For thousands of years people have been gathering at Stonehenge – an ancient circle of stones in Wiltshire, England – to mark the Summer Solstice in the northern hemisphere – when the sun travels its longest path through the sky.

It's believed the stones, possibly built as a temple, were constructed to align with the rising sun of the Summer and Winter Solstices. Up to 20,000 people assemble to watch the special sunrise over the Heel Stone in mid-summer.

Stunning pictures of Summer Solstice traditions around the world

The world’s stunning sunrises will brighten up your day