stone circle tours

Discover the Ancient

Stone ruins and, vanished civilisations, of southern africa., with scientist, explorer and internationally, acclaimed author michael tellinger, discover the largest cluster of ancient stone ruins on earth,, left behind by a vanished civilisation more than 200,000 years ago..

Walk amongst the ancient ruins

View a large collection of mysterious tools & artefacts, the Cone-shaped tools and Torus stones, in the  Stone Circle Museum .

See fossils of humanoids, dinosaurs and even  giants  that once walked this part of the world.

Visit  Adam’s Calendar  – the oldest working Sun Calendar on Earth

Marvel at the  Giant Footprint  that leaves people speechless

A variety of tours and journeys for day visitors or longer tours

– to mysterious and sacred places… and so much more….

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UBUNTU Contributionism E-Book (English)

Slave Species of god: Story of humankind – From the cradle of humankind – E-Book

Temples of The African Gods: Decoding The Ancient Ruins of Southern Africa – E-Book

Adam’s Calendar: Stonehenge of South Africa – E-Book

UBUNTU Contributionism E-Book (Foreign Languages)

Ubuntu contributionism – a blueprint for human prosperity: exposing the global banking fraud, adam’s calendar: stonehenge of south africa, temples of the african gods: decoding the ancient ruins of southern africa, slave species of god: story of humankind – from the cradle of humankind, the perfect half-way stop to the kruger park.

The Ancient Ruins and Stone Circle Museum, in the town of Waterval Boven (now called Emgwenya), Mpumalanga, is the perfect half-way stop on the way to The Kruger Park. It lies in the heart of millions of ancient stone ruins that cover large parts of southern Africa, dating back over 200,000 years. For those interested in places like Stonehenge, the Giza Pyramids, Machu Pichu – The Ancient Ruins of South Africa will complete your journey and take you closer to the TRUE Cradle of Humankind than ever before.

Stone Circle Tours & Museum, have been active since 2008.

View a large collection of mysterious tools & artefacts, the Cone-shaped tools and Torus stones, in the Stone Circle Museum.

Join us on a Tour or get one custom-made for you! Driving or Hiking.

• Stone Circle Ruins
• Ancient Terraces & Channels
• Stone Circle Museum
• Ancient Tools and Artefacts
• Ancient Advanced Technology
• Adams Calendar
• The Giant Footprint
• Fossils of Extinct Creatures, Dinosaurs and Giants

…and many more sites for the adventurous!

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This site is affiliated to The Sacred Sites Foundation in Cape Town and Ubuntu Planet NPC and their on-going work towards informing the people world about our precious ancient heritage.

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STONE CIRCLE LODGE & MUSEUM

Stone circle lodge & museum, gateway to the ancient stone ruins  and vanished civilisations of southern africa..

With scientist, explorer and internationally acclaimed author  Michael Tellinger

Stone Circle Lodge & Museum is the best kept secret on the way to The Kruger National Park , in the mountainous Town of Waterval Boven , Mpumalanga province – which lies in the heart of millions of ancient stone ruins that cover large parts of southern Africa, dating back over 200,000 years.

Become a FRIEND of Stone Circle Lodge & Museum.

Get 50% off all accommodation and tours , anytime you check in at the Lodge. Your contribution goes towards the ongoing research, discovery, exploration, and preservation of a large number of ancient ruins AND the maintenance and upkeep of the Stone Circle Museum. (Terms & Conditions apply – see footnotes) Contribute R120 per month (about $7 USD) knowing that you are supporting the only research and preservation program dealing with the ancient ruins of South Africa.

Friends of Stone Circle Lodge & Museum

THE REAL CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

Long before the Egyptians saw the light of day, this vanished civilisation worshipped the Sun, they carved the first Sphinx and Horus Bird, built an ancient calendar aligned with Orion, (ADAM’S CALENDAR), and they were obsessed with gold. Their mysterious tools and artefacts indicate that they had an advanced knowledge of the laws of nature and they used SOUND & FREQUENCY as a tool – this is why we call this the first Silicone Valley. Archaeological finds connect these ruins to ancient civilisations like the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Dravidian’s, The Maya, Romans, Greeks and the Anunnaki gods of the Sumerians. This is an unforgettable treat for those who seek deeper knowledge and truth about our human origins. And for those who have seen sites like Stonehenge, The Giza Pyramids or Machu Pichu; the Stone Circles of South Africa will complete your journey.

TOURS TO THE  ANCIENT RUINS  AND  ADAM’S CALENDAR

VISIT THE STONE CIRCLE MUSEUM

This unique private museum holds a large display of mysterious tool and artefacts that expose an advanced vanished civilisation dating back over 200,000 years. Michael Tellinger’s research has attracted the attention of top scientist from around the world and several of the tools and are being studied by researchers in research facilities in the USA – making these discoveries much more relevant than simply archaeological finds. The collection of tools and artefacts from around southern Africa connects this vanished civilisation to other well-known cultures like the Egyptians, Sumerians, Greeks, Romans, Dravidian’s, and even the Incas.

STONE CIRCLE RUINS

Take a walk among the largest cluster of ancient stone ruins anywhere in the world. Discover the REAL CRADLE OF HUMANKIND – now recognised as such by a growing number of researchers from around the world. Experience the deep mystery and find the true purpose of these ancient ruins – that were not dwellings for people, nor for animals. Marvel at the sheer magnitude of work that went into constructing more than 10 million Stone Circles throughout southern Africa – constructed by a civilisation we knew nothing about, until the ground-breaking research of Michael Tellinger exposed it all. Millions of stone circles have been destroyed, and continue being destroyed by SAPPI, MONDI, road works, town development, road construction, farming, and other unconscious human activity. But a growing number of farmers and land owners have recognised the critical importance of these ruins and have started a process of maintenance and protection.

ADAM’S CALENDAR

Adam’s Calendar, is most likely the most significant and oldest archaeological site in South Africa and possibly the world. It is the oldest working example of sun calendar. It connects this vanished civilisation to those of Great Zimbabwe and the Giza Pyramids. This site is known by African Shamans as “Inzalo Y’langa” or “Birthplace of the Sun”, where humanity was created by the gods. Sacred ceremonies were held at this site until the 1950s. Some refer to this site as the Stonehenge of South Africa – but its significance and age go back well over 250,000 years – close to the accepted origins of humankind.

TOUR PACKAGES:

Visit the museum Tours to the Stone Circles and Adam’s Calendar Special group tours and packages Events & Functions Specialised tours and events with Michael Tellinger by special arrangement

ACCOMMODATION

Stay for a few nights – While our stylish stone cottages are under construction we can accommodate backpackers and basic overnights – in the company of well-travelled, well informed, and conscious owners. Other accommodation is available in town. Sundowners on the river deck and breath-taking bike & hiking trails – explore the spectacular mountains & valleys. Cool off in the streams and waterfalls while rediscovering our ancient past. In our stylish stone cottages or backpackers for the light travellers. A great resting place for enlightened and conscious travellers.

COUNTRY KITCHEN RESTAURANT

Enjoy our fabulous country cooking made with love & veggies from our very own garden. Have drinks or picnics by the river with mountain views and sun-downers on the river deck.

MAKE A BOOKING:

Contact the Stone Circle office Tel: 013 257 0479 (Int +27 13 257 0479) OR Email:  [email protected]

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Please make a deposit into our account below.

Stone Circle Tours First National Bank Account number: 6268 779 1775 Waterval Boven SWIFT Code: FIRNZAJJ

17 Zasm Road Waterval Boven 1195

By the Elands River

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How to See Stonehenge Inner Circle

There are two ways to see the Stonehenge Inner Circle: a special inner circle tour or applying for tickets through the English Heritage website. Tickets allow for special access to the inner circle, allowing you to get up close to the stones. Standard entrance tickets only allow you to view the stone circle from afar, behind a rope. Not only do Stonehenge inner circle viewings enable you to access the inner circle, but they also take place outside normal admission times. This is often at sunrise or sunset, the perfect time for viewing the magic of Stonehenge.

Please note that if you wish to purchase tickets, it’s recommended to do so well in advance as visitor numbers are limited and tickets get sold out.

How to see Stonehenge inner circle:

We offer several different tours to the Stonehenge inner circle. Stonehenge Inner Circles tours are very exclusive and offered on only a few select dates during the year.

