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Stanton St Bernard

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Stanton St Bernard

Best natural monuments around Stanton St Bernard are situated within a landscape characterized by chalk downland and ancient prehistoric sites. The area, part of the Marlborough Downs, features rolling hills and expansive views across the Vale of Pewsey. This region is notable for its integration of natural terrain with significant archaeological features, offering insights into early human activity. Visitors can explore a variety of historical and geological formations within this preserved ancient landscape.

Best natural monuments around Stanton St Bernard

Last updated: May 19, 2026

Avebury Stone Circle

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Avebury is an extraordinary place in the North Wiltshire & Wessex Downs AONB. One of many Neolithic sites in the area, this stone circle is large enough to encircle part …

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Silbury Hill

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Silbury Hill is the largest artificial mound in Europe. It is similar in height and volume to the Egyptian pyramids. Whilst the hill is a bit of a mystery to …

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West Kennet Long Barrow

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This is a Neolithic burial chamber that is older than Stonehenge. You can go inside a number of the chambers to view them. It is dark, though - so pack a torch to see the surrounding rocks.

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Cherhill White Horse

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The Cherhill White Horse is the second oldest in Wiltshire, created two years later than the horse at Westbury, which was cut in 1778. From this spot above the horse, you get breathtaking views over the picturesque countryside.

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Devil's Den Dolmen

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Named after the Devil, who is said to drink water from the rocky hollows of the massive capstone, the Devil's Den is a dolmen burial chamber and part of a …

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MCW73
November 27, 2025, Devil's Den Dolmen

Devil's Den stone monument is a Neolithic dolmen (burial chamber) located in Wiltshire, near Marlborough, not Sturminster Newton. The structure features a massive 17-ton capstone resting on two upright sarsen stones. Local folklore claims that if water is poured into the hollows on the capstone, the Devil himself will come during the night to drink it. It was largely reconstructed in 1921 after the chamber collapsed.

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hiking poles might help up hill

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MCW73
March 7, 2025, Silbury Hill

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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A well preserved bell barrow, the mound of which measures 22m in diameter and stands up to 2.8m high. The mound is surrounded by a berm up to 5m in diameter and a ditch 0.7m deep and up to 6.2m wide. One of these two bell barrows produced a sherd of Bronze Age pottery and a fragment of a polished greenstone axe, both found by Owen Meyrick. A bell barrow, the mound of which measures 24m in diameter and stands 2.7m high. The berm and ditch which surround this barrow have been levelled by cultivation on three sides but survive as buried features on the fourth. From measurements on the western side it can be seen that the berm is c.3m wide and that the ditch is c.5m wide.

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Who wouldn't want to walk into a neolithic burial chamber? anybody? no? didn't think so!!! It was amazing!!! The monument includes six prominent Bronze Age round barrows which form part of a larger round barrow cemetery north-east of West Kennett Farm and west of the Ridgeway track on Overton Hill. This is the site of a round barrow which, despite being ploughed level, will contain archaeological information; the old ground surface beneath the mound and the surrounding quarry ditch, from which material was quarried during construction of the monument, will survive as buried features. The area of the mound has a diameter of 33m; the surrounding ditch is c.2m wide. A bowl barrow, the mound of which measures 41.5m in diameter and stands up to 1.2m high. The mound is surrounded by a ditch which has become infilled over the years but which survives as a buried feature c.3m wide. This barrow has been partially excavated on two occasions, in 1857 by Thurnham and again in 1882 by W & H Cunnington. The primary cremation burial was not located but two secondary cremations were recovered. One was located north- west of the centre of the mound and was accompanied by a flint scraper and a serrated flint flake; the other was situated east of the centre and contained pottery sherds of two vessels, a beaker and an urn, as well as a piece of antler and several bone pins. A bowl barrow, the mound of which measures 42m in diameter and stands up to 0.7m high. The barrow has been partially excavated on two occasions, in 1857 by Thurnham and in 1882 by Ponting. These revealed that the barrow mound contained a crouched skeleton in a grave partly lined and roofed with sarsens. This was covered by a sarsen cairn, itself ringed by a double circle of sarsen stones c.1m outside the edge of the cairn. There was no evidence of a ditch around this barrow. Other finds included a later crouched skeleton covered with sarsen stones, the skeleton of a child, three large urns full of burnt bones and the perforated head of a bone pin. A well preserved bell barrow, the mound of which measures 26m in diameter and stands up to 3m high. The mound is surrounded by a gently sloping berm or platform c.3m wide and a ditch 0.5m deep and up to 6.4m wide.

