Durrington Walls
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Durrington Walls

4.4
·48 reviews·Amesbury, United Kingdom

A vast Neolithic henge monument and ceremonial site, once a bustling hub for feasts and rituals connected to Stonehenge.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Durrington Walls

Durrington Walls

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vast Neolithic henge monument and ceremonial site, once a bustling hub for feasts and rituals connected to Stonehenge.

4.4
(48 reviews)

"Walk the massive banks and ditches of this ancient ceremonial center, imagining feasts and rituals."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on grassy, uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the earthworks! :athletic_shoe:

Bring Your Own Snacks

Facilities are limited. Pack food and drinks, especially if visiting during off-peak hours or for an extended stay. :apple:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Enclosure

The Great Enclosure

The main circular earthwork

Walk the massive banks and ditches of this Neolithic ceremonial center, imagining ancient feasts and rituals.

Reconstructed Neolithic Houses

Reconstructed Neolithic Houses

Near Woodhenge

Step back in time in these authentic reconstructions, offering a glimpse into daily life thousands of years ago.

Woodhenge

Woodhenge

Adjacent to Durrington Walls

Explore the site of a former timber circle, a significant part of the ritual landscape surrounding Stonehenge.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Durrington Walls

Durrington Walls is an open landscape, best enjoyed during daylight hours. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid peak summer crowds and enjoy milder weather for exploring the earthworks. Check local event listings for any special solstice gatherings, which can be atmospheric but also very busy.

Understanding the Site

Durrington Walls is primarily an ancient earthwork, not a built structure like Stonehenge. It's a vast henge monument with large banks and ditches. While there are no entry fees as it's managed by the National Trust, be prepared for an outdoor experience with limited facilities. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the grassy terrain.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden light, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Happy Equinox Earthlings #equinox #earthlings #folklore #sun #moon #solstice #History #behindthescenes #worldheritage #facts #dontmiss #happyplace #neolithic #DidYouKnow #epic #neolithicwan #wally #bucketlist #stonehenge #amesbury #wilton #salisbury #shrewton #larkhill #durrington #wiltshire #hampshire #london #dorset #bournemouth #southampton #england #onceinalifetime #happyvibes #peace #Love #su...
@neolithicwan
3.3K likes • 78.2K views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on grassy, uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the earthworks! :athletic_shoe:

Bring Your Own Snacks

Facilities are limited. Pack food and drinks, especially if visiting during off-peak hours or for an extended stay. :apple:

#stonhenge #History #curiosidades
@josevidalcarrionpastor
352 likes • 19.1K views
Step inside a cosy Neolithic house and discover how people lived thousands of years ago! 🛖✨ These reconstructed dwellings are based on archaeological evidence from Durrington Walls - a nearby Neolithic settlement. They may have been occupied for 50 to 100 years around 2500 BCE, the very time the massive Sarsen stones were being raised at Stonehenge. —— Video description: A collection of videos...
stonehenge
1.7K likes • 16.3K views

Imagine the Past

Information boards can be damaged. Use your imagination to picture the feasts and ceremonies that took place here. :thought_balloon:

Combine with Stonehenge

Durrington Walls is just a short drive from Stonehenge, making it easy to visit both in one trip. :car:

Gravel Riding Through History: Durrington Walls 🗿⁠ .⁠ 📺 Full Video LIVE NOW on our #YouTube! 🎬⁠ ⁠ 🔍Cycling the Forgotten Trails of Stonehenge (Summer Solstice Gravel Epic)⁠ .⁠ 🔗👉LINK IN BIO👈🔗⁠ .⁠ #globalcyclingnetwork #hottech #biketech #gcn
globalcyclingnetwork
1.2K likes • 59.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking on grassy, uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear is a must for exploring the earthworks! :athletic_shoe:

Bring Your Own Snacks

Facilities are limited. Pack food and drinks, especially if visiting during off-peak hours or for an extended stay. :apple:

Imagine the Past

Information boards can be damaged. Use your imagination to picture the feasts and ceremonies that took place here. :thought_balloon:

Combine with Stonehenge

Durrington Walls is just a short drive from Stonehenge, making it easy to visit both in one trip. :car:

Respect the Landscape

This is a protected World Heritage Site. Stick to paths and avoid disturbing the ancient earthworks. :evergreen_tree:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(48 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Durrington Walls for its impressive ancient earthworks and the insightful reconstructed Neolithic houses, offering a tangible connection to the past. While some note that information boards can be damaged and facilities are limited, the overall experience is described as beautiful and historically significant, especially when combined with nearby Woodhenge and Stonehenge.

"Beautiful summer day. Woodhenge and Durrington Walls looking resplendent but spoilt by tatty caravan in the tiny carpark with dogs running free and a strong whiff of exotic tobacco. Shame, what should have been a lovely visit spoilt."

Jacqui Hutchins

"If you are facing Woodhenge and it's display, simply turn around and walk to the other side of the small road. That field with a curvature on the side is Durrington Walls.

It belongs to National Trust, there is no entry fee. It is kind of in the middle of nowhere.

You can walk around the circle. There are some very interesting displays around, which help to imagine what could have happened here few thousands years ago.

Stonehenge is 10 minutes drive from here."

Kay B

"Earthworks next to Woodhenge. The banks are still massive after all this time. Amazing. Worth a visit. Beautiful place."

