Attractions and Places To See around East Kennett - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around East Kennett include a concentration of prehistoric sites within the Avebury World Heritage Site. The village is situated on a promontory overlooking the Kennet River Valley, near the Marlborough Downs. This area is rich in historical landmarks and natural features, offering a journey through thousands of years of human history. Visitors can explore ancient monuments and scenic landscapes.
Best attractions and places to see around East Kennett
- The most popular attractions is Avebury Stone Circle, a man-made monument that is a Neolithic henge monument large enough to encircle part of the village. It contains three stone circles and allows visitors to approach and touch the stones.
- Another must-see spot is Silbury Hill, a man-made monument that is the largest artificial mound in Europe. Its purpose and significance remain unknown, though it was completed around 2400 BC.
- Visitors also love West Kennet Long Barrow, a historical site that is one of the best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers in Britain. Built around 3650 BC, it offers chambers that visitors can enter and explore.
- East Kennett is known for prehistoric sites, historical landmarks, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient burial chambers to significant earthworks.
- The attractions around East Kennett are appreciated by the komoot community. The area features 205 photos and has received 249 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
Avebury Stone Circle
Highlight • Monument
Many of the stones have names and myths attached to them and there were 100 when it was first built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. In the vicinity lies West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill (a prehistoric fort) and numerous other standing stones and long barrows. Stonehenge lies to the south near Amesbury; a more famous but smaller circle in diameter.
You can visit Avebury's stone circle for free and there are plenty of footpaths passing through which will take you to the other nearby remnants of prehistory.
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Avebury Village
Highlight • Settlement
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Avebury Stone Circle
Highlight • Natural Monument
Many of the stones have names and myths attached to them and there were 100 when it was first built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. In the vicinity lies West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill (a prehistoric fort) and numerous other standing stones and long barrows. Stonehenge lies to the south near Amesbury; a more famous but smaller circle in diameter.
You can visit Avebury's stone circle for free and there are plenty of footpaths passing through which will take you to the other nearby remnants of prehistory.
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Silbury Hill
Highlight • Monument
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Avebury to Ridgeway Track
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
An interesting village with a historical background and many sights: 1. Avebury Stone Circle The largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Unlike Stonehenge, you can walk freely among the stones. The circle even encloses the village of Avebury. 2. Avebury Henge The massive earthwork and ditch surrounding the stone circle. From some vantage points, you get a good impression of the enormous dimensions of the site. 3. Silbury Hill Europe's largest man-made prehistoric mound. The hill lies about 2 km south of Avebury and is a fascinating Neolithic puzzle. 4. West Kennet Long Barrow A Neolithic chamber tomb over 5,000 years old, the burial chambers of which can be entered. Particularly atmospheric in the early morning or evening. 5. The Sanctuary The remains of another Stone Age ritual site at the end of the old processional way. 6. West Kennet Avenue An impressive avenue of standing stones that once linked Avebury with The Sanctuary. 7. Avebury Manor A 16th-century manor house with beautiful gardens. It is now looked after by the National Trust. 8. Alexander Keiller Museum A small but very interesting museum about the history and archaeology of Avebury and the surrounding monuments. 9. Windmill Hill One of the oldest known Neolithic sites in Britain with beautiful views over the Wiltshire landscape.
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Avebury is one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in the world. Unlike many other stone monuments, here you can walk among the massive stones and experience the special atmosphere up close. The site was created about 4,500 years ago and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
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Such a beautifully preserved village. It's bizarre that they put a road straight through it though.
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Sidbury Hill, or Sidbury Camp, is the site of an Iron Age bivallate hillfort on the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. The site is sub-triangular in shape, approximately 17 acres in area, and is constructed on the site of a Neolithic settlement. The hill offers excellent defensive slopes on all sides, which have been supplemented by the double ditch and rampart earthworks. The settlement and hillfort were partially excavated in the 19th century and the 1950s; there were finds of pottery and other artefacts. A Neolithic settlement site was discovered during the excavation in the 1950s, being of a section of the south-east rampart of the hillfort. A number of flint flakes and tools were recovered. The site is a scheduled national monument. Trees planted in the 1960s were removed from 2002 and the area was allowed to revert to the natural chalk downland. Access to the site is difficult as it is on, or near, Ministry of Defence land, and there are many tank tracks and occasional artillery firing in the area. There are also numerous ditches, barrows, trackways, field systems, and tumuli in the area. Due to erosion issues climbing on the barrow is now forbidden. Such a shame, but understandable.
