Attractions and Places To See around Bishops Cannings - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Bishops Cannings include a blend of historical landmarks, ancient earthworks, and natural beauty. Located in the Vale of Pewsey, Wiltshire, the area offers diverse landscapes from the Marlborough Downs to the Kennet & Avon Canal. Visitors can explore significant prehistoric sites and enjoy scenic walks through the countryside.
Best attractions and places to see around Bishops Cannings
- The most popular attractions is Avebury Stone Circle, a man-made monument that is an extraordinary Neolithic site large enough to encircle part of a village. It features numerous stones with names and myths, built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.
- Another must-see spot is Caen Hill Locks, an impressive set of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Engineered in the 18th century, these locks allow boats to navigate a steep incline and offer scenic towpath walks.
- Visitors also love Silbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe. Its purpose remains a mystery, though experts believe it was completed around 2400 BC.
- Bishops Cannings is known for historical landmarks, ancient earthworks, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient sites, follow canal towpaths, and enjoy views from the Marlborough Downs.
- The attractions around Bishops Cannings are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 200 photos and nearly 250 upvotes.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Avebury Stone Circle
Highlight • Monument
Many of the stones have names and myths attached to them and there were 100 when it was first built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. In the vicinity lies West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill (a prehistoric fort) and numerous other standing stones and long barrows. Stonehenge lies to the south near Amesbury; a more famous but smaller circle in diameter.
You can visit Avebury's stone circle for free and there are plenty of footpaths passing through which will take you to the other nearby remnants of prehistory.
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Caen Hill Locks
Highlight • Viewpoint
As thousands of trees were planted around the locks to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, you’ll also find beautiful nature and wildlife here.
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Avebury Stone Circle
Highlight • Natural Monument
Many of the stones have names and myths attached to them and there were 100 when it was first built between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. In the vicinity lies West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill (a prehistoric fort) and numerous other standing stones and long barrows. Stonehenge lies to the south near Amesbury; a more famous but smaller circle in diameter.
You can visit Avebury's stone circle for free and there are plenty of footpaths passing through which will take you to the other nearby remnants of prehistory.
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Silbury Hill
Highlight • Monument
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Avebury to Ridgeway Track
Highlight • Cycleway
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Tips from the Community
Avebury is one of the largest prehistoric stone circles in the world. Unlike many other stone monuments, here you can walk among the massive stones and experience the special atmosphere up close. The site was created about 4,500 years ago and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
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Sidbury Hill, or Sidbury Camp, is the site of an Iron Age bivallate hillfort on the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England. The site is sub-triangular in shape, approximately 17 acres in area, and is constructed on the site of a Neolithic settlement. The hill offers excellent defensive slopes on all sides, which have been supplemented by the double ditch and rampart earthworks. The settlement and hillfort were partially excavated in the 19th century and the 1950s; there were finds of pottery and other artefacts. A Neolithic settlement site was discovered during the excavation in the 1950s, being of a section of the south-east rampart of the hillfort. A number of flint flakes and tools were recovered. The site is a scheduled national monument. Trees planted in the 1960s were removed from 2002 and the area was allowed to revert to the natural chalk downland. Access to the site is difficult as it is on, or near, Ministry of Defence land, and there are many tank tracks and occasional artillery firing in the area. There are also numerous ditches, barrows, trackways, field systems, and tumuli in the area. Due to erosion issues climbing on the barrow is now forbidden. Such a shame, but understandable.
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The top section is great coming down after Fyfield Common, but the descent down into Avebury is tricky even on a mtb. Once you reach the farm it's been absolutely destroyed by 4x4s and tractors. So good luck. This type of track is my least favourite part of "official" cycling trails. They just whack the signage up and don't do any restoration or introduction of bylaws to prevent offroad vehicles from using them, restricting enjoyment for other users. It's not like there aren't miles and miles of offroad byways around here which could be legislated for multi-use and non-motorised use.
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Decent Food in the Avebury Community Shop
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I agree with other comments this is a very slippery path when wet. I lost control a few times but was going slow enough to avoid serious damage.
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The Caen Hill Locks are one of the highlights of Route 4 on the Avon K Canal. Physically this is interesting. The water flows down the mountain, but the ship floats up the mountain lock by lock due to its own buoyancy.
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Even in dry weather, the track is quite rutted between Avebury and Wroughton, so you don't cover the mileage so fast. That isn't a problem, except had accommodation deadlines at the other end. I took country lanes between the Ridgeway, dropping down to Wroughton then skirting Swindon before riding nice country lanes ( including Bishopstone )on the way to Uffington, it's pubs and it's White Horse. I cycles parallel to the King Alfred Trail, but 3/4 mile north , so fairly level with the contours with good views, but able to get to my accommodation in time !
