Visitors can explore some of Avebury’s most important historic sites for free this Friday and Saturday as Heritage Open Days return to the World Heritage Site.
Avebury Manor, its gardens and the Alexander Keiller Museum will all be offering free entry on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September, from 10am to 5pm.
There will also be free guided tours of the famous Avebury stone circles, although places are subject to availability. Visitors can enquire at the Visitor Reception in the barn on arrival.
Avebury Manor itself opens from 11am, with last entry at 4pm.
The Grade I listed building tells the story of the people who have lived and worked there over the centuries, from Tudor courtiers and farming families to archaeologists, servants and children.
There are also spaces for younger visitors to play, read and explore.
The neighbouring Avebury Manor Garden will be another attraction, with its series of individual ‘rooms’, each designed with a different character.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the garden’s annual sculpture exhibition, which brings together more than 20 artists. Their work is displayed among the seasonal planting and the sculptures and artworks are available to buy.
The Alexander Keiller Museum offers an opportunity to delve further into Avebury’s archaeological history.
Its collections include finds from across the Avebury section of the World Heritage Site, charting its history from the construction of the stone circles more than 4,500 years ago through the medieval period and into the 20th century.
The museum also explores the work of Alexander Keiller, whose archaeological investigations and restoration work played a major role in shaping the Avebury site visitors see today.
With the manor, gardens, museum and stone circles all within the World Heritage Site, the Heritage Open Days weekend offers visitors the chance to explore a substantial part of Avebury’s history without an admission charge.
Further information is available from the National Trust’s Avebury website.
