Which is best to visit, Stonehenge or Avebury Henge? For those interested in exploring the past, England has much to offer. This is a country steeped in history, with some of the most amazing ancient sites in the world.
Most people have heard of or seen pictures of Stonehenge. However, many don’t know there is another brilliant Neolithic site lurking nearby. Many tourists miss out on Avebury Henge when it has so much to offer. We’re here to put a stop to the debate once and for all. Read on to find out which is best to visit, Stonehenge or Avebury Henge?
Stonehenge
This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in England. People come from all over the world to visit Stonehenge, for good reason. It is a bucket list destination for both domestic and international tourists, a UNESCO world heritage site with over a million visitors every year.
Its fame can be seen in the facilities and layout of the site. The visitor centre is hugely interactive, hosting many fun and educational events throughout the year. Marvel at the magnificent stone circle, explore the earthworks in the landscape and pick your perfect souvenir in the gift shop.
Even better, visit Stonehenge at the time of the solstices and equinoxes. Then, you can witness the iconic sunrise and sunsets that captivate tens of thousands of people. The reason these days are so popular is because you can walk through the stone circle for free! At other times of year, you can get close to, but not inside the stone circle. During the solstices, you can enjoy the pagan festivities that have taken place here for over four millennia.
Because it is so well-known, Stonehenge is very accessible. There are a few ways to reach the site from London. The quickest is by road, but public transport is also possible. Take a train from London to Salisbury, then the Stonehenge shuttle directly to the site.
Avebury Henge
Although not as famous as Stonehenge, Avebury Henge is an amazing place to visit. Built during the same era, it adds a lot of context to your understanding of life in Neolithic Britain.
Like Stonehenge, it also features stone circles, earthworks and burial mounds. However, there are two main differences between the sites.
Firstly, Avebury Henge is much less busy. For those looking to escape the crowds, or have a more peaceful experience, it is perfect. Also, it’s exciting to go off the beaten track and see something new.
Secondly, at Avebury Henge, you can freely walk amongst the stones. Stonehenge has barriers and restrictions to deal with the sheer numbers of visitors. However, Avebury Henge is more open, allowing you to get up-close and personal with ancient history.
As for accessibility, Avebury is less connected, but still feasible to visit. It is not far from Stonehenge, just a 1-hour drive away. Public transport is possible but unfortunately much more time-consuming.
Which is best to visit?
In conclusion, it’s undeniable that Stonehenge and Avebury Henge are well worth a visit. Both Henges are brilliant and unique sites where you can dive into England’s prehistoric past. So, the best option would be not to pick which one, but to visit both! They are distinct but directly connected, adding to your understanding and enjoyment of each site.
The only thing left to decide is where to go first! We personally recommend visiting Stonehenge earlier in the day. This allows you to properly enjoy the site before the crowds arrive. Then, you can always stop for lunch in the charming town of Devizes on your way to Avebury Henge in the afternoon!
Ways to travel there
The easiest way to visit both in one day would be driving. You can travel between the two sites by road in under an hour. Although hiring a car is an option, the majority of tourists prefer to take a guided tour. This is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the hassle of hiring a car, or aren’t used to driving on the left like we do here in Britain.
While it is possible to get between the two using public transport, it is very time-consuming. Unfortunately, the journey by public bus involves at least three different services and can take up to 3 hours. This stressful route is not ideal for those who want to enjoy the day and truly immerse themselves in the ancient history of the monuments.
Moreover, getting a guided tour means the itinerary, route and site admission is all taken care of for you. On our guided tours, you can enjoy fascinating information, travel in comfort and truly relax. Our friendly guides and professional guides ensure you have the best trip possible with exceptional service, interesting stories and helpful recommendations. Guided tours take the hassle out of visiting the Henges!
Book your tour to the Henges today!
To find out more about the guided tours to Stonehenge that we offer, check out our amazing Day Trips from London. Or, to see both Stonehenge and the Avebury Henge, book your Private Guided Tour with us today! Our helpful team will discuss the details with you and design the perfect itinerary to suit your needs.
However you decide to travel, we hope to see you at Stonehenge and Avebury Henge soon!
