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How to see Winter Solstice at Stonehenge

News imageAndrew Matthews/PA Wire A crowd in front of Stonehenge on a grey day. A circle of people is in the forefront of the image - at least four are shirtless men with blue paint on them in patterns. They are doing a yoga-like pose. People gather around to watch.Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
A crowd gathers for the shortest day of the year at Stonehenge as well as the longest

Stonehenge will be open for the Winter Solstice again this year with sunrise expected at 08:09 GMT.

While thousands flock to the ancient monument for Summer Solstice for the longest day, it also attracts a crowd for the shortest day, this time on 21 December.

English Heritage has said that anyone planning to come along must pre-book parking if they are bringing a vehicle.

People will need to walk more than a mile to get to the stones once they have arrived, with the charity letting people in from 05:15 GMT.

News imageAndrew Matthews/PA Wire People gathered around the stones of Stonehenge under a dark sky - many holding smartphones and in woolly hatsAndrew Matthews/PA Wire
English Heritage will open the site from 05:15 GMT

Advanced booking for car parking was run through the English Heritage website, which sold out earlier.

People need to have left the monument by 10:00 GMT and the car park by 11:00 GMT. If not there by 07:30 GMT, you might not be able to get in.

Those driving there have been told to expect a slow-moving queue to get in.

The charity is encouraging people to use public transport, including a special bus service from Salisbury city centre to the stones which is being run by Salisbury Reds.

English Heritage also said there are options via train and taxi, but demand for the latter will be high.

Richard Dewdney, head of operations at Stonehenge, explained the requirement to book parking is in the hope of reducing traffic congestion in the area and stopping people from leaving vehicles in "unsafe places in the surrounding area".

News imageAndrew Matthews/PA Wire Morris dancers in action in front of Stonehenge on a grey day. A crowd watches on, all dressed in winter coats and hats.Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
Despite the cold and a half-hour walk, people come along to the Winter Solstice annually

The charity said the walk to the stones takes around half an hour and those with accessibility needs can get a shuttle bus from the visitor centre.

It is recommended that people wear warm clothing and bring a torch.

The café at the Stonehenge visitor centre will be open early too.

People are asked to not touch or climb on the stones.

English Heritage also wants to remind people that the site is a sacred place to many and therefore ask for respect towards others and the stones.

Conditions of entry include not bringing alcohol, taking rubbish home and not bringing prohibited items, such as drones, camping gear and pets that are not assistance animals.

English Heritage will be livestreaming the event too, on its YouTube channel.

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