Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene
Calling all history buffs and nature lovers! Tucked away in the idyllic Wiltshire countryside lie Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene, two hidden gems offering a glimpse into a prehistoric past. These sheltered valleys hold a secret – a captivating landscape dotted with a ‘stream’ of sarsen stones.
These colossal sandstone boulders are the very same kind used to construct the awe-inspiring Stonehenge, just a short distance away. But Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene offer a unique opportunity to see them in their natural state, scattered across the valley floor like a giant's forgotten game.
A Walk Through Time
The National Trust protects these areas, allowing you to explore the valleys at your own pace. Follow the waymarked Lockeridge Dene trail, winding through woodlands and past the impressive sarsen stones. Imagine the journey these giants took, millions of years ago during glaciation, to reach their final resting place.
Look closer, and you'll discover a haven for wildlife. The sarsens provide a home for rare lichens, mosses, and wildflowers, while the surrounding woods and meadows buzz with life. Keep an eye out for grazing cattle in the summer months, adding to the tranquil charm of the scene.
Piggledene offers a different perspective. Here, the sarsens appear like a frozen river cascading down a hillside. It's a captivating sight and a reminder of the vast scale of Stonehenge construction. Recent discoveries suggest that the sarsens at Lockeridge Dene were the very source for some of the stones used at Stonehenge, making this a truly significant site.
Lockeridge Dene boasts a car park by the entrance, while Piggledene requires a short walk from nearby roadside parking. Both sites are perfect for a leisurely stroll and a chance to connect with a bygone era. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside amidst these prehistoric giants.
Address: Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene, Lockeridge Lane, Lockeridge, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4EQ
Telephone: 01672539920
Email: Send email
Website: Lockeridge Dene and Piggledene (national Trust)
Directions to Lockeridge Dene from A4 (Marlborough): Head west out of Marlborough on Bridewell Street/A4. After 2.6 miles turn left onto Priest Acre Cottages. After 0.8 miles Lockeridge Dene will be on your right.
Admission times: Open 24 hours
Admission charge: Free
Accessibility: Pathways and open spaces with long, tussocky grass and large boulders, uneven ground, steep sides. Stiles at access points.
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Tours of Lockeridge Dene
Staying in London and don't want the hassle of driving yourself? Then take a private chauffeur-driven tour to Lockeridge Dene, visiting the site where the sarsen stones at Stonehenge were sourced. Get picked up from your London hotel and travel in comfort to the historic market town. Tours can be customised and combined with other popular UK tourist attractions.
