LONDON ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
In the Shadow of Stones: A Private Day Through Avebury, West Kennet and Silbury Hill
A 10-hour private tour that walks Britain’s largest stone circle, a monumental Neolithic long barrow and Silbury Hill with a knowledgeable driver-guide for a flexible, door-to-door experience.
In the Shadow of Stones: A Private Day Through Avebury, West Kennet and Silbury Hill.
This private, full-day outing visits some of Britain’s most enigmatic prehistoric sites—Avebury’s vast stone circle, the Neolithic chambers of West Kennet and the artificial chalk mound of Silbury Hill—woven together with a stop in the picturesque market town of Marlborough and led by a driver-guide who tailors the day to your interests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Avebury Stone Circle — the largest megalithic circle
Avebury contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the world; constructed over many centuries from about 2850 BC to 2200 BC, its huge circular bank incorporates part of Avebury village and forms a central feature of the World Heritage Site shared with Stonehenge.
West Kennet Long Barrow — a silent chambered tomb
One of Britain’s largest Neolithic chambered tombs, West Kennet was built around 3650 BC and used briefly for collective burial—nearly fifty people were interred there before the chambers were blocked—set on a prominent chalk ridge near Silbury Hill.
Silbury Hill — a monumental artificial mound
Silbury Hill is a prehistoric artificial chalk mound that forms part of the World Heritage Site; built over roughly 100 years from about 2470 BC, it compares in height and volume to some Egyptian pyramids and deepens the mystery of the sacred landscape around Avebury.
What the day feels like
How the Day Feels
Over a ten-hour day you move deliberately from one major monument to the next: a parked luxury mini-van and a single driver-guide give the tour a private, flexible pace—explaining the archaeology at roadside viewpoints, escorting you to long barrows and banks, pausing for an independent lunch in Marlborough, and altering the sequence of stops to suit the group.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this day works best for—and who might want to choose differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs for approximately 10 hours. The standard pickup time is 8:00am; you may request a different pickup time when booking and the operator will collect you from a location you supply at booking.
Plan for a full day out: the guide will offer a number of lunch options on the day. Bring any personal items you need for a day of walking and independent visits.
Tours are private and operated by a driver-guide using the latest large luxury mini-vans; the itinerary can be adjusted on the day and the guide will advise where to meet after self-guided stops.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours.
What time does pickup happen?
The standard pickup time is 8:00am; if you need a different pickup time you can specify it in the special requests/comments section when booking.
Where will I be picked up?
The operator will pick you up from a location of your choosing; supply this information during booking.
Will the guide stay with us at every site?
The guide will stay with you at most locations but may not be able to guide you inside all venues; arrangements can be discussed with the guide on the day.
Is lunch provided?
For lunch the tour guide will happily give you a number of options to choose from on the day.
Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
Yes—the itinerary can be changed on the day to suit your needs; the tour is private and flexible.