The world is full of fascinating locales that, for centuries, have roused the imaginations of everyone from mystery lovers to truth seekers. These types of places can be found in all climates, cultures, and countries around the globe. Of all of these, though, England has more than its fair share of intriguing locations. History and mystery enthusiasts alike could fill their schedules with a seemingly unending list of destinations to visit.

When people think of the mysterious history of England, often the first image that comes to mind is Stonehenge. Located 8 miles (13km) outside of Salisbury, Stonehenge regularly averaged over a million visitors per year for more than a decade leading up to 2020. General visitors can get to within 10 meters, or so, of the stones, but it is said that other specialized tours take visitors into the heart of the enclosure during certain times.

Regardless of how close one gets, the awe for and magnitude of the site are equally compelling. The large, visible sarsen stones were not the first objects placed at the site. Beginning over three thousand years BC, timbers were affixed at the site. Later, stone replaced timber as the constructors’ medium of choice. But, who built Stonehenge? And, why build it in the first place? Experts have definitively determined that the arrangement of the stones aligns with the sunrise of the summer solstice and the sunset of the winter solstice. However, that knowledge does not answer the lingering questions above, and even experts still do not have definitive answers for who and why.

Records indicate that the ancient bones of dozens of people have been discovered at Stonehenge, leading archaeologists to believe that the site was possibly used as a burial ground, or in conjunction with a belief or rite associated with death. Another theory posed is that Stonehenge was used as a place to gather for the winter solstice. This theory comes from the analysis of uncovered bones of animals on the site. The animals were presumedly born in the spring but died around the winter solstice, which led experts to believe that people had aggregated at Stonehenge for that event. Other theories, many of which are of supernatural origin, have been proposed.

If you are like many visitors to England, Stonehenge is at the top of your lengthy list of sites to see. And well it should be! The place is buzzing with a mysterious, supernatural vibe. So, block off some time on your calendar. And, if you are driving the roads to Salisbury, we recommend that you find yourself some piping-hot fish and chips along the way. After all, what is more English than fish and chips… and ancient ruins?