Amesbury

A small town close to Stonehenge (2 miles) and Woodhenge (1.5 miles), Amesbury is an attractive town close to the River Avon. There are many attractive Hotels, B&Bs, shops, restaurants and inns in the town or close by. The town has served the needs of travellers for centuries providing accommodation, a meal break or just a rest from driving. Amesbury offers one of the most convenient places to stop on the A303, being some 75 miles from London. Amesbury has some very attractive buildings to see, as well as a Museum which holds details of the town from Mesolithic times to the current day. To the South of the town lies Archers Gate, named after the Amesbury Archer who was found near there. A sculpture depicting the Archer stands in the arcade at Archers Gate. Amesbury offers many interesting walks both in the Stonehenge Landscape and close to the River Avon. Guides to these walks and information on other activities in and around the town can be found in the Community & Visitor Centre. Stonehenge is of course the closest attraction to Amesbury and the 2 mile walk across the historic landscape is both invigorating and interesting. Just to the north, Woodhenge – a Neolithic site which was first recognised through aerial photographs taken in 1925 is an equally interesting site to visit. Closer to the town is Lords Walk which gives you a combined unique view of the River Avon as well as a walk down the old Lime Tree way leading to the Abbey. Visit the Church where is housed a clock that is believed to have been built in the 15th Century for the Benedictine Abbey. Originally, it had neither hands nor a dial - its sole purpose was to herald the times of worship by announcing the hour. Take time to explore the beautiful Woodford Valley with its pretty thatched cottages and traditional pubs.