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Stonehenge, the circle of megalithic stones on the Salisbury Plain 80 mi/130 km southwest of London, may have been a religious site as long ago as 5000 BC. Various evidence points to ancient burials and possible religious activities.

Stonehenge is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, with a modern visitors center. Heavy road traffic in the area detracts from the site's atmosphere as a "lonely temple to the winds" described by Thomas Hardy. Large crowds can spoil the atmosphere of this site, as does the giant fence around the stones, but it remains one of the wonders of the prehistoric age.

Some of the stones were brought from the Preseli mountains in western Wales when no roads or machinery existed. And how were the 50-ton lintel stones raised? It's no wonder that supernatural powers and aliens are intrinsic to Stonehenge folklore.

Unfortunately, visitors can no longer walk among the stones except at the summer solstice or by special arrangement. The best time to visit is off-season or early in the day.

There is a less imposing—but far more extensive—complex of standing stones and burial mounds 20 mi/30 km north at Avebury. It's still very impressive, you won't see so many people there, and you can still walk among the stones. Other examples of standing stones can be found throughout England.

London is undoubtedly one of the world's finest cities. In addition to numerous monuments from its more glorious past, London is equally well-known for its pageantry and tradition. London has something for everyone - wide boulevards buzzing with excitement far into the night, quiet squares and explorable alleyways. Visit this famous city's parks, museums, galleries, monuments, abbeys and churches, skyscrapers and ruins, Georgian squares. Take in such events as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower, or the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or even one of the many theatrical productions. Some of the most exclusive shops are found along Oxford, Bond and Regent Streets. An old favorite and one of the world's premier institutions is Harrods - offering everything from Chanel suits and sliced salmon to caviar and even pets.