Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours
Address:
Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF
Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. Built and much altered during the Neolithic period, roughly between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, the henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch, encircling an area that includes part of Avebury village. Within the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain - originally of about 100 stones - which in turn encloses two smaller stone circles.
Avebury is part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape. They include West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. Many can be reached on foot from the village. The Alexander Keiller Museum also displays many notable finds from the Avebury monuments. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.
Read more about Avebury's history.
Avebury henge and stone circles are managed by The National Trust on behalf of English Heritage, and the two organisations share the cost of managing and maintaining the property.
Read the World Heritage Site Management Plan to find out more about the management of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.
Before You Go
Access: Walking between the sites of Avebury is a great way to make the most of your visit, but be aware that paths may be uneven and muddy.
Parking: The charged car park at Avebury is managed by the National Trust, but is free to English Heritage members displaying a car sticker.
Facilities: Toilets are available near the Alexander Keiller Museum.
Be Aware: Sheep are frequently grazing on site so please keep your dog on a lead at all times.
English Heritage does not permit drone flying from or over sites in our care, except by contractors or partners undertaking flights for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and permissions, and are operating under controlled conditions.
Plan a Great Day Out
Avebury is one of several monuments within this World Heritage Site. Begin your visit at the Alexander Keiller Museum to find out about all of them, and their significance, before you set off.
To continue your journey through Neolithic Britain, Stonehenge, with its world class exhibition and visitor centre, is within a 45 minute drive, and part of the same World Heritage Site. Stonehenge offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the ancient ceremonial landscape of the surrounding area and come face to face with a 5,500 year old man.
