Silbury Hill
Europe's largest prehistoric man-made mound, a colossal chalk structure shrouded in mystery and ancient wonder.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical atmosphere
Silbury Hill
Best Time
Magical atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest prehistoric man-made mound, a colossal chalk structure shrouded in mystery and ancient wonder.
"It might not be the most impressive monument to look upon, but its importance is absolutely unprecedented. "
🚗 Free Parking Available
A dedicated, free car park makes accessing the viewing area easy.
🚶 Short Walk to Viewpoint
Just a few minutes' walk from the car park to the informative viewing platform.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Mound
Central Silbury Hill
Europe's largest prehistoric man-made mound, a colossal chalk structure shrouded in mystery.
Viewing Platform
Adjacent to the mound
A designated area offering clear views and informative boards about Silbury Hill's history.
Surrounding Landscape
Around Silbury Hill
Explore the ancient pathways and natural beauty that surround this iconic Neolithic monument.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Monument: No Climbing Allowed
Combine with Avebury for a Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Available
A dedicated, free car park makes accessing the viewing area easy.
🚶 Short Walk to Viewpoint
Just a few minutes' walk from the car park to the informative viewing platform.
✨ Embrace the Mystery
The purpose of Silbury Hill remains unknown, adding to its enigmatic allure.
📸 Capture the Mist
Visit early for a chance to see the hill enveloped in atmospheric mist.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Available
A dedicated, free car park makes accessing the viewing area easy.
🚶 Short Walk to Viewpoint
Just a few minutes' walk from the car park to the informative viewing platform.
✨ Embrace the Mystery
The purpose of Silbury Hill remains unknown, adding to its enigmatic allure.
📸 Capture the Mist
Visit early for a chance to see the hill enveloped in atmospheric mist.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the viewing area and potentially exploring nearby sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Silbury Hill to be a historically significant and awe-inspiring monument, appreciating its scale and the mystery surrounding its purpose. While the inability to climb the mound is noted, the accessible viewing area and free entry are appreciated. Many recommend combining it with nearby ancient sites for a richer experience.
"Well yes it's a hill and we'll yes we don't know a lot about it. This is true. Built around 2400 BC so Bronze Age this amazing artificial mound, the tallest in Europe is 30 metres high. You can't climb it anymore for it's own protection but a dedicated, free, carpark has been provided which is super easy to access and there is a nice viewing area with two sets of pretty informative information boards. It might not be the mist impressive monument to look upon bits importance is absolutely unprecedented and it's a privilege to be even a tiny part of this monuments history. If your touring the local monuments anyway add this, it's only 3 minutes from Avebury."
Rik
"Historial hill that was human made years and years ago. You can park in the free car park and walk around 2 minutes. There you can find a viewpoint of the hill. It's really a beautiful thing to see!"
Melanie Mengüş
"Drove for nearly 2 hours to the viewpoint car park, got there about 4am. Night sky is fantastic, took a sleeping bag and woke up to a chilly but great sunrise. Excellent walk/hike area to recharge the mind. You cannot climb the hill to preserve it, which is a good thing. Loads of other stuff around to get close to like megalithic stones."
Wayne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silbury Hill is easily accessible by car, with a dedicated free car park. It's located near Avebury in Wiltshire, England. For those relying on public transport, options are limited, and it's advisable to check local bus routes or consider ride-sharing services if available, though Uber availability can be inconsistent in rural areas.
Yes, there is a dedicated, free car park for visitors to Silbury Hill. From the car park, it's a short, easy walk to the viewing area.
Yes, Silbury Hill is a short distance from Avebury and can be reached on foot, often as part of a scenic walk. Many visitors combine a visit to both sites.
Ride-sharing services like Uber are not reliably available at Silbury Hill or the surrounding rural areas. It's best to have your own transport or pre-arrange taxis if not driving.
The path from the car park to the viewing platform is generally accessible, but the mound itself cannot be climbed. Check with local authorities for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Silbury Hill and its viewing area is free. The car park is also free of charge.
Silbury Hill is an outdoor monument and is accessible at all times. However, the car park may have specific opening and closing times, so it's advisable to check locally if visiting very early or late.
No, climbing Silbury Hill is strictly prohibited to protect the ancient monument. Visitors can view it from a designated platform.
Yes, Silbury Hill is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site, which includes Avebury Henge, West Kennet Long Barrow, and other Neolithic monuments.
Silbury Hill was constructed around 2400 BC, making it a significant Neolithic monument.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, especially with mist, offer a magical atmosphere. Sunrise also provides beautiful light.
Drone usage is often restricted at heritage sites to protect the monuments and wildlife. It's essential to check the specific regulations with English Heritage or the relevant authorities before flying a drone.
The designated viewing platform provides a good overview. Aerial shots from a drone (if permitted) offer a unique perspective, showcasing its scale.
Yes, the surrounding landscape is beautiful and offers opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The viewing platform is the primary spot. Some visitors enjoy capturing the hill from the canal road nearby for a different perspective.
🎫 ❓ Mysteries & History
The exact purpose of Silbury Hill remains a mystery. Theories range from a burial mound to a ceremonial site, possibly linked to elemental worship or land-based memory systems.
Silbury Hill is the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe by volume. It stands at approximately 39.3 meters (129 ft) high.
Constructed around 2400 BC during the Neolithic period, Silbury Hill is a testament to the engineering and organizational capabilities of ancient peoples. Its creation involved immense effort over many years.
While not as widely documented as some other sites, the mystery surrounding its purpose fuels speculation and local folklore. Some visitors report unusual experiences or sightings in the area. +1
Silbury Hill is a key component of the Avebury World Heritage Site, contributing to the understanding of Neolithic ritual and landscape organization. It's believed to have been intentionally built over a natural spring, suggesting elemental worship.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with nearby Avebury Henge and West Kennet Long Barrow for a more engaging experience. These sites offer more interactive elements, like exploring the stone circle and the interior of the barrow (where accessible), which can be particularly fascinating for younger visitors. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers & History Buffs
Aim for early morning visits to capture the ethereal mist that often shrouds the hill, or time your visit for sunrise to witness the dramatic interplay of light and shadow.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigma of Silbury Hill's Purpose
Unlike many ancient structures, Silbury Hill contains no burial chamber, no shrine, and no inscriptions, leaving its original purpose a profound mystery. Various theories attempt to explain its existence. Some suggest it was a monumental burial site, though no evidence of interments has been found. Others propose it served a ceremonial or ritualistic function, possibly related to the worship of natural elements, as it was reportedly built over a natural spring.
The ongoing debate and lack of definitive answers only add to the allure of this ancient wonder.Visitors often describe a unique atmosphere at Silbury Hill, with some reporting a sense of awe and wonder, while others have noted unusual phenomena or feelings in the area.
Exploring the Avebury World Heritage Site
Key sites within the complex include Avebury Henge, one of the largest stone circles in the world, featuring massive sarsen stones arranged in a vast circular earthwork. Nearby is the West Kennet Long Barrow, a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic tomb dating back over 6,000 years, offering a glimpse into ancient burial practices and beliefs.
Visiting these sites together provides a holistic understanding of the Avebury landscape's significance. The interconnectedness of these monuments suggests a complex system of beliefs and practices, where Silbury Hill likely played a central, albeit mysterious, role.
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