Absolute Touring

Avebury Stone Circle

 

 

  • Though less famous than Stonehenge, Avebury is one of Europe's largest prehistoric stone circles

    Avebury after January snow Avebury after January snow

  • Unlike at Stonehenge you may still walk between the stones - and touch them!
  • Thought to date from around 2600BC, The site is a remnant of a ritual Neolithic landscape, which still survives although degraded with time and the actions of over-zealous groups in past centuries
  • The stones were quarried from the Marlborough Downs and transported overland, probably on wooden rollers - a monumental task as some of the stones are over 40 tonnes
  • Originally around 100 stones were here, although only 27 remain, the missing stones marked by concrete posts

    Avebury Avebury

  • Site was restored in the 1930s by 'Marmalade Millionaire' Alexander Keiller
  • Avebury appears to have been the centre of a large array of ritual sites: to the south stands mysterious Silbury Hill and on a nearby hill-top is West Kennet Long Barrow. Overlooking Avebury, to the north west is the Windmill Hill encampment (complete with round barrows)
  • Voted one of the most spiritual places in the country
  • Find out more on the National Trust website

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Approx 1 hour south-west of Oxford

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