Attractions and Places To See around Upavon - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Upavon include a blend of historical sites, natural features, and ancient monuments. Situated on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain, the village is enhanced by the River Avon. The area offers opportunities for exploring chalk downland and significant historical landmarks.
Best attractions and places to see around Upavon
- The most popular attractions is Stonehenge, a historical site that is one of the most famous sites globally. It is a megalithic structure formed by several concentric stone circles.
- Another must-see spot is Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre, a man-made monument. These blocks of sandstone are found in large numbers in England, with the most famous examples located here.
- Visitors also love Woodhenge, a Neolithic Class II henge and timber circle monument. This site was probably built around 2300 BC as a large burial mound.
- Upavon is known for its historical sites, natural features, and ancient monuments. The area offers a variety of sites, from Iron Age settlements to listed buildings and scenic river walks.
- The attractions around Upavon are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 360 upvotes and more than 400 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Stonehenge
Highlight • Historical Site
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Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre
Highlight • Monument
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Woodhenge
Highlight • Monument
The site is managed by English Heritage and free to visit. You can visit anytime during daylight hours. More information: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/woodhenge
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Walkers Hill
Highlight • Natural Monument
Adam's Grave is the most notable – a Neolithic long barrow. There are cross dykes (prehistoric earthworks), tumuli and ditches littered about the hillside too, typical of Wiltshire's ancient land. Just to the northwest lies the Alton Barnes white horse, cut in 1812.
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Cursus Barrows
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Tips from the Community
Why exactly there? Archaeologists suspect several reasons: Line of sight From the mounds, there is a direct view of Stonehenge. Sacred landscape The entire plain was a ritual area with paths, graves, and ceremonial sites. Status symbol Important people were buried near the famous sanctuary. Interesting fact There are over 300 burial mounds in the vicinity of Stonehenge – one of the largest prehistoric burial landscapes in Europe.
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Here is a simple overview map explaining the landscape south of Stonehenge and why the burial mounds are located there. Landscape south of Stonehenge The most important range of mounds is called Normanton Down Barrows. It lies about 1 km south of Stonehenge. There are over 40 burial mounds there, dating from 2600–1600 BC. The mounds are situated on a long ridge that faces directly towards Stonehenge. Simplified diagram of the location North ↑ Stonehenge ○ | | approx. 1 km | ───────────────── Hill ridge with many burial mounds (Normanton Down) ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ↓ South Important hills there One particularly famous burial mound is Bush Barrow A richly furnished grave of a Bronze Age prince, containing gold objects and weapons, was found there.
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It's unbelievable what people have achieved and built in the past (without any technology) - it's simply impressive and breathtaking
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Can someone please be happy/laughing with me that Google Translate turns Amy's "henge and timber monument" into "Denkmal für Hühner 🐔" in German? - Great 😂😂😂
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Adam’s Grave on Walker's Hill in Alton, the most dramatically located Neolithic long barrow in Wiltshire and the site of battles in 592 and 715. The area surrounding Walker's Hill is pitted and speckled with barrows and ditches of many sizes and shapes.
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To the south lies a group of burial mounds called the Cursus Barrows. The footpath to the impressive stone circle leads across the fields with the burial mounds, which can be clearly seen and are well explained on a display board. Bone remains and various beads were found in the graves.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Upavon?
Upavon and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit Stonehenge, a world-famous megalithic structure, and Woodhenge, a Neolithic timber circle monument. Within the village, explore St Mary's Church, a Grade I listed building dating back to 1308, and the historic Trenchard Lines, a former Royal Flying Corps base considered the birthplace of the RAF. The Iron Age settlement of Casterley Camp, the original site of Upavon, also offers a glimpse into ancient history.
What natural features and viewpoints are there near Upavon?
The River Avon flows through Upavon, providing scenic views and opportunities for riverside walks. The village is situated on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain and to the south of the Vale of Pewsey, offering expansive views of chalk downland. For exceptional vistas, visit Walkers Hill, which provides panoramic views of the Vale of Pewsey and surrounding downland.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Upavon area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Stonehenge offers a visitor centre with exhibitions and Neolithic houses. At the Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre, you can even test your strength against one of these massive stones. Woodhenge is another fascinating site for all ages. Additionally, spotting the unique Upavon Dragon chalk hill figure and enjoying walks along the River Avon are popular family activities.
Are there hiking trails around Upavon?
Upavon is an excellent starting point for exploring the Wiltshire countryside on foot. You can find various hiking trails, including easy and moderate options. For detailed routes and maps, explore the Hiking around Upavon guide, which features routes like the easy 'The Dove, Enford – River Avon in East Chisenbury loop'.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Upavon?
Yes, the area around Upavon offers mountain biking opportunities. The MTB Trails around Upavon guide provides several routes, including moderate options like the 'Stonehenge – Gravel Track Near Stonehenge loop' and more challenging rides such as the 'Woodland Singletrack Path – Salisbury Plain Perimeter Path loop'.
What running routes are available around Upavon?
For runners, there are several trails to enjoy. The Running Trails around Upavon guide lists routes like the 'Running loop from Upavon Airfield' and the 'Upavon Hill loop from Upavon', offering moderate to difficult options through the scenic landscape.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
The Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre is noted as being wheelchair-accessible, providing an opportunity for all visitors to engage with this significant historical element.
When is the best time to visit Upavon for outdoor activities?
Upavon's natural beauty, particularly the River Avon and surrounding chalk downland, makes it appealing for outdoor activities throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and exploring historical sites. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage.
Where can I find local amenities like pubs or shops in Upavon?
Upavon village has essential amenities for visitors. You'll find a Village Shop with a Post Office for supplies. For refreshments and a taste of local character, consider visiting the historic pubs like The Antelope Inn (dating to 1765) and The Ship Inn (early 18th century), both of which are listed buildings.
What are the Cursus Barrows and where can I find them?
The Cursus Barrows are a Neolithic and Bronze Age round barrow cemetery located mostly south of the western end of the Stonehenge Cursus. This ancient burial site features around 18 barrows scattered along an east-to-west ridge, offering a fascinating historical landscape to explore. They are visible from the footpath between the Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Stonehenge.
What is the Upavon Dragon?
The Upavon Dragon is a unique chalk hill figure located in the local landscape. This stylized dragon dates back to the late 19th century and adds a captivating and distinctive element to the area's natural features, making it an interesting point of interest during walks.
What is special about Trenchard Lines (formerly RAF Upavon)?
Trenchard Lines, located just east of Upavon, holds significant historical importance as a former Royal Flying Corps (RFC) base established around 1912. It became home to the RFC Central Flying School and is considered the birthplace of the Royal Air Force. While now an administrative center, the airfield is still occasionally used by the RAF and for glider training, with several Grade II listed buildings on site.
Most popular attractions around Upavon
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