Avebury Stone Circle

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November 18, 2013

Visit Avebury. The largest prehistoric monument in England.

Posted by StonehengeNews under archaoology tours, Avebury Stone Circle, Stone Circle Tours, stonehenge tours | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Avebury Stone Circle rivals – some would say exceeds – Stonehenge as the largest, most impressive and complex prehistoric site in Britain. 

Built and altered over many centuries from about 2850 BC to 2200 BC, it now appears as a huge circular bank and ditch, enclosing an area of 281 ⁄2 acres (111 ⁄2 hectares), including part of Avebury village.Within this ‘henge’ ditch is an inner circle of great standing stones, enclosing two more stone circles, each with a central feature.

Avebury Stone Circle Tours

The site’s present appearance owes much to the marmalade heir Alexander Keiller, who excavated and re-erected many stones during the 1930s, and whose archaeological collections are displayed in the nearby museum. Many stones had been broken or buried in medieval and later times, one crushing its destroyer as it fell.

Avebury is part of a wider complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, with many other ritual sites in English Heritage care. West Kennet Avenue joined it to The Sanctuary, and another stone avenue connected it with Beckhampton. West Kennet Long Barrow and Windmill Hill are also nearby, as is the huge and mysterious Silbury Hill. This extraordinary assemblage of sites seemingly formed a huge ‘sacred landscape’, whose use and purpose can still only be guessed at. Avebury and its surroundings have, with Stonehenge, achieved international recognition as a World Heritage Site.

Avebury Henge and Stone Circles are in the freehold ownership of The National Trust and in English Heritage guardianship. They are managed by The National Trust on behalf of English Heritage, and the two organisations share the cost of managing and maintaining the property.

Take a tour of Stonehenge and discover more about the neolithic man and the landscape they shaped. At Avebury, walk amongst the stones, visit the Alexander Keiller Museum to find out about the arcaeological excavations Keiller did in the 1930s and visit the Avebury Manor and Garden, nearby West Kennet Long Barrow.

Avebury Links:
The Henge Shop – a unique location in the centre of Avebury, the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world.
English Heritage – Avebury Stone Circle.
Stonehenge Guided Tours: Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle Tours
National Trust:  Avebury Visitor Information Centre
Visit Wiltshire: Official Wiltshire Tourism Authority

Avebury News Updates:
Follow Avebury Stone Circle on Twitter for all the latest news and events.

Guest Blogger
Stonehenge Stone Circle Tour Guide

 

January 16, 2013

STONEHENGE, PREHISTORIC WESSEX, BATH AND THE COTWOLDS (3 DAY TOUR)

Posted by StonehengeNews under Archaeological tour, Avebury Stone Circle, Durrington Walls, english heritage, Prehistoric Wessex, Stonehenge Cursus, stonehenge special access, stonehenge tours, Wessex Tours | Tags: |
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Tours from Antiquity have released a new Archaelogy Tour for 2013.

The ultimate weekend excursion from London. Offering the best of British in a relaxed and well-paced holiday.
Some of the most imposing architecture and mysterious ancient monuments in the world, certainly within the United Kingdom. These sites coupled with the beautiful Wiltshire and Oxfordshire countryside offer the participants of this holiday a special and unique experience.

Special Access to the Stonehenge Circle.

STONEHENGE, PREHISTORIC WESSEX, BATH AND THE COTWOLDSStonehenge, Prehistoric Wessex, Bath and the Cotswolds tour introduces our guests to some of the most imposing architecture and mysterious ancient monuments in the world, certainly within the United Kingdom. These sites coupled with the beautiful Wiltshire and Oxfordshire countryside offer the participants of this holiday a special and unique experience. Our holiday is original, imaginative, well-paced and carefully balanced. Knowledge of the subject matter provided by our archaeologist and the destinations combine with detailed attention to practical matters, ensure an enriching and smooth-running experience. Coupled with the archaeology, TFA holidays offer our participants immersion into the English countryside, focussing on local tradition, culture, archaeology, heritage, landscapes and food and drink.