1, The first place to look is here >>>

Our inner circle tour is available in the early morning and late evening, enabling you to view either sunrise or sunset, when the stones take you back 5000 years to the Neolithic Age. As you wander the inner circle, you get to fully appreciate their enormous scale and appreciate even more the incredible feat of their very existence. With the morning tour, you will see the inner circle first and then continue onto the elegant Georgian city of Bath. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bath with an optional visit to the 2000-year-old Roman Baths. Finally, we drive to the small picture postcard medieval village of Lacock to enjoy breakfast at a 14th-century pub. The evening tour is reversed, starting in  Bath, followed by dinner, and ending with a visit at sunset to the Stone Circle.

The sunrise tour is available on most Mondays and Thursdays. The sunset tour is available on most Sundays and Wednesdays.

2. The second place to look is   here >>>

This is our evening tour and is similar to the first option. The difference is that there is no visit to Lacock and dinner is served at a restaurant in Bath. Enjoy this special access viewing away from the crowds and after Stonehenge is closed to the general public. This tour is available on most Tuesdays and Saturdays.

3. The third place to look is here >>> .

With this option, you will visit the inner circle in the early morning before it opens to the general public. Afterward, travel to the historic town of Windsor, where you will enjoy a guided walking tour of Windsor’s town centre. Food and drink are not included, but there are many pubs and cafes. Alternatively, visit the magnificent Windsor Castle, which is located within the town, a 900-year-old royal residence used by King Charles III, where you can view sumptuous artwork and furnishings. Within the grounds of the Castle lies St George’s Chapel, where Queen Elizabeth was laid to rest. There is also a cafe and gift shop in the Castle. This tour operates on most Mondays and Saturdays.

4. Private transfer from Central London With Early or Late Access .

Another way to see the inner circle at Stonehenge is to take a special access private tour .   You will be collected from your Central London hotel to visit Stonehenge early in the morning or later in the evening, with special access. Tickets must be purchased from the English Heritage website . We advise booking well in advance as tickets will get sold out. With this private transfer, you can combine a visit with other locations, including the stones at Avebury, the Georgian city of Bath, and Windsor Castle. Please contact us for more information.

5. Visiting Independently:

English Heritage, which is in charge of running and preserving Stonehenge, does offer a limited number of tickets to the public to see the inner circle. These tickets sell out fast, and you should apply well in advance. You can see more information about an independent visit and apply for tickets here .

6. Stonehenge Tours Without Special Access

We also offer a range of tours to Stonehenge without access to the inner circle; these tours include a visit to nearby sites such as Bath, Windsor Castle, and Oxford. They include luxury transportation in an air-conditioned coach and an experienced guide. You can see our range of tours via the link here >>>

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10 most impressive prehistoric stone circles in Ireland

For millennia, stone circles in Ireland and Great Britain have watched over the country and are a tangible, if enigmatic, testimony to the past.   They still connect us today with the ancestors who built them and at the same time make it clear how much we no longer know about them, their rituals and their worldview. Stone circles have also fascinated people long before Claire Fraser travelled through time in the hit TV show Outlander  with the help of one of these mysterious monuments. Ireland, along with England and Scotland, is one of the countries with the most stone circles. In this post, we introduce you to the various explanations of their function and the 10 most beautiful prehistoric stone circles in Ireland.

The function and history of stone circles

To this day, stone circles are puzzling researchers. With the help of various theses, archaeologists and historians try to explain the exact function and origin of the monuments, but some things have so far remained in the dark.

The stone circles created around 175,000 years ago from broken stalagmites by Neanderthals in the Bruniquel cave  in France are considered to be  the oldest human-made structure in  the world. The  first real stone circle , according to current knowledge, was built about  11,500 years ago in modern day Turkey .

On the British and Irish Isles, the first stone circles appeared around  3000 BC  on the  Orkney Islands  off Scotland. Due to the very long time lag, it is assumed that there was no cultural connection between these buildings. At that time, society had developed from a hunter-gatherer existence to agriculture, a massive upheaval.

According to a  new study  , the majority of all stone circles in Scotland are aligned with  celestial phenomena . Gail Higginbottom and her team from the University of Adelaide therefore assume that stone circles served as observatories from which one could observe the suns and moonrises on such important days as the equinox.

Community project

Other researchers consider the astronomical function of the monuments to be overrated. They focus on the importance of the stone circles to the  community . To erect such a monument was a truly mammoth undertaking. Rocks weighing tons were sometimes transported hundreds of kilometers. To do this, work had to be coordinated and a common vision motivated those involved. In addition, enough food had to be available for the workers who could not help with hunting or farming during the construction.

These large-scale collaborative projects helped people develop a common  identity .

Festive food

Professor Alex Bayliss is of the opinion that stone circles served ritual purposes such as  national celebrations . Finds of numerous animal bones indicate that people held bombastic feasts near the stone circles in the early days. Here they could not only come together as a community, but also display their status and find partners from other groups.

Offerings and burial

The discovery of human bones in some stone circles also led to the assumption that stone circles were  dedicated to the dead  and that sacrificial and burial rituals took place here.

Stone circles in Ireland

Ireland’s stone circles are not quite as famous as their British and Scottish counterparts, such as Stonehenge. The Irish stone circles are usually smaller in diameter and are not surrounded by huge ritual structures.

What is striking, however, is that of the 187 stone circles in the Republic of Ireland, over 100 are in County Cork, in the south-west of the island. Since some of the stone circles are on private property, it can be difficult to visit them.

Here we introduce you to the 10 most impressive stone circles in Ireland. Many of the monuments in our selection are located near hiking trails, so they are easy to walk to. And 6 of them can be found along the  Beara Way hiking trail  (# 1 and # 5-9)!

The Uragh stone circle

Location:  In the south-west of County Cork on the Beara Peninsula.

Our list of the most impressive prehistoric stone circles in Ireland has to start with The Uragh Stone Circle. This stone circle is located in the idyllic  Glen Inchaquinn  valley between Kenmare and Lauragh. The monument consists of a circle of five stones and an additional three meter high stone that dominates the appearance.

Enclosed by wooded mountainsides and surrounded by lakes, a visit to the Uragh Stone Circle will take you to one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. A few meters from this monument runs the  Beara Way , a 152km (94 mile) long long-distance hiking trail.

The stone circle of Grange

Location:  In Bruff, 20km south of Limerick. Close to Lough Gur.

The Grange Stone Circle is the largest stone circle in Ireland at 45 meters in diameter. It consists of 113 upright stones. One of these stones weighs an impressive 40 tons, is four meters high and even has a name:  Rannach Chruim Duibh  (rough translation from Irish “the division of Crom Dubhs”).

During excavations, a post hole was found in the center of the stone circle. Archaeologists concluded that the stone circle was constructed with a rope tied to a pole, like a compass. The stone circle is also enclosed by an earth wall and thus resembles extensive enclosures, another type of prehistoric monument.

Are you interested in Irish archeology and the visible traces of Ireland’s thousands of years of history?

Read all about the 6 best prehistoric sites in Ireland here .

The Carrowmore Stone Circle

Location:  In the north-west of Ireland, in County Sligo near Knocknarea.

Carrowmore is an extensive archaeological site with a total of more than 60 megalithic tombs, stone circles and standing stones. The attached visitor center offers guided tours where you can learn all about the area’s 6,000-year history.

At the center of the most famous Carrowmore stone circle is a grave made up of several stone blocks. Carrowmore overlooks the barrow of the legendary Queen Medhbh. Located high up on a slope, it can be seen from all sides and characterizes the landscape around Sligo.

Beltany stone circle

Location:  In the north of Ireland in County Donegal, south of Raphoe.

The  Beltany stone circle  in Donegal gives archaeologists cause for speculation. In its center are the remains of a stone mound, which is atypical and suggests some researchers that the accumulated stones are the remains of an older, huge monument, such as a burial site.

Another unusual element around the Beltany Stone Circle is the statue of a head carved in stone. It is believed that various rituals took place at this point. In any case, the name Beltany is associated with Bealtaine, the festival that marks the transition from spring to summer.

The Ardgroom stone circle

Location:   On the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, just past the village of Ardgroom.

The Ardgroom stone circle is on private land, but thankfully the local farmer and his sheep allow visitors to marvel at the monument. Also worth seeing is the landscape that surrounds the Ardgroom stone circle: sweeping ocean views of Kenmare Bay and the Beara Peninsula . This location truly makes it one of the best prehistoric stone circles in Ireland to visit.

