Durrington Walls
Durrington Walls is a Neolithic henge and settlement complex located in Wiltshire, England, about two miles (3.2 km) northeast of Stonehenge. It is part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Britain.
The henge enclosure is the largest in Britain, measuring about 500 metres (1,640 ft) in diameter. It consists of a ditch, bank, and a series of entrance gaps. The ditch is about 20 metres (66 ft) wide and 5 metres (16 ft) deep. The bank is about 30 metres (98 ft) wide and 3 metres (9.8 ft) high. There are two entrance gaps in the bank, one on the northwest side and one on the southeast side.
Inside the henge enclosure are the remains of a Neolithic settlement. The settlement consists of a number of roundhouses, which were circular houses made of wood and thatch. There are also a number of pits, which were used for storage and rubbish disposal.
The henge enclosure and settlement were built around 2500 BC. The purpose of the henge enclosure is unknown, but it is thought to have been a ceremonial site. The settlement was occupied for a number of centuries and was probably abandoned around 2000 BC.
Durrington Walls is a fascinating and important archaeological site. It is a reminder of the complex societies that existed in Britain during the Neolithic period.
The site is open to the public and there is a visitor center that provides information about the site. Visitors can walk around the henge enclosure and see the remains of the Neolithic settlement.
Location
Parish of Durrington, just north of Amesbury
Directions from Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park
To travel from Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park to Durrington Walls, head west on Amesbury Road for approximately 1 mile before turning left onto the A338 and quickly joining the A303 westbound toward Amesbury. Follow the A303 for about 3 miles until you reach the Countess Roundabout, where you will take the third exit onto the A345 (Countess Road) heading north for roughly 1 mile, then turn left onto Larkhill Road to find the site markers. The total distance is approximately 5 miles, but you should anticipate significant delays at the Countess Roundabout and the A303 approach, as this area is a notorious bottleneck for traffic heading toward Stonehenge, particularly during weekends and peak holiday periods.
Useful Links
Private chauffeur-driven tour to Durrington Walls (Opens in new window) If you’re staying in London, enjoy a private chauffeur-driven tour to Durrington Walls for a seamless, luxury experience. Your driver will pick you up from your hotel, allowing you to bypass public transport and see other iconic sights, like Stonehenge, along the way. It’s the perfect way to explore the Neolithic landscape in total comfort and style.
Previous Stop: Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park A family-friendly farm featuring rare livestock, interactive animal encounters, and famous daily pig races. With extensive play areas, a woodland walk, and a café, it offers an engaging, all-weather experience for visitors exploring the Salisbury Plain area.
Next Stop: Woodhenge An atmospheric Neolithic site near Stonehenge, featuring six concentric rings of concrete markers that indicate where massive timber posts once stood around 2500 BC. This UNESCO World Heritage site is aligned with the summer solstice and includes a central flint cairn marking a significant prehistoric burial.