6-8 September 2013
From London we start our tour with the ancient rolling downlands Oxfordshire and a visit to the internationally-renowned Bronze Age Uffington White Horse, situated within a unique complex of ancient monuments.

Our afternoon is spent enjoying two of Englands most picturesque villages, Lacock and Castle Combe. Lacock has been used as a background film set for films including Harry Potter and Castle Combe is regarded by many as the prettiest village in England.

We start the morning at the Avebury World Heritage Landscape. We visit Silbury Hill, the largest man-made hill in prehistoric Europe. We enter the 5500 year old burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow, entering a sacred space originally reserved only for ritual specialists and the dead. After which we visit the largest stone circle in Europe at Avebury, with its beautiful medieval village situated inside. As John Aubrey in the 1600’s notes [Avebury]…”does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church.”

Lunch is spent in Salisbury where we enjoy the splendour of Salisbury Cathedral.

The afternoon is spent exploring landscape directly surrounding Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. We start by visiting Durrington Walls ‘Stonehenge builder’s village’ and Woodhenge, we then walk over the ridge visiting several burial mounds, Stonehenge Cursus and finally the Stonehenge Avenue. The day is finish with a private access visit to Stonehenge, an opportunity limited to a handful of visitors, were our archaeologist will delve into understanding this enigmatic and ancient monument.

We start our visit to the centre of Bath with a walking tour of the most impressive examples of architecture Bath has to offer, visiting the Assembly Rooms, Royal Circus and Royal Crescent.

Our guest then enjoy admission to the famous Roman Baths, the site of the only thermal springs in Britian. After you enjoy the splendour of the Baths, you are given amble ‘own time’ to explore the remainder of this city at your own pace.

Finishing the day with a visit to the National Trusts, Prior Park; with its beautiful views of the city-scape of Bath. From here we head back towards London.

Visit their website: http://www.toursfromantiquity.com

Wiltshire Tour Guide

 

 

January 1, 2013

Get Up Close To The Stones At Stonehenge in 2013 Like Few Visitors Do

Posted by StonehengeNews under Avebury Stone Circle, Salisbury Tours, Silbury Hill, small group tours, stonehenge private tours, stonehenge special access, stonehenge tour 2013, stonehenge tours, Visit Wiltshire, World Heritage
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Stonehenge is a ‘must see’ for anyone visiting the UK. Our Stonehenge Special Access Tour gives you privileged access to the Stone Circle

As one of the country’s most famous World Heritage sites most visitors are not allowed direct access to the stones, but we Stonehneg inner circle tour - close uphave arranged with English Heritage for privileged access before or after the site opens to the general public between April and September only.

Stonehenge Guided Tours, the operator twin the special access visit with Salisbury for morning visits and Avebury for evening tours.
The tour starts and finishes in Central London. The special access visits are either earaly in the morning or in the evening outside public opening hours.

There are different itineraries depending on the time of your visit.

Sonehenge Guided Tours, the operator twin the special access visit with Salisbury for morning visits and Avebury for evening tours.

Morning Itinerary Including Salisbury
After the special access visit a short drive is taken through the beautiful Woodford Valley. Next stop will be at Salisbury Cathedral, where you will have free time to explore this beautiful and historic medieval Cathedral.
Price includes Special Access to Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and English Breakfast plus of course the services of the guide.

Avebury Henge

Before the special access visit a visit is made to Avebury, another henge and much else Neolithic besides. A great training camp for Stonehenge itself.
You will have free time to explore this picturesque and historic village ringed by the largest stone circle in the world. Join your guide for a pint of fine English Ale at the Red Lion Pub – the only pub in the world located in the middle of a stone circle! (soft drink can be arranged as an alternative option)
Also walk up the hillside to West Kennet Long Barrow one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain and over 5000 years old.

Price includes Special Access to Stonehenge, expert guided tour of Avebury and West Kennet Long Barrow and a pint at the Red Lion Pub.

