Our journey begins with the most recognizable prehistoric monument in Europe - Stonehenge. This stone circle, erected some 5,000 years ago, still fascinates today with its monumentality and precision workmanship. Stonehenge, located on Salisbury Plain, is not only a remarkable engineering achievement, but also a site of great spiritual and astronomical significance.

Visiting Stonehenge is a true trip back in time. The state-of-the-art visitor center offers interactive exhibitions that explore the history and significance of the site. Of note are the reconstructions of Neolithic houses, which give an idea of the daily life of Stonehenge's builders.

Stonehenge itself is very impressive, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light penetrates between the megaliths, creating an amazing play of shadows. Although you can no longer approach the stones directly, a specially designed path allows you to see the monument in detail from different perspectives.

Stonehenge attracts thousands of tourists every year, so it is worth planning a visit in advance. Ticket prices range from £19.50 to £22.80 for adults (as of 2023), with free admission for English Heritage and National Trust members. The facility is available year-round, but opening hours vary by season.

For families with children, Stonehenge offers special educational programs and discovery tasks to help little ones understand the significance of this remarkable site. This is a great opportunity to ignite children's passion for history and archaeology.

Just 40 kilometers north of Stonehenge is an equally fascinating, though lesser-known monument - Avebury. This prehistoric site includes the world's largest stone circle, surrounding an entire village. Unlike Stonehenge, at Avebury you can walk freely between the megaliths, giving you an unforgettable experience and bringing you into closer contact with history.

The Avebury complex consists of a huge earthen rampart, 420 meters in diameter, inside which is a stone circle. Inside the main circle, traces of two smaller ones have been discovered. The whole forms an impressive maze of stones and earthen structures, the purpose of which remains a mystery to this day.

Visiting Avebury is not only about seeing the stone circles. Nearby is the Alexander Keiller Museum, which presents the fascinating history of the excavations and discoveries made at the site. Admission to the museum costs about £5 for adults (prices as of 2023), and the tour of the stone circles itself is free.

For families with children, Avebury offers more freedom than Stonehenge. Children can run among the stones, touch them and imagine what life was like for prehistoric people. The National Trust regularly holds workshops and educational events here, which are a great opportunity to learn through play.

Compared to Stonehenge, Avebury is less crowded and offers a more intimate atmosphere. It's an ideal place for those who want to quietly contemplate history and enjoy the picturesque Wiltshire landscape. It's worth planning a day trip here to have time to thoroughly explore the complex and surrounding attractions.

Our UNESCO trail trip in Hampshire would not be complete without a visit to two other fascinating sites: Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. These lesser-known but equally intriguing sights complete the picture of the region's prehistoric landscape.

Silbury Hill, located just 2 kilometers from Avebury, is the largest prehistoric mound in Europe. Erected some 4,600 years ago, it is 40 meters high and covers an area of 2 hectares. The purpose of its construction remains a mystery, which only adds to the mystery of the place. Although you can't climb the mound to protect its structure, the view from the nearby path is truly impressive. Admission to Silbury Hill is free, making it an attractive option for families on a tight budget.

West Kennet Long Barrow, about 1.5 kilometers from Silbury Hill, is one of the best-preserved passage tombs in Britain. Built around 3600 BC, it was used as a burial site for more than 1,000 years. Unlike Silbury Hill, the West Kennet Long Barrow can be entered and its interior explored. It's an extraordinary experience, allowing you to feel the spirit of the Neolithic period. Admission is free and the tour takes about an hour.

Comparing these sites with Stonehenge and Avebury, it's worth noting that they offer a more intimate atmosphere and an opportunity to get closer to prehistory. They are less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful visit and reflection. For families with children, it's a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of Neolithic life - from ceremonial buildings to burial practices.

When planning a trip, it's worth remembering that all of these sites are in relatively close proximity to each other. They can be visited in a day or two, creating a fascinating tour of the prehistoric Hampshire landscape. It's also worth paying attention to the weather - these sites are most beautiful on sunny days, when the light highlights the shapes of the stones and mounds.

Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hampshire is not only a history lesson, but also an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Each of these sites tells a different story, allowing us to better understand the lives, beliefs and achievements of our Neolithic ancestors. It is a journey that will remain in the memory for a long time, inspiring further exploration of the mysteries of the past.