Perhaps the magic of this place touched people thousands of years ago when they chose this piece of earth as their burial site. The remains of a person have been found here and archaeologists are debating whether it was a high-ranking leader from that time.

The Cashelkeelty stone circle

Location:  Just before the small village of Lauragh, on the Beara Peninsula in County Cork, just 7km from the Ardgroom stone circle.

The Cashelkeelty stone circle is surrounded by a secluded forest on one side and a rugged mountain slope on the other. If you want to see it, head west of Lauragh and park on the R571 near the forest. Anyone walking on the  Beara Way  is automatically led to this enchanting monument, because the stone circle is literally on the way.

The unusual thing about the Cashelkeelty stone circle is that there is a second monument made of stones in the immediate vicinity. This is interpreted as a row or as a second stone circle, but since stones are missing in both structures, both the original function and arrangement are difficult to determine clearly. Visitors pay their respects to the monuments by leaving small coins and offerings.

The Drombohilly stone circle

Location:  Between Lauragh and Tuosist on the Beara Peninsula.

Just six kilometers from the Cashelkeelty Stone Circle is the Drombohilly Stone Circle. The exceptionally high density of prehistoric structures make West Cork and the Beara Peninsula the hotspot of the stone circles in Ireland and an ideal travel destination for anyone interested in archeology.

The Drombohilly stone circle consists of nine stones, but it is believed that there were once eleven. One of the missing elements is the “Axis Stone”. These stones lie on their side while all other stones stand upright and are often directly opposite the tallest stones. The highest stones are interpreted as the entrance to the stone circle and are called “portal stones”. The Drombohilly stone circle consists of thin stones that run to a point. It is located on a kind of terrace and offers overwhelming views of the sea and the mountains opposite.

The Kenmare stone circle

Location:  300 meters west of Kenmare, in the south-west of Ireland in County Kerry.

Although the Kenmare stone circle is close to the town itself, not far from the tourist information office, it is not easy to find. The district is known as “The Shrubberies”, or the bush in case you have to ask questions for directions.

Surprisingly, this stone circle is not round, but oval. At 17 meters in length, it is also one of the largest stone circles in the south-west of Ireland. As with the Beltany stone circle, there is a dolmen in its center. These stone formations are considered tombs and consist of stones on the side, which are covered by a large stone.

Kenmare is easily accessible by bus and car and is also a stop on the  Ring of Kerry  and the  Kerry Way , Ireland’s longest long-distance footpath.

The Dereenataggart stone circle

Location:   2km north of Castletownbere on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork.

The Derreenataggart stone circle is located in the middle of a cow meadow, not far from Castletownbere. Once again the Beara Way brings you directly to this impressive monument. Even if one of the portal stones has broken off and various stones are missing or overturned, this stone circle looks complete and radiates a pleasant calm.

One of the stones lies on its side, which is typical of the stone circles in the south-west of Ireland. The stones are sorted in descending order of size and get smaller and smaller from the portal stone to the lying stone. When the weather is clear, you can see the nearby Bere Island from here.

The Drombeg stone circle

Location:  In the south of County Cork, not far from Rosscarbery.

The  Drombeg stone circle in the very south of the Emerald Isle is perhaps the most famous of the prehistoric stone circles in Ireland. Erected about 3,000 years ago, this monument is well preserved to this day. The reason for its fame is the fact that the skeleton of a youth was found here during excavations in 1950 and it is unclear whether he was sacrificed.

An anecdote that certainly contributed to the fascination of the stone circle can be found in Aubrey Burl’s book  Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany.  It says that in 1935 a clairvoyant visited the stone circle and had a vision of a blue-clad priest there. He was about to sacrifice someone who was lying on the stone lying on the ground.

The stone circle is popularly known as “the Druid’s Altar”.

We hope that you enjoyed this guide to the 10 most impressive prehistoric stone circles in Ireland. If you’re interested in hiking the Beara Way to visit many of these stone circles, just get in touch.

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From london: tour the stone circles of avebury and stonehenge.

Use “WELCOME” for 10% OFF

This is a small group tour! What's included? • Live commentary on board • Professional guide, • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, • Air-conditioned vehicle, • Entry/Admission - Stonehenge, • Visit- Avebury Stone Circle • Visit - West Kennet Long Barrow

Tour Overview

This tour will introduce you to some of the magnificent & mysterious prehistoric monuments that are part of the ‘Stonehenge, Avebury & Associated Sites’ designated UNESCO World Heritage site. This covers many famous monuments in the Wiltshire area of Britain made by Neolithic man, whose significance and uses are only partly understood. These sites are often assigned mystical or astronomical importance by pagans and modern druids & are treated as sacred sites by many.

On this tour, we will visit the tiny village of Avebury with its stone circles situated just a short distance from its similar but more famous relative, Stonehenge. After a guided walking tour, you will have free time to explore the stone circles and village of Avebury, including the supposedly haunted Red Lion Pub.

We will also see West Kennet Long Barrow, a large Neolithic burial tomb and over 5000 years old, and Silbury Hill, the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe whose purpose is still shrouded in mystery.

We will also visit the famous and well-preserved stone circle of Stonehenge, where entrance is included and audio guides provided by the site (subject to availability) allow you to walk around Stonehenge at your own pace.

Historic Landmarks

This tour includes a visit to the famous Neolithic stone circle of Stonehenge as well as the lesser-known stone circles at Avebury.

Guided Tour

Enjoy the day with one of our friendly, knowledgeable tour guides, helping you to fully experience the beauty and heritage of the sites.

An Unique Experience

We have crafted & refined our tours with a personal touch over the past 25+ years to offer you an extraordinary day out.

Luxury Coach

We use our own luxury minibuses & coaches, which are designed with your comfort and safety in mind.

Payment Options

We accept most major card types for online payments. We also accept payment by card over the phone or cash to our central London office.

Have a Question?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

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• Stonehenge Entrance
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What is Avebury Stone Circle?

Avebury is a small village located in Wiltshire, not far from Stonehenge. It is home to the largest ancient stone circle in Britain. The village is known for being a bit of a hippie village. It has a gift shop, healing stone shop and a couple pubs and of course lots of fluffy sheep.

What Makes Avebury Stone Circle Special?

Avebury is unique because it’s both ancient and lived-in. The village within the circle gives it a different feel from Stonehenge—it’s less of a “museum piece” and more of a living landscape. Also, because it’s generally less crowded than Stonehenge, you can often explore the site at a more leisurely pace, getting up close to the stones. Whereas at Avebury you can only look at the stones from a distance, at Avebury you’re free to pet, climb and cuddle.

Click here Discover the magic of ancient stone circles with our top-rated Stonehenge and Avebury stone circle tour.

What are Stone circles?

Stone circles are ancient monuments consisting of standing stones arranged in a circular or sometimes elliptical shape. Most commonly found in the British Isles and Brittany in France, these structures were primarily built during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age, roughly between 3000 BCE and 1500 BCE. The stones can vary in size from small, knee-high rocks to towering megaliths several metres tall.

The purpose of these stone circles remains a subject of debate and speculation.

How many stone circles are in the UK?

The exact number of stone circles in the UK is difficult to pin down, as new discoveries can still be made and some may have been destroyed or altered over the millennia. However, it’s generally estimated that there are over 1,000 stone circles in the British Isles, which includes the United Kingdom and Ireland.

In Scotland alone, there are estimated to be over 400 stone circles, with a high concentration in the northeastern region, particularly in Aberdeenshire. England is home to some of the most famous stone circles, including Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire.

What is West Kennet Long Barrow?

The West Kennet Long Barrow is a Neolithic burial mound located near Avebury in Wiltshire, England. Built around 3650 BCE, it’s one of Britain’s largest and best-preserved barrows. The mound is about 100 metres long and contains a series of stone chambers used for communal burials. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of at least 46 individuals, along with pottery and stone tools. After its initial use, the chambers were sealed with large stones. Today, the barrow is open to the public, offering a glimpse into ancient burial practices and beliefs. 

Secure your spot now for the Stonehenge and Avebury tour and unlock the secrets of these ancient marvels!

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AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE

Does it out-henge stonehenge.