As the sun begins to set, we enter the stone circle (which is normally roped off to the public) for a unique private viewing. The most dramatic and atmospheric way of visiting Stonehenge.
On selected days the tour operates in reverse, beginning with a private viewing of Stonehenge before it opens to the public in the morning, so we see the stones in the eerie morning light. This is followed by our visits to Lacock and Bath.

These tours sell out very quickly as the demand far outstrips supply of available places – be sure to reserve your place early.

For this and other Stonehenge Private Access Tours visit: www.StonehengeTours.com

Stonehenge Private Access Tours – Go beyond the fences!
In addition our regular ‘scheduled group tour’ departures we are often able to get permission from the English Heritage for additional ‘inner circle’ tours for small groups (1-16 persons). These can be sunset or sunrise times depending on availability. These bespoke tours can also include Salisbury, Avebury, Bath, or Warwick Castle etc and can depart from London, Salisbury or Bath. This can often be cheaper than joining a scheduled tour, offers more flexibility, more personal and a better alround experience. Email us your desired dates and group size for a prompt reply. Click here

Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Stonehenge Experts

 

November 21, 2012

Weird Wiltshire Day Trip. Visit a Crop Circle in 2022

Posted by StonehengeNews under Avebury Stone Circle, crop circle tours, haunted britain, stonehenge tour 2013, warminster triangle, weird wiltshire, Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group
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Join us for an exclusive ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ at the height of the crop circle season and explore this amazing mystery for yourself.

Stonehenge, Crop Circles, Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, Chalk Hill Figures, West Kennet Long Barrow, Burial Mounds, Haunted Pubs and much more.Wiltshire Crop Circles

Why do weird and wonderful patterns suddenly appear in the corn fields of our countryside? 2021 showed some impressive formations and the summer of 2022 is expected to be even better. Are they simply an elaborate hoax or are they caused by U.F.O s, earth energies or plasma vortexes?

Whoever or whatever causes them they are striking features and are well worth checking out. Wiltshire is well known for its mysterious crop circles and much mystery still remains as to why they occur and the meanings behind their complex formations. Crop circles in Wiltshire often occur around the heart of the county in and around Stonehenge and Avebury, usually first appearing in April and continuing into the summer month – dozens of geometric symbols, mandalas and beautiful patterns appear in the farmers growing crop fields each and every year.

“Our exclusive crop circle tours have been featured on Sky TV, The Times and Telegraph newspapers”

This magical landscape includes not only the majority of crop circles, but also some of England’s most remarkable ancient sacred sites. You will visit them with a an expert / entertaining guide who will share their detailed knowledge of this area.

Join us for a ‘Magical Mystery Tour‘ at the height of the crop circle season, and explore this amazing mystery for yourself. This exclusive tour will be led by a local Wiltshire tour expert who has access to the information network that provides breaking news on the latest formation so we set off in search of new crop circles within hours of them forming, when their energy is strongest.
This unique opportunity to explore these famous sites in a well-paced and relaxed manor, enjoying the expertise of our archaeologist guides.

“Try dowsing for this and earth energy currents that often link the circles to local sacred sites.”

Stonehenge. We start the day with a guided walk around the stone circle, our expert guides bringing to life this enigmatic, ancient and mysterious monument.

Avebury World Heritage Landscape. We visit Silbury Hill, the largest man-made hill in prehistoric Europe and enter the 5500 year old burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow, entering a sacred space originally reserved only for ritual specialists and the dead. As John Aubrey in the 1600’s notes [Avebury]…”does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church.”

Avebury is on the edge of an area called the Warminster Triangle. Strange sounds, celestial lights, crop circles, electromagnetic effects, ghosts, black dogs, folklore, energy lines, ancient sites, UFO landings, humanoids, invisible walkers, geophysical strata are all part of this

While at Avebury we visit the largest stone circle in Britain and the product of over 500 years of effort by Neolithic man. Enjoy a walking tour of this ancient site and try your hand at the ancient art of dowsing. Prepare to be amazed!

There’s also time to explore the charming village with its thatched cottages, antiques and village church. Maybe enjoy a traditional cream tea or if you are feeling brave enough why not try some local ale in Avebury’s haunted pub before we return back to the present.

