I have always been facinated with ancient history, particularly stone circles. I love their mysticism and try to visit as many as I can when on my travels. One of the most interesting places I have ever been to is Avebury in Wiltshire. This quaint little village is home to the largest ancient stone circle in the UK.

I knew about this place before I ever went there and was so excited to be finally able to see the stones. The guide books told us to go to Beckhampton and take the road there up to the village, but the day we went we kind of got lost and boy, am I glad we did!

We were staying in Marlborough so we took the A4 which is the main road to Beckhampton. We got as far as West Kennet (the village just before you get to Beckhampton) and saw a small road sign for Avebury, so decided to take that. I'm so glad we did, because for me, THAT is the right way to see Avebury's stones for the first time.

You drive along a small country road which has a beautiful patchwork of fields either side. Up the hill and round the corner, suddenly you see them.....a vast avenue of standing stones....majestic....haunting! Stone after stone, standing there as they have done for the past 4000 years, guiding you to the village of Avebury. That is the way the ancients wanted people to arrive.....that is why they created the avenue.....as a pathway to something very special.

As you reach the end of that road you come to a sharp corner and then you see the main field of stones opposite you. At this point it is very tempting to drive across the road and go through the village, past the stones, but it is best to turn left and take the road back out and you will come to a small car-park. From here you can walk to the village along a narrow path.

The stones loom up as you come into Avebury. Unlike Stonehenge you are allowed to walk right up to the stones and touch them if you desire. The energy of this place is awsome! It has something that just calls you back! For me, it feels like coming home every time. I can't explain it.

The stone circle encloses the whole village and it is totally accessible by foot. Probably best to wear some good boots in wet weather as it does get a bit muddy.

There is a very good visitor centre which charts the history of Avebury, plus a couple of lovely gift shops and a decent pub too, so good facilities.

Avebury can get a bit touristy so try and see it at an early part of the day. The best time to see the stones is early morning, when the sun is shining and the fields a bit misty.

Simply magical!