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.

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.

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.

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.