Summer Solstice

 21st & 22nd June

Celebrate summer with the Hampshire community!

Mark midsummer with music, merriment, and sun-soaked mead! Join us as we come together for the longest day of the year, and celebrate light, life, and togetherness with a weekend of communal festivities. From joyful dance to relaxing yoga, connect with ancient tradition and nourish your heart and spirit with a community that feels like home.

A weekend of summer

Date
Sat 21st & Sun 22nd June 2025

Times
10am till 4pm

Solstice handfasting

Harness the energy of the season and honour your heart’s ties with a special Summer Solstice handfasting. Celebrate your bonds whether as a wedding, vow renewal, engagement, or a friendship or family ceremony.

Admission prices

Book online to save £1 per ticket!

Ancient tradition meets modern community

The summer solstice, also known as midsummer or the Celtic festival Litha, is one of humanity’s most ancient festivals. Celebrated since the Stone Age, this special day marks the longest day and shortest night of the year, and is the highpoint of the Celtic Wheel of the Year. For many ancient and pagan traditions, the solstice represents a time of fulfilment and gratitude, a celebration of light, abundance, and warmth.

Celebrate this ancient festival with the Butser community, and come together for a summer weekend of folk music, group dancing, relaxing yoga, good food, and more!

Getting to us

We’re two minutes off the A3 and are easily accessible from London, Portsmouth, and beyond. Get directions →

  • Our nearest airports are Southampton and Gatwick. See where to stay locally →

    Our nearest train station is Petersfield.

    We are on the Number 37 bus line from Petersfield to Clanfield; get off by the Hampshire Hog pub in Clanfield and walk 20 minutes along the road to Butser.

    Please remember to check bus and train times before planning your journey!

  • Petersfield Taxis: 01730 303030

    Petersfield Station Taxi Rank: 0845 600 0650

    5 Ways Cars: 01730 260442

  • Normally we can’t allow people to stay overnight on site unless it is part of an event or workshop offering. Here’s some nearby accommodation.

 

FAQs

  • First entrance is at 10am, and last entrance is at 3pm - please be aware we close at 4pm.

  • Visitors aged 65 and over, students, and disabled visitors are eligible for our concession ticket. Registered carers are entitled to free or discounted entry.

    Children under 3 can always enter for free.

    Annual passholders only have to pay the difference to general admission, which comes to £2. Make sure you're logged in and select tickets as normal; the discount will automatically be applied to your basket.

    As this is a special event, our other discounts unfortunately do not apply.

  • We'll have some delicious food vendors on site with offerings to suit all palettes, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options included.

    We also serve light refreshments in our Visitor Centre, including hot and cold drinks, a selection of sandwiches, delicious cakes, and sweet and savoury snacks.

    You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic if you prefer.

    Across the site you can find picnic benches, or if it’s wet you can cosy up on a bench by the fire in one of our historic buildings!

  • Your whole family is welcome to Summer Solstice, including your four-legged friends!

    We want our Summer Solstice talks to be an enjoyable experience for everyone, so please be mindful with your dog and take a seat near the exit in case you need to step out for a moment.

    Please don't bring your pooch into buildings when workshops are taking place and to respect our other visitors, please keep your dogs on a leash and be sure to clean up after them.

  • Unfortunately we’re not able to offer refunds on any of our tickets.