Many moons ago, when I was a small wee thing, we used to love visiting Avebury Ring, and went regularly enough for it to imprint itself on my brain as something of a special place…
When I was a slightly larger (probably rather difficult) teenager, I used to also visit regularly, to get away from my (at the time) incredibly annoying family usually, and to spend time with the only people who “understood” – my fellow (probably also rather difficult!) friends… I loved it then, and I still love it now. It was so nice to finally take my own children there whilst back at home, something I have wanted to do for a very long time. I got slightly carried away with the picture taking, but I won’t bore you with all of them, promise! When people ask where they should visit in the UK, I always tell them to go to Avebury over Stonehenge. But then I only tell those that I actually like, as it should be a bit of a secret I think. This secrecy is on the decline however, as the National Trust are now Guardians of the place, and a bit of sneaky commercialism has crept in (£5 to park your car!!), but the very spiritual atmosphere to the place will never change. The stones are spread out over a huge area, and if you look hard enough there are stones in the outlying fields surrounding the main site. The small triangular shaped posts are markers for the stones sadly destroyed for use in farm buildings etc. hundreds of years ago.
The nice thing about this place is that you can still get close to the stones, respectfully of course. But I am sure they weren’t adverse to a bit of hugging from the small people.
And neither were the trees…. This small gathering of beech trees perched on top of a hill, are often overlooked by visitors, which is a bit of a pity. The network of roots below that give the trees a firm footing are just beautiful, and the Small People were totally captivated by them, and declared them to be “Fairy Trees”.
And then on, past the most striking landscape and more and more ancient and noble stones – most of them thousands of years old.
A bit of advice, don’t be too disappointed if you don’t make it into the “Museum”. I am sure that it might actually cost less to buy a local history book in the nearby shop, and sit and read it while enjoying a cream tea in the Tea Rooms. You may even gain more knowledge that way!
And then finally, an illicit stop in a bus bay for a picture of nearby Silbury Hill, surrounded by flax;
Before a picnic stop in the fields surrounding nearby West Kennet Long Barrow on the way home. I think the Small People’s Horrible History appetite was well and truly sated that day?!
You can stick a note on the fairy trees to make a wish or tie a ribbon. The tree is loaded with notes and the victor reports that at midsummer and the winter solstice, there is a big pagan ceremony and the tree spirits read the notes.
That’s lovely. Thanks for this Sarah! :)
These photographs are stunning. Love this post so we’ve included this post in our little summer round-up.
Thanks Debra, that’s kind! :)
This looks amazing, and I’d never heard of it! Your photos are just beautiful. Thanks for joining in with Family Days Linky on mumsdotravel.com
Thanks Gretta, it’s such a special place! : )
Fascinating stuff, Emma, particularly after our own trip to Sweden’s Stonehenge following your recommendation!
Did you know that William Stukeley, the chap who did the archaeological work at Stonehenge and Avebury, was born in Holbeach, the little town in Lincolnshire where I now live? The local primary school, built on the spot of the old Stukeley Hall, bears his name.
Glad you got to the boat, I loved it up there. Hope the cows were kind to you! No, I didn’t know that, but I read all kinds of facts about the man himself at Avebury, so it’s nice to know where he’s actually from. When you walk past the school, can you say thank you to him for me, without him I think a lot of it would now be completely destroyed… :)
Wow! I love those trees. You are right – we completely missed them when we visited Avebury. I have to go back just for the roots. Thank you for adding to the linky! Jx
Thanks so much Julia, glad you like the pictures. They are such incredible trees! :)
Wonderful pictures, it looks beautiful. The tree roots are amazing :) x
Thank you Emma, glad you like the pics! :) x
Those trees are quite incredible. No wonder you love it
Thanks so much Susan! :)
Lovely photos. I’m a fan of Avebury too and have been a few times. Not yet tried Stonehenge to compare it, although I have driven past. I love the look of those trees – must remember next time I go. In fact, I’m quite tempted by the idea of a short break in the area to see all the ancient monuments.
