Avebury Stone Circle and Avebury Manor and Garden

About

Recognised as a World Heritage Site, Avebury is the site of the largest prehistoric circle of standing stones in the world. This circle encompasses Avebury Henge, a huge bank and ditch surrounding 2 smaller circles. Within walking distance of the stone circles is a stone-lined avenue, the largest artificial mound in Europe, a causewayed enclosure, and many more Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Many of the finds from the Avebury World heritage site are on display in the Alexander Keiller Museum, housed in the former stables of Avebury’s 16th century manor house.

 

People have been visiting Avebury for thousands of years and traces of our ancient past can be seen throughout the landscape. Avebury Henge dates from around 4,600 years ago and the standing stones within it are enormous. The largest stone, weighing at least 100 tonnes, is the heaviest in Britain. You can walk amongst all the stones, on top of the henge bank and along West Kennet Avenue, a winding avenue of standing stones leading to Waden Hill. A walk to the top of Waden Hill is an opportunity to look out for interesting wildflowers, animals and birds and from the top there are views across the Avebury Landscape, with ancient barrows, Silbury Hill nearby and across to Windmill Hill with its causewayed enclosure.

 

Avebury Manor is currently closed for repairs and restoration work following a severe flood and is due to reopen again to visitors in the spring. You can see images from the flooding on display in the barn.

 

Avebury Manor Garden is split into a series of garden ‘rooms’ each with an individual style and character. Wander from room to room or take a seat and enjoy the sights, and scents around you. The garden gate has explorer backpacks for children to borrow, with spotter sheets, books and binoculars.

 

Circles Café in the Old Farmyard at Avebury has hot drinks and light lunches, the National Trust shop is nearby and the baby changing facilities and toilets with disabled access are behind the barn.

 

The gardens, café and parts of the stone circles have level access but you may need suitable footwear for exploring the wider landscape, especially in wet weather.
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