The world-famous Neolithic monument of Stonehenge is on everyone’s bucket-list, or seems to be – going by the droves who visit it every year – but many miss out on its sister UNESCO World Heritage Site at Avebury, only 17 miles away. What are they missing out on, and is it even better? Does it out-henge Stonehenge?

Stonehenge has long been a must-see for any visiting England and venturing beyond the capital – and rightly so. The iconic stone circle, standing proud on Salisbury Plain, is one of the seven ‘modern’ wonders of the world (as opposed to the classical ones, of which only the Great Pyramid of Giza survive), and in 2019 1.6 million people visited it.  Let us first consider its attractions before looking at its great ‘rival’, Avebury. To its deficit are: the hordes of tourists, queues, pricey entrance fee, and the fact you cannot walk amongst the stones unless you’re on a special private access tour , such as Stonehenge Tours run). Right, so that’s Stonehenge. Now, let’s travel north (17 miles by crow) to Avebury and consider its attractions… ‍ The largest stone circle in Britain at 1,088 feet across, comprising (originally) 98 sarsens configured as one large circle containing two smaller ones. The henge of Avebury is deeper, wider, and far more tangible than the slight dip of Stonehenge. If it is ‘henge’ you want – Avebury is the place to experience it. The only stone circle with a pub in the middle of it (The Red Lion!). Free to enter (except for parking).You can walk amongst the stones. The Avebury landscape (all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site) contains incredible, unique monuments, including Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe; West Kennet long barrow (the best preserved example of a Cotswold-Severn transepted barrow tomb); the Sanctuary; Seven Barrows; the Ridgeway; Fyfield Down sarsen field; and Windmill Hill early Neolithic enclosure and Bronze Age barrow cemetery. A selection of small businesses selling local produce, art and crafts. To its deficit, the visitor facilities are pretty basic (a small car-park that is often at capacity in the summer; the National Trust tea rooms are currently only offering takeaway; and service in The Red Lion is glacial). The post office/grocery store is probably the best option for a quick snack. Nevertheless, I think it is clear that Avebury offers so much and any visitor to the area is missing out on something very special if they don’t include it in their itinerary. While access to Stonehenge remains restricted during current ‘lockdown’ rules (and closed for the Winter Solstice) Avebury provides an excellent alternative that will not disappoint. STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY LINKS: Official website of Stonehenge & Avebury WHS (World Heritage Site). STONEHENGE & AVEBURY WHS Award-winning museum displays featuring Gold from the Time of Stonehenge. THE WILSHIRE MUSEUM Ancient stone circle, museum and manor house in the heart of the Avebury World Heritage Site. NATIONAL TRUST Visit Stonehenge and Visitor centre. Book tickets ENGLISH HERITAGE Avebury: Wiltshire’s “Other” Stone Circle. TIME TRAVEL BRITAIN Stonehenge and Avebury Tour Specialist (depart from London) STONEHENGE GUIDED TOURS Plan your visit to Wiltshire. Official Wiltshire Tourist Information Site. VISIT WILTSHIRE ‍ Visit our Stonehenge Tour Blog for more facts, history and all the latest Stonehenge news ‍

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Guide to visiting Avebury in 2023: a mystical stone circle and village in Wiltshire

When it comes to ancient stone circles many people imagine an open landscape around it or perhaps a woodland but there’s actually a stunning example, not far from Stonehenge, that has a quaint English village slap bang in the middle – Avebury Stone Circle.

It’s just how you imagine a pretty English village too, with crooked cottages with thatched roofs, a picturesque church and tiny shops with pretty windows to peer into.

I first experienced Avebury about 10 years ago now and in December of 2022 recently revisited the village and ancient site. First time was in June just before the solstice and the longest day and the most recent just after the winter solstice and the shortest day. We were much luckier with the weather the first day – please enjoy the updated pictures of us looking very wet!

A note from the writer: Hey! I’m Kirsty and I’m a UK travel expert – while I grew up in Scotland, as an adult I now return to visit almost every year – there’s so much to see! Shout (or comment below) if you have any questions about your next trip and I’ll get back to you ASAP.

This article probably contains affiliate links. This means that if you buy or book after clicking, I may get a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Avebury Stone Circle is one of the most impressive bits of ancient history in England, but did you know that it’s actually the largest megalithic stone circle in the world?  

Many people rate the standing stones even higher than Stonehenge, and it’s not surprising since you can get up close and personal with the structure. It’s definitely a different feeling here.

If you’re looking to add another bit of history to your England itinerary this UK World Heritage Site is definitely recommended – read on for our guide to visiting Avebury Stone Circle and the surrounding village in Wiltshire, England.

One interesting thing about Avebury is the fact that it doesn’t sit on a desolate landscape with rolling hills all around, like Stonehenge.  It’s actually had a small village grow up around it over the centuries which gives the area a really quaint and personable feel.  This is a typical, gorgeous English village that looks like it’s just from a postcard!

One other fact about Avebury is that if you visited just 100 years ago it wouldn’t look how it does today.  With these ancient sites it’s easy to think that it’s been like that since the very beginning, but as you read on you’ll see that the history of the stone circle meant that it’s only fairly recently been restored.  

Best way to get to Avebury from London:

If you’re wanting to visit Avebury from London a tour like this one could be a good way of doing it easily, especially if you don’t have your own transport.

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A brief history of Avebury Stone Circle and Henge

Avebury henge and stone circle is thought to have been built between 2850BC and 2200BC and underwent many changes in that time as it was built and subsequently added to.  The henge is a huge circular earthwork mound and ditch that surrounds the inner stone circle.  

The circle consisted of large sarsen stones, some as large as 40 tonnes and a height of over 4 meters, and originally it had around 100 stones in total.  This outer circle then encased a further two inner circles.  Leading to the circle was the West Kennet Avenue which is a long stone avenue nearby.

Overall it’s a huge site and just like Stonehenge, there are many theories about the why and how it was built.  Certainly more than just a pile of rocks!

The site was abandoned around about 1800BC and since then has gone through a lot of changes.  

The main one is that almost all of the large sarsen stones have been removed in previous centuries by locals for either religious reasons (many were destroyed in the 17th and 18th century when Puritans were more mainstream in the country and also in the 14th century as is seen with the discovery of a body under a buried stone) or for building materials.  

It’s hard to imagine nowadays that some of the large stones were completely broken up and used in local buildings.  In those days Christianity was a driving force and these stones were a symbol of paganism and also the devil – it’s easy to see that the people of the time might not have wanted them around.

Avebury, as it stands today, is down to a much more recent figure – Alexander Keiller.  He was an extremely rich man, who inherited his riches from the family marmalade business, and he took it upon himself to buy the land and restore Avebury.  He used the plans that had been made centuries prior to help him build the circle back to its former glory.  

Many stones were dug up again and repositioned and where there were missing stones it’s marked with a small concrete post. It was certainly a labour of love, brought in pioneering archaeological techniques and it’s amazing to think that without that we wouldn’t have the historical site to explore and visit now.

One rather gruesome discovery made by Keiller was the body of a man underneath one of the stones that had been buried.  Coins were found in a pouch next to him which dated to the 14th century – giving weight to the theories that some of the stones were buried in this time by the locals.    It’s thought that as he was digging the hole in which the stone was to be buried it fell on him and crushed him to death.  He also had on him some scissors and a lancet which they believed showed him as a travelling barber and surgeon.  The stone that has since been resurrected is now known as the Barber Stone.  

FAQ for Visiting Avebury

Is avebury worth it to visit.

Absolutely. Avebury is more than just some old stones to look at and touch. The village has a wonderful atmosphere itself and the museum here really brings the history to life with child friendly exhibits too.

Is Avebury better than Stonehenge?

They are both similar but such a different experience. Stonehenge is magical and has to be done, but the crowds leave some disappointed. Avebury feels like you’re getting access to see ancient England backstage where you can explore to your hearts content.

Of course, whether Avebury is better or not is completely subjective!  I have a real soft spot for Stonehenge myself.  I write about it more elsewhere, but it was one of those places I felt I should see and had such low expectations for it that when I did visit it struck me so deeply.  There’s something really magical about these ancient sites!  I also feel like sticking up for it when people get annoyed and say it’s not worth the hype!  (ok, I’m a little bit strange!)

Having said that, and with my love for Stonehenge already declared, is Avebury better? Avebury vs Stonehenge – which one wins?

