Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet Long Barrow – three of England’s most enigmatic Neolithic monuments – await curious travelers departing from Salisbury. This immersive day tour takes visitors on a journey through the mysteries of these ancient sites, guided by knowledgeable experts eager to uncover the secrets behind their astronomical alignments and burial practices. From the towering stones of Stonehenge to the expansive Avebury circle and the millennia-old burial mound of West Kennet, this experience promises to captivate history enthusiasts and leave them pondering the profound legacy of their prehistoric ancestors.
Good To Know
- A full-day tour from Salisbury that visits the UNESCO-listed Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow.
- Includes knowledgeable guides, air-conditioned minivan transport, separate Stonehenge entrance fee, and a provided lunch.
- Designed for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors, offering an immersive experience with live commentary on the significance of the sites.
- Pickup and drop-off available from hotels in Salisbury, London, and Southampton, ensuring a seamless start and finish to the tour.
- The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating various mobility needs and operating in all weather conditions.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Salisbury whisks visitors to England’s UNESCO-listed Neolithic monuments, including the iconic Stonehenge, the sprawling Avebury complex, the mysterious Silbury Hill, and the ancient West Kennet Long Barrow. It offers a comprehensive introduction designed for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
With hotel pickup and drop-off, knowledgeable guides, and air-conditioned minivan transport, this tour provides an efficient and enriching way to explore these remarkable ancient sites.
The tour highlights include live commentary, an included lunch, and the convenience of having the entrance fee to Stonehenge handled separately.
Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or simply curious to uncover the mysteries of Britain’s Neolithic past, this tour delivers an immersive and informative experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Salisbury.
Highlights of the Tour
The tour highlights four significant Neolithic sites – Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow – allowing visitors to enjoy Britain’s ancient past.
Knowledgeable guides provide live commentary, sharing enriching insights into the history and significance of these remarkable monuments.
Traveling in an air-conditioned minivan, the tour offers a convenient and efficient way to explore these UNESCO-listed sites, with the entrance fee to Stonehenge handled separately and a included lunch to sustain the journey.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to some of England’s most iconic Neolithic landmarks.
Pickup and Meeting Details
Pickup and drop-off services are available from hotels in Salisbury, with London and Southampton also offered at an additional cost.
The tour’s meeting point is Salisbury Railway Station, where a guide will greet participants with a welcome board displaying their name. At the end of the day, the tour returns to this same meeting location.
This convenient arrangement ensures a seamless start and finish to the tour, allowing guests to focus on the enriching experiences ahead.
The guide’s presence at the pickup point with a personalized welcome sign provides a friendly and organized start to the day’s adventures exploring England’s remarkable Neolithic monuments.
Accessibility and Additional Information
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, catering to guests with mobility needs. Service animals are permitted to accompany visitors.
While a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, the tour operates in all weather conditions, so guests should dress appropriately for the day’s forecast. Infant seats are available, though infants must sit on laps during the tour.
Accessibility is a key priority for the tour, ensuring that all guests can fully enjoy the rich historical and archaeological wonders of Stonehenge, Avebury, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow.
The tour’s flexibility in accommodating different needs, from mobility requirements to weather preparedness, allows visitors to focus on the captivating insights provided by the knowledgeable guides without distractions.
Positive Guest Reviews and Ratings
With an impressive 5.0 rating from 15 reviews, the tour has earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provide enriching insights into the Neolithic sites.
Visitors are highly satisfied with the overall tour experience, recommending it for those seriously interested in the region’s rich history and archaeology.
The reviews highlight the quality of the guided commentary, which brings the ancient monuments to life, and the convenience of the tour, including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Neolithic Monuments: Stonehenge
Towering above the Wiltshire countryside, Stonehenge stands as one of the most iconic and enigmatic Neolithic monuments in the world, attracting visitors from across the globe to marvel at its mysterious stone formations. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back over 5,000 years and continues to captivate researchers and travelers alike with its precise astronomical alignments and the sheer scale of its construction.
| Stonehenge Highlights |
|---|
| – Massive sarsen stones weighing up to 25 tons |
| – Precise alignment with the solstices and equinoxes |
| – Enigmatic purpose as a ritual, spiritual, or astronomical site |
Exploring Stonehenge provides a profound connection to the ancient past and insight into the ingenuity of our Neolithic ancestors.
Neolithic Monuments: Avebury
Just a short distance from the iconic Stonehenge, Avebury stands as another extraordinary Neolithic monument that predates its more famous counterpart by several centuries.
This vast stone circle, one of the largest in the world, encompasses an entire village and surrounding landscape, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the ancient beliefs and practices of our prehistoric ancestors.
Within the massive stone circle, visitors can explore the outstanding Avebury Manor and Museum, which provides insightful exhibits on the site’s history and archaeology.
The surrounding ritual landscape also includes the impressive Silbury Hill, the largest human-made mound in Europe, and the West Kennet Long Barrow, an ancient tomb that dates back over 5,500 years.
Neolithic Monuments: Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow
Along With the impressive Avebury stone circle, the surrounding Neolithic landscape features two other remarkable monuments – Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow.
Silbury Hill, Europe’s largest human-made mound, towers over the countryside, its sheer size and mysterious origins captivating visitors. Covering over 5 acres and standing 130 feet high, the hill was likely constructed over several centuries and may have served a ceremonial or symbolic purpose for the region’s ancient inhabitants.
Nearby, the West Kennet Long Barrow stands as one of Britain’s most significant Neolithic burial sites. Its ancient passages and chambers provide a window into the rituals and beliefs of these ancient people. Visitors can explore the interior and gain insights into the funerary practices of the Neolithic era.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Tickets for the Stonehenge Visit?
The Stonehenge fee is not included in the tour price, so visitors can purchase tickets directly on the day of the tour. Tickets can be booked online in advance for a discounted rate and faster entry.
Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour to Include Meals?
Yes, the tour includes a lunch option that can be added for an additional fee. This allows guests to upgrade their experience and enjoy a meal as part of the full-day tour of the Neolithic monuments.
Can I Take Photos at the Neolithic Sites?
Yes, you can take photos at the Neolithic sites on the tour. Photography is generally permitted, though restrictions may apply at certain locations to preserve the sites. Visitors are encouraged to check with the guides for any specific photo guidelines.
Is There a Recommended Attire for the Tour?
The tour operator recommends guests dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, and rain protection are advised to ensure a pleasant experience at the Neolithic sites.
What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?
The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. If you need to reschedule, you can do so without penalty, providing you cancel within the 24-hour window.
Sum Up
This immersive day tour from Salisbury allows visitors to experience the enigmatic allure of Stonehenge, Avebury, and West Kennet Long Barrow.
Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the Neolithic history and astronomical alignments of these UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Convenient transportation and accessibility features ensure a seamless and enriching exploration of England’s ancient wonders.