For the first time in more than a century, visitors to Stonehenge will have the opportunity to experience the ancient monument in complete solitude. Throughout August, English Heritage is offering a daily prize that grants one visitor and their guests exclusive private access to the stone circle, a privilege not available since public admission fees were introduced in 1901.

Visitors who book their tickets at least 72 hours in advance for visits during the month will be automatically entered into a daily draw. Winners will be notified at least 24 hours before their visit and invited to the site at 9 a.m. for a half-hour private experience within the stones. A member of the Stonehenge team will accompany the group, providing insights into the monument’s history and conservation efforts.

Traditionally, visitors to Stonehenge have only been able to observe the stones from a designated path about 10 to 15 yards away, sharing the experience with other tourists. This exclusive prize allows winners to walk among the stones, examine ancient carvings such as Bronze Age dagger marks, and even see historical graffiti left by architect Sir Christopher Wren, who inscribed his name on one of the stones during his youth.

Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of operations at Stonehenge, described the offering as a rare opportunity to experience the monument in peace, saying it provides visitors with a unique chance to connect with the site’s spirituality and history without interruption.

Following their private visit, winners will receive a breakfast roll and hot drink before continuing their day at Stonehenge, which includes access to the onsite exhibition and participation in the ongoing Great British Summer activities.

All visitors to Stonehenge this summer also have the chance to explore the Kusuma Neolithic Hall, a 22-foot-tall reconstruction of a prehistoric building on Salisbury Plain. Constructed over nine months by a team of 100 volunteers using authentic Neolithic tools and materials, the replica is based on archaeological remains found near the Durrington Walls settlement, about two miles northeast of Stonehenge. Excavations at this site have uncovered thousands of animal bones and significant quantities of Grooved Ware pottery, suggesting the location hosted large winter feasts approximately 4,500 years ago. Admission to the Neolithic Hall is included with Stonehenge ticket purchases.

English Heritage encourages those interested in the exclusive access prize to book early for visits in August to secure their entry in the daily draws. Further information and ticketing details are available on the official English Heritage website.