Avebury is different. You get such a different feel here, so much less rushed, you can stay as long or as little as you like and of course you can touch the stones and feel really connected to them.  Stonehenge is regimented, you go round with your audio guide, learn and then pretty much leave (hopefully after spending some time in the visitor’s centre to get the most out of your trip).  

Avebury has the stones, the village to explore and also the museum and manor house as well which makes a really pleasant day out in my opinion.

If you can, do visit both of them – they are amazing sites and if you go with the right attitude (i.e not just ticking off the sites) you’ll love them I’m sure.

One thing to note, if like us you’re a dog family – Avebury is dog-friendly whereas Stonehenge is not.  There are sheep around though so they do need to be kept on leads.  

Is Stonehenge on your list? See our complete guide to visiting Stonehenge here (and making the trip worth it!)

Can you visit Avebury for free?

Yes.  As the stone circle at Avebury is actually part of a village that people still live in, it would be pretty hard to make it a paying attraction.  What you do need to pay for is the car parking which is just outside the village.   Members of the National Trust or English Heritage get parking for free, otherwise, there’s a charge of £7 for the day (current as at January 2023) or £4 after 3 pm.

Offer – Get 15% off English Heritage Membership when paying by annual direct debit. Use the code – EHAFF202 4

Can you touch the stones at Avebury?

Yes! You can touch the stones at Avebury Henge. Avebury’s Stone Circle has no restrictions like there is at Stonehenge and no rope to walk behind. You can stand right up next to the stones, touch them and enjoy them.

Obviously be respectful, don’t try to climb them and remember this is part of a village and a historical site.

Updated from our December 2022 visit – some stones were roped off due to concerns about erosion but only a few of them. Most were free to touch and explore!

Can you picnic at Avebury?

Yes – find a patch of grass and put your picnic blanket out. Sometimes sheep roam so it’s definitely better to have something to sit on to keep away from the poo but it’s completely fine to sit among the stones and have your lunch !

Best time to visit Avebury

The Stones of Avebury are open year round and there are no visiting times.  

Obviously, you should remember that this is a village with people who actually live there so keep to daylight hours and I’d suggest being quiet if you come along at dawn in the summer which is going to be pretty early!

As with all tourist sites, they do tend to fill up from around 10.30 am ish onwards with people coming for the day, as part of an explore around the area or as part of an organised tour.  

That said, we visited at those times in June and didn’t feel that it was too busy.  Summer holidays and school break times will also see an increase in tourists so do bear that in mind.

Summer and winter solstice is a special time for the stones and it will get very busy around this time so do expect accommodation options to be more limited then and for the car parks to fill up fast.

It is an outdoor site so if you’re coming on a rainy day it might not be too pleasant, but there is the museum there to dry off should you need it.  

Tours of Avebury Stone Circle

Stone Circle tours are available if you’d like to have a more knowledgeable guide show you around. They are a great way to get a feeling for the area and to tap into all the historical knowledge!

The tours run most days at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and are able to be booked at the visitors reception area. There is a charge of £5 per adult or £2.50 per child.

Best way to visit historic sites for UK residents – English Heritage and National Trust memberships can be worthwhile if visiting these kinds of sites are a regular occurrence for you. We’ve always enjoyed our memberships over the years and it has saved us a lot of money in parking and entrance fees as well as being a great way to support and keep these historic sites alive.

What is there to do in Avebury village

Avebury village is quite small and obviously, the main attraction is the stones themselves.  You could spend the day walking around the various sites in the area and providing the weather was on your side you’d have a pretty good day I think!  

There’s also a couple of other things to do in the village though.

First is the Alexander Keiller Museum .  This is housed in 2 old 17th-century barns and shows off some of the artefacts that Keiller found on his excavations of Avebury and the nearby sites.  There are interactive child-friendly exhibits and dressing up areas to keep little ones occupied too.   There is a small charge for entry to the sites at around £5.50 per adult, £2.80 per child or £13.80 for a family (correct as at January 2023) or free to National Trust or English Heritage members.

Avebury Manor and Garden is another interesting building, not nearly as old as the stones but pretty old!  It dates to the 16th century and has been restored recently with rooms in many different styles throughout the ages that the building has been around.  So you can see Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian styles on show – and you can enjoy it all up close too.  No barriers, you can even sit on the beds and chairs as you go round – not often you can do that in old manor houses! It is free to National Trust members or £12.10 for adults, £6.10 per child or £30.30 for a family (correct as at August 2021)

Also in Avebury, you’ll find a couple of cafes, The Red Lion pub and some small shops.  It’s not overrun with tourist shops which I do find is really nice – it can definitely spoil an area – but some nice places to have a browse around and enjoy a lovely English country village.  

What other ancient sites are nearby?

This part of England is really special and there are a wealth of historical sites for you to enjoy within a small area.  Within a 1 mile radius, and therefore fairly walkable if you have the time, is also the West Kennet Barrow, Windmill Hill and Silbury Hill – all sites are free to visit.

Stonehenge is about a 45 minute drive away from Avebury so it’s a great idea to combine the two – you can see my post about things to do around Stonehenge here which might also help with some ideas.

Interested in more Ancient England? Our post lists 17 different Ancient Sites around England for you to enjoy. 

How to get to Avebury

Avebury is situated in Wiltshire, England – getting down in the South West of the country.  It’s about 85 miles from London and around 2 hours 20 minutes from the centre of the city.  

It’s easily reached by driving mostly motorways and can be combined with a day out to Bath, Stonehenge or even the Cotswolds for a classic British countryside trip.

Parking is about 500 yards from the stones and is free for National Trust and English Heritage members.  If you’re not a member then you’ll need to pay £7 for the day or £4 after 3 pm.

If you don’t have your own car, you could rent a car or take public transport. Here you’ll see you still have a couple of options to get to Avebury:

Train :  the nearest train station is at Pewsey near Swindon which is 10 miles away.  Or Swindon itself is 11 miles away and you can get the bus from there…

Bus :  There are two buses that go by Avebury.  The Stagecoach 49 runs hourly from Swindon to Devizes and passes through Avebury.  Another local bus is the Thamesdown Transport bus, number 42, which goes from Calne to Marlborough.  

Day trips and tours to Avebury from London

There are many tours from London that include Avebury which are perfect if you want to let someone else do the driving.  

Some include other cities such as this day trip which also goes to Bath , or just take in the ancient sites like this one .

Accommodation in Avebury

I’ve just researched a large list of places to stay around Avebury in this post here – hotels, cottages and campsites.

Places to stay in Avebury are quite limited because, of course, it’s just a small village.  If you do want to stay in the village itself then I encourage you to look ahead at your options and book as soon as you know you’re visiting.  

They all come highly recommended – you’re not going to get a bad stay here no matter which option you choose.

In the village of Avebury itself, there is a cottage that you can rent.  It’s called Fishlock’s Cottage and is run by the National Trust.  It’s stunning and would be perfect if you wanted to enjoy the ancient landscape of this beautiful area at your own pace for a longer period.  It sleeps 2, plus you can have a cot if you have a baby also.  It does get booked up quickly though so do book well in advance if you can – it can be booked for less than a week but only nearer the time and as it books up quite a lot, I think you might find it quite difficult to do that unless you’re travelling in the offseason.

Also in the village is a bed and breakfast called Avebury Cottage .  This is much better if you only want to stay a couple of nights or if the cottage is booked up.

Another option, again in the village but more on the outskirts is Avebury Life .  This is the most affordable option in the village itself and it’s around a 10-minute walk to the stones.

Silbury House is a really good Bed and Breakfast option in the village.

Outside of Avebury, you have another couple of bed and breakfast options in the neighbouring villages.   Elderbrook House and also Dorwyn Manor B&B are good choices still within walking distance, albeit a little further than the others.

Check out some more options for Avebury accommodation here .  

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England Travel FAQ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Do I need insurance for traveling to England?

YES! I always recommend people take travel insurance when exploring the world!

Check Travel Insurance Master for quote comparisons from different providers.

Do I need a car for visiting England?

YES – If you’re wanting to explore England fully then a car is worthwhile. It will get you to all the small villages, countryside sights and all on your own timetable

I recommend DiscoverCars to compare car rental prices in England

How to book accommodation in England?

For hotels I recommend Booking.com

For apartments and cottages check out VRBO

Will my phone work in England?

Perhaps – it depends if you have roaming enabled and beware this can be an expensive way to use your phone.

