5 Resasons Why Avebury is Better than Stonehenge
When most people think of ancient stone circles in England, their minds jump immediately to Stonehenge — mysterious, iconic, and packed with tourists. But just 25 miles to the north lies a lesser-known treasure that, in many ways, offers a far superior experience: Avebury Stone Circle. Located in the spiritual heartland of the Wiltshire countryside, Avebury is not only larger than Stonehenge (it's the largest stone circle in the world with a diameter of over 300 metres/1000 feet) but it’s also more immersive and accessible. Here’s why Avebury deserves the top spot on your Neolithic bucket list.
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1. There's a Pub in the Middle!
Stonehenge is over a mile away from the Visitors' Centre car park, meaning you have to catch a shuttle bus to get to the monument, whereas Avebury's car park is only 300 metres/320 yards from the stones.
Unlike Stonehenge, which is protected by barriers, Avebury invites you right in. You can touch the stones, sit on them, walk between them and truly feel the ancient atmosphere. There’s a tangible connection with the past that comes from being able to physically interact with the site.
Avebury isn’t just a stone circle — it’s the center of a wider Neolithic landscape. Nearby, you’ll find Silbury Hill (the largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe), West Kennet Long Barrow (a 5,000-year-old burial chamber you can enter), and The Sanctuary, another ancient site of ritual significance, and the West Kennet Avenue, two rows of standing stones that link Avebury and The Sanctuary. The whole area is teeming with prehistoric wonders — all within walking distance or a short drive.
2. It's Free
3. It's a 2-Minute Walk From The Public Car Park
4. You Can Walk Amongst The Stones
5. There's Other Ancient Sites in The Area
Visiting Stonehenge will cost you £25.90 for an adult ticket and £16.30 for a child's ticket (5 - 17), whereas Avebury is completely free. The only costs incurred when visiting Avebury are the car park (free to National Trust and English Heritage members), the Visitors' Centre, the gift shop and of course, the pub.
That's right. Avebury is so large that there's a thatched-roof pub right in the middle of it. If you're visiting from abroad, what could be more British than eating fish and chips with a beer, in a thatched-roof pub, in the middle of a stone circle?
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