Explore the Avebury Stones

The  Avebury Stones are a short distance from Bath in southwestern England. Exploring them only requires a short distance of walking, but rewards with views of the surrounding rural setting and a number of historic fixtures of this area.

From Bath, drive, bus, or taxi to the village of Avebury. This small town surrounds and focuses on the stone circles as well as their mysterious past. A small tourism industry keeps several pubs and restaurants open, while a historic farmyard and church add additional layers of interest to the space.

This henge dates back to the Neolithic Age, and is a National Trust site. Some guess that it was constructed by the same civilization who created Stonehenge.

There are two formations of upright stones - an inner and an outer circle. The stones vary in size but are predominantly 6-12 feet tall. They have been given various names according to their shape and size. 

Walking around the circles can be done in a clockwise or counterclockwise manner, but there are several gates indicating where you can enter the field, and where it is currently restricted. The National Trust blocks off sections intermittently to ensure preservation. 

The entire loop is roughly 1 mile in distance, so a visit to Avebury makes a great half-day trip.