Attractions and Places To See around Chitterne - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Chitterne, Wiltshire, include a blend of historical architecture and serene natural beauty. Situated on Salisbury Plain, the village offers a glimpse into its rich past through various landmarks and archaeological sites. The area features the tranquil Chitterne Brook and surrounding picturesque countryside, providing numerous walking routes for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Chitterne
- The most popular attractions is Stonehenge, a historical site that is one of the most famous…
Last updated: April 24, 2026
Stonehenge
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Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre
Highlight • Monument
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Westbury White Horse
Highlight • Natural Monument
Today the hill's most defining feature is the striking …
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Cursus Barrows
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St James' Church, Bratton
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Why exactly there? Archaeologists suspect several reasons: Line of sight From the mounds, there is a direct view of Stonehenge. Sacred landscape The entire plain was a ritual area with paths, graves, and ceremonial sites. Status symbol Important people were buried near the famous sanctuary. Interesting fact There are over 300 burial mounds in the vicinity of Stonehenge – one of the largest prehistoric burial landscapes in Europe.
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Here is a simple overview map explaining the landscape south of Stonehenge and why the burial mounds are located there. Landscape south of Stonehenge The most important range of mounds is called Normanton Down Barrows. It lies about 1 km south of Stonehenge. There are over 40 burial mounds there, dating from 2600–1600 BC. The mounds are situated on a long ridge that faces directly towards Stonehenge. Simplified diagram of the location North ↑ Stonehenge ○ | | approx. 1 km | ───────────────── Hill ridge with many burial mounds (Normanton Down) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ↓ South Important hills there One particularly famous burial mound is Bush Barrow A richly furnished grave of a Bronze Age prince, containing gold objects and weapons, was found there.
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It's unbelievable what people have achieved and built in the past (without any technology) - it's simply impressive and breathtaking
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James the Greater (the Latin 'major' is not translated as 'great' in English), to whom this church near Bratton was dedicated, was, together with his brother, part of the inner circle of Jesus' disciples. In his version of the "Good News" (this is the meaning of the word "gospel"), the Evangelist Mark enumerates a list of the apostles: "James, the son of Zebedee, and John, the brother of James—them he surnamed Boanerges, which means Sons of Thunder" (Mark 3:17). They were said to have had strong tempers, but were faithful followers of Jesus Christ, in whom they recognized the promised Messiah. According to the Acts of the Apostles, James was executed for his faith. His tomb in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia (Spain), is one of the most famous and important pilgrimage destinations in the world.
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To the south lies a group of burial mounds called the Cursus Barrows. The footpath to the impressive stone circle leads across the fields with the burial mounds, which can be clearly seen and are well explained on a display board. Bone remains and various beads were found in the graves.
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Sarsen stones are blocks of sandstone found in large numbers in England, it is a contraction of Saracen stone, where “Saracenic” is equivalent to “pagan”. In this respect, sarsen means something like “heathen stone”, “stone of the heathen”. The most famous sarsen stones can be found here in Stonehenge.
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Here you can measure your strengths
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The Cursus Barrows is the name given to a Neolithic and Bronze Age round barrow cemetery lying mostly south of the western end of the Stonehenge Cursus, in Wiltshire, England. The cemetery contains around 18 barrows scattered along an east-to-west ridge, although some of the mounds are no longer visible. The Cursus Barrows can be seen just north of the route between the Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Stonehenge. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursus_Barrows
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore within Chitterne village?
Within Chitterne village, you can visit the All Saints and St. Mary's Church, which features a 12th-century font and bells from the former St Mary's. You can also see the standing chancel of the old St Mary's Church, a Grade II* listed site. The village also boasts several Grade II listed historic houses like Chitterne House, The Manor, The Grange, Manor Farm, and White Hart House, reflecting its rich past.
Are there any ancient archaeological sites near Chitterne?
Yes, the area around Chitterne is rich in archaeological sites. Notable examples include Kill Barrow, a 52-meter long barrow, and Oram's Grave. Further afield, you can explore the Cursus Barrows, a Neolithic and Bronze Age round barrow cemetery near Stonehenge. The iconic Stonehenge itself is a world-famous historical and archaeological site with a visitor centre, exhibitions, and Neolithic houses.
What natural features can I see around Chitterne?
Chitterne is nestled in the heart of Salisbury Plain, offering picturesque countryside. The tranquil Chitterne Brook flows through the village. The wider area provides stunning views, such as those from Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp, which combines natural beauty with an Iron Age hillfort.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Chitterne?
Absolutely. Stonehenge is a highly recommended family-friendly historical site, offering a visitor centre with exhibitions and Neolithic houses. At the Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre, visitors can even interact with a sarsen stone and test their strength.
What outdoor activities can I do near Chitterne?
Chitterne's rural setting on Salisbury Plain makes it ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous walking routes across the open countryside. For cycling enthusiasts, there are options for gravel biking and road cycling. Explore routes like the 'Wylye Valley Quiet Road' for gravel biking or 'Riverside Path' for easy hikes. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Chitterne, Easy hikes around Chitterne, and Road Cycling Routes around Chitterne guides.
Are there good walking routes around Chitterne?
Yes, Chitterne offers many walking routes, combining public paths, permissive paths, and village or farm tracks across its open countryside. While exploring, be aware that significant portions of the surrounding Salisbury Plain are Ministry of Defence land, and access may be restricted in some areas. For specific easy hikes, consider routes like 'Riverside Path – Swan Pool loop from Heytesbury' or 'Pooh Sticks Bridge – The Dove Pub loop from Upton Lovell', detailed in the Easy hikes around Chitterne guide.
Can I go cycling near Chitterne?
Yes, the area around Chitterne is suitable for cycling. You can find various routes for both gravel biking and road cycling. Options include the 'Wylye Valley Quiet Road' for gravel biking or the 'Shearwater Lake – Wylye Valley Quiet Road loop' for road cycling. More detailed routes are available in the Gravel biking around Chitterne and Road Cycling Routes around Chitterne guides.
What religious buildings can I visit near Chitterne?
Besides the local All Saints and St. Mary's Church in Chitterne, you can visit St James' Church, Bratton. This striking 14th-century church, with a 15th-century tower and a 12th-century Norman font, is located in peaceful surroundings a short distance from Bratton village.
What is the best time to visit Chitterne for walking and outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Chitterne for walking and outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer. This allows for more comfortable exploration of the village's historical sites and the surrounding Salisbury Plain countryside.
Are there any pubs or places to eat in Chitterne village?
Yes, Chitterne village has a public house called the King's Head Pub, which serves as a local spot for refreshments and a taste of village life.
What should I know about accessing the countryside around Chitterne?
When exploring the countryside around Chitterne, it's important to be aware that significant portions of the parish are Ministry of Defence (MOD) land, including live-firing areas. Access is restricted in some parts for safety reasons. Always adhere to posted signs and stick to public rights of way to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions near Chitterne?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of ancient history and natural beauty. For instance, Stonehenge is appreciated for its global significance and well-organized visitor experience. The Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp are loved for their outstanding views and the glimpse into ancient history provided by the Iron Age hillfort. The opportunity to interact with a sarsen stone at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre is also a unique highlight.
Most popular attractions around Chitterne
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