Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites in United Kingdom

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Avebury World Heritage Site
Stonehenge (National Trust)
Stonehenge & Avebury
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
Portal to the Heritage of Astronomy
Avebury (National Trust)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1986
Size of heritage: 4,985 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: -0,175°
Latitude: 51,179°

Summary

Stonehenge and Avebury, in Wiltshire, are among the most famous groups of megaliths in the world. The two sanctuaries consist of circles of menhirs arranged in a pattern whose astronomical significance is still being explored. These holy places and the nearby Neolithic sites are an incomparable testimony to prehistoric times.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites: A Window into Ancient Britain

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Stonehenge, Avebury, and Associated Sites is located in Wiltshire, England. This remarkable site encompasses two of the most iconic and enigmatic prehistoric monuments in the world, Stonehenge and Avebury, along with numerous other archaeological sites that provide valuable insights into the ancient history of Britain.

History

The history of Stonehenge dates back over 4,500 years, making it one of the oldest and most significant prehistoric monuments in Europe. Its construction spanned several phases, with the earliest known structure being a circular earthwork enclosure built around 3100 BCE. Over time, the monument evolved into its iconic form, consisting of a ring of massive standing stones, some weighing up to 25 tons, arranged in a circular pattern.

Avebury, located about 25 miles north of Stonehenge, is another awe-inspiring Neolithic henge monument. It consists of a large circular bank and ditch, enclosing an area of around 28 acres. Inside the bank, a massive stone circle originally comprised of around 100 stones, some of which weighed over 40 tons. Avebury also features two smaller stone circles, known as the Cove and the Southern Inner Circle.

These sites were not only places of religious and ceremonial significance but also served as important gathering places for the communities that inhabited the region during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. The purpose and exact meaning behind these monuments remain a subject of speculation and fascination for archaeologists and historians.

Current State

Today, Stonehenge and Avebury, along with the surrounding landscape, are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The management of the site is overseen by English Heritage, the National Trust, and other organizations, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations.

Visitors to Stonehenge can explore the monument and its surrounding landscape through a carefully designed visitor center. The center provides a wealth of information about the history, construction, and significance of Stonehenge, using interactive displays and exhibits. Visitors can also take a shuttle bus to the monument itself and walk around the stones, experiencing their awe-inspiring presence up close.

Avebury, on the other hand, offers a more immersive experience, as visitors can freely wander among the stones and explore the surrounding landscape. The village of Avebury itself is nestled within the stone circle, creating a unique atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

Address
Distance: 0,6 mi
70 Massetts Road
RH6 7ED Horley
United Kingdom

Time Information

Checkout: 10:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Horley Littletop Children's Circus - 1st performance

Published: March 25, 2015
Length: 46:08 min
Rating: 1 of 5
Author: doug kilborn

This video is about Horley Littletop Children's Circus - 1st performance - August 1983.

Horley Littletop Children's Circus - BBC Saturday Superstore

Published: March 22, 2015
Length: 20:29 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: doug kilborn

Horley Littletop Children's Circus - BBC Saturday Superstore 1985.

Horley Littletop Children's Circus - Thames Television Freetime

Published: March 22, 2015
Length: 55:57 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: doug kilborn

Horley Littletop Children's Circus - Thames Television Freetime -December 1983.

St George's Day Festival, Horley - April 2010

Published: February 22, 2015
Length: 59:25 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: QuirkyMerky

Horley town had a fantastic St George's Day Festival in April 2010, don't think there's been one as good since! The weather was gorgeous, the town was packed and there was a wonderful atmosphere.

Roof Cleaning Softwash Horley (www.purple-rhino.co.uk)

Published: May 01, 2014
Length: 34:45 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Purple Rhino

Purple Rhino can softwash roofs clean. We use specialist equipment and biodegradable softwash detergents to thoroughly clean and sanitise roofs - we remove all mosses and lichen growth.