Stonehenge brings in over a million visitors a year, and while the iconic site is worth a visit, it can get crowded. Rope fences have been put up to keep the hordes of visitors away from the stones, which somewhat reduces the magic of seeing it in real life.

However, what most people don’t realise is that just 45 minutes away is a stone circle that’s older than Stonehenge, free to enter, yet attracts just a fraction of the visitors each year. There’s even a charming village to explore in the middle of the circle.

Avebury in Wiltshire has the largest megalithic stone circle in the world and is about 800 years older than Stonehenge, with historians dating it as far back as 26,000 BC. Like other stone circles, its origins and uses are shrouded in mystery, and it’s an important religious site for Pagans. The summer solstice brings Pagans from around the UK, although the crowds aren’t as huge as the ones seen at Stonehenge on this important date. 

Run by the National Trust and English Heritage, Avebury can be explored freely, although it’s worth booking a tour if you aren’t sure where to start. The site is well-signposted and you can follow marked trails, and can walk right up to the stones without barriers.

There are three stone circles, and the inner circle is thought to be the oldest, dating back to 2,600BC. Many of the original stones were destroyed, and historians believe this could have been to make space for agriculture, or because of crackdowns on Pagans practicing their religion over the years. 

The National Trust also runs Avebury Manor, which will reopen this spring after renovations. This 16th-century manor house has been beautifully preserved with original furniture and decor, and includes impressive gardens full of fragrant herbs and colourful flowers.

Next to the manor house is the Alexander Keiller Museum, full of amazing archeological finds and exhibitions about the stone circles. Visitors can also see Silbury Hill, a Neolithic monument that’s the tallest prehistoric manmade mound in Europe.

Inside the stone circle, you’ll find a charming small village with stone-clad cottages and unique shops selling crystals, jewellery, and local souvenirs. Visit the Red Lion, a 400-year-old thatched roof pub rumoured to be one of the most haunted in Britain. It’s the village’s only pub, so you may want to book a table if you’re planning to enjoy a Sunday roast or classic pub food. 

There are also a couple of places to eat in the village including Circles Restaurant, a farmyard cafe serving sandwiches and snacks, with a focus on local food, and the Unhenged Coffee Shop, an independent cafe where you can enjoy a full English before your walk, or simply sit down for coffee and cake. 

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com 

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.