We expect to visit at least 5 recent crop circles on this day tour and see many more

“There are too many of these which are of such great quality for them to be dismissed as made by humans.”

Full Tour details: http://stonehengetours.com/weird-wiltshire-stonehenge-crop-circle-tour.htm

Links:
Links: Crop circles: a tour of Wiltshire’s more modern mysteries
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2011/aug/12/crop-circles-wiltshire-tour-dixe-wills

Cream of the crop circles: New markings snake 350ft across farmer’s field as ‘mysterious’ summer tradition continues
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2165517/Crop-circles-capture-transit-Venus-phenomenon-planet-passes-Earth-Sun.html

In pictures: Wiltshire’s summer crop circles
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-14105283

Experts prove newest crop circle is not work of aliens
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/news/9758782.Experts_prove_newest_crop_circle_is_not_work_of_aliens/

Crop Circle Connector
http://www.cropcircleconnector.com

The Wiltshire Crop Circle Study Group established in 1995 to help the crop circle phenomena in all aspects. Within their website, the latest Wiltshire crop circles are published.

Stonehenge Guided Tours – The Crop Circle Experts
http://stonehengetours.com/weird-wiltshire-stonehenge-crop-circle-tour.htm

 

November 10, 2012

Visiting Bath in 2013 ? Join a small group Tour of Stonehenge and ancient Wessex.

Posted by StonehengeNews under Avebury Stone Circle, crop circles, guided tours of stonehenge, Roman Baths, small groups | Tags: |
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Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Combe Full Day Tour;  As recommended by Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Rurubu and lots of people who have travelled with us!


This is the perfect way to experience the history and beauty of the countryside around Bath . You can explore two of the most impressive megalithic monuments in Europe as well as visiting a Cotswold village that was voted the prettiest village in England and a traditional Wiltshire woollen village used in the filming of Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter movies.

We’ve specifically kept our tours small and personal which gives you the opportunity to relax and enjoy this stunning part of England . Our local guides have a wealth of knowledge about the area and will provide you with plenty of information about the history, culture, theories and legends.
Summary notes are available at the end of the day if you should require them. You may even be lucky enough to see one of our amazing crop circles that are a feature of the Wiltshire landscape.

Stonehenge
We drive through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside to Stonehenge . This amazing monument was first mentioned as one of the wonders of Britain only seventy years after the Norman Conquest. It has aroused awe and curiosity ever since. This is your chance to experience it for yourself. During the drive to Stonehenge there is plenty of information for you to browse through as well as an audio presentation. This allows you to make the most of your time here. If English is not your first language there are audio presentations at the monument in all major languages

Avebury Stone Circle
This is a lesser known megalithic monument which is 16 times larger in area than Stonehenge and nearly 1000 years older! The lack of media attention at this site has helped to maintain its magical charm. There are no restrictions to prevent you from wondering freely amongst the stones here. This is the ultimate location to try your hand at dowsing and try and discover for yourself the energy of the stones!

After leaving Avebury we have 3 photo stops at the following places:-

Silbury Hill
This is the largest man made object in prehistoric Europe . It was built 4800 years ago and it took longer to build than Stonehenge and yet its purpose is still one of the great unsolved mysteries.

Cherhill White Horse
White horses are a feature of the Wiltshire landscape. Carved out of the chalk hills they appear dramatic against the rich green landscape. Cherhill White Horse is nearly 300 years old.

Waggon and Horses
This traditional thatched inn is just outside Avebury and was frequently visited by Charles Dickens.

Lacock Village
This wonderful village consists of properties which date from the 13th and 18th centuries. It was once a prosperous woollen town, but now it seems like a village trapped in time. There has been no major building here in the last 200 years so you really feel as if you’re stepping back into English history.
We usually make this our lunch stop as there is a wonderful country pub that has had a licence since 1362. The George Inn offers good home cooked food and real ale.
If you’re interested in film locations Lacock has been used many times. It became the town of Meriton in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. The Abbey and some of the houses were also used in the filming of the first two Harry Potter movies.
The Abbey is not open during winter months.

