TOURISTS are set to be given the chance to see Stonehenge up close and free of charge for the first time in over a century.
A select number of visitors will win the opportunity to get VIP access to the iconic UK tourist attraction.
A select few visitors to Stonehenge will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime private viewing of the epic spectacle.
The prehistoric site in Wiltshire sees around 1.4 million tourists every year – but the stones are usually viewed from afar and behind a barrier.
Now, English Heritage has confirmed that a lucky number of people will be able to win special access every day in August for nothing.
Since a fee to see Stonehenge was introduced back in 1901, free entry to the inner circle of stones is usually reserved for VIPs like high profile celebrities or political figures.
As part of the special competition, one booking will be selected at random every day to be given private access free of charge.
The chosen groups will have the privilege of seeing the stones’ “delicate carvings” and coatings of rare algae and fungi coating known as “lichen”.
Georgia Butters, English Heritage’s head of operations for Stonehenge, said: “Stonehenge is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks and a bucket-list destination for millions of people across the globe – but very few people have ever experienced the monument in complete peace and quiet.
“This is genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand within the ancient stones with no one else around, soaking up the atmosphere and spirituality of this remarkable place,” she added.
“There’s a certain stillness and tranquility about that space. It’s sort of mind-blowing and puts you right back in touch with our ancestors.”
To be in with a chance of nabbing the daily tour, visitors must make their booking on the official English Heritage website at least 72 hours in advance, so that winners can be contacted 24 hours before the visit.
The winning booking groups will be given the private half an hour tour at 9am, before any other tourists arrive.
They will then be treated to a breakfast roll and a hot drink, before being able to go off and enjoy the attraction in their own time.