Myths & legends itinerary - Southwest England
Stonehenge – Avebury – Salisbury - Glastonbury Town – Glastonbury Tor – Cheddar Gorge – Wookey Hole Caves
Overview
This 2-day tour takes you to the epicentre of mystical happenings in Britain. Explore Arthurian legends in Glastonbury, see the remains of the Wookey Hole Witch in Britain’s most spectacular underground caves, take a ghost tour in Salisbury and visit the most important Neolithic monuments in the world, Stonehenge and Avebury stone circle – the largest stone circle in Europe.
Day 1: Stonehenge – Avebury
Stonehenge – Avebury: 30 miles (48.5 km)
Avebury – Salisbury: 41 miles (65.5 km)
Totals for day: 71 miles(114 km)
Stonehenge
From Heathrow head towards the West Country to see the most famous megalithic (literally meaning ‘big stone’) monument in the world. It could only be Stonehenge. Dating back an amazing 50,000 years, Stonehenge has drawn visitors for literally millennia. Its exact purpose has long been disputed, but no one who has ever been there will deny, it is truly awe inspiring.
Avebury
Now head about 30 miles north to Avebury and the largest stone circle in Europe. Measuring a staggering 400m in diameter, it’s so large the village of Avebury sprawls right through the middle! It’s an impressive sight and unlike Stonehenge, is completely unfenced leaving you free to wonder between the stones and up and down the great ditch that encircles it. Why not take a picnic and have your lunch in the middle of this ancient site?
Salisbury
Head back south now to the idyllic medieval city of Salisbury. No trip to this historic town is complete without a visit to the Cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in Britain, but that’s not the main reason you’ve come to Salisbury. Famous as one of Britain’s most haunted cities, there’s no shortage of creepy ghost tours and walks to enjoy (or not!). Why not try the ghost walk that leaves Salisbury Tourist Information Centre (www.salisbury.gov.uk/council/contact/office-locations/salisbury-tic.htm) every Friday at 20:00? If you dare…