West Kennet Long Barrow: A Majestic Neolithic Burial Monument
Explore one of Britain’s largest Neolithic tombs, a monumental burial site offering ancient history and stunning Wiltshire views.
West Kennet Long Barrow, located near Marlborough in Wiltshire, England, is one of Britain's largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs. Built around 3650 BC, it served as a burial site for nearly 50 individuals over a relatively short period. This monumental earth and stone barrow features five burial chambers accessible via a central passage and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, including Silbury Hill. Managed by English Heritage, it is open to visitors year-round free of charge.
A brief summary to West Kennet Long Barrow
- Marlborough, West Kennett, SN8 1QH, GB
- +443703331181
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a flashlight to safely explore the dark interior chambers and appreciate their details.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill 15-20 minute walk from parking lay-bys on the A4.
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, due to limited roadside parking availability.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Silbury Hill and the Wiltshire countryside from the barrow’s summit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car
Driving is the most practical way to reach West Kennet Long Barrow. Free parking is available in lay-bys along the A4 road near West Kennett. Expect a 10-15 minute uphill walk from parking to the site. Parking is limited and can fill quickly on weekends and holidays.
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Bus and Walking
Limited bus services run to nearby Avebury village from Marlborough and Swindon. From Avebury, visitors face a significant 5-mile walk to West Kennet Long Barrow, which may not be suitable for all. Prepare for rural walking conditions and allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for the journey on foot.
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Walking
If staying locally, walking to West Kennet Long Barrow is possible via public footpaths through farmland. The walk involves moderate uphill terrain and takes approximately 15-20 minutes from the nearest parking lay-bys on the A4. Suitable footwear is recommended.
West Kennet Long Barrow location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about West Kennet Long Barrow
Ancient Origins and Construction
West Kennet Long Barrow is a monumental Neolithic burial site constructed around 3650 BC, making it one of the oldest surviving prehistoric structures in Britain. It belongs to the Cotswold-Severn group of long barrows, a regional variant of burial mounds widespread across Neolithic Europe. The barrow was built using local earth, sarsen megaliths, and oolitic limestone imported from the Cotswolds. The structure comprises a large earthen tumulus approximately 100 metres long and up to 3.2 metres high, tapering from a narrower western end to a broad eastern entrance. Its façade is marked by massive sarsen stones arranged in a semicircular forecourt, emphasizing its ceremonial importance.Burial Practices and Archaeological Discoveries
Inside the barrow, five stone chambers open off a central passageway extending about 13 metres into the mound. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of nearly 50 individuals of all ages and sexes, placed in the chambers over a short span of 10 to 30 years. Grave goods such as pottery, beads, stone daggers, and tools were also found, suggesting complex burial rites and possibly beliefs about an afterlife. The barrow was sealed around 2000 BC, with the passage filled and the entrance blocked by large sarsen stones. Notably, a single complete skeleton of an elderly man showed evidence of a violent death, highlighting the human stories embedded within the site.Historical Significance and Later Use
West Kennet Long Barrow predates the famous Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles, underscoring its significance in the prehistoric landscape of Wiltshire. The site remained important long after its closure; Romano-British artifacts, including a hoard of bronze coins, were found nearby, indicating continued ritual activity. The barrow attracted antiquarian interest from the 17th century onward, with early excavations disturbing the remains. Today, it forms part of the Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding cultural heritage.Visitor Experience and Setting
Situated on a prominent chalk ridge, West Kennet Long Barrow offers visitors a tranquil and evocative experience amid the rolling Wiltshire countryside. A walk of about 15 minutes uphill from parking lay-bys on the A4 leads to the site, where visitors can explore the interior chambers—though a flashlight is recommended due to low light inside. From the barrow’s summit, expansive views include Silbury Hill and the Ridgeway, enhancing the sense of connection to the ancient landscape. The site is freely accessible during daylight hours and is managed by English Heritage on behalf of the National Trust.Conservation and Cultural Legacy
The barrow has undergone careful restoration following archaeological excavations in the mid-20th century, which reconstructed the eastern façade and chambers to preserve its integrity. It remains a protected Scheduled Ancient Monument, with ongoing efforts to balance public access and conservation. The site’s impressive scale and craftsmanship reflect the social organization and spiritual beliefs of Neolithic communities, providing invaluable insight into early farming societies in Britain.Integration with the Wider Neolithic Landscape
West Kennet Long Barrow is part of a rich prehistoric landscape that includes Avebury Stone Circle, Silbury Hill, and other Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments. Visitors often combine their visit with walks to these nearby sites to gain a fuller appreciation of the ceremonial and funerary practices of ancient peoples. The barrow’s location within the Avebury World Heritage Site situates it within one of the most archaeologically significant regions in Europe, offering a unique window into prehistoric life and death.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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For the social media creator & influencer
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
