West Kennett, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1QH
West Kennet Long Barrow
Prehistoric
Source image
8.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour at the barrow, plus the half-mile uphill walk each way
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.3Built around 3650 BC, this Neolithic chambered tomb was used briefly as a burial chamber. Nearly 50 people were buried here before its chambers were blocked.
A rare chance to approach a major Neolithic tomb on foot and enter its stone chambers. The uphill farmland approach and the unguarded drop above the entrance make this a place to explore attentively, not just a roadside stop.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapWest Kennett, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1QH
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The experience
Allow time for the uphill farmland approach, a careful look around the mound and, if conditions and access allow, a visit inside the chambers. Take particular care around the unguarded drop above the entrance.
Things to do
Walk up to the barrow
Follow the signposted half-mile uphill approach from the A4 lay-by across farmland. Wear suitable footwear and prepare for the weather.
Half-mile walk each way; time not specified by the source
Explore the chambered tomb
See the mound and entrance, and explore the chambers if access is available. Keep clear of the unguarded drop above the entrance.
Add another Avebury-area monument
English Heritage recommends exploring the wider group on foot. Its named nearby sites include Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennet Avenue, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill and Silbury Hill; check individual access details before planning a linked walk.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow for the half-mile uphill walk each way, plus time at the monument.
The barrow and its chambers
- 01
Use the signposted A4 lay-by described by English Heritage; do not treat the supplied map pin as a parking or entrance pin.
- 02
Walk the half-mile uphill route across farmland to the barrow.
- 03
Look over the mound and entrance, and explore the chambers if access and conditions allow.
- 04
Take care around the unguarded drop above the entrance; return by the same approach.
Half day · Half day
A half-day among Avebury’s prehistoric sites
- 01
Begin at the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury for context on the sites in English Heritage’s care.
- 02
Visit West Kennet Long Barrow, allowing for the uphill farmland walk from the A4 lay-by.
- 03
Continue to one or more of the nearby sites named by English Heritage: Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennet Avenue, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill or Silbury Hill.
- 04
Use the café and toilets near the museum in Avebury; check opening and access details before travelling.
Verified history
English Heritage dates the barrow to around 3650 BC and describes it as one of Britain’s largest, most impressive and most accessible Neolithic chambered tombs. It was used for a short time as a burial chamber; nearly 50 people were buried there before the chambers were blocked. The monument forms part of the Avebury World Heritage Site.
Hidden details
The chambers were blocked after use — English Heritage says the tomb was used for a short time as a burial chamber before its chambers were blocked. Look closely at the entrance and stonework, without assuming visible features that are not identified by the source.
When to go
· Daylight; the source does not identify a preferred hour.
The available source gives no seasonal recommendation. Daylight access and suitable conditions for the uphill farmland walk are the useful considerations.
Prepare for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. The approach crosses farmland and has uneven surfaces.
Worth pairing with
Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury
English Heritage recommends starting here to learn about the prehistoric sites in its care. Toilets and a café are available near the museum; check current details before visiting.
Avebury Stone Circle
Named by English Heritage as one of the nearby sites to include when exploring the Avebury area on foot.
Silbury Hill
A nearby English Heritage site that can be paired with a visit to the barrow; check its current access arrangements before setting out.
West Kennet Avenue
One of the Avebury-area sites English Heritage recommends exploring on foot alongside the barrow.
What to look for
- 01
The long earthen mound, the entrance and the stone chambers. Notice the transition from open farmland to the enclosed tomb
- 02
take care around the unguarded drop above the entrance.
The story
Neolithic archaeology; chambered tomb and communal burial
Best time to go
Any season in suitable daylight and weather; wear appropriate footwear and prepare for the weather.
Visit during daylight in weather suitable for an uphill walk across farmland. English Heritage advises appropriate footwear and preparation for the weather.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour at the barrow, plus the half-mile uphill walk each way
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
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 at reasonable times during daylight and entry is free. From the signposted A4 lay-by, the barrow is reached by a half-mile uphill walk across farmland. The approach has uneven surfaces, and there is an unguarded drop above the entrance.
Parking
English Heritage reports free parking in the signposted A4 lay-by. This is not the accepted main-place pin; check current directions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting. English Heritage says toilets are available near the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No café is identified at the barrow. English Heritage says a café is available near the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury.
Dogs
Assistance dogs only, according to English Heritage.
Accessibility
The approach is a half-mile uphill walk across farmland with uneven surfaces. English Heritage reports that the site does not have a wheelchair-accessible car park or entrance.
Cost
Free entry, according to English Heritage; check current details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around West Kennet Long Barrow
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
