Page 215 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

years later, an inner circle
of granite stones, known
as bluestones, was added.
An ultramodern
makeover has brought an
impressive visitor centre
and the closure of an
MARK THOMAS / GETTY IMAGES ©
intrusive road (now re-
stored to grassland). The
result is a far stronger
sense of historical con-
text; dignity and mystery
returned to an archaeo-
logical gem. A pathway
frames the ring of mas-
sive stones. Although you
can’t walk in the circle, GREAT BRITAIN 15 THE BEST OF BRITAIN
unless on a recommend-
ed Stone Circle Access
Visit (%0370 333 0605;
www.english-heritage.org.uk;
adult/child £32/19), you can
get close-up views. Ad-
mission is through timed
tickets – secure a place
well in advance.
The Drive » Drive east to
Durrington and take the A345
north, climbing over the grassy
Pewsey Downs National Nature
Reserve (home to another chalk
figure, the Alton Barnes White
Horse, dating from 1812), to
reach Avebury (24 miles in total).

7 Avebury
With a diameter of 348m,
Avebury (NT; %01672-
539250; www.nationaltrust.
org.uk; h24hr; p) is the
largest stone circle in the
world, and is also one of
the oldest, dating from
2500 to 2200 BC. Though
it lacks the dramatic
trilithons of its sister site
Stonehenge, the massive
stone circle is at least as
rewarding to visit. Today,
more than 30 stones are

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