The Sanctuary Avebury
A Neolithic stone and timber circle on Overton Hill, marked by concrete posts, once a site of pilgrimage and healing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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The Sanctuary Avebury
Best Time
Best for visualization & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Neolithic stone and timber circle on Overton Hill, marked by concrete posts, once a site of pilgrimage and healing.
"Bring your imagination to visualize this ancient site, a key part of the Avebury landscape."
🤔 Bring Your Imagination
No stones remain, so visualize the ancient circle marked by concrete posts.
🚗 Parking & Road Safety
Use the A4 layby or car park, but cross roads with extreme care.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 192 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Address
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Sanctuary's Ancient Footprint
Overton Hill
Visualize a Neolithic stone and timber circle, marked by concrete posts, once a site of pilgrimage and healing.
The West Kennet Avenue
Connecting Avebury to The Sanctuary
Walk the path of ancient pilgrims along the remnants of a grand avenue of stones.
Panoramic Views from Overton Hill
Overton Hill
Enjoy sweeping vistas of the Wiltshire countryside from this historic vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Imagine the Past at The Sanctuary
Navigating the Avebury Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤔 Bring Your Imagination
No stones remain, so visualize the ancient circle marked by concrete posts.
🚗 Parking & Road Safety
Use the A4 layby or car park, but cross roads with extreme care.
🚶♀️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily visit Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow on the same trip.
📜 Read the Placards
Informative signs explain the history and archaeological theories.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤔 Bring Your Imagination
No stones remain, so visualize the ancient circle marked by concrete posts.
🚗 Parking & Road Safety
Use the A4 layby or car park, but cross roads with extreme care.
🚶♀️ Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily visit Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow on the same trip.
📜 Read the Placards
Informative signs explain the history and archaeological theories.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it great for furry companions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate The Sanctuary for its historical significance as a Neolithic site and its role in the broader Avebury landscape. While the lack of original stones requires imagination, the site's accessibility and connection to other ancient monuments make it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts and those seeking a reflective experience.
"My first stop in avebury. Very interesting stone circle here. It’s an archaeological site marked by concrete posts showing where wooden and stone circles once stood. There are no original stones left, but the layout helps visualize the original structure. It’s part of the wider Avebury landscape and close to other sites like Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. Easy to access and takes less than 30 minutes to explore."
Anthony Chan
"This is part of the Avebury complex, possibly the origin of the promenade to the Circles, it is very accessible and nicely maintained by the National Trust. Silbury Hill is just across the road, and West Kenneth Long Barrow is nearby as us one of the later Chalk horses. Admission and Parking are free and well marked. I might also add that one of the oldest roads in England is adjacent, and now used as a walking and biking trail. The place feels so good. Please be careful crossing the highway!"
Deb Greer
"A stone and timber circle near the village of Avebury in the south-western English county of Wiltshire. Excavation has revealed the location of the 58 stone sockets and 62 post-holes. The ring was part of a tradition of stone circle construction that spread throughout much of Britain, Ireland, and Brittany during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age, over a period between 3300 and 900 BCE. The purpose of such monuments is unknown, although archaeologists speculate that the stones represented supernatural entities for the circle's builders.
The Sanctuary was erected on Overton Hill, overlooking older Early Neolithic sites like West Kennet Long Barrow and East Kennet Long Barrow. It was connected to the Late Neolithic henge and stone circle at Avebury via the West Kennet Avenue of stones. It also lies close to the route of the prehistoric Ridgeway and near several Bronze Age barrows.
In the early 18th century, the site was recorded by the antiquarian William Stukeley although the stones were destroyed by local farmers in the 1720s. The Sanctuary underwent archaeological excavation by Maud and Ben Cunnington in 1930, after which the location of the prehistoric posts was marked out by concrete posts. Now a scheduled monument under the guardianship of English Heritage, it is classified as part of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open without charge to visitors all year round.
Parking available via the A4 layby next to the site or the Ridgeway and Sanctuary Car Park (take extreme care crossing the road)."
James Currie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sanctuary is located on Overton Hill, near the village of Avebury in Wiltshire. You can access it via the A4 layby or the Ridgeway and Sanctuary Car Park. Be very careful when crossing the road to reach the site.
Yes, parking is available via an A4 layby next to the site or at the Ridgeway and Sanctuary Car Park.
Yes, The Sanctuary is connected to Avebury Henge via the West Kennet Avenue of stones, making it a walkable part of a larger pilgrimage route.,
Absolutely! The Sanctuary is a scheduled monument and part of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Many visitors combine a visit to The Sanctuary with other nearby prehistoric sites like Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, often following trails like the 'West Kennet Round trail'.,
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to The Sanctuary is free, and it is open to visitors all year round.
The Sanctuary is an open-air archaeological site and is accessible to visitors year-round without specific opening hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit The Sanctuary; it is freely accessible to the public.
The Sanctuary is under the guardianship of English Heritage and is part of the National Trust's managed landscape.
Yes, as an open-air site, you can visit The Sanctuary at any time, though daytime visits are recommended for better visibility and appreciation.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see concrete posts marking the locations of 58 stone sockets and 62 post-holes from a Neolithic stone and timber circle.,
No, the original stones were destroyed in the 1720s. The site is now marked by concrete posts to show the original layout.,
Most visitors find that exploring The Sanctuary and reading the placards takes less than 30 minutes.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the open space and imagining the ancient past. It's a good spot for a brief, educational stop.
It was a Neolithic stone and timber circle, possibly used for fertility pilgrimages and healing, and was connected to the Avebury Henge by the West Kennet Avenue.,
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rows of concrete posts against the landscape, especially during golden hour for atmospheric shots. The surrounding views from Overton Hill are also picturesque.
Yes, with a bit of imagination, the concrete markers create a unique visual. Focus on the patterns, the landscape, and the sky for compelling shots.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. Drones may have restrictions, so check local guidelines if planning aerial shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) can create dramatic shadows and a magical atmosphere, enhancing the visual appeal of the site.
Yes, many visitors share photos of their pets enjoying the open space. Just ensure your pets are on a leash.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit