Peace, love and paganism: Celebrate the summer solstice at Stonehenge

Neo-druids, pagans and general New Age types don their glad rags (and, in some cases, fake beards) to watch the sun rise on this long day of summer. All-night celebrations help revellers stay awake until dawn.

Why: An important date for pagans, the summer solstice festival dates back thousands of years. It celebrates the longest day of the year, when the sun is at its maximum elevation. About 20,000 people flock to prehistoric Stonehenge to see it in as atmospherically as possible each year.

Do it because: It’s one of the few opportunities to get close to the stones, as English Heritage provides open access especially for the occasion. Be aware that only small amounts of booze are permitted per person and that camping is not allowed. 

Stonehenge | June 20-21
english-heritage.org.uk