Three ways to celebrate the summer solstice in Hampshire

For thousands of years, the summer solstice has been celebrated as a highlight of the astronomical calendar, marking the beginning of summer. Taking its name from the Latin words ‘sol’, meaning sun, and ‘sistere’, meaning still, the summer solstice is the longest day of the year. Back in Neolithic Britain, it was used to mark a time to plant and harvest crops. Across centuries, the summer solstice has been celebrated globally, from Ancient Greeks to New-Age philosophers in California.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to mark the occasion that you can do right here in Hampshire.

Cosy up around a bonfire

For centuries throughout Europe, bonfires have been a staple part of summer solstice celebrations. It was believed that they’d ensure plentiful crops when it came time to harvest by giving the sun more power. These fires were also used to drive away evil spirits.

While many people hold no such beliefs about bonfires now, they’re still a great way to celebrate the return of summer. As daylight stretches later into the evening, gather your friends and family, grab the marshmallows and enjoy a twilight celebration.

For more information about bonfires in Hampshire, read the countryside code, and safety guidance from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue.

Enjoy nature and look for flowers

Ancient Britons believed that this was the time of the year when the veil between our world and the spirit world was the thinnest. Just like the lighting of bonfires, plants would be picked to keep spirits at bay. Celts would gather plants like St John’s Wort or lavender and weave them into garlands or hang them around their homes. While you shouldn’t pick flowers growing in the countryside, why not take a walk and see what you can spot?

Keep your eyes (and nose) peeled for fragrant flowers blooming in the countryside that would have played an important part in our ancestors’ summer solstice celebrations.

Watch the sunrise and sunset

There’s no better way to enjoy the longest day of the year than by watching the sun rise and set. This has long been tradition in the UK dating back thousands of years. Neolithic monuments have been found throughout the country that were built to align with the solstice sunrise. While few of these sites still stand, Hampshire has some spectacular viewpoints perfect for watching the sun’s journey.

As one of the highest points in Hampshire, Butser Hill in Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers a fantastic view of the sun as it rises over the South Downs.