Last Friday, I went to Stonehenge.
Its something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I love mythology, and always thought the stones seemed magical and mystical. I knew I was going to be nearby in Bristol for the Flash Fiction Festival, so I booked a ticket a few months back. And I was excited to find that I could select an audio tour, when I booked it.
I took the train to Salisbury, a little early. I was worried about finding this bus to Stonehenge. But I didn’t need to. The bus was the brightest shade of green, with Stonehenge in large letters, easy to see. I got on, and enjoyed the tour bus, finding out more about Stonehenge and Salisbury.
I found the Visitor Centre and got in line. A staff member helped me find the right queue, and the shuttle bus, and the exhibition. I was all set.
I’m not sure what I was expecting with the audio tour. But she went above and beyond. She did the exhibition, describing items to me and telling their stories, and there was even an audio stand in the exhibition which told me more of archaeology and history. I took the shuttle bus to the stones, and she continued, describing things all the way.
I could see them in the distance, and tiptoed up the path, footsteps slowing in awe. They were magnificent, and beautiful, even from a distance. I followed everyone else, transfixed in wonder. You couldn’t walk through them. But there was a walkway, and a rope, and it was close enough. I could feel their magic, their wonder, and their power. I stopped and stared for a long time, happy, at peace, mesmerised.
I walked round the stones, with Norse music playing. I highly recommend it. It really deepened the experience, as if I could be a Norse or celtic warrior arriving to the stones all those years ago, as if I had magic of my own. I also recommend doing a headspace session in front of Stonehenge. I really felt it, the power sliding through my soul and into my heart, never felt more at peace. It was an out of body experience, and I could hear the ancient world, and feel what it must have been like, all my worries and cares washed away as my vision filled with that tranquil aquamarine colour.
And once again, the audio tour guide shined. She told me where the stones were, their history, what they looked like. She even added extra stories, which I wasn’t expecting. And it was a joy, to not have to struggle over signs too small to see, to just enjoy the experience. On the way back, the tour guide announced the stops, so I knew where to get off, another lovely touch.
Stonehenge had a claim on their website that they are one of the most accessible heritage sites. And I think they might be right.
