Places of power: magical and mystical places in English Wiltshire
April 11, 2025
Wiltshire, a picturesque county in southwest England, is a land full of mystery and unusual places that have fascinated scholars and spiritual seekers alike for centuries. It is here that you will find some of the world's most intriguing prehistoric monuments, which still inspire awe and make you reflect on times long gone. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the magical and mystical places of Wiltshire, which are sure to spark your imagination and allow you to feel the extraordinary atmosphere of this land.
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Avebury - the largest stone circle in Europe
Our journey through the magical places of Wiltshire will begin with Avebury, which is a true gem among prehistoric monuments. This remarkable site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, impresses with its vastness and mystery. Avebury is the largest stone circle in Europe, consisting of three concentric circles, the outer of which has an impressive diameter of 330 meters. Unlike the more famous Stonehenge, at Avebury you can freely approach the stones, touch them and feel their extraordinary energy.
The atmosphere of the place is truly unique. As one visitor noted: 'A wonderful and magical place. Beautiful views, you can really relax and take a break from everything. A lot of walking but worth it. I recommend'. Indeed, a walk around the stone circles is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity for contemplation and relaxation surrounded by the beautiful Wiltshir nature.
Interestingly, the village of Avebury was built inside a prehistoric complex, creating an unusual combination of the ancient and the present. Here you can find a charming pub, a souvenir store and a National Trust parking lot. One tourist shared his impression: 'Avebury, a charming little town with a huge historical treasure! Huge stone circles, much larger and older than the one at Stone Hange, it's like comparing a parish church to a cathedral!
For lovers of photography, Avebury is a real paradise. Huge boulders, mysterious avenues and old, twisted trees create an amazing backdrop for photos. Especially worth noting are the so-called 'druid trees' with their fancifully twisted roots. You will often see colorful ribbons and greeting cards on them, which adds an extra mystical charm to the place.
Avebury is accessible all year round and, importantly, admission to the stone circles is free. This makes it an excellent alternative to the crowded and expensive Stonehenge. However, remember to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes - the grounds are extensive and can sometimes be muddy.
Longleat and Old Sarum -. history and nature in one
Another remarkable place on the Wiltshire map is Longleat - a place that combines history, nature and entertainment. It is a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a safari park. Longleat House, which is the heart of the estate, is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in England. The palace's interiors impress with their rich ornamentation and collection of artwork.
But what really sets Longleat apart is the safari park - the first of its kind outside Africa. As one visitor noted: 'You can have an interesting time with children of all ages. The place prepared sensationally'. Another tourist added: 'Sensational place, animals well taken care of, they have a lot of space to themselves. In the safari park you can see lions, tigers, wolves and even feed giraffes from the car window. It's an unforgettable experience, especially for the little ones.
Longleat also offers many other attractions, such as a maze, a train, playgrounds and birds of prey shows. However, it is worth remembering that one day may not be enough to see everything. As one visitor advises: 'Super place, unfortunately one day is not enough to fully see all the attractions.
Moving on to Old Sarum, we are transported back to even earlier times. It's a fascinating place that has witnessed the turbulent history of England from the Iron Age, through the time of the Romans and into the Middle Ages. Old Sarum is the ruins of a former castle and cathedral, located on a hill with impressive views of the surrounding countryside.
One visitor notes, 'Seemingly unimpressive after visiting Stonehenge but it's a very interesting place. Very English, green grass and old stone walls, large grounds'. Old Sarum is an ideal place for history and photography lovers. The ruins of the castle and the cathedral, surrounded by massive ramparts, create an amazing scenery, especially at sunset.
It's worth noting that Old Sarum is much less crowded than Stonehenge, allowing for quiet sightseeing and contemplation of history. As another tourist notes: 'Being in the area is worth seeing. There is a gift store on the premises, and special attractions for children include medieval costumes and weaponry, allowing them to travel back in time and feel the atmosphere of the old ages.
West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary - secrets of the Neolithic
Our journey through Wiltshire's magical places would not be complete without a visit to West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary. These two remarkable sites allow us to look even deeper into England's prehistoric past.
West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the best preserved and longest Neolithic passage tombs in Britain. Built around 3600 BC, it is older than Stonehenge and Avebury. What sets West Kennet Long Barrow apart is the ability to enter the tomb's interior. As one visitor noted: 'Cool that you can go in and see a piece of what it looked like it's really worth seeing the place.
Entering the tomb is an extraordinary experience that allows us to literally touch history. Another tourist shared his impressions: 'A fascinating journey through time. Visiting this captivating object is like entering a time capsule. (...) The enormity of its existence, spanning thousands of years, is breathtaking.' This place makes you reflect on the passing of time and leaves an indelible impression.
West Kennet Long Barrow also offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The walk to the tomb can be a bit challenging, especially in rainy weather, but the views and atmosphere of the site more than make up for the effort. It's worth remembering to have appropriate footwear and a camera - the landscapes here are truly picturesque.
The Sanctuary, while less well-known than Wiltshire's other prehistoric sights, is equally fascinating. It is the site of what was once a huge wooden circle, connected by a stone alley to the complex at Avebury. Today we can only see markers where wooden posts and stones once stood, but the atmosphere of the place is still remarkable.
One visitor to The Sanctuary noted: 'This is part of the Avebury complex, probably the beginning of the boardwalk leading to the circles, and is very accessible and nicely maintained by the National Trust. This site perfectly adds to the knowledge of Wiltshire's prehistoric complexes and gives a better understanding of the scale and significance of these ancient structures.
The Sanctuary also offers great views of the surrounding hills, including nearby Silbury Hill - the largest prehistoric mound in Europe. This is an ideal place for contemplation and photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light adds a magical touch to the landscape.
Both West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary are free to visit year-round. This makes them an excellent complement to a visit to Wiltshire's more famous attractions. However, it's worth remembering that these are open-air sites, so be prepared accordingly for the weather conditions.
All in all, Wiltshire is a veritable treasure trove of magical and mystical sites. From the monumental stone circles of Avebury, to the fascinating Longleat and Old Sarum, to mysterious Neolithic monuments like West Kennet Long Barrow and The Sanctuary, each of these places offers unique experiences and unforgettable impressions. Whether you're a history buff, a seeker of spiritual experiences, or simply love beautiful scenery, Wiltshire has something for everyone. Take this extraordinary journey back in time and discover the magic of English prehistory!
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