Name: Silbury Hill
Rating: 5.0

Silbury Hill

West Kennett, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QH, UK

1-99 Years

Description

The largest artificial mound in Europe, mysterious Silbury Hill compares in height and volume to the roughly contemporary Egyptian pyramids. Probably completed in around 2400 BC, it apparently contains no burial. Though clearly important in itself, its purpose and significance remain unknown.

Silbury Hill is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The best way to explore Avebury and its various sites is on foot. You should wear appropriate footwear and prepare for the weather.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Silbury Hill: Silbury Hill is the largest artificial prehistoric mound in Europe. Probably built over a short period between about 2470 and 2350 BC, it is one of the most intriguing monuments in the prehistoric landscape of the Avebury World Heritage Site. We do not know its purpose, or its meaning for the late Neolithic people who built it, but its enduring presence in the landscape has inspired myths and legends as people have sought to explain its purpose.
Origins and Construction: Silbury Hill stands 30 metres high and 160 metres wide, and its construction is estimated to have involved about 4 million man hours of work. Half a million tonnes of material, mostly chalk, were used to create it.
The Neolithic Landscape: No one knows why Silbury Hill was built, but we do know that it was during a time of great change, when new forms of pottery, new burial rites and the first metal-working arrived in Britain. It must have been a special place, where people gathered for events and episodes of building.
Roman and Medieval Use: The story of Silbury Hill does not end in prehistory. A recent geophysical survey has shown that the Romans chose to build a road and an extensive settlement around the foot of the mound.
An Unfortunate Legacy: This intriguing mound has long been an archaeological enigma. No doubt spurred on by stories of rich burials, antiquarians and archaeologists have dug at least three separate tunnels into the centre.

Facilities

Parking: There is free parking for around 15 cars. There are no designated disabled spaces and unfortunately it cannot accommodate coaches or minibuses.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: West Kennett, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QH, UK

Post Code: SN8 1QH

Council: Wiltshire

County: Wiltshire

Road Access: 6 miles / 10 km west of Marlborough, 1 mile / 1.6 km west of West Kennett on A4.
Bus Access: The nearest bus stops are Avebury and West Kennett, both approx. 1 mile / 1.6 km walk to Silbury Hill. Stagecoach West Bus 49 operates from Swindon via Avebury to Trowbridge. Swindon’s Bus Company Bus 42 operates an infrequent service from Marlborough via Avebury to Calne - Mon to Sat 5 journeys, Suns no service.
Train Access: Swindon (14 miles / 22 km) and Trowbridge (19.5 miles / 31 km). both connect with bus 49 for Avebury. Pewsey Station (10 miles / 16 km) is closer to Silbury Hill, but there are no bus connections available.
Parking: There is free parking for around 15 cars. There are no designated disabled spaces and unfortunately it cannot accommodate coaches or minibuses.