You should Erica, it’s a gorgeous area anyway, and there are plenty of amazing cream teas to be had for all your hard work after all that fresh air!! :)
I love Avebury. I too hung out there a lot as a teenager. I was thinking only the other day that I would love to take my son there. I would like to show him how dowsing rods go crazy among the stones. Your post has inspired me to organise a trip
Perhaps we used to pass each other! I would have been dressed mostly in black and had varying hair colours! I am really pleased about you going back to visit, have a fab time. (I saw someone dowsing when we were there… It’s amazing)!
Ah-ha! I have learnt something new and added to my must see list. Captivated by the fairy trees :)
Definitely worth a visit, let me know when you go and I will tell you whereabouts the trees are! :)
I remember going to Avebury once when I was little. Amazing photographs!
Thanks Jennifer, glad you like the photos :)
Your photos really take me back. I still remember a school trip there at about age 7 or 8! It made a huge impression on me too and we always have to point them out to the children when we are passing on the A303. Perhpas we should actually stop one day! That tree with the roots is amazing and lots of run around space for the kids too. Thanks for sharing on Country Kids
You must… Much more clambering about to be done than at stonehenge! Thanks Fiona! :)
(And gorgeous piccies – I must make it back to Avebury someday!)
Thank you very much, you are too kind :)
What luck small people! Wonderful that they get to discover your old haunts :)
Thank you Rachel, I think they enjoyed it, apart from the sheep poo! :)
Wow stunning, I had never even heard of Avebury before. Thise roots are a bit spooky looking though.
Mich x
Thanks Michelle! I imagine it can be a bit of a spooky place… :) x
I remember the many trips we took to Avebury, such lovely childhood memories! So glad R&S will now have their own of the place, it really is magical. Was the rope swing still there? remember, the one you got stuck on?! xx
I couldn’t see the rope swing, although I did look for it :D
It was a magical day and your pictures have captured it beautifully ! Mx
Thanks Mum, twas indeed xx
This is so pretty!! The fairy trees are the best. I’ve never been to those parts of the UK yet.
Thanks so much :)
What incredible pictures. I love the tree root ones. x
Thanks Susan… Special trees :) x
One of our favourite places too. Gareth loved it there, enjoyed many a Sunday afternoon with my boys there.
We probably saw you there ;) Around this afternoon if you want to speak to the monkeys? :)
I do love Avebury (can’t comment on Stonehenge, have never been) and your words and pictures capture the spirit of the place so well. Those tree roots are amazing (no wonder they had Gemma so mesmerized!)
Thanks Mary! Loved your Greatest Journey post! :)
It does look a bit magical and I love the colours too.
Thank you Rachel, magical is definitely a good word to describe it! :)
Ahh dear, another morning fantastically lost to one of your blog posts! So much extra reading I have to do to find out more and more. I was thoroughly disappointed by Stone Henge. This sees much more me. What area would I look for a B&B or hotel to make a good weekend of it?
Aw thank you! Sorry, if you had lots to do!! There is actually a nice looking B&B near Avebury itself (The Old Forge – http://www.theoldforge-avebury.co.uk), which would be perfect if you were only there for a weekend and wanted to do lots of walking, or if you want to see more of the area, I would look for something in Marlborough! :)
Love the trees. A Finnish friend on holiday recently recommended Avebury over Stonehenge – that’s two. Must try to get there looks fantastic love the trees.
Thanks Gemma… I love Stonehenge, don’t get me wrong, it’s hugely impressive too, I just think Avebury has the edge! You must go! Emma xx PS. Glad you love the trees! :)
Amazing photos as always and I love this post really is something to think about doing really has the air of magic and mystery about it
Thank you Helen, you must go. I am sure you would love it. Let me know when you do :)
Gorgeous photos! Love the “fairy trees”, so beautiful. I am actually taking my second daughter to Stonehenge later on this year, will have to save Avebury for another trip…
Thanks so much! You could actually do both in one day if you set out early enough, they are not too far from each other! :)
you’re in my part of the world! and yours :) oh, it’d be lovely to meet – so you must let me know if you’re around cambridge!
the photographs are so stunning, emma – i’ll definitely have to take chotto-ma to the fairy trees :)
Thank you Pia. You must take Chotto-ma, I know she will be as mesmerised as they were! I am back in Munich now, but that would have been sooo lovely… Next time? :)