Salisbury (10 miles)*
To many, the city becomes a cultural preliminary before the mystical summer solstice night in Wiltshire most famous plain. Salisbury Early Gothic cathedral takes in not only the world’s oldest working clock, which dates from AD 1236, but also one of the most important legal documents of our time. Written in Latin language in 1215, the Magna Carta, which influenced the United States Constitution and the development of the common law in the English speaking world, is located in one of the chapels of the city’s medieval treasure. Currently the façade is being restored.
Avebury (22 miles) *
The Avebury stone circle is the largest megalithic monument in Europe. It was built between 2600 and 2400 BC, as the first phase of its famous counterpart, Stonehenge, even though many of the Avebury stones were re-erected by Alexander Keiller in the Thirties. Not as crowded as Stonehenge, Avebury circle is integrated in town, with a pub just a few feet away from the monument. It has been designated World Heritage Site in 1986.
Avebury Henge is part of a sacred complex which also includes Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, easily reachable on foot from Avebury (1 and 1.5 miles away respectively).
Silbury Hill is the largest man-made mound in Europe. Created around the same time as Avebury Henge, its purpose remains a mystery. It is 130 feet high, it has a conical shape and its summit is flat.
West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the best-preserved monuments of its kind in Britain. Visitors can get inside the barrow and explore five empty stone chambers in which humans used to be buried more than four thousand years ago. To get to the burial mound it is need to go through a picturesque farmland which offers a great view of Silbury Hill.
*Miles from Stonehenge
Getting there
To get to the three archaeological places is very tricky unless you have a car. But the Wiltshire Museum is planning to link the UNESCO Heritage Sites during August and September.
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