Silbury Hill surrounded by fields under a cloudy sky.
Silhouette of a large boulder in a field at sunrise with clear blue sky.
Standing stones in a grassy field under a cloudy sky.
Scenic canal with moored narrowboats
People hiking on a dirt path through a grassy landscape with green fields and distant trees under a clear blue sky.

UNESCO Avebury Neolithic Landscape: A Walking Break in the North Wessex Downs

Join us for a short break exploring the stunning North Wessex Downs National Landscape, based in the historic market town of Marlborough. This car-free trip combines leisurely guided walks around the ancient landscape of Avebury and the rolling countryside of the North Wessex Downs, along with sociable evenings enjoying local pubs.

The Basics:

Duration: Two nights, three days
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Walking Grade: Leisurely - Steady-paced days with manageable distances and time to enjoy the surroundings.
Age: 18+
Dogs: No Dogs, except trained assistance dogs

Pricing & Accommodation: From £325 per person. Shared rooms, single rooms, twin rooms, and double rooms available - see booking calendar for specific dates and pricing.

 
 
A sunset view with a large rock in the foreground, a grassy area, and leafless trees with vibrant orange and purple clouds in the sky.
Group of nine hikers standing in front of two large standing stones outdoors under a clear blue sky.
A group of people standing among large rocks on a grassy area under a clear blue sky.
A cave entrance surrounded by large rocks and grass on top, with a dirt ground in front, under a clear blue sky.

UNESCO Avebury Neolithic Landscape: A Walking Break in the North Wessex Downs

Escape to the heart of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape for a walking break exploring the fascinating UNESCO-listed Avebury Neolithic Landscape. Based in the historic market town of Marlborough, this trip offers a perfect blend of guided walks, sociable evenings, and intriguing history.

The break begins with a relaxed dinner in Marlborough, giving you the chance to settle in and meet your fellow walkers. Over the next two days, we’ll take in two leisurely walks. On Saturday, you’ll explore the Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow, immersing yourself in the mysteries of one of the world’s most significant prehistoric landscapes. Sunday takes us to the rolling hills and woodlands around Great Bedwyn, featuring charming historic sites like the Crofton Beam Engines, and the striking Wilton Windmill, with views of the surrounding countryside.

With travel covered by our minibus, including a station pick-up from Hungerford, this Car-Free Experience is designed to ensure you can focus on enjoying the history, scenery, and sociable atmosphere. Whether you’re intrigued by Neolithic history or just want to unwind in a beautiful setting, this walking weekend promises a memorable experience.

A landscape with a large, grass-covered mound in the center, surrounded by green fields, trees, and yellow flowering plants, under a cloudy sky.
People sitting and kneeling on a grassy field outdoors, planting or tending to small plants or seedlings, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.
A scenic landscape featuring rolling green fields, some with yellow wildflowers, under a bright sky with scattered dark and white clouds.
Scattered large and small rocks on grassy terrain under blue sky with scattered clouds.

Suggested Itinerary

Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!

  • Arrive at your leisure and settle into our base in the heart of Marlborough, a quaint market town known for its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere. Stroll along the high street or pop into one of the town’s cosy cafés or independent shops if you arrive early.

    We’ll offer a station pick-up from Hungerford at 17:30 for those arriving by train. After checking in at our hotel, join us for a sociable dinner at a local pub to meet your fellow walkers and your Large Outdoors guide.

    For those who choose to drive there is free parking at the hotel and we can use our vehicles to transport you around for the weekend.

  • Distance: 10 miles

    Spend the day immersed in the Neolithic landscape of Avebury, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Route Highlights:

      • Silbury Hill: Marvel at this ancient, man-made mound, the largest in Europe, shrouded in mystery.

      • West Kennet Long Barrow: Explore the chambers of one of Britain’s most significant prehistoric tombs.

      • The Sanctuary: Uncover the history of this once-impressive wooden and stone monument.

      • The Ridgeway: Walk along Britain’s oldest road, with panoramic views of the North Wessex Downs.

    After returning to Avebury village, there’s time to explore the Avebury Stone Circle, pop into a café, or relax with a drink at a local pub. We’ll then return to Marlborough for a chance to freshen up before enjoying dinner at another venue in town.