If you need a SIM for use in the UK I recommend GiffGaff which you can get and set up before traveling.

What’s the best guidebook for England?

I really like the Lonely Planet Guidebooks

Where to get flights for England

Skyscanner is my first port of call for finding cheap flights to England.

Do I need a visa for England?

Many countries don’t need a visa for visiting England as tourists (USA, Canada, Aus, NZ and Europe) – it’s always best to check first though .

Planning a Britain vacation? Join our FREE trip planning community!

Come and join our FREE Facebook group where you can get help with planning your Britain vacation of a lifetime!

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Kirsty Bartholomew

2 thoughts on “Guide to visiting Avebury in 2023: a mystical stone circle and village in Wiltshire”

Great write up. I finally made it to Avebury a couple of months back and have intentions to go back this weekend if the weather ok, as I would love to see the other sites – Silbury and the longbarrows. The village is so pretty and the manor house fab. Makes for a great day out that’s for sure!

Will keep my fingers crossed that the weather stays nice for you – thanks for the comment!

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Standing Stones

When the first settlers arrived in Scotland over 10,000 years ago, they began to erect incredible monuments, some of which can still be seen today. Stone circles can be found across Scotland and are places full of atmosphere, mystery and legend. They were likely to be places of ceremony, worship, burial grounds and social gathering places.

Calanais Standing Stones Isle of Lewis

The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis

Nicknamed the "Stonehenge of the North", these iconic standing stones on the Isle of Lewis are believed to be 3,000 - 5,000 years old and actually predate Stonehenge. In the 17th century, the people of Lewis called the stones "na fir bhrèige", or "the false men". No one is quite sure why the stones were erected, but it's thought to be an astronomical observatory or ritual site. 

The fictional Brave and  Outlander standing stones are based on this stone circle, so you're sure to be swept away by the history, atmosphere and romance of this ancient site.

Machrie Moor Standing Stones Isle of Arran

Machrie Moor Standing Stones

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

These standing stones in Arran are part of a dramatic moorland rich in archeological history, including stone circles, burial cairns and more. The stones may have once been used for observing astronomical activities, with the prehistoric standing stones dating to back to between 3,500 and 1,500 BC.

The circles are aligned with the head of Machrie Glen where a midsummer sunrise could be seen, so they are connected with religious and ceremonial activities. One of the circles is known as "Fingal's Cauldron Seat", after the mythical giant, Fionn Mac Cumhail. See if you can spot a hole in one of the stones, where he was said to tie his dog Bran.

Ring of Brodgar Orkney

The Ring of Brodgar, part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site

Prehistoric stone circles in Scotland don't get much more impressive than the Ring of Brodgar. It comprises 27 stones, although it's thought to have originally been made up of around 60! The site is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site and one of several significant Orkney stone circle sites, which also include the Stones of Stenness. The Ring of Brodgar sits between the lochs of Stenness and Harray and are examples of the most northerly stone circles in the UK. 

Wander amongst the ancient stones and soak up the rich history of the site, from its Neolithic origins to the Norse influence of the Vikings. 

Clava Cairns Inverness

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful woodland setting. Located just outside of Inverness, they are free to visit and open all year round. 

Built to house the dead over 4,000 years ago, these stone circles and associated cairns have been a sacred place ever since and this type of site can only be found in the Moray Firth and Inverness regions of Scotland. 

Kilmartin Glen Oban

Kilmartin Glen

© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

The area around Kilmartin Glen on the west coast spans 5,000 years of history, complete with cairns, standing stones, carved rock, stone circles, forts and castles - one of the important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments near the village to discover, including the remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd, a royal centre of Dal Riata, which are located to the south of the glen, on the edge of the Moine Mhòr, or "Great Moss".

Visit the Kilmartin Museum to delve deeper into the history of the stones and surrounding area, as well as the nearby parish church which has a collection of medieval grave slabs. 

Standing Stones of Stenness Orkney

Standing Stones of Stenness

Travel back in time over 5,000 years and visit the four remaining stones in Stenness, thought to be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. The ancient ceremonial site is less than a mile away from the Ring of Brodgar, in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The epic site has inspired myths and legends throughout history, including Norse rituals and traditions. 

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Visiting Stonehenge for the Stone Circle Experience

• Last Updated 24 May 2024

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Five thousand years of history, swirled in legend and uncertainty, stand atop an unassuming hilltop in Wiltshire in the south of England . This Stone Circle has become one of the icons of the British Isles, and visiting Stonehenge tops many England travel wish-lists. 

But while archaeologists have compiled a pretty vast amount of knowledge about the site, one question about the stone circle remains shrouded in mystery. Why?

Why this spot, this hill? The experts now know that people came from as far away as northern Scotland to work on the site, that many of the rocks came from 180 miles away in Wales , and that after the circle was built visitors arrived from as far as central Europe. Why did they come? Why build it at all?

Recently, I found myself visiting Stonehenge to trial their newly re-launched Stone Circle Experience . These are tours outside of normal visiting hours, which allow visitors to go inside the stone circle. This post is all about my experiences. You can also watch my video here .

Visiting Stonehenge

Salisbury museum, the stone circle experience, how close can you get to stonehenge, what is the stone circle experience, is the stone circle experience worth it.

This was part of a press trip with Visit Wiltshire – although that won’t affect my honesty in this post at all.  

Confession time: I hadn’t really expected to be wowed by Stonehenge. I was curious to see the stone circle, and more so since reading the chapter on it in Bill Bryson’s brilliant The Road to Little Dribbling a couple of months ago. I thought it would be cool to learn more about the site, and to get some photos that few other people have a chance to take these days. 

What I didn’t expect was that Stonehenge might move me in any way. Maybe it was simply the stunning sunset we were treated to, or how lucky we got with the weather – visiting on what felt like the only sunny day in a month of rain. Maybe it was deep-diving into the five-thousand-year history of the site before arriving. Or maybe there really is a special energy in the middle of that stone circle. 

Whatever the explanation, visiting Stonehenge really did wow me.  It was humbling . Those stones were moved and shaped and arranged thousands of years ago, with basic tools. Seeing such a simple testament to human ingenuity still standing today was truly amazing.

Our day started at Salisbury Museum , in search of a bit of background information. If you’re visiting Stonehenge I really recommend starting with this museum. Their new archaeology gallery is a modern and well-put-together space with loads of info and artefacts gathered from the local area. 

Roger, our guide, led us right back in time to the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Salisbury area. He showed us how Stonehenge was built, using small, kettle-bell-sized rocks to shape the surface, while the antlers of local red deer were used to provide leverage to move the rocks. 

The more I learned about Stonehenge, the more excited I was to see it – so the museum really did make a perfect first stop. 

Tickets for the Salisbury Museum cost £8 for adults and £4 for children

After lunch in Salisbury – at the fabulous Mexican restaurant Tinga , which I strongly recommend – we headed to Stonehenge itself. 

Coffee and cake in the excellent on-site cafe, followed by a look around the fantastic visitor centre, and we were ready to start our Stone Circle Experience.

A bus took us up to the site, where the last few visitors were still taking photos. I’ll admit, I kind of enjoyed the feeling that they were watching while a guard in a high-vis jacket moved the foot-high rope barrier from alongside the path to allow us access. It all felt a bit VIP – as well as a little bit naughty. I kept expecting someone to shout after us as we made our way across the grass and actually into the stone circle.

But we were allowed. The experience of walking through an “archway” of the outer ring and inside the stone circle was pretty special.

Our guide, Carol, has been working at Stonehenge for over twenty years. So she was the perfect person to shed a little more light on what makes the site so fascinating. She also handed round a pair of dowsing rods for us to try out. According to Wikipedia, these actually only move because of the person using them. But I’m positive I wasn’t moving them myself. Maybe there really is some magic in the air amongst those stones!

The evening Stone Circle Experiences just about coincide with sunset, which is ideal. Because however unlikely it is that there’s magic in the circle, there was definitely something magical about watching the sun go down between rocks that have been stacked here on this Wiltshire hilltop for thousands of years.

More Info for Visiting Stonehenge

A normal entry ticket allows entry to the visitor path only. This goes all around the Circle, but is set back from the stones. The closest the path goes is roughly 5m, although this is only in some places. 

Alternatively, the Stone Circle Experience allows you to go right inside the Circle. You can walk amongst the stones and get as close as you like – but you can’t touch them!

