As the Summer Solstice approaches on Saturday, June 21, families and visitors are seeking unique ways to celebrate the longest day of the year. Instead of the usual park or garden viewings, why not experience something extraordinary and step back in time?
While Stonehenge is famed worldwide for its mystical stone circle, there’s an equally fascinating, yet less visited monument just an hour’s drive away—Avebury henge. This remarkable site is actually the largest stone circle in England, dating back over 4,000 years to the Neolithic period.
Avebury is a sprawling complex comprised of three stone circles, including two smaller inner circles, enclosing the picturesque village of Avebury itself. Within the circle, you’ll find the iconic Red Lion pub and various local shops, making the site both an impressive historical monument and a vibrant community hub.
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Visitors have the unique opportunity to walk freely among the stones and even rest beneath them as the sun rises or sets, creating a magical atmosphere during the Summer Solstice. Surrounding the village is a large circular earth bank, perfect for walking or taking in sweeping views of the stones and the surrounding horizon.
One striking feature is a cluster of mature beech trees—whose roots run visibly above ground—that invite exploration amid their ancient branches.
Keep in mind that Avebury draws large crowds during the Solstice celebrations, so expect a busy site. A National Trust car park is conveniently located a short walk from the village, but it fills up early. Many attendees rise before dawn to witness the Solstice sunrise and stay through sunset, making for a full day of festivities.
Though the exact rituals of these megalithic sites remain a mystery, their aura continues to captivate thousands. Avebury, along with Stonehenge and the surrounding ancient monuments, is part of a World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial significance.
English Heritage highlights Avebury’s inclusion in a vast sacred landscape featuring other prehistoric landmarks such as West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the enigmatic Silbury Hill—all accessible on foot from the village.
For those interested in archaeological discoveries, the Alexander Keiller Museum situated in Avebury showcases incredible finds from these ancient monuments, offering deeper insight into the prehistoric world.
This Summer Solstice, broaden your horizons and immerse yourself in the timeless wonder of Avebury’s monumental stone circles.