Avebury World Heritage Site

Avebury Henge is thought to have been constructed in Neolithic times around 2500 BC. It consists of an impressively large stone circle surrounded by a deep ditch and a bank. Avebury is not as well known as the iconic Stonehenge and consequently less visited.

At Avebury it is still possible to walk among the stones and sense the unique, enigmatic atmosphere of the prehistoric site. Another unique aspect of the site is that the stone circle contains within it much of the village of Avebury.

The Henge is only one of a complex of ancient monuments concentrated in the World Heritage Site. It lies at the centre of an outstanding Neolithic ritual landscape dating back over five and a half thousand years. The earliest focus of ritual activity in the area was at nearby Windmill Hill in around 3700 BC. The impressive West Kennet Long Barrow was also begun in this period.

Another key monument in the landscape is Silbury Hill. Built around the same period as the Henge, it represents another astonishing feat of Neolithic endeavour. At 30m high, it is the largest prehistoric mound in Europe. Any visit to Avebury should include time to explore this outstanding landscape and its fascinating monuments. There are also two excellent museums run by the National Trust which can help you gain a better understanding of the site.