Castle Combe Village
In the southern part of the Cotswolds is Castle Combe. This idyllic village nestles in a small wooded valley with its meandering stream and weavers cottages in abundance. The castle has long gone but its stone was used to build the Manor House, now a sumptious hotel.
As well as being the set for the original Dr Dolittle film and Stardust, Stephen Spielberg was there in 2010 filming his next epic.

Schedule

Visit here for full detaials:
http://www.stonehengetours.com/stonehenge-lacock-castle-combe-avebury-tour-from-bath.htm

This tour is also available as a private tour for families and small groups

Stonehenge Guided Tours
The Stonehenge Experts

 

September 15, 2012

Ancient mystery of Wiltshire’s standing stones

Posted by StonehengeNews under archaoology tours, avebury, Avebury Stone Circle, stonehenge news, stonehenge tours, Visit Wiltshire
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If you like your history to come alive and leap out at you off the page, there’s probably no better place to experience it in the whole of England than Wiltshire.

Image: Avebury Stone (Wiltshire, England) by Flickr user dev-pemcoastphotos.com

Here, the twin mysteries of Stonehenge and Avebury lie in store for those fascinated by the past. This is no dry and dusty text book lesson endured by generations of school children…these are fascinating history hotspots just a few miles apart which have defined our heritage for thousands of years.
Avebury lies within a 5,000 year old stone circle and its related earthworks, where in Stone Avenue dozens of pairs of standing stones stretch nearly two miles to the ceremonial site of The Sanctuary. To the northeast are hundreds such stones on Fyfield Down, and west lies the Neolithic tomb of West Kennet Long Burrow.
To the northwest, beyond the village limits, is Windmill Hill, a giant livestock enclosure whose origins go back nearly six millennia
Feat of Engineering
Stonehenge, a feat of engineering beyond imagination, is a 4,000 year old stone circle built on a site which can be dated back even earlier.
Archeologists have unearthed a simple circular ditch and earth rampart which predates the stones

Image: Stonehenge by Flickr user teamaskins

themselves by a thousand years, when a ring of huge timber uprights were erected there.

The giant megaliths we see today are made of sarsen – sandstone – each weighing on average 25 tonnes; they were transported from Marlborough Downs 20 miles away, and 30 were arranged in a circle and capped with lintels. Five even bigger structures were subsequently erected within the outer circle, known as ‘trilithons’ and again each supporting a stone lintel.
How this incredible journey was ever accomplished is still virtually unfathomable – and 4,000 years later historians are still trying to explain one of Britain’s most fascinating and enduring mysteries…
 
A Glimpse of the Past
And that’s not all…visitors to Wiltshire are spoilt for choice if they are looking for a glimpse of Britain’s past.
Woodhenge is only two miles east of Stonehenge, and is another age-old jewel in the crown of this amazingly historical county; pottery in the area has been dated back to late Neolithic and early Bronze Age times.
And Bluestonehenge or Bluehenge is a mere mile away, another prehistoric outpost which in recent years has undergone major excavations.
Radio-carbon testing of antler tools found at the site are still on-going; small stone chips found here have been tentatively dated to around 3,000 to 2,400 B.C. – the rock type is thought to have originated in west Wales, 150 miles away.
Link Source –Nicki Williams – Nicki Williams writes for leading on-line sports company Gear-Zone, specialists in camping and climbing equipment, waterproof clothing, and sportswear.
Stonehenge and Avebury Guided Tours
www.StonehengeTours.com
 

July 28, 2012

Stonehenge and Prehistoric Wessex Archaeological Walking Tour.

Posted by StonehengeNews under Archaeological tour, Avebury Stone Circle, Durrington Walls, Prehistoric Wessex, salisbury guided tours, Silbury Hill, Stonehenge Cursus, Stonehenge walking tour, West Kennet Long Barrow, World Heritage
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We are proud to offer our new Stonehenge Tour including two World Heritage Sites.  This exclusive walking tour covers 5km and allows our archaeologist guide to introduce you intimately to the World Heritage Landscapes of Stonehenge and Avebury.
Avebury Stone CircleThe most spectacular walk is accessible only on foot.  A walking tour through some of the most magnificent scenery in England. – Lunch is included at a beautiful English country pub.

