Outing to NT Avebury Manor
Our last visit of the year is to Avebury – part of a World Heritage site – with its National Trust manor house (Grade 1 listed, 16th century) and the well-known neolithic stone circle. The circle is older than Stonehenge and much larger, as it used to enclose a village at some time in the past. Photos and further information can be found via this link to their website.
The visit will be an opportunity to see Avebury Manor in perfect condition since a major renovation, as it was flooded in 2024 which closed it for about two years and it only reopened in Spring this year. Members will be able to wander around the manor and take part in a tour of the stones.
The manor and grounds include a museum created by the most recent owner, Alexander Keiller, an archeologist who had the wealth to indulge in both his interests as he was a very enthusiastic car collector. The wealth came from the family Keiller marmalade business.
Only one of his more exotic cars is at the Manor. This is an Anglo – French hybrid with the engine and chassis being built in France, driven across to England and a body designed and built in England. This car in 1913 was driven from London to Edinburgh in under 12 hours. Oddly, it is housed in an enclosed area of the barn where reception to the Avebury estate is located but is largely hidden so that the lighting does not disturb the bats that roost in the building!!
A guided tour of the standing stones normally runs at midday and then at 13.00 and 14.00 and possibly 15.00. The tour takes around an hour and people do not have to commit to it until we arrive at the venue. There is an extra cost of £6 per person so members can decide on the day according to the weather and how they feel about it. The nearest part of the stone circle is only a few hundred yards from the manor.
Exploring the manor is a self-guided activity. There are no guided tours. To get the best out of exploring the manor you need to use a two-stage flight of stairs to get to the upper floor. There is a banister rail at all points and a half-way point with enough space to rest between flights. Like most NT properties, the manor features a café, shop, bookshop, etc.
Cost: £ 22.50 per person
Departure:
• 9.15 a.m. Spinfield Lane
• 9.20 a.m. Liston Road bus stop (A4155 opposite Liston Hall)
• 9.25 a.m. Bus Stop outside Britannia
Arrive Back: 5.30 p.m. Approximately
Marlow National Trust Association is not responsible for third party links and websites
Please either complete the Booking Form below (for payment by EFT/BACS) or if you prefer to book in the traditional way, or need pay by cheque, please use the booking form to be found in the October 2026 MNTA newsletter or email.
If the trip is fully subscribed when your booking is received, you’ll get a full refund.
The organiser, Michael, will confirm your place by email in due course.
NOTE: Do not forget to bring your NT membership card or you will be required to pay the non member entrance charge.