Stonehenge & Avebury Tour: Stone Circles & Silbury Hill

Two stone circles and a burial mound that predate Stonehenge itself.

A full-day guided tour from Salisbury visits Stonehenge, Avebury (the largest stone circle in Northern Europe), Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, traveling through the Woodford Valley by air-conditioned minivan with a live English-speaking guide. Stonehenge entry tickets are purchased separately at the site. The tour includes the exhibition, transport to the stones, and all other activities and stops. Pickup is from your Salisbury hotel or the railway station. Southampton pickup is available for an extra charge.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Stonehenge and surrounding sites

• Visit Stonehenge exhibition
• See Stonehenge stones
• Learn about Salisbury and Stonehenge history
• Hear story of Jack "The Painter"
• Walk around West Kennet Long Barrow burial mound
• View Silbury Hill and learn archaeological findings
• Visit Avebury stone circle

The Experience

The tour opens at Stonehenge's exhibition before you're transported to the stones themselves, so you get context before standing in front of the monument. From there the route moves through the Woodford Valley toward Avebury, the largest man-made stone circle in Northern Europe: a site that sprawls across the landscape in a way Stonehenge does not, letting you walk around the stones rather than view them from a distance.

Silbury Hill sits on the same stretch, a mystery archaeologists have been excavating for centuries. The guide explains what they've found and why the mound still puzzles them. West Kennet Long Barrow, which dates back before Stonehenge, is a burial mound you walk to and around. The commentary weaves these stops into a journey from 3500 BC to the present day, covering the railways and canals that shaped the region, and the local stories (like the tale of Jack "The Painter" swindling a farmer at cards) that bring the area to life beyond the monuments.

The minivan is air-conditioned and the route takes six hours total. A moderate level of fitness is needed for walking around the sites. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions. If you want a separate tour of Salisbury Cathedral, that's available at an additional cost. Let the operator know at booking.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned minivan transport from Salisbury.
• live English-speaking guide with commentary throughout the day.
• Stonehenge exhibition access and transport to the stones.
• visits to Avebury, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow with time to walk around each site.
• all activities at each stop.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Exec Connect Uk Ltd - Salisbury Stonehenge & Sarum Tours

Is this one for you?Six hours is enough to see all four sites without rushing, but it rules out a second activity elsewhere in Salisbury on the same day. If you want to explore Salisbury Cathedral or the medieval city itself, book that as a separate tour or plan it for another day.

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Top questions

Do I need to buy Stonehenge entry tickets in advance, or can I get them on the day?

Stonehenge entry is not included in the tour price. You purchase tickets at the site's ticket office on the day of your visit. The tour includes the exhibition and transport to the stones, but entry is separate.

What exactly is Silbury Hill, and why do archaeologists keep digging there?

Silbury Hill is a large burial mound that predates Stonehenge and remains a mystery to researchers. The guide explains what excavations have uncovered and why the site continues to puzzle archaeologists studying the area.

Can I arrange pickup from Southampton instead of Salisbury?

Yes, pickup from Southampton hotels is available, but it adds £100 each way to the tour cost. Let the operator know your preferred pickup point (either a Salisbury hotel, Salisbury railway station, or Southampton) when you book.

How does Avebury compare to Stonehenge as a stone circle?

Avebury is the largest man-made stone circle in Northern Europe, and unlike Stonehenge, it sprawls across the landscape so you can walk around and among the stones rather than view them from a cordoned distance. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but they offer different experiences.

What's included in the tour price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes minivan transport, a live English-speaking guide, live commentary, the Stonehenge exhibition, and all activities at the stops. Stonehenge entry tickets, lunch and gratuities are not included and are your own cost.

Is there a minimum age to join this tour?

Yes, the minimum age is 16. The tour involves walking around archaeological sites and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.