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The top section is great coming down after Fyfield Common, but the descent down into Avebury is tricky even on a mtb. Once you reach the farm it's been absolutely destroyed by 4x4s and tractors. So good luck. This type of track is my least favourite part of "official" cycling trails. They just whack the signage up and don't do any restoration or introduction of bylaws to prevent offroad vehicles from using them, restricting enjoyment for other users. It's not like there aren't miles and miles of offroad byways around here which could be legislated for multi-use and non-motorised use.
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Decent Food in the Avebury Community Shop
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore near East Kennett?
The area around East Kennett is rich in historical sites, particularly prehistoric monuments. You can visit the impressive Avebury Stone Circle, a Neolithic henge monument large enough to encircle part of the village. Another significant site is West Kennet Long Barrow, one of Britain's best-preserved Neolithic burial chambers, which you can enter and explore. Silbury Hill, Europe's largest artificial mound, also offers a glimpse into ancient mysteries.
Are there any natural features or viewpoints worth visiting around East Kennett?
East Kennett is situated on the edge of the Marlborough Downs, offering scenic landscapes. The village overlooks the Kennet River Valley, with the River Kennet forming part of the northern boundary. While the Silbury Hill itself is a man-made monument, its surroundings provide excellent views of the landscape. Additionally, the Cherhill White Horse, though a man-made landmark, is carved into a hillside and offers breathtaking views over the picturesque countryside.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do around East Kennett?
The area around East Kennett is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking and cycling. For cycling, consider routes like 'The Ridgeway Trail – Marlborough Town Centre loop' or 'Avebury Stone Circle – Marlborough Town Centre loop'. If you prefer hiking, there are easy trails such as 'Avebury Stone Circle – West Kennet Avenue loop' or 'Alton Barnes White Horse – Milk Hill loop'. You can explore more options on the cycling guide and easy hikes guide for East Kennett.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the East Kennett area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Avebury Stone Circle is a great option, as it's free to enter and allows visitors to get up close and even touch the ancient stones. The open fields around it are perfect for children to explore. While not explicitly listed as family-friendly, the historical significance and unique nature of Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow can also be engaging for older children interested in history.
What is the best time of year to visit East Kennett's attractions?
The best time to visit East Kennett's attractions, especially the outdoor prehistoric sites, is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October). During these periods, the weather is typically milder and drier, making walking and exploring more comfortable. The fields around sites like Avebury can be muddy, so good footwear is recommended regardless of the season.
Are there easy walking trails suitable for all abilities near East Kennett?
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. For instance, the 'Avebury Stone Circle – West Kennet Avenue loop' and the 'Avebury Stone Circle – Avebury Village loop' are both easy hikes, typically around 5-7 km in distance. These trails allow you to experience the ancient landscape without significant elevation changes. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes around East Kennett guide.
Where can I find cafes or pubs near the attractions in East Kennett?
While East Kennett itself is a small village, the nearby village of Avebury, which hosts the Avebury Stone Circle, offers options for refreshments. You'll find cafes and pubs within Avebury village, providing convenient stops for visitors exploring the prehistoric sites.
What makes the prehistoric sites around East Kennett so significant?
The prehistoric sites around East Kennett are highly significant because they form part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. This area boasts an extraordinary concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, including the largest megalithic stone circle in the world at Avebury, the massive Silbury Hill, and the well-preserved West Kennet Long Barrow. These sites offer a unique window into the lives, beliefs, and engineering capabilities of ancient peoples thousands of years ago.
Are there any lesser-known or 'hidden gem' attractions in the area?
Beyond the major sites, the area holds several points of interest that offer a deeper dive into its history. The East Kennett Long Barrow, a Neolithic communal burial site, is a significant historical landmark, though it's on private land. The village itself features historical architecture like Manor Farmhouse (dating to 1630) and Christ Church (built 1864 on a 12th-century site), showcasing local building techniques and history. The Sarsen Stone Circle, south of the village, also hints at possible Bronze Age activity.
What is The Ridgeway and how can I access it from East Kennett?
The Ridgeway is an ancient trackway that passes directly through East Kennett village. North of the village, at Overton Hill, it becomes the Ridgeway National Trail. This ancient path offers opportunities for walking and cycling, providing a historical route through scenic landscapes. You can join The Ridgeway directly from East Kennett, making it accessible for various outdoor activities.
Can I visit the Alexander Keiller Museum near East Kennett?
Yes, the Alexander Keiller Museum is located in Avebury, a short distance from East Kennett. This museum houses important prehistoric archaeological collections from the World Heritage Sites, offering valuable context and artifacts related to the ancient monuments you'll see in the area. It's a great complement to visiting the outdoor sites.
What are the recognized sources of the River Kennet?
The recognized source of the River Kennet, known as Swallowhead Springs, is located adjacent to Silbury Hill. This natural feature is a short distance from East Kennett and contributes to the natural beauty and ecological significance of the Kennet River Valley.
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