UK Edition
Avebury in Wiltshire named UK's best village to visit
Castle Combe - often named Britains’ most beautiful village - Saltaire, and Wells were left trailing as the immediate runners up
A Wiltshire village where visitors can “order a pint of bitter in the middle of a Neolithic henge” has been named the best in the UK by a Which? survey.
Avebury’s English charm has beaten competition from picturesque rivals across the country, with its cricket pitch, thatched roofs, and "robed druids sinking pints” in the local.
The Wiltshire village containing a 5000-year-old stone circle scored near-perfect marks for scenery, attractions, and "peace and quiet" in a new Which? visitor survey.
Castle Combe - often named Britains’ most beautiful village - Saltaire, and Wells were left trailing as the immediate runners up behind Avebury.
Which? said that the village of just 500 residents “showcases many of the usual trappings associated with rural England”, including a church and front gardens “full of heavy-scented roses”.
But the magazine noted the peculiar blend of sites from the Neolithic stone circle, to burial mounds and a National Trust manor, led to Avebury being given five out of five stars for its scenery and attractions by admiring visitors.
The blend of people attracted to the Wilshire village has also been praised, with Which stating: “You’ll be tipped off to the fact you’re somewhere special when you spot the robed druids sinking pints in the Grade II-listed pub.”
The site has been a focal point of Druidic ceremonies, with the Druid Council of Avebury tasked with the care and administration of the village’s ancient stones.
The probably sacred ancient site circles the modern-day village, with the Red Lion pub in its centre.
Its general manager Ryan Rawal said Avebury boasted “stunning views and intriguing history”, and its pub is “proud of our diverse visitors and welcomes them all”.
Rory Boland, Which? travel editor, said: “The UK is full of towns and villages bursting with character and history, many of which are relatively quiet and unspoilt making them perfect destinations for a day trip or a holiday.
“Avebury topped the table in our survey on account of its unique history and quintessential English surroundings, while other high scorers impressed with their tourist attractions and excellent surroundings.
More than 2,000 people who had visited Britain’s towns and villages were surveyed to establish the rankings, which saw places the south west of England perform well as William Wordworth’s Gressmere and the Royal Family’s seat at Windsor were beaten by Avebury.