Despite its imposing presence, Silbury Hill's purpose remains a captivating puzzle. Was it a colossal tomb for a revered leader? A religious or astronomical observatory? A symbol of power and unity? Archaeologists continue to debate, uncovering clues like ritual hearths and pits within the mound, but the definitive answer remains elusive.
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Silbury Hill
On your marks!...
Rising like a solitary giant from the rolling hills of Wiltshire, Silbury Hill reigns as Europe's largest prehistoric man-made mound. This enigma in earth, shrouded in legends and mysteries, whispers tales of a vanished past, beckoning archaeologists, historians, and curious minds alike.
At 39.3 meters (129 feet) high and covering an area of 5 acres, Silbury Hill dwarfs nearby Neolithic structures, including the famed Stonehenge. Constructed of chalk and clay, painstakingly transported from surrounding areas, the mound is estimated to have taken an astonishing 18 million person-hours to complete, highlighting the immense effort and organizational prowess of its builders.
Local folklore weaves its own narratives around Silbury Hill. One tale speaks of a giant named Sil, who carried the mound in his hat from another hill, while another claims it's a giant burial mound for King Sil, complete with a golden statue and horse buried beneath.
Silbury Hill stands as a centerpiece within the Avebury World Heritage Site, a region steeped in prehistoric significance. Nearby landmarks like the Avebury stone circle and West Kennet Long Barrow suggest a complex network of ritual sites, hinting at the advanced belief systems and social structures of Neolithic Britain.
Today, Silbury Hill welcomes visitors to explore its enigmatic allure. While climbing the mound is strictly prohibited to protect its fragile ecosystem, visitors can wander its base, soak in the stunning views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside, and ponder the mysteries that lie within its earthen heart.
Address: Silbury Hill, West Kennett, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 1QH
Website: Silbury Hill (English Heritage)
Telephone: 0370 333 1181
Directions from A4 (Marlborough): Leave Marlborough and travel westbound on the A4/Bath Road. After 5.8 miles you will arrive at the Silbury Hill Car Park. The monument is a short walk.
Entry fees: Free
Admission times: Car park is open during reasonable daylight hours.
Parking: Yes, at the Silbury Hill Car Park. Car parking is available on site with a £2 charge for non-members payable by text. Parking is free for Members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display. There are no designated disabled spaces and the car park cannot accommodate coaches or minibuses.
Accessibility: There is no public access to the hill in order to protect the site and its sensitive archaeology.
Facilities: Toilets and a cafe are available near the museum in Avebury approx. 2.0 miles away.
Note: Climbing the monument is strictly forbidden.
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Tours of Silbury Hill
Staying in London and don't want the hassle of driving yourself? Then take a private chauffeur-driven tour to Silbury Hill. Get picked up from your London hotel and travel in comfort to the ancient monument. Tours can be customised and combined with other popular UK tourist attractions.
