President Barack Obama wanted to “knock Stonehenge off my bucket list” so why don’t you knock it off too?
The American leader paid a surprise visit to the ancient stones on Salisbury Plain and declared: “How cool is this? Spectacular.”
Mr Obama’s plane Marine One made an unscheduled landing Boscombe Down Airbase in Wiltshire after taking off from Newport in south Wales, following the NATO summit.
He was met by English Heritage’s Stonehenge curator who later said: “Mr Obama was fascinated by the story of the stones, what we know about them and the mysteries that have yet to be solved. He asked lots of questions about how old the monument is, how long it took to build it, and what was its purpose.
“He described the atmosphere around the stones as “really special” and his visit to Stonehenge as ‘a highlight of my tour’.
“He particularly loved seeing the colour and texture of the stones. It was a beautiful still evening and it was a privilege to show the U.S. President around this unique monument which continues to inspire and intrigue people.”
The stone circle – built between 3,000 and 1,600 BC – may have been a burial ground, astronomical calendar or a temple. And here’s how you can take a trip from London Victoria to see it.
Rabbie’s Small Group Tours offer a three-day tour including Stonehenge, the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, Dartmoor and Glastonbury. Prices start from £159pp and include transportation by Mercedes minicoach (max 16 passengers) and the services of a guide. Meals, accommodation and attractions are extra enabling guests to tailor their trip to suit their individual budget. Departs every Wednesday year-round from London Victoria.
For more information about the ‘Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath and The South West Coast Tour’, see www.rabbies.com
