Circles of the UK

For centuries Stonehenge has sent writers, painters and visitors into flights of fancy, for its purpose remains an enigma. No ancient structure in england arouses more controversy than the mysterious monoliths of stonehenge.

It's not the biggest stone Circle in the UK. And it's not the oldest. But it draws thousands and thousands of visitors every year, hoping to catch a glimpse of it's magic. It's an ancient enigma which has kept everyone guessing about the truth behind it's stones for 3000 years.

It lies in the heart of the british countryside, in Wiltshire. Known as the gateway to the west country, Wiltshire it a beautiful place for a UK break and an Ideal base if you're exploring aincient British history because Avebury - the most important of the stone circles in the UK is also in the county, along with Woodhenge, West Kennet monument, Silbury hill, 6 different chalk horses, and hundreds of Roman and Medieval heritage sites.

None of the landscapes of this region could be described as grand or wild, but the countryside is consistently seductive, its appeal exemplified by the crumbling fossil-bearing cliffs around Lyme Regis , the managed woodlands of the New Forest and the gentle, open curves of Salisbury Plain . Its towns are also generally modest and slow-paced, with the notable exceptions of the two great maritime bases of Portsmouth and, to a lesser extent, Southampton , a fair proportion of whose visitors are simply passing through on their way to the more genteel pleasures of the Isle of Wight . This is something of an injustice, though neither place can compete with the two most interesting cities in this part of England - Salisbury and Winchester , each of which possesses a stupendous cathedral amid an array of other historic sights. Of the region's great houses, Wilton, Stourhead, Longleat and Kingston Lacy are the ones that attract the crowds, but every cranny has its medieval church, manor house or unspoilt country inn - there are few parts of England in which an aimless meander can be so rewarding. But if it's straightforward seaside fun you're after, Bournemouth leads the way, with Weymouth and Lyme Regis heading the ranks of the minor resorts, along with the yachties' havens over on the Isle of Wight.

Stonehenge is shrouded is mystery, which is part of its appeal to tourists and sleuthing archaeologists. When was Stonehenge built? Latest scientific estimates say it was erected in stages between 3000 and 1500 BC. Why was Stonehenge built? The best speculation is it was an astronomical calendar (a headstone is oriented toward the summer solstice). Another sound theory is Stonehenge was used for religious ceremonies. Who built Stonehenge? No one will probably ever know for certain. The once popular theory that the Druids (Celtic priesthood) erected it was shot down when modern science proved that Stonehenge was constructed at least a thousand years before their time.