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MCW73
February 7, 2025, Devil's Den Dolmen

In a field on Fyfield Down, 1 mile east of Marlborough, Wiltshire, stands the prehistoric burial chamber known as The Devil’s Den or Clatford Bottom Stone, a Neolithic monument from 5,000 years ago that is also known as a Dolmen (stone table). Get up here on a clear day, nice and early, and you'll witness the most amazing sunrise.

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Mystical place.

Translated by Google

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Got to be honest Farid mate this has given me the biggest laugh ever on Kamoot. Not like it's going to be there the next time!!!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical and archaeological sites can I explore near Stanton St Bernard?

The area around Stanton St Bernard is rich in prehistoric sites. You can visit the impressive Avebury Stone Circle, which is older and larger than Stonehenge, allowing you to walk among its ancient stones. Another significant site is West Kennet Long Barrow, a well-preserved Neolithic burial chamber where you can explore its internal chambers. Additionally, Silbury Hill, Europe's largest artificial mound, presents an intriguing mystery with its unknown purpose.

Are there any unique geological features or viewpoints in the region?

The Marlborough Downs, where Stanton St Bernard is situated, are characterized by rolling chalk hills, offering expansive views across the Vale of Pewsey. While not strictly geological, the iconic chalk figures like the Cherhill White Horse are prominent features of this landscape. From spots above the White Horse, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas over the picturesque countryside.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The chalk downland around Stanton St Bernard is ideal for walking and hiking. You can find numerous routes, including those that pass by the Alton Barnes White Horse and Milk Hill. For specific hiking trails, explore options like the 'Milk Hill & the Alton Barnes white horse from Knap Hill' or the 'White Horse Trail' on the Hiking around Stanton St Bernard guide. There are also mountain biking trails available, such as the 'Ridgeway & St Alfred's Way loop from Beckhampton' found in the MTB Trails around Stanton St Bernard guide.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit?

Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Avebury Stone Circle is a great option as it's free to enter and allows visitors to walk among the stones. The sheer scale of Silbury Hill can also be fascinating for children, and the walks around the chalk figures like the Alton Barnes White Horse offer open spaces for exploration.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Stanton St Bernard?

The best time to visit is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and the days are longer, making walking and exploring more pleasant. The chalk downland can be exposed, so checking the weather forecast is always recommended, especially for wind and rain.

Where can I find easy walks around the natural monuments?

For easier walks, consider routes that explore the immediate vicinity of the monuments. The Easy hikes around Stanton St Bernard guide features options like the 'Alton Barnes White Horse – Milk Hill loop from Alton' and the 'Walkers Hill – Alton Barnes White Horse loop from Alton', which are generally less strenuous.

What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' natural monuments in the area?

Beyond the major sites, the Devil's Den Dolmen, a neolithic burial chamber on Fyfield Hill, offers a unique historical experience. Though reconstructed, its massive capstone and ancient origins make it a fascinating, less crowded spot. Adam's Grave Long Barrow on Walkers Hill is another exceptionally well-preserved Neolithic tomb that provides a tangible link to the region's deep history.

Are the natural monuments around Stanton St Bernard dog-friendly?

Many of the outdoor areas and walking trails around the natural monuments are dog-friendly, especially on the open chalk downland. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a lead, particularly around livestock or sensitive archaeological sites, and to check specific site rules before visiting. For example, while you can walk around Avebury, some internal areas might have restrictions.

What should I wear for hiking and exploring the natural monuments?

Given the exposed nature of the chalk downland, sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential, as fields can be muddy, especially after rain. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions, and waterproofs are advisable. A hat and sun protection are also important during sunny periods, as there is often little shade.

