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Durrington Walls and Wood Henge, Wiltshire
Woodhenge, Wiltshire, SP4 7AR
Just two miles from Stonehenge, and making for a pleasant walk to there, is Durrington Walls. Built during the late Neolithic period, sometime around 2500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ at 640ft Durrington Walls is the longest complete henge in Britain, and is managed by the National Trust. The bank and ditch are now covered with grass and bushes, and open 24/7 with free access.
Wood Henge, managed by English Heritage, was first thought to be a Neolithic burial site, but more recent excavations suggest the existence of multiple vertical posts, like totem poles, painted and roofless. Their purpose is entirely unknown. Together with the adjacent Durrington Walls Wood Henge may have been home to the builders of Stonehenge, and/or a site of regional pagan rituals. Wood Henge also offers free access 24/7.
The Cuckoo Stone, in the field to the south of Durrington Walls, is of the same stone as that of Stonehenge, its name's origins and purpose are unknown, though it is believed to be now laying on its side, unlike the stones of Stonehenge you can touch it and speculate.
Wood Henge, managed by English Heritage, was first thought to be a Neolithic burial site, but more recent excavations suggest the existence of multiple vertical posts, like totem poles, painted and roofless. Their purpose is entirely unknown. Together with the adjacent Durrington Walls Wood Henge may have been home to the builders of Stonehenge, and/or a site of regional pagan rituals. Wood Henge also offers free access 24/7.
The Cuckoo Stone, in the field to the south of Durrington Walls, is of the same stone as that of Stonehenge, its name's origins and purpose are unknown, though it is believed to be now laying on its side, unlike the stones of Stonehenge you can touch it and speculate.