Let's hear it for Avebury

[A Lark Ascending]

Everyone goes to Stonehenge but...

Avebury named second best World Heritage site by Which?

Avebury in Wiltshire has been named the second best heritage site in the world for visitors by a panel of experts in Which? Travel magazine.

It came second to Mexico's Monte Alban, but outscored sites such as Peru's Machu Picchu and India's Taj Mahal....

"Our experts found the idyllic rural setting, lack of crowds and freedom to wander freely through the historic site made for a rewarding visit."

http://www.bbc.co.uk...tshire-21107977

Always one of my favourite places. Let's hope it doesn't bring in the crowds.

Edited January 20, 2013 by A Lark Ascending

[jeffcrom]

An amazing place, indeed. I feel lucky to have visited.

[sidewinder]

Over the years, it has got much more touristy.

They out to do a re-run of that spoof UFO (balloon UAV) that had New-Age punters in the pub garden rining the BBC in panic on their mobiles.

Edited January 21, 2013 by sidewinder

[A Lark Ascending]

I remember having picnics among the stones as a kid on our way to Cornwall.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

Never been. Britain doesn't have the weather for outdoor touristing.

MG

[A Lark Ascending]

Heathen!

(though, using 2012 as evidence, you might have a point!)

Edited January 21, 2013 by A Lark Ascending

[JohnS]

I know Dorset well but for some reason I've hardly ever strayed into Wiltshire except for a couple of visits to Salisbury and Stonehenge. I'll have to remedy the situation this year and visit Avebury

[A Lark Ascending]

Wiltshire is gorgeous - I find the gentle contours of the chalk hills more endearing than some of our craggier places. Suspect it might be the subliminal connection with the female body!!!!

[Hoppy T. Frog]

Have pleasant memories of seeing it in January 1990, and having lunch in the pub. We might have been the only people visiting the stones at the time--I sure don't remember anything "toursity".

[sidewinder]

I know Dorset well but for some reason I've hardly ever strayed into Wiltshire except for a couple of visits to Salisbury and Stonehenge. I'll have to remedy the situation this year and visit Avebury

It's worth the trip John (regardless of my comment) - I have been many times. Not too far from Swindon and about as different from Swindon as you can imagine, in a very good way I might add. Bev is right, in that you can stroll amongst the stones pretty well freely, across the top of the circular enbankment. A good 'Sunday' place to visit and may I suggest a leisurely stroll on the Ridgeway and viewing of the Uffington White Horse to top and tail it..

The chalk downland near Mere/Kingston Deverill in SW Wiltshire is excellent too - much more open/spartan but very atmospheric. You can combine that one with a trip to Stourhead.

Edited January 21, 2013 by sidewinder

[JohnS]

I know Dorset well but for some reason I've hardly ever strayed into Wiltshire except for a couple of visits to Salisbury and Stonehenge. I'll have to remedy the situation this year and visit Avebury

It's worth the trip John (regardless of my comment) - I have been many times. Not too far from Swindon and about as different from Swindon as you can imagine, in a very good way I might add. Bev is right, in that you can stroll amongst the stones pretty well freely, across the top of the circular enbankment. A good 'Sunday' place to visit and may I suggest a leisurely stroll on the Ridgeway and viewing of the Uffington White Horse to top and tail it..

The chalk downland near Mere/Kingston Deverill in SW Wiltshire is excellent too - much more open/spartan but very atmospheric. You can combine that one with a trip to Stourhead.

Thanks Bob, I'll make sure I visit when the weather improves.

[A Lark Ascending]

Avebury is a day in itself (at least).

There's loads of other prehistoric sites close by. You can do a great 2 hour-ish walk out from Avebury and up onto the Ridgeway, turn westward until you come to the main road and then along by West Kennet Longbarrow and Silbury Hill back to the car park.

Helps if it not snowing (or raining)

Agree with Sidewinder about Uffington - another great place for a walk.

Here's a nice Ridgeway at Avebury picture:

http://www.annadillo.../ridgeway1.html

See what I mean by the feminine contours!

Edited January 21, 2013 by A Lark Ascending

[sidewinder]

There's loads of other prehistoric sites close by. You can do a great 2 hour-ish walk out from Avebury and up onto the Ridgeway, turn westward until you come to the main road and then along by West Kennet Longbarrow and Silbury Hill back to the car park.

Not forgetting Wayland's Smithy !

In the 'old' days you could sneak over the fence and walk to the top of Silbury Hill but I'm not sure that's possible now, unfortunately.