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Pictures of Silbury Hill

in the town of Avebury, in the county of Wiltshire

Silbury Hill - ancient burial ground

About Silbury Hill

There are many fanciful theories about Silbury Hill, the massive conical hill described as the highest artificial mound in Europe. Built on a grand scale, amid the Wiltshire planes close to Marlborough, the hill has defied the speculation of centuries for it covers more ground than the Egyptian Pyramids, and yet, in spite of modern archaeological methods, unlike the Pyramids, the reason for its existence is yet to be uncovered.

One theory is that the devil made it and buried beneath it is one of his victims-a warrior, clad in gold armour, mounted on his horse! This is a delightful fantasy but the mound measures 130ft high and covers 5.1/2 acres, an awful lot of space for just one warrior. Another theory is that it was a massive burial ground built on the orders of a chieftain from the Neolithic period. At first this seemed quite likely but investigations proved fruitless, no human remains, nor evidence of any grave or tomb was discovered.

The fact that it may have been intended as a large sun dial or astronomical observatory has never been disproved either, for some say it may at one time have had a massive pole at the summit, thus allowing people in the fields below to read the time of day. What ever you choose to believe, the enigma of Silbury Hill continues to this day. It attracts countless visitors, who leave as they arrived-in a complete state of puzzlement.

Silbury Hill lies in lovely countryside, close to Beckhampton and Avebury. In the area you can see the famous chalk White Horse, stone circles, West Kennett Long Barrow, Avebury Museum and Avebury Manor owned by the National Trust. The whole area is rich with history making it a fascinating destination for a quiet weekend to enjoy the sights and sounds of the countryside and take in the pleasures of historic Marlborough.

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Recommended attractions near Silbury Hill

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The Alexander Keiller Museum

(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)

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Avebury Stones

Avebury Ring

(0.7 miles, 1.2 km)

This is the largest and one of the most spectacular stone circles in the world, it certainly eclipses Stonehenge, for not only is.....

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A close up of the topiary within the gardens of the Manor House at Avebury.

Avebury Manor & Garden

(0.9 miles, 1.5 km)

Avebury Manor is a 16th century manor house built on the site of an old monastery. The rich interior of the house shows original.....

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Barbury Castle Country Park

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction NE)

OS Grid reference: SU150763 Barbury Castle was designated a Country Park in 1971 and lies within the Wessex Downs Area of.....

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Bowood House Library

Bowood House & Gardens

(7.9 miles, 12.7 km, direction W)

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All attractions in Wiltshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns & villages near Silbury Hill

Avebury, Wiltshire

Avebury

(0.6 miles, 1.0 km)

The village of Avebury is world famous for its spectacular stone circle, which some consider more spectacular than Stonehenge. The pretty village also has a 15th century church,.....

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Marlborough--Savernake Forest, Wiltshire.

Marlborough

(5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction E)

Dramatic chalk downs extend from Berkshire into rural Wiltshire, they are particularly rich in pre-historic remains and shelter a wealth of charming market towns and pretty.....

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Down to Lacock Ford, Lacock, Wiltshire. Autumn 2004

Lacock

(11.3 miles, 18.2 km, direction W)

Gatherings of graceful medieval houses line the streets of Lacock..

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Malmesbury

Malmesbury

(15.6 miles, 25.2 km, direction NW)

The town stakes its claim to be the oldest borough in England on the fact that it was granted a charter in the year 924 by King Edward..

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Castle Combe

Castle Combe

(16.7 miles, 26.9 km, direction W)

As recently as 2001 it was awarded the title of 'Most Picturesque Village' by British Heritage Magazine's 2001 Traveller's Choice Awards...

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All towns in Wiltshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Pewsey Station(6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction SE)
M4 Junction 16(8.6 miles, 13.9 km, direction N)
M4 Junction 15 (Badbury Roundabout)(9.3 miles, 14.9 km, direction NE)
Swindon Station(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction N)
Bristol International Airport(37.2 miles, 59.9 km, direction W)
Southampton Airport(39.2 miles, 63.0 km, direction SE)
Silbury Hill to London(74.9 miles, 120.6 km, direction E)

Accommodation & Hotels near Silbury Hill

Hotel Name
Castle and Ball(5.3 miles, 8.6 km, direction E)
The White Hart Hotel(6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction W)
Best Western Lansdowne Strand Hotel(6.6 miles, 10.5 km, direction W)
Parklands Hotel(7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction NE)
The Inn With The Well(7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction NE)
The Castle Hotel(7.5 miles, 12.1 km, direction SW)
Alexandra House Conference Centre(7.7 miles, 12.5 km, direction N)
The Lodge @ The Wiltshire Golf & Country Club(8.3 miles, 13.4 km, direction NW)
Landmark Hotel(8.6 miles, 13.8 km, direction NE)
Express By Holiday Inn Swindon West(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction N)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts


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