The Stone Circle Experience is run by English Heritage. The visits take place outside of normal visiting hours, either very early in the morning or in the evening. The evening visits may coincide with sunset, depending on the time of year. 

Visits last for an hour, with a maximum of thirty people per session. They are only run on certain dates, so check the website for the schedule. 

Stone Circle Experience costs £47 for adults and £28.20 for children (although under-fives are free). 

Availability is incredibly limited, and you need to apply online, so book as early as you can to avoid any disappointment. 

Obviously, that price is a fair chunk of money for a one hour visit. But I honestly think it’s worth paying extra… IF you are really interested in seeing the stones. 

If you want to get closer than the distant visitor path and make the most of your visit, this experience is well worth it.

Also, if you’re serious about photography, the Stone Circle Experience offers the chance to get shots no one else will. You can get close-up shots of the stones, and if things line up well you can also get some pretty spectacular sunset shots. Perhaps with a cheeky bit of lens flare between the stones! 

If you’re only visiting Stonehenge to get a simple glance at it, or to tick off a travel “bucket list”, it may not be worth paying the extra. But otherwise, I genuinely think the Stone Circle Experience is worth the added expense to truly make the most of your visit.

Finally, however you decide to visit Stonehenge, please do so responsibly. Check out this guide to leaving no trace at our sacred sites for more information on how to keep these special places safe!

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2 thoughts on “Visiting Stonehenge for the Stone Circle Experience”

Thank you for sharing your video. I am going to London on my first solo adventure in 2025. A long time away but it will be here before I know it. I know I want to see Stonehenge and I was debating on whether to take a precruise transfer including it or a day trip to make it more special. And deciding on whether to pay extra for the inner circle was a huge decision that I have been struggling with. After watching your video I will definitely be going inside the circle at sunset. I love the dowsing rods. I will be taking my pendulum and cards with me :)

Hi Darlene! So glad you found the post and video helpful. I absolutely LOVED the sunset experience. So few people get to see the stones that close – from the path you get a good view but it’s nothing compared with standing in amongst the stones. And they keep the tour groups small so it feels very exclusive. Enjoy your trip to London, if you need any tips for things to see or other day trips to take feel free to reach out :)

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Avebury Stone Circle Guided Walking Tours

The Story of Avebury: (10,000 years in 60 minutes) Explore the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site of Avebury – home of the largest stone circle in Britain – in the company of an author and Megalithic academic.

The awe-inspiring stone circle of Avebury, a few miles north of Stonehenge, is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, and rightly so, but unlike its more famous neighbour, Stonehenge, is unfenced. On this walking tour of the site, you will be able to wander freely among the stones.

In this low-level walking tour we'll delve into Deep Time to explore the amazing history of Avebury. Meeting at the main car-park you'll be guided around the Avebury site by a lecturer, author and storyteller, who will bring alive the epic sweep of Prehistory in situ. The walk will circumnavigate the main circle of the stones, and will be divided into four sections:

PART 1: A LINE IN THE CHALK

We explore the first quarter of the Avebury circle, and delve 10,000 years into the past, as we look at the earliest activity in the area from the Mesolithic period (8500-4500 BCE). We’ll hunt and gather the evidence of the earliest human activity in the area, and spend time up-close-and-personal with the standing stones – a chance to tune into their energy and connect to ancient history if you wish!

PART 2:  ROLL OUT THE BARROW

We explore the second, most dramatic, quarter of the Avebury circle – with the most iconic megaliths, the mysterious obelisk, and the Goddess and Altar stones, plus the amazing beech grove with its offerings (a chance to spend a moment meditating within these incredible trees once visited by The Lord of the Rings author, JRR Tolkien). We explore the key period for the construction of Avebury (Neolithic 4500-2500 BCE), when the massive henge was created and the mighty sarsen stones transported and erected. We’ll also look at the Bronze Age (2500-800 BCE), when we start to see Round Barrows appear in the surrounding landscape.

PART 3: STONE-SMASHERS & ANTIQUARIAN S

We move onto the picturesque third quarter of the Avebury circle, with its charming thatched barns – and the iconic Cove pair of stones. Here you’ll learn about the destructive Middle Ages – when there was a spate of stone-smashing, which ended disastrously! And then we’ll galloped ahead into the Early Modern Period, where we’ll meet the gentlemen antiquarians who first ‘discovered’ and surveyed the Avebury monument. We’ll learn of their fanciful theories, and you can decide how wide of the mark they were!

PART 4: MR MARMALADE SAVES THE DAY

In the fourth quarter of the Avebury circle, we’ll bring the story up-to-date, from the Late Victorian to the Present Day. Weaving amongst the stone you’ll learn how the son of a ‘marmalade magnate’ saved the stones and radically transformed the village of Avebury – preserving it for future generations. You’ll be shown the picturesque National Trust section, with the Alexander Keiller Museum (entry not included), gift shop and tea rooms. Here we’ll end the tour, unless you wish to continue chatting over refreshments!

This walk is not about covering lots of distance, but about zooming in on the details - things that may easily be missed by the casual visitor. Each magnificent megalith will be observed up-close, and time will be allowed for connecting with the stones and for photo-opportunities.

*There will be an option afterwards for refreshments either at the National Trust tea rooms or The Red Lion. A village shop also sells snacks and drinks.

Activity: light. Slopes/steps. Suitable footwear recommended.

Duration: 90 minutes (including introductions and collection from car-park).

This can also be combined with a walking tour of Stonehenge and transport can be provided.

We offer over 100 Stonehenge Tours and many do not have a Book Now button as we need to perform additional availability checks and any available discounts. Simply fill in the form below and one of our experienced Stonehenge experts will swiftly email your various tour options, possible alternatives, real time availability and include any available discounts. You can then book with confidence with the best flexible terms. We aim to respond within 12 hours, often much sooner and remember do not book with anyone else until you've received our exclusive options from a real person.

Thank you! Your Stonehenge Tour enquiry has been received!

Our Stonehenge experts aim to reply to all emails within 12 hrs, often much sooner. If you have not received a reply from us within that time please check your spam folder. If you still have not received a reply please call us on +44 (0) 1722 622 748 PLEASE DO NOT BOOK A STONEHENGE TOUR WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED OUR EXCLUSIVE TOUR OFFER(S). IN THE MEAN TIME WE RECOMMEND VISITING OUR LONDON TRAVEL PARTNERS WEBSITE FOR DISCOUNT TOURS AND ATTRACTION TICKETS

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Tour Reviews

Your company (especially Nick) provided. If you read the trailing e-mail you can read where you promised 'a great tour', what an understatement. It is not very often in today's business worldwhere a promise is made and then delivered beyond customer expectations,

We are back home in Tasmaina. I just want to say what a wonderful tour we had. It was truly the best day on our entire holiday. The guide was great, friendly, flexibly, and truly just an alround great guy. Thanks again for our tour, Fantastic. Warm regards Anita H

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Walk among the Ancient

Ruins of south africa.

Take a walk among the largest cluster of ancient stone ruins anywhere in the world. Discover the TRUE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND – now recognised as such by a growing number of researchers from around the world. Experience the deep mystery and find the true purpose of these ancient ruins – that were not dwellings for people, nor for animals.

Marvel at the sheer magnitude of work that went into constructing more than 10 million Stone Circles throughout southern Africa – constructed by a civilisation we knew nothing about, until the ground-breaking research of Michael Tellinger exposed it all in 2008.

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The Best Stone Circles in the UK To Visit Instead of Stonehenge

Freelance Travel and Music Writer

While Stonehenge attracts Neolithic aficionados from all over the world for the summer solstice, there are plenty of stone circles in the UK that are just as worthy of your time all year round – some of which are even more historic.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

With more than 1,300 lesser-known stone circles in the UK, there are numerous fascinating prehistoric sites to explore.

Long Meg and Her Daughters – Cumbria, England

Consisting of 59 stones, Long Meg and Her Daughters – officially known as Maughanby Stone Circle – is one of the largest stone circles in Europe. It gets its name from the tallest of the stones, the 3.6-metre-tall (12 feet) Long Meg, made of local red sandstone, which overlooks the smaller rhyolite granite stones. Constructed between 3300 to 900 BC, Long Meg is engraved with megalithic art symbols, such as cups and concentric circles, and may have originally acted as a prehistoric sundial by casting a shadow onto the other stones. William Wordsworth once wrote that after Stonehenge, it was “beyond dispute the most notable relic that this or probably any other country contains”, which only validates its importance.

