Attractions and Places To See around Allington - Top 20

The area around Allington is rich in history, featuring several significant sites. You can explore the world-famous Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument with concentric stone circles. Another must-see is Salisbury Cathedral, a leading example of Early English architecture. Don't miss Woodhenge, a Neolithic timber circle monument, and the ancient Old Sarum Ruins, the site of Salisbury's original settlement.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Stonehenge offers a visitor center with exhibitions and Neolithic houses, engaging for all ages. Salisbury Cathedral is also family-friendly, with its impressive architecture and historical significance. Both Woodhenge and Old Sarum Ruins provide open spaces for exploration and learning about ancient history.

The area offers various outdoor activities. For gravel biking enthusiasts, there are routes like the 'Imber Perimeter Path – Imber Range Path loop' or the 'Gravel Track Near Stonehenge – Stonehenge loop'. Hikers can enjoy easy trails such as the 'Playground by the River – Queensberry Bridge loop' or explore the 'Figsbury Ring loop'. Mountain biking trails are also available, including the 'Boscombe Down Gravel Track' and 'Woodfords Singletrack' loops. You can find more details on these activities in the gravel biking guide, easy hikes guide, and MTB trails guide for the Allington area.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. Options include the 'Playground by the River – Queensberry Bridge loop from Amesbury' (6.08 km) and the 'Queensberry Bridge – Playground by the River loop from Amesbury' (3.72 km). The 'Figsbury Ring loop from Firsdown' (4.43 km) is another accessible choice. For more options, refer to the easy hikes guide around Allington.

Salisbury Cathedral is a prime example of Early English Gothic architecture, completed in a remarkably short 38 years. It boasts the tallest church spire in the UK (123m/404 ft), the largest cloister, and one of the best-preserved original copies of the Magna Carta. It also houses the world's oldest working clock, dating back to AD 1386.

Woodhenge is a Neolithic Class II henge and timber circle monument located within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Discovered in 1926, it is believed to have been built around 2300 BC, possibly as a large burial mound. While Stonehenge is made of stone, Woodhenge features a similar circular layout, originally constructed with wooden posts, whose positions are now marked by concrete blocks.

Stonehenge offers a comprehensive visitor center with exhibitions, five reconstructed Neolithic houses, a shop, and a café. Shuttle buses are available to take visitors from the center to the stone circle. It's recommended to book tickets in advance online to save time and potentially parking fees. More information on opening hours and fees can be found on the English Heritage website.

Yes, Old Sarum Ruins is a significant historical site that was the original settlement of Salisbury. It dates back to around 3000 BC and has a rich history spanning Roman, Saxon, and Norman rule. Visitors can explore the footprint of Salisbury's first cathedral and the ruins of a royal castle, enjoying panoramic views across the Wiltshire countryside.

Visitors to Stonehenge are often captivated by its ancient mystery and monumental scale. Many appreciate the well-organized visitor center and the opportunity to see the megalithic structure up close. The historical context and the sheer age of the monument leave a lasting impression, with some finding it a profound experience despite the crowds.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Allington area offers difficult gravel biking routes. Examples include the 'Imber Perimeter Path – Imber Range Path loop from Grateley' which spans 126.83 km, and the 'Redhorn Hill Byway – Salisbury Plain Perimeter Path loop from Grateley' at 81.15 km. You can find more details on these and other routes in the gravel biking guide around Allington.

When visiting Stonehenge, it's highly recommended to book your tickets and specific visit day in advance online through English Heritage. This can save you time and potentially the parking fee. A shuttle bus transports visitors from the visitor center to the stone circle. The site includes a visitor center with exhibitions, Neolithic houses, a shop, and a café. It's a place of immense historical significance, built in the Neolithic Age and used until the Bronze Age.

While the primary attractions are historical, the sites themselves are set within the natural landscape. For instance, Old Sarum Ruins offers unrivalled views across the Wiltshire countryside. The area around Stonehenge and Woodhenge is also part of a broader landscape, offering opportunities for walks and enjoying the open fields.

When visiting Salisbury Cathedral, consider taking the 'Tower Tour' to see the interior of the hollow spire and its ancient wooden scaffolding. The cathedral is set within the largest cathedral close in Britain, offering beautiful surroundings for a stroll. Don't miss the opportunity to see one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta and the world's oldest working clock inside.

The Sarsen Stone at Stonehenge Visitor Centre is a notable block of sandstone, representative of the large stones used in the construction of Stonehenge. 'Sarsen' is a contraction of 'Saracen stone,' meaning 'heathen stone.' This particular stone at the visitor center allows guests to interact with a piece of the monument's material, offering a tangible connection to the ancient site and even a chance to 'measure your strengths' against its weight.