Avebury Stone Circle Wiltshire

Avebury Henge, Wiltshire

History | Access | National Trust Properties in the Southwest

Avebury is a henge monument on a larger scale than its more famous cousin, Stonehenge. Unlike at Stonehenge, a visitor can still touch the stones at Avebury. The site dates back to around 2600 BCE, making it older than Stonehenge, about 20 miles to the south. The site had great ritual and ceremonial significance for the people of the Neolithic period.

Europe’s largest neolithic stone circle

History

Construction of the monument began 5000 years ago in Neolithic times. The amateur archaeologist, Alexander Keiller, played a large role in discovering and preserving the site. A museum on the site is named after him (Alexander Keiller Museum) and contains many related archaeological finds.

Many gigantic “Sarsen” stones such as the ones pictured below can be approached by visitors. Also, Avebury is the only stone circle in the world with a chapel and pub inside it, the Red Lion. Nearby related monuments include the West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill and Windmill Hill.

Along with Stonehenge and other nearby archaeological sites, Avebury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites.”

In addition, Avebury and its stone circle are associated with modern pagan and spiritual practices. Many people visit the site for solstices, equinoxes, and other ceremonies. Thus it is now a significant location for contemporary Druidic and pagan rituals.

A large standing Sarsen stone

Access – Getting There

National Trust Estate Office
High Street
Avebury, Wiltshire SN8 1RF
Tel: 01672 539250

Silbury Hill near Avebury is the tallest prehistoric human-made mound in Europe; it is just over 39 meters in height

The pretty village is 6 miles west of Marlborough on the A4361 and B4003 which is also not far from another National Trust property, Lacock Abbey.

The village is south of Swindon and the M4 motorway. Exit at junction 15. The stone circle is an easy day trip from Bath, Bristol, Reading and Southampton. From Bath, the town is a 45-minute drive west on the A4. Driving from central London allow for around 1 hour, 45 minutes on the M4 motorway. Oxford to Avebury by car takes around an hour on the A34 and A4.

Avebury Manor House and Garden is part of the National Trust property at the stone circle. The manor house itself dates from the 16th century. It features a mixture of architectural styles, including Tudor and Jacobean elements. A previous owner was the archaeologist Alexander Keiller (mentioned above) who conducted excavations at the stone circle in the 1930s.

Accommodation

Places to stay include Avebury Life, “an alternative style bed and breakfast” with no TVs and also a vegetarian breakfast. It is just 10 minutes to the stone circle. Avebury Cottage offers 3 bedrooms and a lovely garden. About a mile from the center of the village is B&B Dorwyn Manor on Swindon Road.

See a listing of places to stay in Avebury