Situated on Overton Hill in Wiltshire, The Sanctuary is surrounded by open fields and chalk grassland. Presently, a circular platform is marked by low concrete posts that denote the original arrangement of Neolithic wooden posts and standing stones. While few original elements remain above ground, the site offers expansive views and a tangible link to the Stone Age environment. The Sanctuary marks the terminus of the West Kennet Avenue, a prehistoric route made of paired standing stones, connecting it to the famous Avebury stone circle just under 3 kilometers to the northwest. Nearby significant sites like West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill also form part of this extensive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archaeological and Historical Findings
Excavations have dated The Sanctuary to around 2500 BCE, revealing it initially consisted of rings of upright timber posts, later replaced partially by standing stones during subsequent construction phases. Archaeologists uncovered 58 stone sockets and 62 post-holes, indicating multiple stages of development. Finds such as flint tools, animal bones, human remains, and pottery fragments suggest that the Neolithic people may have placed offerings near or within the posts. The exact purpose of The Sanctuary remains unclear, though it is commonly thought to have held ceremonial or ritual importance. Early records from antiquarians John Aubrey and William Stukeley, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, describe some stones still standing; however, by the 1720s most had been destroyed or removed. The site’s modern layout was reinstated in 1930, drawing on these historical accounts, and today, concrete posts indicate the original positions as part of preservation initiatives. English Heritage manages The Sanctuary, which is included within the "Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites" UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Accessibility and Visitor Information
The Sanctuary is accessible via a path starting at the parking area next to the A4 road, just southeast of Avebury. The walk to the monument is approximately 200 meters on mostly level ground, consisting mainly of grass with some uneven spots. There are no steps or significant gradients, making it generally accessible to most visitors. As the site is outdoors and lacks a visitor center, the nearest amenities are located in Avebury village, about 2.5 kilometers away. Access to the sites is free of charge
