Press Release 16 May 2018
Amesbury - Historic Town and Home of Stonehenge
Amesbury is a bustling town, surrounded by an ancient landscape encompassing Stonehenge - a World Heritage Site which attracts over a million visitors a year.
The town itself has a rich history dating back at least to the Iron Age, when a large hill fort was built overlooking the River Avon.
In 2002 the grave of the famous Amesbury Archer was discovered during excavations. It contained the greatest number of Bronze Age artefacts ever found in Britain.
In 979 constructions of the first abbey began, although it was dissolved in 1177 and replaced with a double priory. The priory was later destroyed but the Parish Church survived.
The 1700s brought about the era of stagecoaches and turnpike roads. The George Inn and the former New Inn (now the site of Commilla House) were both staging posts on the busy route from London to the West Country.
The town’s proximity to Salisbury Plain’s military training area saw it expand and develop in the 1930s.
Things to see and do
Stonehenge stands impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance, a World Heritage Site, surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures and a must-see attraction for visitors. The Stonehenge visitor centre has museum-quality exhibitions, Neolithic houses, replica Sarsen stones plus a spacious gift shop and café.
The town’s Amesbury History Centre has a breath-taking Mesolithic collection which will amaze visitors with its story of the town.
Visitors may notice the Solstice Park Sculptures as they journey through the area including the mighty Ancestor sculpture, representing 10,000 years of life in the town. This award-winning public art series was a unique collaboration between Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival, QinetiQ at Boscombe Down, Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, Solstice Park and Natural England (2007- 2013). There is a Sculpture Trail leaflet available too.
The town 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.
Close 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 Abbey Church of St Mary and St Melor which houses 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.
Amesbury has its own weekly market on a Wednesday and is a great stopping point for travellers and visitors to Stonehenge and south Wiltshire.
Annual Events & Entertainment
Amesbury has a Carnival & Show in June, a Christmas market and marks the summer and winter solstices in June and December.
Where to Eat and Drink
There are a range of local food and drink restaurants and inns offering a wide range of cuisines and budgets including Solstice Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge. At nearby Durrington The Stonehenge Inn offers a superb carvery seven days a week.
Where to stay
It’s a popular area for visitors and as well as having local hotels, bed and breakfasts, the four-star hotel Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, at Solstice Park, has almost 100 bedrooms with free Wi-Fi and modern facilities. For a different style of accommodation choose from Cholderton Youth Hostel, Stonehenge Glamping Pods or Stonehenge Campsite all within easy reach of Amesbury.
Connectivity
Amesbury is just off the A303, 75 miles west of London and eight miles north of Salisbury on the A345. Salisbury Reds bus number X5 runs a 30-minute service from Salisbury through to Amesbury on its way to Swindon and the Stagecoach bus provides a 30-minute service from Andover through Amesbury. There is free parking and two coach spaces. Both Andover and Salisbury have rail connections from London through to Exeter.
What’s nearby?
Just to the north is Woodhenge – a Neolithic site which was first recognised through aerial photographs taken in 1925. Cholderton Charlie’s Farm is a fun attraction for all ages featuring rare farm breeds, hands on activities and kids play areas.
Don’t miss the 130m Bulford Kiwi which was carved into the hillside near Stonehenge by New Zealand troops waiting to be sent home after the end of World War I.
If you’re visiting Stonehenge and looking for a guided tour, try Salisbury and Stonehenge Guided Tours or Oldbury Tours or Amesbury Heritage Tours. Salisbury Plain Safaris will take you on a tailored tour based on one of several themes from wildlife to the military.
For further information please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/amesbury
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Note to editors: VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
For more information on Amesbury Town Council visit www.amesburytowncouncil.gov.uk
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