UNESCO Avebury Neolithic Landscape: A Walking Weekend in the North Wessex Downs
Join us for a weekend exploring the stunning North Wessex Downs National Landscape, based in the historic market town of Marlborough. This car-free trip combines leisurely guided walks around the ancient landscape of Avebury and the rolling countryside of the North Wessex Downs, along with sociable evenings enjoying local pubs.
Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 2 nights
Accommodation: Hotel
Transport: Car-Free Experience
Group Size: Maximum 8
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs
In a Nutshell:
Base Location: Marlborough – a historic market town with a lively high street and independent shops, nestled in the North Wessex Downs.
Guided Walks: Explore the Neolithic wonders of Avebury and the tranquil countryside of the North Wessex Downs with expert guides.
Car-Free Experience: Travel is included, with a station pick-up from Hungerford and a minibus for transfers.
Evening Plans: Enjoy sociable evenings with dinners in local pubs and time to unwind.
Book today…
UNESCO Avebury Neolithic Landscape: A Walking Weekend in the North Wessex Downs
Escape to the heart of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape for a weekend exploring the fascinating UNESCO-listed Avebury Neolithic Landscape. Based in the historic market town of Marlborough, this trip offers a perfect blend of guided walks, sociable evenings, and intriguing history.
The weekend begins with a relaxed dinner in Marlborough, giving you the chance to settle in and meet your fellow walkers. Over the next two days, we’ll take in two leisurely 10-mile routes. On Saturday, you’ll explore the Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and West Kennet Long Barrow, immersing yourself in the mysteries of one of the world’s most significant prehistoric landscapes. Sunday takes us to the rolling hills and woodlands around Great Bedwyn, featuring charming historic sites like Chisbury Chapel, the Crofton Beam Engines, and the striking Wilton Windmill, with views of the surrounding countryside.
With travel covered by our minibus, including a station pick-up from Hungerford, this Car-Free Experience is designed to ensure you can focus on enjoying the history, scenery, and sociable atmosphere. Whether you’re intrigued by Neolithic history or just want to unwind in a beautiful setting, this walking weekend promises a memorable experience.
Exploring West Kennet Long Barrow
Suggested Weekend Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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Arrive at your leisure and settle into our base in the heart of Marlborough, a quaint market town known for its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere. Stroll along the high street or pop into one of the town’s cosy cafés or independent shops if you arrive early.
We’ll offer a station pick-up from Hungerford at 17:30 for those arriving by train. After checking in at our hotel, join us for a sociable dinner at a local pub to meet your fellow walkers and your Large Outdoors guide.
For those who choose to drive there is free parking at the hotel and we can use our vehicles to transport you around for the weekend.
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Spend the day immersed in the Neolithic landscape of Avebury, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Route Highlights:
Silbury Hill: Marvel at this ancient, man-made mound, the largest in Europe, shrouded in mystery.
West Kennet Long Barrow: Explore the chambers of one of Britain’s most significant prehistoric tombs.
The Sanctuary: Uncover the history of this once-impressive wooden and stone monument.
The Ridgeway: Walk along Britain’s oldest road, with panoramic views of the North Wessex Downs.
After returning to Avebury village, there’s time to explore the Avebury Stone Circle, pop into a café, or relax with a drink at a local pub. We’ll then return to Marlborough for a chance to freshen up before enjoying dinner at another venue in town.
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Today’s walk takes us to the scenic area around Great Bedwyn, a peaceful village surrounded by rolling downs and woodlands.
Route Highlights:
Chisbury: Visit the historic Iron Age hillfort and the 13th-century Chisbury Chapel.
Crofton Beam Engines: Pass these magnificent steam engines, a key part of the Kennet and Avon Canal’s history.
Wilton Windmill: Enjoy views from Wiltshire’s only working windmill, located at the route’s high point.
The walk concludes in Great Bedwyn, where train travellers can catch a direct service home. For others, we’ll provide a minibus drop-off at Hungerford station.
