AttractionEnglish Heritage

West Kennet Avenue, Avebury

Marlborough, Gloucestershire

A mile and a half of paired standing stones winding from Avebury to the Sanctuary, free, and a linear walk rather than a fenced monument for your dog.

This is a prehistoric processional route you can still walk. West Kennet Avenue originally consisted of around 100 pairs of standing stones, raised to form a winding link a mile and a half long between the two pre-existing monuments of Avebury and the Sanctuary. Many were destroyed over the centuries and some have been re-erected, with concrete markers showing where others stood, but enough survives to follow the line of it through the fields. Some stones are noticeably paired as one tall and slender against one broad and diamond shaped.

While you work out the pairing, your dog gets exactly the sort of site that suits them: a linear walk rather than a fenced monument, on open downland with Avebury at one end and the Ridgeway close by.

Free and permanently open. The land is in National Trust freehold and English Heritage guardianship, managed by the National Trust, so National Trust rules apply on the ground. The fields are grazed, so keep your dog on a lead. The A4361 runs alongside part of it and is fast. Parking is the National Trust car park at Avebury.

At a Glance

Site Type: Prehistoric Site
Entry: Free
Members: Free for English Heritage members
Facilities: Wheelchair access
Telephone: 01672 539 250

English Heritage Membership

Planning Your Visit

Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is West Kennet Avenue, Avebury dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome at West Kennet Avenue. It's a linear walk through open fields rather than a fenced monument, which makes it a genuinely good fit for dogs — they can move freely alongside you as you follow the ancient stone avenue from Avebury towards the Sanctuary.
Are dogs allowed at West Kennet Avenue, Avebury year round?
Yes, West Kennet Avenue is free and permanently open, so you can visit with your dog at any time of year. There are no seasonal restrictions mentioned, though the site is managed by the National Trust and their general rules apply on the ground.
What should I know before visiting West Kennet Avenue, Avebury with my dog?
The fields along the avenue are grazed, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead throughout — this is a firm requirement rather than just a recommendation. It's also worth being aware that the A4361 runs alongside part of the route and is a fast road, so take care near that stretch. Parking is at the National Trust car park at Avebury.