Wiltshire
Many thousands of visitors drive across the rolling downlands of south and west Wiltshire passing Stonehenge on one of the main routes to holiday destinations in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall. Those who do break their journey with a visit to the stone circle at Avebury, one of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe, or to glorious Stourhead, are captivated by the rolling countryside of this part of the ancient kingdom of Wessex.

Avebury
One of the most important megalithic monuments in Europe and spread over a huge area, much of which is protected by the Trust. The great stone circle in the village of Avebury is enclosed by a ditch and an external bank and approached by an avenue of stones – many of which were
re-erected in the 1930s. There is a museum in the 17th-century thatched former threshing barn that tells the archaeological story of the village and the immediate surrounds. Avebury Manor and Garden is a house of monastic origin, with parts dating to the early 16th-century and some Queen Anne alterations. The garden was completely re-designed in the 20th-century and both house and garden are open to visitors on a restricted basis by guided tour. The downland all around is a spectacular walking area and our holiday cottage just on the edge of the village makes a perfect base from which to explore this area.

National Trust places nearby: Avebury Manor and Gardens, Lacock. Shop and pub: Avebury. Tea/shop/café/restaurant: Avebury. Other attractions: Silbury Hill, Marlborough. Activities: walking, cycling.