Amesbury and Stonehenge

Amesbury was first settled around 8820 BC, which makes it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the United Kingdom and the area surrounding the town is home to many of Britain’s most important archaeological sites. 

Stonehenge is Amesbury’s most famous site and other sites in the area include Woodhenge and important artefacts have been found at nearby Durrington Walls and Boscombe Down. The most well-known of these artefacts include the Amesbury Archer and the Boscombe Bowmen, which are on display in the Salisbury Museum. 

Although mostly known for its neolithic history, the Amesbury landscape has also unearthed relics from Iron Age and Roman settlements and it is also associated with Arthurian legend with King Arthur’s wife Guinevere said to have retired to a convent in Amesbury.

It is the closest town to Stonehenge and it is a convenient base for exploring the site if you’re driving. However, Salisbury is a better base for visiting Stonehenge if you’re travelling by public transport.

Sights and activities in Amesbury

Places to stay in Amesbury