Join Large Outdoors for a sociable and enriching weekend, uncovering history and enjoying the stunning landscapes of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
Wilton Windmill in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape
Avebury: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
At the heart of this walking weekend lies Avebury, part of the UNESCO-listed Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Avebury is one of the most significant prehistoric landscapes in the world, offering a fascinating insight into Neolithic life.
The Avebury Stone Circle, constructed around 2600BC, is the largest stone circle in the world, encompassing part of the village itself. Unlike its more famous neighbour, Stonehenge, Avebury allows visitors to walk freely among the stones, creating a deeper connection with the site. Surrounding the circle, landmarks such as Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe, and West Kennet Long Barrow, one of the UK’s most impressive ancient tombs, provide further evidence of the remarkable ingenuity of Neolithic communities.
Avebury is not just about its iconic monuments; the area is a cultural and historical treasure trove, from its mysterious Sanctuary, believed to have been a ceremonial structure, to its connection with the ancient Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road. Together, these features offer a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a landscape that has captured human imagination for over 5,000 years.
Essential Information
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Meeting Time: Hotel Check in is from 2pm.
Your Large Outdoors host will meet you in the bar for 18:00.
Meeting Location:
Castle & Ball Hotel
High Street
Marlborough
SN8 1LZParking: Free parking is available at the accommodation.
Public Transport: We will be offering a free collection from Hungerford Train Station at 17:30 this MUST be booked in advance via the office.
Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.
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We will be based from an old coaching inn on the main high street in Marlborough.
Accommodation Address:
Castle & Ball Hotel
High Street
Marlborough
SN8 1LZRoom Types:
You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
Bed in a Shared Female Room
Bed in a Shared Male Room
Twin RoomSingle Occupancy Double Room
There are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a room with one other participant.
Twin/Double Rooms sleep up to two participants booking together and are usually set up as a Twin with two single beds (sometimes rooms with double beds are available, so please email the Large Outdoors Office when booking if you would prefer a double and we will do our best, although we can’t guarantee this option will be available).
Single Occupancy Double Rooms sleep one participant, with a double bed (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).
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Included:
2 nights’ accommodation at Castle & Ball Coaching Inn, in Marlborough.
A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.
Guided walks on 2 days (Day 2 and Day 3).
A hearty cooked breakfast each morning, prepared by the accommodation.
Bedding and a towel - but don’t forget your own toiletries.
The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.
Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.
Not included:
Travel to and from the meeting location.
Dinner each evening - we’ll have a table booked at the accommodation to enjoy dinner as a group and you can purchase whatever you fancy from the menu available.
Alcoholic drinks - the accommodation has a licensed bar if you wish to purchase alcohol.
Packed Lunches - We will pop to a local bakery / shop for you to purchase whatever packed lunch you wish.
Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.
Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.
Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.
Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.
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Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.
The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.
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• What level of fitness is needed?
This trip is graded as Leisurely.
Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.
• Will the walk be cancelled if there is poor weather or it’s raining?
No, this walk will go ahead regardless of the weather forecast, as long as the weather conditions are assessed as safe. Please make sure you have all the items from the Compulsory Kit List (see section above).• Can I attend on my own?
Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.• What transport is provided during this trip?
Pickup and return from and back to Colchester Train Station and travel during the trip - see the Meeting Location & Time section above (optional).• Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.
Car-Free
This trip is part of our Car-Free Experiences collection, offering stress-free walking weekends and holidays with pick-ups from local train stations and all transport during the trip included. Perfect for those without a car or who prefer not to drive!
A field in flower in the North Wessex Downs.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape
The North Wessex Downs is a designated National Landscape, celebrated for its rolling chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and quintessentially English villages. This protected area stretches across several counties, including Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire, and offers a diverse mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The landscape is characterised by its sweeping views, hidden valleys, and historical landmarks, making it an ideal destination for walkers seeking both tranquillity and discovery. From picturesque market towns like Marlborough to the winding Kennet and Avon Canal, the North Wessex Downs provides a backdrop steeped in charm and serenity. Whether you're exploring open chalk grasslands, shaded woodland paths, or ridge-top trails, this is a region that invites you to slow down and connect with nature.
This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.