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Bishops Cannings?
Bishops Cannings is nestled in the picturesque Vale of Pewsey, offering scenic countryside views. To the north, you can explore the Marlborough Downs, which includes elevated areas like Morgan's Hill and Roundway Hill. The Kennet & Avon Canal also runs through the parish, providing a scenic towpath for walks and opportunities to see minor tributaries like Etchilhampton Water.
Are there any significant historical or ancient sites to visit near Bishops Cannings?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Grade I listed St. Mary the Virgin Church, known for its Norman and Early English architecture. A section of the ancient Wansdyke earthwork, dating from between 400 and 700 AD, also crosses the parish. Additionally, nearby prehistoric sites include Silbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe, and West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered tomb.
What walking opportunities are available along the Kennet & Avon Canal near Bishops Cannings?
The Kennet & Avon Canal offers scenic towpath walks through the parish. You can explore points of interest like a famous swing bridge and World War II pillboxes. A notable section is Caen Hill Locks, an impressive set of 29 locks engineered in the 18th century, which provides excellent opportunities for strolls and offers local cafés.
Can I find family-friendly activities or attractions in the Bishops Cannings area?
Many attractions around Bishops Cannings are suitable for families. The Avebury Stone Circle is a fascinating Neolithic site where children can explore and touch the ancient stones. Walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, especially around Caen Hill Locks, is also a popular and engaging activity for all ages. The area's circular walks are generally accessible and offer beautiful scenery.
What kind of outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near Bishops Cannings?
Bishops Cannings is an excellent base for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find moderate routes like the 'Bishops Cannings, Kennet & Avon Canal & The Wansdyke loop' or explore 'Morgan's Hill & North Down Roman Road loop'. If you're interested in gravel biking, routes like the 'Caen Hill Locks – Canal Towpath Cycle Route loop' are available. Mountain biking trails also exist, such as the 'Ridgeway & St Alfred's Way loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, gravel biking, and MTB guides for Bishops Cannings.
Are there any ancient earthworks or defensive structures to see?
Yes, a significant ancient earthwork in the area is the Wansdyke. This linear earthwork, believed to be a defensive structure dating from between 400 and 700 AD, crosses the parish of Bishops Cannings. Its remains north of the village are still impressive and offer a glimpse into ancient history.
What is the St. Mary the Virgin Church known for in Bishops Cannings?
St. Mary the Virgin Church is a Grade I listed building and a prominent landmark in Bishops Cannings. It's often described as a 'little Salisbury cathedral' due to its distinctive and unusually large size for a small community. The church features architecture from the Norman period, with Early English design elements, and boasts a 135-foot spire. It also contains an early organ from around 1593 and four of its original eight bells from 1602. You can find more historical details on the Wiltshire Council website.
Where can I find impressive prehistoric burial sites near Bishops Cannings?
The area around Bishops Cannings is home to several significant prehistoric burial sites. The most notable is West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered tomb built around 3650 BC, which is one of Britain's best-preserved. You can even go inside some of its chambers. Other prehistoric long barrows, such as Kitchen Barrow, Shepherd's Shore Long Barrow, and Horton Down 1 Long Barrow, are also found within or very close to the area.
What are some popular viewpoints or elevated landscapes in the region?
For elevated landscapes and views, the Marlborough Downs to the north of the parish are ideal. Areas like Morgan's Hill and Roundway Hill offer fantastic vistas over the surrounding countryside. The towpath along the Kennet & Avon Canal also provides scenic views, particularly around the impressive Caen Hill Locks.
Are there circular walks available that showcase the village and surrounding countryside?
Yes, there are circular walks designed to help visitors experience the local scenery and landmarks. An easy 4.5-mile circular walk starts from St. Mary's Church, guiding you through quiet lanes, along the Kennet & Avon Canal, and across field tracks, offering opportunities to enjoy the village's beauty and the surrounding downland.
What is unique about <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/472726" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silbury Hill</a>?
Silbury Hill is unique as the largest artificial mound in Europe, comparable in height and volume to the Egyptian pyramids. Its purpose remains a mystery to historians, as there are no burials within it, but experts believe it was completed around 2400 BC. It's a fascinating site managed by English Heritage.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Bishops Cannings?
Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Many appreciate the opportunity to get up close and even touch the ancient stones at Avebury Stone Circle, noting its impressive scale and free entry. The scenic walks along the Kennet & Avon Canal, especially around Caen Hill Locks, are also highly praised for their beauty and the chance to see wildlife. The historical depth of sites like West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill also captivates many.
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Most popular attractions around Bishops Cannings
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