“Avebury For The Know”; A Weekend of History & Adventure

As our wonderful host at The Farm at Avebury, Alice, said to us; ‘Stonehenge for the show and Avebury for the know’ and wow, was she right! We’re all drawn to Stonehenge, with it’s ‘A list’ reputation, it’s known far and wide with people from all around the world visiting the site, but what about Avebury, just 30 minutes down the road?

As the longest day of the year approaches, there's no better time to delve into the magic and mystery of the summer solstice and the mystical place that is Avebury. Avebury, is at the heart of Neolithic Britain, nestled in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside. We visited in May and uncovered this wonderful British gem. Timing our trip to perfection, or more likely through pure chance, we had sunshine, blue skies and the incredible aurora borealis, giving us one memorable weekend.

Avebury stone circle, Wiltshire — The stones at Avebury stone circle.

A Glimpse into Avebury's Rich Past

Avebury isn't just any village; it's a portal to the past, a place where history and legend intertwine. At its heart lies the Avebury stone circle, the largest in the world, dating back to around 2600 BCE. Unlike its more famous cousin, Stonehenge, Avebury's stones are scattered across a vast landscape, blending seamlessly with the village that grew around them. Avebury was built by the Neolithic people using primitive tools like antlers and bones. The purpose of these stones remains a topic of debate among historians, with theories ranging from religious ceremonies to astronomical observatories. With the incredible event, that was the aurora borealis, hitting the UK during our visit, it certainly felt like an astronomical occasion to us.

The Avebury stone circle is part of a larger prehistoric landscape which you will spot whilst hiking or driving around the local area including; Silbury Hill, West Kennnet Long Barrow and the Avenue. We loved that at Avebury, you’re able to walk amongst these ancient monoliths and can almost feel the echoes of the people who erected them. We were advised to be tactile with the stones and see if any vibrations or energy could be felt. What happened next might be a sign of things to come…hopefully. Reaching up to explore a stone, my fingertips stumbled upon a coin, hidden in a crevice in a rock…I’m definitely taking this as a sign that wealth is on its way and will be playing the lottery weekly!

The Avebury stones were free to explore, there’s a designated large carpark for visitors and the Red Lion, which sits in the middle of the village of Avebury (and the stone circle) is well worth a visit for a drink with a Neolithic view.

Exploring the Mysteries of West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill

We stayed at The Farm at Avebury and hired bikes from Prestige Cycles to explore their farmland which took us to West Kennet Long Barrow where we watched the sunset over the rolling Wiltshire fields. The Long Barrow is a Neolithic tomb, which offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into ancient burial practices. This impressive barrow is one of the largest in Britain and again, you’re free to explore it. Stepping inside you’ll find cool, shadowy chambers and will be standing where people laid their dead to rest over 5,000 years ago. It's a profound and almost spiritual experience.

Then there's Silbury Hill, situated opposite the entrance to The Farm at Avebury. This enormous, man-made mound is the largest in Europe, yet its purpose remains a mystery. Constructed around 2400 BCE, Silbury Hill is about 40 meters high and covers an area of 5 acres. Despite numerous excavations, archaeologists have yet to determine its exact purpose. Running out at midnight to watch the northern lights dance around it’s silhouette will be a forever memory of mine.

Just a short drive from Avebury, the Cherhill White Horse stands as a striking testament to Wiltshire’s rich tradition of chalk hill carvings and with the rape seed harvest in full bloom it was an incredible visual blend of art and agriculture. Created in 1780 by Dr. Christopher Alsop, this magnificent figure is one of the oldest and most dramatic white horses in the region. Nestled on the slopes of Cherhill Down, the horse measures an impressive 131 feet by 129 feet. The white horse is best viewed from a distance but from the white horse you have a fantastic vantage point for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. After exploring the ancient sites of Avebury, a visit to this iconic landmark adds a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty to your Wiltshire adventure.

Where to Stay:

For a truly immersive countryside experience, you have to stay at The Farm at Avebury. The Farm at Avebury offers charming self-catering accommodations nestled within a working farm. Centred around a picturesque courtyard, each unit is thoughtfully interior designed to blend rustic charm with modern, colourful elegance and has everything you need for a self-catering break including BBQ’s and fire pits for the courtyard. The farm provides a really unique opportunity to connect with nature and rural life and since we’ve visited we’re hooked on the TV show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’.

As well as accommodation, The Farm at Avebury has an event space that can be hired for larger celebrations and events as well as a fab play barn for kids with everything from peddle tractors to table tennis and a bouncy castle. In fact, the play barn is great fun whether you’re visiting with your young family or with a group of friends!

But what takes The Farm at Avebury into one of top stays at UK Staycation is the magic of the host, Alice. Her incredible warmth and relaxed manner to hosting guests made our stay a truly unique and immersive experience. From bottle feeding the lambs and goats to jumping into the Defender and ambling across the fields to feed the piglets, Alice would casually wonder though the courtyard and see which guests fancied joining her as they cared for their animals around the farm. It feels like this relaxed manner to hosting is something long forgotten in the UK, we didn’t have to book any ‘experiences’ online prior to our visit or pay for the ‘extras’, it was a completely organic moment. Alice’s knowledge of the area, the landscape, historical sites and her insights into the farming world were incredible.

More Adventures Await

While Avebury and its immediate surroundings are a treasure trove of history, there's plenty more to see and do in the area:

Open water swimming at Lake 32
Bike ride and explore: Hire an e-bike from at Presitige Cycles to cycle between the historic sites.
Marlborough: A short drive away, this market town boasts quaint shops, cozy cafes, and the beautiful Marlborough College. There’s weekly market for local goodies!
Savernake Forest: Perfect for a leisurely hike or a picnic, this ancient woodland is just a stone's throw from Avebury. Keep an eye out for the "Big Bellied Oak," a tree with a trunk circumference of over 11 meters!
White Horse Trail: For the more adventurous, this trail takes you past several of Wiltshire's famous chalk horses, carved into the hillsides. It's a great way to soak up the stunning scenery and rich history of the region. Each horse has its own unique history and charm, and the trail provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the Wiltshire countryside.
The Ridgeway: Often considered Britain's oldest road, the Ridgeway is a national trail that offers stunning views of the countryside. It's perfect for hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk.
Avebury Manor: Free to National Trust members or you can purchase tickets to visit the gardens. Unfortunately the Manor House is closed at the moment dues a recent significant flood. Make sure you look inside the barn where you purchase tickets, a great example of a 300 year old barn.

So, why not embrace the spirit of the summer solstice with a visit to Avebury? Whether you're drawn by the ancient stones, the rolling landscapes, or the allure of uncovering the past, Avebury promises an unforgettable journey. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and let the Wiltshire winds carry you back through time.