeological site and your safety
• Bring supplies: Pack food, water, and essentials as on-site facilities are limited
• Wear comfortable shoes: You'll be doing considerable walking on uneven ground
• Prepare for weather: British weather can shift from sunny to rainy in minutes
• Consider off-peak visits: If crowds aren't your thing, Stonehenge is accessible year-round

Beyond the stone circle itself, the surrounding area offers numerous attractions including the Stonehenge Visitor Centre with its excellent exhibits, the nearby Neolithic settlement at Durrington Walls, and the majestic Salisbury Cathedral just a short drive away. The entire Stonehenge landscape is rich with archaeological wonders waiting to be explored.

Local tip: The nearby town of Amesbury has decent pubs that serve exactly what you need after a day of stone gazing - hearty food and local ales. It's also home to the Amesbury Archer, a 4,000-year-old skeleton found with the earliest gold objects in Britain. So basically, even the dead people here were fancy.

Seacliff Beach: A Hidden Gem at North Berwick in Scotland

Seacliff Beach near North Berwick - a hidden Scottish coastal gem with dramatic red sandstone cliffs and clear waters

Seacliff Beach is the kind of place that makes you want to write bad poetry about the sea. The red sandstone cliffs look like they've been painted by a giant with a thing for dramatic landscapes. It's a hidden gem, mostly because the road to get there is so narrow you'll be praying to the Scottish gods for no oncoming traffic.

Seacliff Beach represents Scotland's coastal beauty at its most pristine. Tucked away near the popular seaside town of North Berwick, this secluded beach offers stunning scenery, clean sand, and a wonderfully tranquil atmosphere away from crowded tourist spots. We reached it by train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick followed by a short bus ride, though visitors can also drive along narrow coastal roads past Tantallon Castle ruins and the dramatic Bass Rock.

History of Seacliff Beach

Seacliff's history intertwines with nearby Tantallon Castle, a 14th-century fortress that was among Scotland's most formidable strongholds. The beach served as a landing point for troops and supplies during the castle's numerous sieges in the Scottish Wars of Independence and English Civil War. In the 19th century, Seacliff became popular with Victorian tourists seeking dramatic coastal scenery, and it has since served as a filming location for productions including the BBC drama "Monarch of the Glen."

Geology of Seacliff Beach

The beach's dramatic red sandstone cliffs belong to the Ballagan Formation dating back to the Carboniferous period approximately 350 million years ago. These striking cliffs showcase fascinating geological features including sea stacks, caves, and potholes carved by relentless North Sea waves. The beach itself consists of sand and gravel eroded from these cliffs, creating a unique mixture of quartz, feldspar, mica, and various rock fragments that glitter in the Scottish sunlight.

Things to Do at Seacliff Beach

Seacliff offers more than just beautiful scenery. The beach provides excellent opportunities for swimming in clear (if bracing) waters, sunbathing on golden sands, coastal walks with breathtaking views, and wildlife spotting. Dolphins, seals, and diverse seabirds are frequently seen here. The coastal path leads to dramatic viewpoints and historical sites including the imposing ruins of Tantallon Castle perched on nearby cliffs.

Activities at Seacliff Beach include:

• Swimming: In clean, clear waters (mind the currents and cold temperatures)
• Coastal walking: Along scenic paths with spectacular Firth of Forth views
• Wildlife watching: For dolphins, seals, and abundant seabird colonies
• Photography: Of dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and coastal landscapes
• Historical exploration: Visiting nearby Tantallon Castle and other historic sites
• Picnicking: With benches available and incredible coastal views

For the best experience, check tide times to visit when the beach is most expansive, wear sturdy footwear for the steep path down, and bring supplies as facilities are limited. This hidden gem perfectly captures Scotland's wild coastal beauty without the crowds of better-known destinations.

Pro tip: The Bass Rock you can see from Seacliff is home to about 150,000 gannets, making it look like it's covered in snow even in summer. It's basically bird apartment living at its most extreme. If you're lucky, you might spot puffins too - they're like the clowns of the bird world, complete with colorful beaks and comical flying styles.

Edinburgh: Scotland's Historic Capital

Edinburgh Castle dominates the Scottish capital from its volcanic perch - home to crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny

Edinburgh Castle is the kind of fortress that makes you feel like you should be wearing a kilt and carrying a sword. It's been attacked, rebuilt, and expanded so many times that it's basically a historical layer cake. And the views from the top are worth the climb, even if your legs feel like they've been through a medieval battle.

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, blends ancient history with vibrant modern culture in one of Europe's most dramatic urban settings. The city's history stretches back to the Iron Age, with its Old and New Towns together designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From its iconic castle perched on an extinct volcano to the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, Edinburgh offers endless discoveries around every corner.

History of Edinburgh

Edinburgh's story began with early settlement on Castle Rock, the volcanic formation that would become the city's defensive and symbolic heart. Officially founded in the 7th century AD by King Edwin of Northumbria, the city grew as a trading center and became Scotland's capital in the 11th century. Edinburgh played crucial roles in the Scottish Wars of Independence and endured numerous English sieges. The 18th-century Scottish Enlightenment transformed the city into the "Athens of the North," renowned for intellectual, scientific, and cultural achievements that continue to shape its identity today.

Main Tourist Attractions of Edinburgh

Edinburgh's unique skyline - a UNESCO World Heritage Site blending medieval architecture, volcanic hills, and Georgian elegance

Edinburgh's skyline is a mix of medieval spires, volcanic hills, and modern buildings. It's like the city couldn't decide which century it wanted to be in, so it picked all of them. The result is a place where you can tour a castle in the morning, visit a modern art gallery in the afternoon, and drink in a 400-year-old pub in the evening.

Edinburgh boasts world-class attractions that showcase Scotland's rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture. The city offers everything from ancient castles to cutting-edge festivals, ensuring every visitor finds something captivating.

Key Edinburgh attractions include:

• Edinburgh Castle: The iconic fortress dominating the skyline from Castle Rock, housing Scotland's crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny
• The Royal Mile: The historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle with Holyrood Palace, lined with medieval buildings, shops, and pubs
• Arthur's Seat: An extinct volcano in Holyrood Park offering panoramic city views and excellent hiking opportunities
• Palace of Holyroodhouse: The British monarch's official Scottish residence, open for tours of its opulent State Rooms
• Scottish National Gallery: Housing masterpieces from the Renaissance to modern eras, including works by Scottish and international artists
• National Museum of Scotland: An award-winning museum showcasing natural history, science, technology, and Scottish cultural artifacts
• Edinburgh International Festival: The world's largest arts festival each August, transforming the city with performances and cultural events
• The Real Mary King's Close: An underground preserved street offering glimpses into 17th-century Edinburgh life

Beyond these major sites, Edinburgh's charm lies in its hidden closes (alleyways), independent shops, cozy pubs, and the friendliness of its residents. The city perfectly balances historic preservation with modern innovation, creating a dynamic destination that rewards exploration.

Local secret: For the best views without the castle crowds, climb Calton Hill instead. You get panoramic views of the city, some interesting monuments, and it's free. Plus, there's usually a bagpiper playing at the top because this is Scotland, and apparently there's a law that every scenic viewpoint must have at least one piper.

Our journey continued as we returned to London and boarded the Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, France. That next chapter of our European adventure is captured in "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".