8.6
Wildland
Half day
Time
Free entry
Cost
Ancient-feeling
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.6A vast Neolithic henge and stone circles, built and much altered between roughly 2850 and 2200 BC. The largest circle originally contained about 100 stones and surrounds two smaller circles; the monument also encloses part of Avebury village.
Avebury is an extraordinary prehistoric landscape where the monument and village occupy the same immense enclosure. Walk among the stones, then follow the wider ceremonial landscape on foot to related monuments nearby.
Ancient-feeling · Atmospheric · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapAvebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1RF
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Start among the stones inside the henge, then visit the Alexander Keiller Museum and, if conditions and time allow, walk to other monuments in the surrounding ceremonial landscape.
Things to do
Walk inside the henge
Explore the great circular bank and ditch, which enclose the stone circles and part of Avebury village.
Check before visiting
Compare the circles
Look for the largest circle and the two smaller circles it encloses; the largest originally contained about 100 stones.
Check before visiting
Visit the Alexander Keiller Museum
See displays of notable finds from the Avebury monuments; toilets are available nearby.
Check before visiting
Walk to a related monument
English Heritage says many monuments in the surrounding ceremonial landscape can be reached on foot from the village. Check route conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; suggested, not verified
Walk among the stones
- 01
Explore the henge and stone circles on foot.
- 02
Notice the enclosing bank and ditch, the largest circle and the two smaller circles within it.
- 03
Allow for uneven or muddy paths and do not climb the stones.
Half day · Half day; suggested, not verified
Make a half day of the prehistoric landscape
- 01
Begin with the henge and stone circles at Avebury.
- 02
Visit the Alexander Keiller Museum and see its displays of finds from the monuments.
- 03
If conditions allow, walk to one or more nearby monuments named by English Heritage, such as West Kennet Avenue or West Kennet Long Barrow.
Verified history
English Heritage dates the construction and substantial alteration of Avebury henge and stone circles to roughly 2850–2200 BC. The henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch; within it, the largest stone circle originally contained about 100 stones and encloses two smaller circles. Avebury forms part of a wider group of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites, and with Stonehenge and its surroundings is part of a World Heritage Site. The Alexander Keiller Museum displays finds from the monuments.
Hidden details
A village within the monument — The henge’s enclosed area includes part of Avebury village, a striking reminder that this is a lived landscape as well as a prehistoric monument.
A circle within circles — The largest stone circle encloses two smaller stone circles; look for the nested arrangement while exploring the site.
When to go
· Any reasonable time during daylight hours, according to English Heritage. No quieter period is established by the supplied evidence.
The supplied source does not establish seasonal highlights or preferred months.
Paths between the sites may be uneven and muddy.
Worth pairing with
West Kennet Avenue
A related ceremonial monument in the wider Avebury landscape; English Heritage says many such sites can be reached on foot from the village.
West Kennet Long Barrow
A related monument named by English Heritage among the surrounding Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites.
The Sanctuary
A related ceremonial site identified by English Heritage as part of the wider landscape.
Silbury Hill
A nearby monument named by English Heritage as part of the surrounding ceremonial landscape.
What to look for
- 01
The huge circular bank and ditch
- 02
the surviving stones of the largest circle and its two smaller inner circles
- 03
and the way the henge encloses part of Avebury village.
The story
Neolithic henge, stone circles and ceremonial landscape
Best time to go
Check current conditions before visiting; the supplied evidence does not identify a best season.
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. The supplied evidence does not identify a quieter time of day.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage says the site is open any reasonable time during daylight hours, with free entry. Paths between the sites may be uneven and muddy; no climbing is permitted.
Parking
A charged car park is managed by the National Trust; English Heritage members displaying a car sticker park free. Check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets are available near the Alexander Keiller Museum.
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs must be kept on a lead because sheep frequently graze on site.
Accessibility
The source reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Paths may be uneven and muddy; check current access information for routes and facilities.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free entry; car parking is charged unless eligible for the stated English Heritage member benefit.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Avebury
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