Walking Stonehenge and Prehistoric Wessex introduces our guests to some of the most imposing and mysterious ancient monuments in the world, certainly within the United Kingdom. These sites coupled with the beautiful Wiltshire countryside offer the participants of this walking tour a special and unique experience.
The tour is split between two World Heritage Landscapes. In the morning Stonehenge, situated within the most concentrated prehistoric landscape in the world is explored, as we walk the ancient processional way of the Stonehenge Cursus, explore Bronze Age burial mounds and visit the possible site of the Stonehenge builders village.
We finish our morning walking along the Stonehenge Avenue, following the ritualised path laid down over 4000 years ago, concluding with a guided tour around Stonehenge itself.
The Afternoon introduces Avebury with the largest stone circle, largest man-made hill and most impressive prehistoric burial chamber.
We also enjoy an English country pub lunch, once used as a scene in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers

Walking Stonehenge and Prehistoric Wessex is the unique opportunity to explore these famous sites in a well-paced and relaxed manor, enjoying the expertise of our archaeologist guides.

TOUR ITINERARY:
The morning starts with a visit to Durrington Walls and Woodhenge, home to the ‘Stonehenge Builder’s’ village and the most convincing evidence for human sacrifice. We then travel a short distance to Stonehenge. We enjoy a leisurely paced walk through the landscape immediately surrounding Stonehenge, visiting the Stonehenge Cursus, Bronze Age burial mounds and walk along the Stonehenge Avenue. We complete our morning at Stonehenge with a guided walk around the stone circle, our archaeologists bringing to life this enigmatic, ancient and mysterious monument.
It’s hard to miss this old gem of a pub as you drive into the Avebury World Heritage Landscape. Famous as the inspiration for a scene in Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, this four hundred year old inn represents what an English pub should look like.

The Afternoon is spent at the Avebury World Heritage Landscape. We visit Silbury Hill, the largest man-made hill in prehistoric Europe. We enter the 5500 year old burial chamber of West Kennet Long Barrow, entering a sacred space originally reserved only for ritual specialists and the dead.
We finish by visiting the largest stone circle in Europe at Avebury, walking the West Kennet Avenue we enter the stone circle through the southern entrance, witnessing the contrast between the prehistoric remains and the beautiful medieval village situated inside. As John Aubrey in the 1600’s notes [Avebury]…”does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church.”

“A truly legendary day out in the ancient Kingdom of Wessex”

Full itinerary – http://www.stonehengetours.com/stonehenge-prehistoric-wessex-walking-tour.htm

The Stonehenge Tour Company

 

February 20, 2012

Bare Bones Wessex. Exploring the Ancient Landscape 2012

Posted by StonehengeNews under Andante Travels, archaeology tours, Avebury Stone Circle, Durrington Walls, Salisbury and Stonehenge guided tour, stonehenge 2012, stonehenge access tour, stonehenge guide, Stonehenge guided tours form London.
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Don’t miss this opportunity to walk within the stones of Stonehenge before any visitors arrive, to venture into the religious landscapes of two of Britain’s most spectacular prehistoric sites and to have the latest ideas and archaeological discoveries described and put into the context of the monumental remains.  Based within the Cathedral Close in Salisbury
Stonehneg inner circle tour - close up

Day one

 Meet in the evening for an introductory lecture and dinner together in Sarum College in the beautiful Cathedral Close.

Day two

By coach to Avebury for a full exploration of the huge Neolithic henge, so large that part of the village lies within it. It is one of the largest and best preserved of 1300 stone circles known in the British Isles. Morning walk around the henge and along the ceremonial Avenue. We approach the stones of Avebury just as one would have done in prehistoric times.

