If the rather promising prospect of the sun finally putting its hat on has got you in the mood for a little day trip out of the capital city; allow us to point you in the picture-perfect direction of Avebury. This teeny-tiny village is just 2 hours from London – and it’s just been named one of the very best in the UK.
Avebury’s shiny new accolade comes courtesy of over 9000 Which? members who rated towns and village across the UK based on factors including attractions, food and drink, and peace and quiet (just to name a few). Avebury was awarded a rather impressive score of 82%, landing itself a very comfy second place position on the list.
Avebury, Wiltshire
Located over in Wiltshire; Avebury is an ancient village, boasting a pretty unique backdrop. The majority of the village sits snugly inside the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, which is part of the Avebury World Heritage Site and looked after by the National Trust. Often outshone by Stonehenge (which can find just up the road); Avebury’s ancient stone circle is one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain – dating back to around 2850BC – 2200BC. And (unlike the aforementioned Stonehenge) Avebury Stone Circles and Henge are completely free to visit.
Avebury is also home to a whole host of charming thatched cottages, grand Georgian houses, a 19th-century pub, and the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Avebury Manor. This 16th-century house decorates each of its rooms to reflect a different period of the building’s lengthy history.
Getting to Avebury from London
Avebury is roughly a two-hour drive from London but non-drivers can hop on a train from Paddington to Swindon and take an onwards local bus from there.
The best towns and villages in the UK (according to Which?)
- Wells, Somerset
- Avebury, Wiltshire
- Corfe Castle, Dorset
- Port Sunlight, Merseyside
- Llangollen, Denbighshire
- Melrose, Scottish Borders
Find out more about Which?’s favourite UK towns and villages here.
