Stonehenge is the most architecturally sophisticated prehistoric stone circle in the world and, together with Avebury and their surrounding landscape, was ascribed World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 1986. This gives it international recognition alongside such sites as the pyramids and the Great Wall of China as a place of exceptional importance to all humanity.

Highlights and new understanding

Three highlights achieved in the last thirty years include:

• An improved landscape setting for Stonehenge. The old outdated facilities have been removed and the A344 adjacent to the stones has been returned to chalk downland, reuniting the monument with its Avenue.
• A new sensitively designed and environmentally sustainable Stonehenge visitor centre has been built, providing high-quality and fully accessible exhibitions, cafe and shop.
• Better interpretation of the whole World Heritage Site. Innovative displays are designed to engage and inspire visitors, while equipping them to explore Stonehenge and its landscape.

Since 1986 our understanding of Stonehenge has been completely transformed. The first complete 3D laser scan of the stones was undertaken in 2011. This revealed previously unknown details, including tool marks made 4,500 years ago, and scores of carvings of axes, added when the sarsens had already been in place for 700 years.

Work has also included: the publication (in 1995) of all of the 20th century excavations; a major series of archaeological projects as part of the Stonehenge Riverside Project 2005-9; two excavations at Stonehenge in 2008; and the major geophysics ‘Hidden Landscapes’ project.

Read more about the significance of Stonehenge here.

30th Anniversary Celebrations

As part of the special 30th anniversary celebrations, students from local Stonehenge School and Avon Valley College will unveil a special plaque highlighting the World Heritage Site status of the iconic Wiltshire monument.

This weekend (19 - 20 November) visitors to Stonehenge will be able to find one of 30 golden tickets for a stone circle visit, or grab one of 30 special goody bags. Find out more here.

You can also read our blog on 30 things that you might not have known about Stonehenge.

Kids in museums takeover day

On Friday 18 November 2016, as part of Kids in Museums Take Over Day, 30 students are also being put in charge at Stonehenge. They will be taking over the monument's social media channels, giving tours for visitors, explaining Neolithic objects and giving people from around the world a warm welcome in the exhibition.

Kate Davies, General Manager of Stonehenge, said:

"Young people are the future guardians of our heritage, and it is fantastic to see that our local young community are so interested in learning about Stonehenge and what it means to have a World Heritage Site, one of 30 in the UK, on their doorstep."