Afternoon circular walk (2 hours) past Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe. The most famous of its excavators crawled into an earlier excavation chamber and recorded later:

“the sides of the open chamber provided one of the most astonishing sights that I have ever seen…it was clear that this innermost mound had been covered by a series of conical shells or cappings…the effect was of finding oneself in an enormously complicated and highly coloured layer cake of gigantic size..”

The walk continues to the Long Barrow at West Kennet and a chance to explore the chambered tomb within. This kind of monument is the earliest known to have been built in Britain – in commemoration of the dead. Continue to the ‘Sanctuary’, a small, complex timber and stone circle on the top of Overton hill. Walking in our ancestors’ footsteps helps us try to understand their motives and methods. Disperse in Salisbury about 5.30pm.

Day three

Stonehenge for an early (7.30am) visit inside the stone circle before the public arrives. This will be followed by a walk (2 hours) through the wider religious landscape – the cursus, King Barrows and Stonehenge Avenue.

A short drive takes us to Woodhenge, where the remains of wooden post settings have been found – now marked by concrete. From here there is a good view over the huge henge at Durrington Walls, site of exciting recent excavations which revealed the settlement which may have housed the builders of Stonehenge.

Return to Salisbury Museum for a visit to the Stonehenge and Prehistory Galleries. We have arranged a private demonstration of flint-knapping in the gardens here, which is not only much enjoyed, but adds considerably to your understanding of the way in which our prehistoric forebears were able to fashion all manner of implements and tools from our good local flint supplies. In a world without metal technology this was a critical and highly sophisticated art. Disperse about 5pm.

Should you choose to arrive earlier or stay later, you might like to visit Old Sarum, the hillfort to the north of Salisbury which was later chosen as the site of our first cathedral, and of course our beautiful Gothic cathedral – straight in front of the College.

Fri 31st August – Sun 2nd September 2012
Link: http://www.barebonestours.co.uk/Europe/bare-bones-wessex-2011.html

More Stonehenge Tours: ‘The Stonehenge Tour Company‘ – www.StonehengeTours.com

 

February 11, 2012

Stonehenge, Bath and Avebury Archaeology Tours

Posted by StonehengeNews under archaeology tours, Avebury Stone Circle, avebury tour, Durrington Walls, english heritage, private guided tours, Silbury Hill, stonehenge and bath tour, stonehenge guide, Stonehenge guided tours form London., stonehenge tours, Tours From Antiquity
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Tours from Antiquity offers a unique opportunity to explore the awe inspiring world famous Stonehenge and Avebury Prehistoric Landscapes with an expert service, guided by a qualified archaeologist.  This exclusive tour can be booked through ‘The Stonehenge Tour Company‘

West Kennet Long Barrow

West Kennet Long Barrow

The tour includes –

  • Return travel from London in a luxury coach 
  • Entrance in to Stonehenge
  • Visit Stonehenge Cursus, Stonehenge Avenue and several Bronze Age Round Barrows (burial mounds)  (only runs between March and October, due to time restrictions in the winter months)
  • A visit to one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Bath. Nourished by natural hot springs, stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions
  • Guided coach tour around some of the most beautiful and stunning architectural works in Bath
  • Visit Woodhenge and Durrington Walls
  • Visit West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill
  • Visit Avebury Stone Circle and Henge 

You will enjoy the passion and enthusiasm expressed by our professional,  archaeologist tour leaders.

Why choose Tours From Antiquity?

  • Tours From Antiquity conduct ONLY Archaeology Tours, and as a result we believe we offer an excellent up-to-date specialist service; giving you the opportunity to learn in great detail about these amazing prehistoric sites, but also leaving you time to explore your surroundings by yourself.
  • Tours From Antiquity is owned by qualified archaeologists and our tour leaders are all qualified archaeologists, offering the most professional service possible.
  • On our tours you will be travelling with no more than 19 other people – guaranteed. With smaller group sizes comes a more personalised excursion experience.
  • Our tour coaches offer luxury transport, with good air circulation and clear PA system.

Our itineraries are carefully planned offering the very best experience while you discover as much as possible.