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Avebury – Wiltshire, England

Erected over several hundred years in the third millennium BC, Avebury is the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world, with a diameter of 331.6 metres (1,088 feet). A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Avebury is thought to have been built as a public community space for rites and rituals and is unique in the sense that it’s the only stone circle with a village built within it. The Avebury site consists of around 180 locally sourced Neolithic stones, and thanks to the National Trust, visitors can roam the three historic stone circles for free.

Castlerigg – Lake District, England

If you’re after stunning scenery with your stone circle, Castlerigg in the Lake District should be on your list. Backed by the dramatic setting of Thirlmere Valley, Castlerigg is one of the earliest British stone circles. It also boasts the third highest English peak, Helvellyn, as its background. Raised in 3000 BC, Castlerigg is armed with a sense of mystique, comprising 38 stones and a rather unusual rectangle of standing stones within the circle. Despite numerous archaeological excavations, the purpose of the circle is still unknown to this day.

Ring of Brodgar – Orkney Islands, Scotland

Only the most ardent Neolithic hunters will go searching for the Ring of Brodgar. This stone circle and henge on the remote archipelago of Orkney in the Northern Isles of Scotland dates back to the third millennium BC, making it one of the oldest in the United Kingdom. Consisting of 38 stones and 13 prehistoric burial mounds, the Ring of Brodgar is circled by its loch and surrounding landscape, making it one of the most picture-perfect stone circles in the UK. It’s not known whether the circle was built for religious purposes or for observing the equinox and solstice.

Rollright Stones – The Cotswolds, England

The Rollright Stones is an ancient site of three groups of stones situated on the edge of the Cotswolds. The King’s Men, built in 2500 BC, is a set of approximately 70 weathered stones, said to have been constructed for ceremonial assemblies. It follows the circular, close-set pattern of Long Meg and Castlerigg. The King Stone, with a shape akin to a seal balancing a ball on its nose, has been standing since 1500 BC and was erected as a permanent memorial to a nearby Saxon burial ground. The stone gets its structure from both 19th-century souvenir hunters and, as legend has it, cattle drovers who chipped away at the stone to keep small pieces as good luck charms. The Whispering Knights is a set of four upright stones and one large fallen capstone that sits above a two-metre-square (6.6 feet) burial chamber, 400 metres (1,312.3 feet) east of the stone circle. Predating the circle by around 1,000 years, the Whispering Knights is one of the earliest funerary monuments in the UK, and it is said to have taken more than 60 people to move the stones into place.

Druid’s Circle – Penmaenmawr, Wales

Situated on the headland above Conwy in Wales, Druid’s Circle is a set of around 30 stones that date back as far as 3000 BC. Druid’s Circle is nestled among the Welsh mountains and is thought to be of major historical significance; several prehistoric tracks run alongside it, meaning it is likely to have been used as a transport route. An excavation in 1957 revealed various human remains underneath the circle – its centrepiece is a burial urn holding the cremated remains of a child. The positioning of Druid’s Circle is also thought to have been deliberately placed to face away from its scenery to give a sense of separation from the world during ceremonies. Despite its name, this stone circle bears no significance with druids, as the circle predates them by around 2,000 years.

Callanish Standing Stones – Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Last but not least is Callanish Standing Stones, found on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. Flanked by rolling hills and surrounding lochs, the circle consists of a chartered tomb and 13 upright stones made from local gneiss, which encompass a taller monolith in a pattern believed to be for astronomical observation purposes.

Callanish is made unique by its 83-metre (272.3 feet) avenue, which consists of two rows of stones that approach the circle from the north, with shorter avenues from other directions. The Callanish Stones predate Stonehenge and even the Giza Pyramids. They also feature in some of Scotland’s most iconic photography, including the cover of Lament , the 1984 album by London new wave band Ultravox.

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Ugo Rondinone muses on circle of life with fluorescent totems, blazing fire

Swiss artist's largest solo show in Korea unfolds at Tadao Ando-designed Museum SAN

WONJU, Gangwon Province — Within the grayscale concrete-and-stone museum, which embodies the signature structural vocabulary of Japanese architect Tadao Ando , unfolds an eye-popping explosion of fluorescent colors and devouring flames.

The mastermind behind this striking juxtaposition is the versatile Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone, who, through neon boulder totems, a blazing film installation and a collaboration with 1,000 children, composes searing meditations on elemental nature and the circle of life.

All this may sound dauntingly abstract, but a trip down to Museum SAN atop a lush mountain in Wonju, Gangwon Province makes it an immediately tangible experience.

“BURN TO SHINE,” the title of his largest solo exhibition to date in Korea, already hints at the artist’s poignant contemplation on the cycle of death and rebirth.

The phrase takes inspiration from a 1993 poem, “You Got to Burn to Shine,” by Rondinone’s late partner and American poet John Giorno — which itself originates from a Buddhist mantra acknowledging the inevitable coexistence of life and death.

It’s also the name given to the show’s centerpiece: a film playing in an infinite loop across six large screens, where a crowd of dancers and percussionists circle a fire in the desert as they move to the pulsating rhythm from sundown to sunup. The performance, blending ancient rituals of the Maghreb region in Africa with contemporary dance, beckons viewers into a mystical, trance-like state and allows them to experience the never-ending cycle through their whole bodies.

“It starts with the sunset and ends with the sunrise, and then it starts again. That cycle of life, you are going to see it throughout the whole exhibition,” the 59-year-old said at the museum in April.

The elemental thread echoes in another room populated by azure glass sculptures of horses.

Each animal, named after some of the world’s seas — “aegean sea,” “molucca sea” and “yellow sea,” among others — features a horizontal line that extends across its body and divides it in half.

When light shines through these sculptures, the line transforms into a mini-horizon, delineating the upper and lower parts of the horse’s body as sky (air) and water (sea), respectively. Furthermore, the form of the four-legged animal symbolizes the land, while its figure is cast glass and pulled from the fire.

“So you have all the elements — earth, water, air and fire — that [collectively] constitute life within the horse,” he said.

Elsewhere, the theme of nature, and its poetic relation to the wheel of life, takes on a more high-spirited tone through Rondidone’s collaboration with 1,000 children from the city of Wonju.

The “your age and my age and the age of the sun” and “your age and my age and the age of the moon” series encircle viewers with over 2,000 drawings of the radiant sun and the moon, all born by the hands of kids aged three to 12 in the neighborhood.

“The children are our future and I’m very happy that I could integrate them and make them a serious part of the art,” the creative noted. “I think it’s very important that museums open their doors for children, not only in their children’s programs, but in general, make them feel more comfortable.”

Stepping outside, visitors will come face to face with six three-meter-tall totems standing guard across the museum’s stone garden.

The commanding “nuns + monks” sculptures, with their piled forms recalling both the totemic stone towers and pensive postures of clergy figures, exude an awe-inspiring religious presence.

Though they appear to be crafted from natural stone, these towers are, in fact, cast in bronze and coated in bright, fluorescent paints. The pieces, recognized as a creative trademark of Rondinone, transform the subtle, sublime balances of nature into striking man-made monuments.

“The monks [and nuns] are not dedicated to a specific religion. They are just the symbol of a meditative person, someone who looks inward, a symbol of containment,” he said. “At the same time, it’s also a meditation on nature, seeing how we are embedded in it. The stone has a different lifespan than humans. So it puts human life in relation to nature.”

“BURN TO SHINE” runs through Sept. 18 at Museum SAN.

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Cercle Announces Immersive Touring Show Set To Launch In 2025

Featuring myriad types of music, Cercle Odyssey will be a 360-degree, large scale concert installation.

By Katie Bain

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Cercle, the Paris-based production company known for putting on livestream DJ sets in far-flung locations, will take a touring show on the road in 2025.

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Phones will be banned inside the performances, and guests will instead be given filmed content from the performance they attend.

“Cercle’s mission is and will always be to create unique stages for unique artists,” Cercle’s creative director Derek Barbolla tells Billboard . “We have just reached one billion views on our videos, we realized that many people want to experience Cercle, but traveling to Egypt or to the top of a mountain isn’t easy or feasible for everyone. With Cercle Odyssey, we’re bringing the experience closer to people’s homes, whilst continuing with our heritage site events”

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