West Kennett, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1QH
Silbury Hill Viewing Point
Prehistoric
Place photograph
8.0
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.0A vast chalk mound built around 2400 BC, Silbury Hill rises above the Avebury landscape. Its purpose remains unknown, and English Heritage notes that it apparently contains no burial.
Silbury Hill makes an extraordinary impression from the ground: a huge prehistoric mound set within the Avebury World Heritage landscape. The viewing area and information panels offer a close look, but the mound is not open to climb.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapWest Kennett, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1QH
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Visit the viewing area to take in the mound and read the information panels. Do not climb Silbury Hill: English Heritage says there is no public access to the hill to protect its sensitive archaeology.
Things to do
View the prehistoric mound
Take in Silbury Hill from its protected viewing area. Public access to the hill itself is not permitted.
Under 1 hour
Read the viewing-area information panels
Use the panels to learn about the mound’s history and construction.
Explore other Avebury prehistoric sites
English Heritage suggests exploring the area on foot and lists Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary and Windmill Hill among its sites.
Half day
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick look at the mound
- 01
Visit during reasonable daylight hours.
- 02
View Silbury Hill from the designated viewing area.
- 03
Read the information panels about its history and construction.
- 04
Stay off the mound: public access to the hill is not permitted.
Half day · Half day
Add Silbury Hill to an Avebury day
- 01
Begin at the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury for context on the local prehistoric sites.
- 02
Visit Silbury Hill’s viewing area and read its information panels.
- 03
Continue to other English Heritage sites in the Avebury area, such as West Kennet Long Barrow or West Kennet Avenue; check current access details before setting out.
- 04
Allow for uneven surfaces and prepare for the weather.
Verified history
English Heritage describes Silbury Hill as the largest artificial mound in Europe and says it was probably completed around 2400 BC. It apparently contains no burial; its purpose and significance remain unknown. The site is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Hidden details
The summit is off limits — The hill is closed to public access to protect its sensitive archaeology. The viewing area is the appropriate place to see it.
Its purpose is still unknown — Despite its scale and prehistoric importance, English Heritage says the mound’s purpose and significance remain unknown.
When to go
· During reasonable daylight hours.
No season-specific advantage is established in the supplied evidence.
English Heritage advises wearing appropriate footwear and preparing for the weather; the site has uneven surfaces.
Worth pairing with
Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury
English Heritage recommends beginning there to learn about the sites in its care and their significance. Toilets and a café are available near the museum.
West Kennet Long Barrow
One of the nearby English Heritage prehistoric sites recommended as part of exploring the Avebury area on foot. Check current access details before visiting.
Avebury Stone Circle
An English Heritage site in the surrounding prehistoric landscape, suggested as part of a wider visit.
What to look for
Notice the mound’s scale against the surrounding landscape and use the viewing-area panels to learn about its construction. The summit is closed to visitors.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology
Best time to go
Check conditions before visiting; English Heritage advises suitable footwear and preparation for the weather.
English Heritage says the site is open during reasonable daylight hours. No more specific best time is verified.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage says the site is open during reasonable daylight hours. The hill itself is closed to public access to protect its archaeology; view it from the designated viewing area.
Parking
On-site parking is available. English Heritage lists a £2 charge for non-members, payable by text; parking is free for members displaying a valid English Heritage car sticker. No designated disabled spaces.
Toilets
Toilets are available near the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury; none are specified at the viewing point.
Food & drink
A café is available near the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury.
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
English Heritage notes uneven surfaces and no designated disabled parking spaces. The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, but access at the viewing area is not verified. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Silbury Hill Viewing Point
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
