Visitors to Avebury can look forward to a packed summer programme of family activities, archaeological discoveries and outdoor entertainment as one of Wiltshire’s most famous historic sites prepares for another busy holiday season.
Organised by National Trust, the events programme combines hands-on family fun with opportunities to delve deeper into the rich history and landscape of Avebury and the surrounding World Heritage Site.
Leading the summer offering is the return of Summer of Play, running daily from 23 July until 31 August. Included with normal admission, the programme is designed to encourage children and families to spend time outdoors through a mixture of traditional games, storytelling and creative activities.
Visitors can try their hand at classic fete favourites such as hoopla, skittles and tin can alley, while younger guests can enjoy story sessions, puppet theatre performances and arts and crafts inspired by the gardens and landscape.
For those keen to explore the area’s ancient past, a series of specialist archaeology walks will be led by renowned archaeologist Dr Nick Snashall.
On 20 July, the Discovering Untamed Avebury walk will take participants on a four-mile journey through some of the area’s best-known and lesser-known prehistoric sites. The guided walk will explore how the landscape may have appeared thousands of years ago, when wild animals roamed among chalk streams and the monumental stone circles were first being used.
The route includes views towards Silbury Hill as well as visits to Waden Hill, the Overton Hill Barrow Cemetery, Falkner’s Circle and the West Kennet Avenue before returning to the henge.
A second guided event, Behind the Scenes in the Stonehenge Landscape, takes place on 22 July and offers a rare opportunity to discover archaeological sites that are not regularly visited by the public.
Led by Dr Snashall alongside Lead Ranger Keith Steggall, the walk will examine both the archaeology and wildlife of the wider Stonehenge landscape. Participants will learn about conservation work taking place to protect ancient monuments while restoring species-rich chalk grassland, one of Britain’s rarest habitats.
Families looking for a more hands-on experience can attend the Festival of Archaeology Day on 28 July. The free event will transform visitors into archaeologists for the day, with sandpit excavations, clay tablet crafting, interactive history activities and heritage-themed challenges designed to engage children and adults alike.
The summer programme concludes with two evenings of open-air theatre in the gardens of Avebury Manor.
On 21 and 22 August, theatre company The Three Inch Fools will present King Arthur and the Holy Fail, a comic retelling of the legendary tale of Camelot. Known for their energetic and music-filled productions, the company promises an evening of medieval mishaps, unlikely heroes and family-friendly entertainment under the summer sky.
With activities ranging from traditional games and creative workshops to archaeological exploration and live theatre, the programme offers something for visitors of all ages while showcasing the unique heritage that continues to make Avebury one of Wiltshire’s most popular destinations.
