Yes, the fence at Stonehenge is a distraction.
Alternatively, to walk among the stones, I suggest a stop at Avebury Stone circle which is open at any time.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avebury
Mad Max provides van tours of both Stonehenge and Avebury from Bath.
http://www.madmaxtours.co.uk/
-Paul
I did the Mad Max tour from Bath last July, and it was great. I was expecting a BIG FENCE at Stonehenge. Instead, it was a little rope around the perimeter of the stones that I didn't find at all distracting. Avebury is much larger, but the stones are spread over such a large area that you'd need to view it from the air to see all of it.
I am sorry I'll just be passing through the UK as I change planes at Heathrow next May.
)!! Also, my dd made a great friend on the trip, which really helped get us through the intensive touring cities like Rome. My ds made a few great friends as well. We had such a great group of people traveling with us and we enjoyed seeing them every day. I have just mentioned a few little things ABD did - there is so so so much more they do on a grander scale. Although we had a great time touring Barcelona for 3 days on our own before the cruise, I really, really enjoyed having everything planned for us with ABD.
and thought it might interest anyone, I would to it!