Druids protest at Stonehenge over plans to ban alcohol and charge £15 for parking

King Arthur Uther Pendragon is leading the protest

A druid protests in front of one of English Heritage's coaches (Western Daily Press)

A group of of Druids are protesting near Stonehenge over English Heritage plans to ban alcohol and charge £15 for parking during the summer solstice next month.

The 14 protesters, led by King Arthur Uther Pendragon, are peacefully protesting around the tourism buses en route to the stones.

They are handing out leaflets explaining the protest to tourists.

Revellers celebrate the winter solstice at Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain in southern England (Reuters)

"They've called the police, but we are exercising our right to use this footpath that happens to cross the old road where the coaches go," Mr Pendragon told the Western Daily Press.

"This is about this charge which is effectively making us 'pay to pray' at Stonehenge, our temple, for the solstice."

The druids are protesting against plans to ban alcohol and charge £15 for parking during the summer solstace next month (Getty Images)

He added: "I have warned English Heritage that we can keep doing this.

"Most of us live in Salisbury or nearby, so we can come every day if we need to."

A spokeswoman for Wiltshire Police said they were monitoring the situation.

Kate Davies, Stonehenge General Manager, said: “There was a small protest at Stonehenge this morning. A small number of our visitors were inconvenienced but they were very understanding of the situation.

"We’ve had a lot of support for the changes we’re introducing for the Summer Solstice celebrations, including from members within the pagan and druid community.

"These changes are necessary if we are to keep what makes celebrating the summer solstice at Stonehenge so special.”