I blogged a while ago that I was looking forward to the proposed changes to the Stonehenge visiting arrangements which aimed to reconnect the stones with their environment. I would provide you with the link, but the post seems to be hiding in the mystic ether…
The project is nearly complete and my recent visit lived up to my expectations. The new visitor centre is placed in a dip 1.5 miles away from the stones and is a vast improvement on the old one. I wasn’t sure how the new building would look but having seen it, it works perfectly in the environment. From the outside the willow structures obscure the building within and from inside the cafe you are drawn to look at the surrounding landscape. Trees have been strategically placed so that in time the building will blend into the surrounding environment.
The timed ticket arrangement is quite painless and even though we arrived at peak time, there was no queue unlike my previous visits. The gentle journey using the land train to the stones was pleasant. There is also the option to stroll up to the stones. At the drop off point near to the stones there is the beginnings of a natural screen to hide the train from view.
On my visit work was currently underway to completely demolish the old visitor centre (which was a blot on the landscape), fill in the tunnel and grass over the closed portion of the road. Even though the work was not complete the area around the stones was a vast improvement and less intrusive than on previous visits. I am looking forward to visiting again when this part of the project is complete.
Before we set off for the stones we enjoyed lunch in the cafe. The food is also available as a takeaway option to enjoy in the Stonehenge environment, maybe next time 
Next to the cafe is the museum which is currently displaying archaeological treasures which were used or buried at Stonehenge. There is also a wonderful circular audio visual display showing Stonehenge through the ages and seasons.
That does sound like a huge improvement over the last monstrosity.
I nearly called the old visitor centre and access a monstrosity but deferred to calling it ‘a blot on the landscape’…
I guess that means I’ll need to go back, Cherry! You’ve convinced me it would be worthwhile….but this time with Astrid!
I think you will love it. It should be ready by the proposed next shutterchance meet.
I would love to explore Stonehenge and Avebury with you and Astrid