Is parking available near the natural monuments?

Parking is generally available at or near the main natural monuments and trailheads. For popular sites like Avebury, there are designated car parks. For other areas, such as those around Milk Hill or the White Horses, smaller car parks or roadside parking might be available. It's always best to check specific locations in advance for parking details and any potential fees.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in this region?

Visitors frequently appreciate the profound sense of history and the ability to get up close to ancient sites like Avebury Stone Circle and West Kennet Long Barrow. The expansive views across the Vale of Pewsey from the Marlborough Downs and the unique sight of the chalk white horses also receive high praise. The combination of natural beauty and rich archaeological heritage makes for a truly immersive experience.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Stanton St Bernard:

DevonDorsetSomersetWinscombe & SandfordChurchillBurringtonBanwellCornwallLoxtonWringtonGloucestershireBlagdonSancreedUbleyCompton MartinWest HarptreeEast HarptreeSt. EndellionSt. TeathButcombePadstowNempnett ThrubwellSt. ErvanSt. BreockSt. IsseyChew StokeWinfordSt. MerrynPaulSt. BuryanSt. JustWiltshireMadronSt. KewSt. JuliotTintagelCongresburyCamelfordDavidstowAdventLesnewthForrabury And MinsterSennenSt. Minver LowlandsTrevalgaHinton BlewettPenzanceSt. LevanSt. IvesPuxtonSt. Minver HighlandsSt GennysOgbourne St. AndrewFyfieldAveburyEast KennettWest OvertonPreshuteWinterbourne MonktonEgloshayleAltonOtterhamSavernakeAll CanningsTowednackMarlboroughStowey-SuttonCherhillLudgvanBerwick BassettAldbourneMawgan-In-PydarChiseldonSt. EvalWinterbourne BassettBishops CanningsMilton LilbourneKelstonHuishWilcotPewseyCompton DandoChew MagnaCompton BassettMildenhallZennorHilmartonCalne WithoutWarbstowBackwellMorvahCrowanWroughtonSt KeverneBroad HintonSt. BrewardMichaelstowKeynshamBittonSaltfordClyffe PypardBroad TownOgbourne St. GeorgeHayleWoodboroughEtchilhamptonWootton RiversWadebridgeSt. Columb MajorCuryHeddingtonMawgan-In-MeneageGrade-RuanMullionDevizesHanham AbbotsTreneglosCorstonHanhamMarksburyManningfordWhitchurchRushallUpavonPortreathBarrow GurneySt. Martin-In-MeneageSt. AgnesDundryBishopstoneGwinear-GwithianNorth StokeSt. ErthBath and North East SomersetPatneyDoyntonCold AshtonOldlandLiddingtonWanboroughNewton St LoePristonBeechingstokeMarazionRamsburyEastonStokeclimslandSt. NeotNewquayFarmboroughIlloganCarn BreaNorth HillEnglishcombePublowStertSt. CleerCamborneLong AshtonEnfordNorth NewntonHighworthSouth MarstonWendronRedruthWick And AbsonNorton MalrewardCameleyMenheniotCharfieldCharltonDyrham And HintonHillHigh LittletonFarrington GurneyBlislandAltarnunCalneAbbots LeighLydiard TregozeBreageBaydonFrampton CotterellDobwalls And TrewidlandStanton DrewSistonCharlcombeRedlynchSt. BlaiseUrchfontCarlyonSt. Austell BayBathamptonFiltonStoke GiffordWinterbourneJacobstowMorwenstowLewannickLezantAustSt. HilaryYattonMarshfieldSt. IveSouth HillCombe HayAlmondsburyDunkerton and TunleyTimsburyWilsfordSwainswickSt CatherineBatheastonChitterneMardenCallingtonDevizesSalisburySt. VeepOldbury-Upon-SevernLinkinhorneAllingtonDuloeFigheldeanFittletonNetheravonQuethiockWraxall And FailandSouth NewtonPilning And Severn BeachChelwoodChirtonWarlegganSt. EweLaverstockBradford-On-AvonCamertonBathfordMarket Lavington

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