Amesbury is situated on the River Avon and claims to be the oldest occupied town in the UK with the lands around the town being settled since prehistoric times. King Alfred the Great left Amesbury in his will to his son. There's a copy of the will in the British Library is you don't believe it!
STOPS
Amesbury
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Welcome to Amesbury, one of Wiltshire's most attractive towns, and 'the home of Stonehenge'! Before you head for the main attraction, why not pop into St Mary and St Melor Abbey Church (Church Street, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7EU). It has Norman origins, and is an early example of a cruciform church (that is, built in a crucifix shape).
There has been an Abbey in this area for over 1,000 years, and a stunning classical mansion called Amesbury Abbey stands on the original site in 35 areas of parkland. It's now a private nursing home, and not a bad little pad to retire to. The estate is open to the public twice a year so that they can view the Chinese Summerhouse designed by Sir William Chambers, who also created the Pagoda at Kew.
Pictures courtesy of Visit Salisbury (Opens in new window) and copyright of Bryn Jones
Location
Amesbury is situated on the River Avon, approximately 8 miles north of Salisbury and just 2 miles east of the iconic Stonehenge monument
Directions from Solstice Park Services
The road journey from Solstice Park Services to the town centre of Amesbury is a very short trip of approximately 0.9 miles. To begin, you will exit the service area and head south on Porton Road, which leads directly into the heart of the town. While the distance is minimal, you should expect potential delays at the Porton Road and A303 junction, especially during peak commuting hours or when holiday traffic on the A303 is heavy, causing backlogs at the entrance to the services. Additionally, as you enter the town center, traffic can slow down near local shops and pedestrian crossings, particularly on market days.
Useful Links
Amesbury Town Council (Opens in new window) The Amesbury Town Council website offers a rich historical overview of the town, highlighting its status as Britain’s oldest settlement. Visitors can find details on the Amesbury Archer, the Amesbury History Centre, and landmarks like Amesbury Abbey, alongside practical guides for local walks, parking, and community services.
Private chauffeur-driven tour to Amesbury (Opens in new window) If you’re staying in London, enjoy a private, chauffeur-driven tour to Amesbury. Experience a seamless hotel pickup and discover iconic UK landmarks along the way, including the ancient monument of Stonehenge. It’s the most comfortable and flexible way to explore Britain’s oldest town and its legendary prehistoric surroundings.
Previous Stop: Sostice Services A major roadside hub on the A303 near Amesbury, ideally located for Stonehenge visitors. It features a wide range of popular dining options including McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, and a Harvester pub. Facilities include a Holiday Inn, a 24-hour Asda petrol station, and extensive EV charging hubs.
Next Stop: Stonehenge The world’s most famous prehistoric monument, consisting of a unique circle of massive sarsen stones and smaller bluestones erected over 4,500 years ago. Aligned with the solstices, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as a sophisticated celestial observatory, a sacred burial ground, and a powerful center for ancient rituals.
