Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire

Avebury Stone Circle

Located in the heart of Wiltshire, the world's largest prehistoric stone circle partially encompasses the pretty village of Avebury.

Dating back to around 2600 BCE, this Neolithic henge encompasses a vast outer stone circle, two smaller inner circles, and a surrounding ditch, creating a mystical landscape that draws archaeologists, historians, and spiritual seekers alike.



Managed by the National Trust, Avebury offers a unique, hands-on experience where visitors can walk among the towering stones, some weighing over 40 tons, and feel the weight of a millennia. 

The construction of the circle required enormous effort. It consists of an outer circle of stones, almost 400 metres wide, surrounded by a large grass-covered, chalk-stone bank with a deep ditch on its inner side. 

Today, the top of the bank to the bottom of the ditch is approximately 9 metres in depth, but it is believed that 4000 years ago it was 17 metres deep.

 

Unlike its more famous neighbor, Stonehenge (only 38 km away), Avebury’s stones are accessible, allowing visitors to walk freely and touch the stones. There are marked walking trails of different lengths up to 8 km long, which you can follow. 

 

The village of Avebury, nestled within the circle, adds charm with its thatched cottages, quaint pubs, and the historic St. James’ Church. 

 

The exposed roots of these four closely spaced trees, on the east side of the stone circle, remind me of the Tree of Souls in the movie Avatar.