Prepare to be transported into Britain’s prehistoric past, setting foot on sacred ground steeped in mystery, myth and legend. The atmospheric Avebury Henge and Stone Circles are official World Heritage Sites dating back thousands of years. Come and take a journey into Britain’s rich and ancient heritage.
Spanning three quarters of a mile, the Avebury Stone Circles are one of the most extraordinary marvels of ancient Britain. Formed of three stone circles, the outer ring originally featured 100 stones.
The magnificent monument has a gruesome past, with tales of skeletons being excavated from beneath the local sarsen stones, including the remains of a medieval barber-surgeon crushed beneath one of the mega-rocks that still stands today!
A history enthusiast’s dream, take a journey along a 6,000-year timeline, as Britain’s ancient past unfolds before your eyes. You’re free to roam the grounds of the Stone Circles and beyond.
Discover the stunning Windmill Hill Causewayed Enclosure dating back to 3,650 BC, where evidence of ancient burial ceremonies exists, including the discovery of an intact human skeleton.
Approximately 4,500 years old, The Sanctuary is shrouded in mystery. This ancient archaeological site features stone and timber monuments that form a larger outer circle and a smaller inner circle.
Enter and explore an ancient tomb built 5,650 years ago, which once contained the remains of 46 people. The catacomb is approximately 100 metres long, with four chambers where bodies were laid to rest.
Dating back 4,400 years, Silbury Hill is the largest prehistoric mound in Europe, but its purpose remains a mystery. Standing 30 metres high and 160 metres wide, the mound is built entirely of cattle bones and took an estimated 4 million man hours to complete over several generations.
Atop Overton Hill, discover the ancient, well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery known as Seven Barrows. Excavations at the Seven Barrows site uncovered cremated remains and relics such as bronze daggers, axes and ceramics.
Home to some of the most ancient relics of the Avebury World Heritage Site, the Alexander Keiller Museum is full of fascinating finds dating back thousands of years. Telling the story of the surrounding landscape and life in medieval Britain, the museum is a free entry facility.
A family-friendly venue, the museum is home to a 17th Century threshing barn, now known as the Barn Gallery. Inside, children can enjoy a series of interactive displays that bring Avebury’s archaeological artefacts and landscape to life, while an activity area has Bronze Age dress up clothes and plenty of craft activities.
Experience Britain’s ancient history like never before, marvelling at medieval monuments. Set foot on sacred ground and explore sites shrouded in mystery. An incredible journey into the past awaits you and the family, giving you a glimpse into the lives of our ancient ancestors.
Additional Info:
Facilities: Toilets can be found near the Alexander Keiller Museum. Sat Nav: Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF. Contact info: Call the National Trust on 01672 539250 or email avebury@nationaltrust.org.uk
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