What Is the 2-for-1 Offer?
The "Days Out Guide" is a long-running promotion by National Rail that offers 2-for-1 entry to hundreds of UK attractions when you travel by train. For participating venues, you pay for one full-price adult ticket and get a second adult free.
The scheme has been popular with visitors to London attractions (Tower of London, London Eye, etc.) and extends to attractions across the UK — including, at various times, Stonehenge.
Important: Stonehenge's participation in the 2-for-1 scheme varies by year and season. English Heritage determines whether to participate, and terms change. Always verify current availability at daysoutguide.co.uk before planning around this offer.
How the 2-for-1 Offer Works
- Travel by National Rail: You must have a valid National Rail train ticket to/from Salisbury (the nearest station to Stonehenge)
- Check participation: Verify Stonehenge is currently participating at daysoutguide.co.uk
- Download/print voucher: Get the 2-for-1 voucher from the website
- Visit on the same day: Your train ticket must be valid on the day you visit
- Present at the ticket desk: Show train ticket + voucher to receive the offer
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for 2-for-1, your train ticket must meet these criteria:
- Valid National Rail ticket (paper or e-ticket)
- Journey includes Salisbury station
- Valid on the day of your attraction visit
- Not a season ticket or Oyster/contactless pay-as-you-go
- One voucher per two people per train ticket
What Tickets Qualify?
| Ticket Type | Qualifies? |
|---|---|
| Single or Return ticket | ✓ Yes |
| Advance ticket | ✓ Yes |
| Off-Peak / Anytime ticket | ✓ Yes |
| Railcard discounted ticket | ✓ Yes |
| Season ticket | ✗ No |
| Oyster / Contactless | ✗ No |
| Travelcard (day) | Depends on type - check |
Is It Actually a Good Deal?
Let's run the numbers for two adults traveling from London:
| Cost Element | 2-for-1 Route | Standard Route |
|---|---|---|
| Train tickets (2× London-Salisbury return) | ~£80-100 | — |
| Stonehenge tickets (2× adult) | £27.20 (1 paid) | £54.40 (2 paid) |
| Transport to Stonehenge from Salisbury | ~£20-30 | Included in tour |
| Total estimate | ~£127-157 | — |
Compare this to a bus tour from London at £69-89 per person (£138-178 for two), which includes transport and entry. The 2-for-1 can save money in some scenarios but isn't always the cheapest option — and it requires more logistics.
When 2-for-1 Makes Sense
The 2-for-1 offer works best if you're already planning to travel by train anyway (perhaps visiting Salisbury Cathedral too), or if you have a railcard that significantly reduces train costs. For visitors whose primary goal is just Stonehenge, an all-inclusive bus tour often provides better value and less hassle.
Getting from Salisbury Station to Stonehenge
If you do use the train + 2-for-1 approach, you'll need to get from Salisbury to Stonehenge (about 10 miles):
- Stonehenge Tour Bus: Runs from Salisbury station, ~30 minutes, ~£18 return
- Taxi: ~£25-35 one way
- Local bus (with walking): Possible but inconvenient
Alternatives to 2-for-1
If the 2-for-1 isn't available or practical, consider these money-saving options:
- Book online: Automatic 15% discount vs gate prices
- English Heritage membership: Free entry + 400 other sites
- Family tickets: Bundled savings for families
- Bus tours: All-inclusive pricing often competitive
See our full Discounts page for all options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participation varies by year and sometimes by season. Check daysoutguide.co.uk for current availability. Even if participating, terms may restrict which days qualify.
Yes, most attractions accept e-tickets shown on your phone. You may need to show the ticket confirmation details. Paper tickets are always accepted.
The 2-for-1 offer typically requires presenting at the gate, so advance online booking isn't compatible. During busy periods, this means risking sold-out time slots. Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak season.