  • Distance: 6 miles

    Today’s walk takes us to the scenic area around Great Bedwyn, a peaceful village surrounded by rolling downs and woodlands.

    • Route Highlights:

      • Chisbury: Visit the historic Iron Age hillfort and the 13th-century Chisbury Chapel.

      • Crofton Beam Engines: Pass these magnificent steam engines, a key part of the Kennet and Avon Canal’s history.

      • Wilton Windmill: Enjoy views from Wiltshire’s only working windmill, located at the route’s high point.

    The walk concludes in Great Bedwyn, where train travellers can catch a direct service home. For others, we’ll provide a minibus drop-off at Hungerford station.

Avebury: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

At the heart of this walking weekend lies Avebury, part of the UNESCO-listed Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Avebury is one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in the world, offering a fascinating insight into Neolithic life.

The Avebury Stone Circle, constructed around 2600BC, is the largest stone circle in the world, encompassing part of the village itself. Unlike its more famous neighbour, Stonehenge, Avebury allows visitors to walk freely among the stones, creating a deeper connection with the site. Surrounding the circle, landmarks such as Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe, and West Kennet Long Barrow, one of the UK’s most impressive ancient tombs, provide further evidence of the remarkable ingenuity of Neolithic communities.

Avebury is not just about its iconic monuments; the area is a cultural and historical treasure trove, from its mysterious Sanctuary, believed to have been a ceremonial structure, to its connection with the ancient Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road. Together, these features offer a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape that has captured human imagination for over 5,000 years.

A stone church with Gothic windows and a small tower topped with battlements. In the foreground, there are yellow flowers blooming in a grassy area. The sky is clear and blue, with bare tree branches at the top of the frame.
A group of people standing outdoors under a tall brick windmill with a ladder and weather vane on top. The sky is clear and blue, with trees and a grassy area in the background.
A windmill situated in a lush green field filled with yellow flowers under a clear blue sky.
A canal with several boats docked along the sides, surrounded by green trees and grass, under a clear blue sky.

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape

The North Wessex Downs is a designated National Landscape, celebrated for its rolling chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and quintessentially English villages. This protected area stretches across several counties, including Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire, and offers a diverse mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The landscape is characterised by its sweeping views, hidden valleys, and historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for walkers seeking both tranquillity and discovery. From picturesque market towns like Marlborough to the winding Kennet and Avon Canal, the North Wessex Downs provides a backdrop steeped in charm and serenity. Whether you're exploring open chalk grasslands, shaded woodland paths, or ridge-top trails, this is a region that invites you to slow down and connect with nature.

  • Duration: Two nights, three days
    Activity: Walking
    Activity Rating: Leisurely
    Group Size: 8
    Age: 18+
    Dogs: No Dogs, except trained assistance dogs

  • Car-free Experience: Free pick-ups from local train stations, or make your own way to the accommodation. All transport during the trip is included.

    Pickups - must be booked in advance. Free collection from Hungerford Train Station at 17:30.

    Notes: If you've travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket) to allow for flexibility.

  • Check-in from: 15:00
    Meeting: In the bar from 18:00
    Train Station Collection: Hungerford Train Station at 17:30
    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 15:00 - 16:00.

  • Name & Address:

    Premier Inn Marlborough
    Jennings Road,
    Marlborough,
    SN8 4WL

    Type: Hotel
    Rooms Available:Single Rooms, Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, Shared Rooms
    Beds: NO Bunkbeds
    Bathrooms: En-suite

    Parking: Free Parking available at the accommodation - please ensure you register you number plate in reception.

  • Breakfast - Cooked Buffet Included

    Packed Lunches - Not Included, we will stop at a local shop / cafe for you to purchase what you wish.

    Evening Meals - Not Included

    Soft Drinks - Tea & Coffee making facilities in the room

    Alcoholic Drinks - Not included. This venue has a bar and only drinks purchased maybe consumed.

    Vegetarian, vegan, and meals made from gluten-free ingredients can be provided. Please select the relevant options during checkout.

  • Travel to and from the meeting location or station pick-up.

    Any extras, excursions, or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    Any food, drinks, or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurants, pubs, or cafés visited.

Essential Information

 

Kits List:Walking Holiday / Weekend
FAQ’s:Answers to our most common questions

Travel insurance: We recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment, medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation), personal accident, and injury and death.