Visitors will have the chance to explore some of Avebury’s most historic attractions for free this week as part of Heritage Open Days.
Avebury Manor, Avebury Manor Garden and the Alexander Keiller Museum will all be offering free entry on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September, from 10am until 5pm.
The two-day event forms part of Heritage Open Days, England’s largest festival of history and culture, which runs from 11th to 20th September and sees thousands of free events and activities taking place across the country.
At Avebury, visitors will be able to explore the Grade I listed Avebury Manor, which has been home to a succession of people over the centuries, from Tudor courtiers and farming families to archaeologists, servants and children.
The Manor opens at 11am, with last entry at 4pm.
The Avebury Manor Garden will also be open, with visitors able to explore its series of distinctive garden ‘rooms’ and see this year’s sculpture exhibition.
The exhibition is celebrating its 10th anniversary, with more than 20 artists displaying sculptures and artwork throughout the garden. Works range from bronze animals and ceramics to stained glass and reclaimed wood, with the sculptures available to buy.
Meanwhile, the Alexander Keiller Museum offers an opportunity to discover more about Avebury’s remarkable archaeological history, with finds from across the World Heritage Site on display.
The story of Avebury stretches back more than 4,500 years, taking visitors from its Neolithic origins through the medieval period and on to the work of archaeologist Alexander Keiller, who played a major role in the restoration and re-erection of parts of the stone circle during the 1930s.
There will also be the opportunity to join a free guided tour of the stone circle, subject to volunteer availability.
The National Trust says tours are scheduled for 12pm, 1pm and 2pm, although availability will depend on the volunteer guides on the day.
Visitors should head to the barn visitor reception on arrival to collect their free tickets. No pre-booking is required.
The National Trust is also reminding visitors that while entry to the attractions is free for the two Heritage Open Days, parking charges still apply. National Trust and English Heritage members can park for free.
The event provides a chance to explore Avebury’s ancient landscape, historic buildings, gardens and archaeological collections without the usual admission charge, making it an opportunity for local residents and visitors to discover more about one of Wiltshire’s best-known World Heritage sites.
Heritage Open Days at Avebury takes place from 10am to 5pm on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th September.
‘Between Stone And Sky’ Exhibition And Avebury Day
Visitors to Avebury will also be able to explore a new exhibition of art, sculpture and photography inspired by the ancient Avebury landscape.
‘Between Stone and Sky’ will take place at Avebury Clubhouse (Main Hall) on Beckhampton Road from Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September, from 10am to 4.30pm each day.
The exhibition has been curated as part of Avebury Day, celebrating 40 years of World Heritage status, and features artists from last year's CHALKLANDER event alongside new collaborators.
On Saturday 12th September, the Avebury Society will also host an archaeological talk with Josh Pollard and Mike Parker Pearson at the Social Centre, starting at 11.30am.
The day's programme will continue with an Avebury Day lunch at 1pm, with visitors invited to bring a picnic to the marquee on the cricket ground at the Clubhouse, followed by music, stories and dance from 3pm to 7.30pm. The afternoon and evening programme is free to attend, with tickets available via Eventbrite.
A complementary exhibition of photography and selected artworks will also continue at the adjacent Unhenged cafe from 11th to 28th September.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email
