Ah, the summer solstice. That dreamy day in June when the sun seems to hang in the sky forever, and you suddenly remember you own sandals. But beyond the excuse for late-night BBQs and slightly-too-early Pimms, the solstice actually has a pretty rich and fascinating history here in the UK. When is Summer Solstice in the UK? Summer Solstice typically takes place on 21st June every year – the energy and power behind this day is why we chose it to open Quest, all the way back in 2007.
Let’s rewind – like, way back. Thousands of years ago, people were already clocking the movement of the sun, building monuments and basically creating their own ancient calendars before watches were even a thing. Enter: Stonehenge. Yep, that mysterious circle of rocks in Wiltshire isn’t just for school trips and drizzly photos. It was (and still is) a key site for solstice celebrations. On the morning of the summer solstice, the sun rises perfectly in line with the Heel Stone (right in the centre). That’s not a coincidence. Ancient people knew what they were doing.
The solstice marked the height of the sun’s power and was often linked to fertility, growth and the turning of the seasons. Crops were growing, days were long, life felt full – it was a time to celebrate the power of the sun and the abundance it brought. To celebrate people would light bonfires, gather their friends and family, feast, dance and enjoy music!
Fast forward to today and people still honour the solstice in all sorts of ways. Modern-day druids, pagans and spiritual folk often gather at sacred sites like Stonehenge or Avebury to watch the sunrise and soak in the energy of the day. You’ll find a mix of ceremonies, quiet reflection, a bit of chanting and the odd flower crown – think Glastonbury vibes but with less mud and more meaning.
But you don’t need to be in a stone circle at dawn to mark the solstice. Loads of people celebrate more simply – lighting a candle at home, spending the day outdoors, or just pausing to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
A Little Solstice Ritual to Try 
If you fancy tapping into the energy of the solstice without getting up at 4am or building a stone monument in your garden, here’s a tiny ritual you can try:
Sunshine Intention Moment
- Find a quiet spot outside (or by a sunny window – we do live in the UK, after all).
- Take a few slow, deep breaths.
- Think about what you want more of in your life this summer – joy, confidence, rest, whatever feels right.
- Close your eyes and imagine the sunlight filling you up with that intention.
- Say it to yourself quietly: “I welcome in [your intention] with the light of the sun.”
That’s it. No flower crowns or robes (unless that’s your thing). Just you, a bit of sunshine and a nice moment of pause.
So whether you’re dancing barefoot at a stone circle, watching the sky change colour from your balcony or just sitting in your garden with a cuppa, the solstice is a lovely time to check in, soak it all in and welcome the summer with open arms.
Here’s to the light
Love
Team Quest x