The Covid Diaries 6: Avebury

A visit to the English Heritage site at Avebury. In which I enjoy seeing some standing stones, and fail to make friends with any sheep.

Avebury: Neolithic Site in the Care of English Heritage

Avebury, in Wiltshire, is a very interesting neolithic site and world heritage area. Built between approximately 2850 and 2200 BC, the area comprises several different features whose original purpose is not entirely clear. It seems though that this was a place of ceremony and ritual. The village of Avebury is literally at the centre, built within a series of stone circles surrounded by a ditch. Many of the original stones are now missing (often removed for religious or agricultural reasons). Instead, markers show the places they would have been. Nearby are West Kennet Avenue – a series of standing stones leading to West Kennet Long Barrow – and Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe. There are also various other ancient and historic sites including a chapel, a manor, and a museum.

A Perfect Outing Even During Covid Restrictions

I was able to visit Avebury as a side trip from my week in Oxford in summer 2020. In terms of heritage sites to visit during Covid-19, Avebury is almost perfect. After all, it consists of vast outdoor spaces where it is easy to distance yourself from other visitors. Anything where social distancing is difficult is currently closed, including the manor, museum and shop. And although the English Heritage website says the West Kennet Long Barrow is open, I’m sure I saw a sign on the day saying that was closed too. These decisions mean that English Heritage must be well down on contributions at Avebury (from the museum and shop), while still maintaining very friendly staff to greet visitors and run the cafe.

Importantly, there is still plenty to see for an hour or two without the indoor elements. It does mean, however, that nothing is sheltered if the weather isn’t ideal! It was reasonably busy when we visited but didn’t feel at all unsafe or uncomfortable. At the moment this is enough to make it a good and recommended day out. There was very little interpretation at the site itself which means that a lot of what I’ve learned about Avebury I’ve read afterwards. The silver lining is that there are no pinch points where everyone is trying to read the same information panel. Overall, I would definitely recommend Avebury during Covid-19 or otherwise to anyone within easy reach.

On its own merits: 4/5
Implementing Covid rules: 4/5

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