Claire Downs

What People Like

Impressive earthworks
Reconstructed houses
Peaceful landscape

What People Dislike

Damaged information boards
Limited facilities
Tatty caravan nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Durrington Walls is located near Amesbury in Wiltshire. It's best accessed by car, with a small National Trust car park available near Woodhenge. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended for ease of access. It's a short drive from Salisbury and Stonehenge. TikTok

No, Durrington Walls is very close to Stonehenge, approximately a 10-minute drive away. Many visitors combine a trip to both sites in a single day. TikTok

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the area, especially for those interested in the historical landscape. There are cycling routes that pass through Durrington Walls, offering a unique perspective. Instagram

There is a small National Trust car park located near Woodhenge, which is adjacent to Durrington Walls. It can get busy during peak times. Reddit

Public transport to Durrington Walls is not extensive. While buses may run to nearby Amesbury, you would likely need a taxi or a significant walk from the nearest bus stop. Driving is the most convenient option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee for Durrington Walls as it is managed by the National Trust and is an open landscape. You can explore the earthworks freely. Reddit

As an open landscape, Durrington Walls is accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there is sufficient light to appreciate the earthworks. Reddit

No, Durrington Walls is free to enter and explore. It's a public access area managed by the National Trust. Reddit

While the landscape is technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the lack of lighting and the potential for uneven terrain. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours. TikTok

Visitors are asked to respect the ancient landscape, stay on marked paths where possible, and not disturb the earthworks. Dogs are permitted but should be kept under control. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Durrington Walls is a vast Neolithic henge monument characterized by large circular banks and ditches. You can also see reconstructed Neolithic houses and the site of Woodhenge, a former timber circle. TikTokInstagram

Allow at least 1-2 hours to walk around the main enclosure and visit the reconstructed houses. If you're combining it with Woodhenge and Stonehenge, plan for a half-day or full-day excursion. Reddit

Facilities are very limited. There are no cafes or dedicated toilet blocks directly at Durrington Walls. You may find some facilities at nearby Stonehenge or in Amesbury. Reddit

The terrain is primarily grassy fields with large, undulating earthworks (banks and ditches). It can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is essential. Reddit

Yes, dogs are welcome at Durrington Walls, but they must be kept on a lead, especially around livestock and to protect the archaeological remains. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The sweeping views of the earthworks, especially from the top of the banks, offer great photographic opportunities. The reconstructed houses also make for interesting shots, and the surrounding countryside provides a picturesque backdrop. TikTok

Absolutely. The vastness of the henge and the rolling Wiltshire landscape make it ideal for landscape photography, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram

Drone usage may be restricted in World Heritage Sites. It's advisable to check with the National Trust or relevant authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with regulations. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light (golden hour) provides the most dramatic and flattering light for photographing the earthworks and the landscape. TikTok

The prominent circular banks and ditches of the henge itself are the main photographic subjects. The reconstructed houses and the nearby Woodhenge also offer unique photo opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Durrington Walls offers a fantastic opportunity for families to engage with history in an open, natural setting. The reconstructed Neolithic houses are a highlight, allowing children to step into a prehistoric home and spark their imagination. Instagram The vast open spaces are perfect for kids to run around (under supervision, of course!), and the large earthworks provide an exciting landscape to explore. Encourage them to imagine the ancient feasts and ceremonies that took place here. TikTok+1 Remember to bring plenty of snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and hikers, Durrington Walls offers a peaceful and historically rich environment. The expansive landscape provides ample opportunity for contemplative walks and enjoying the tranquility of the Wiltshire countryside. Instagram You can easily spend a few hours exploring the earthworks and imagining the lives of the Neolithic people. Reddit Consider combining your visit with a cycle ride through the area for a more immersive experience. Instagram The lack of crowds during off-peak times makes it ideal for a quiet, personal exploration of this ancient site. TikTok

🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers

Durrington Walls is a perfect stop for road trippers and day-trippers looking to experience a significant part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Its proximity to Stonehenge makes it an easy addition to any itinerary. TikTok The site is easily accessible by car, with a convenient parking area near Woodhenge. Reddit You can explore the main features within a couple of hours, making it ideal for a shorter stop or as part of a longer day of sightseeing in the region. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Neolithic Feasting Ground

Durrington Walls was a major ceremonial site for the people who built Stonehenge, likely used for large gatherings and feasts. Archaeological evidence, including an astonishing number of animal bones, suggests massive celebrations took place here, particularly around the winter solstice. TikTok+1 Researchers have found over 80,000 animal bones, indicating a scale of feasting disproportionate to the estimated resident population. TikTok These events were likely crucial social and ritualistic occasions, connecting communities from across the region. TikTok

These gatherings were not just about food; they were deeply intertwined with the construction and purpose of Stonehenge. It's believed that the people who built Stonehenge lived in settlements like Durrington Walls, gathering to celebrate and perform rituals before returning to their work on the great stone circle. Instagram The sheer volume of food consumed points to a highly organized society capable of coordinating large-scale events. TikTok

The reconstructed Neolithic houses offer a tangible connection to the lives of these ancient people. Instagram Stepping inside these dwellings, based on archaeological findings from Durrington Walls, provides a vivid sense of what daily life might have been like for the builders of Stonehenge. Instagram It's a powerful reminder that these monumental structures were built by communities with complex social lives and traditions. TikTok

Exploring the Earthworks

The most striking feature of Durrington Walls is its immense circular earthwork, a henge monument consisting of a large bank and ditch. This impressive structure, dating back to the Neolithic period, would have been a significant focal point for ancient ceremonies and gatherings. TikTok Walking along the top of the banks offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and allows you to truly appreciate the scale of this ancient construction. Reddit

The sheer size of the earthworks, still massive after thousands of years, is awe-inspiring. Reddit These banks and ditches were not just decorative; they served a clear purpose in defining the sacred space and perhaps controlling access to the ritualistic activities taking place within. TikTok The curvature of the land, as noted by visitors, is a key indicator of the henge's form. Reddit

While the information boards providing context can sometimes be damaged, the physical presence of the earthworks speaks volumes. Reddit It's a place that encourages contemplation and imagination, allowing you to connect with the distant past and the people who shaped this landscape. TikTok

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