 

Tours From Antiquity was set up in order to tackle the growing interest and demand in the historic environment in the United Kingdom. Identified was a niche for specialist, qualified archaeology tours to the exceptional and world famous archaeological sites of Stonehenge and Avebury prehistoric landscapes. We aim to concentrate on small group sizes unlike the larger tour companies, creating an intimate feel to thetour.

Tours From Antiquity aims to guide you around all these fantastic archaeology sites, maximising your enjoyment and experience, answering all queries, be it general or academic whilst conducting a brilliantly informative archaeology tour. As well as a qualified archeologist tour leader, Tours From Antiquity offer luxury coach travel, admission to English Heritage sites and ‘free time’ for our customers to enjoy and explore the world’s most beautiful cities, Bath. Nourished by natural hot springs, stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions

Tours From Antiquity offer lecture standard archaeology tours, embracing the entire landscape in which these famous sites are situated. Offering a guided archaeology tour through the biographies of these landscapes allows our customers a rare opportunity to truly understand the motives and beliefs of the architects and creators of prehistoric Britain.

Tours From Antiquity firmly believe that through providing passionate tour leaders who have devoted their careers to the study and public presentation of archaeology offers our customers a truly unique and exceptional experience.

 This exclusive tour can be booked with ‘The Stonehenge Tour Company’ http://www.StonehengeTours.com

 

March 2, 2010

>Avebury Stone Circle – Wiltshire

Posted by StonehengeNews under Avebury Stone Circle
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Avebury is the largest stone circle in the world and often overlooked. Its only 30 minutes north of Stonehenge and well worth exploring:

Situated in southern England in the county of Wiltshire the village of Avebury is close to two small streams….the Winterbourne and the Sambourne which unite to form the source of the River Kennet. After being re-inforced by a number of springs this beautiful English river rapidly gains in stature as it passes through the North Wessex Downs on its way to Reading where it eventually flows into the River Thames of which it has become the main tributary. The waters of the Kennet therefore pass through London before reaching their ultimate destination in the North Sea.

Around 4,500 years ago, when the site of England’s capital was a thinly inhabited marshland, the area around Avebury almost certainly formed the Neolithic equivalent of a city. By coincidence this waterway has become a link between the two largest cultural centres of their day to have ever existed in the British Isles. As London now contains most of England’s largest buildings Avebury is the location of the mightiest megalithic complex to have ever been constructed in Britain. This henge with its enormous ditch, bank, stones and avenues survives in a much depleted state but the nearby Silbury Hill which is the largest man-made mound in pre-industrial Europe still dominates the surrounding landscape. The two largest surviving British long barrows of West Kennet and East Kennet are also prominent a short distance away and in recent years the remains of two massive palisaded enclosures have also been found. The quote that antiquarian John Aubrey made of Avebury……”it does as much exceed in greatness the so renowned Stonehenge as a Cathedral doeth a parish church” recognises the true importance of what has now been largely absorbed into the modern landscape of Wiltshire. If we could return to the time when the Romans occupied the British Isles it is a sobering thought that we would have to go back as far again to find an Avebury that was already several centuries old.

The history of the modern village is inevitably linked to the prehistoric monuments that surround it. Abandoned for several thousand years the land around the stones became occupied oncemore when people of the Saxon period began to settle in the area. Their arrival and subsequent development of the present village was to have a dramatic effect on the history of the stones. The relationship between the local inhabitants and the monuments has now added an unfortunate dimension to the Avebury story that helps make it one of the most fascinating historical sites to be found in the British Isles if not the world.

It remains a magical place as so many who have been there will agree. A visit to Avebury is a very personal event. It still seems to retain, somehow, the spirits of all those who laboured in its creation or whatever it was that led them to create it. If you have never been there a visit will not be an empty experience. You will come away with a head full of questions and probably a realisation that somewhere over the years modern society has lost something important.

If you cant make your own way there try this company:
HISTOURIES UK
They are based in Salisbury and opearate quality private tours of Stonehenge and Avebury