A Guide to Woodhenge, Wiltshire

When people think of prehistoric Wiltshire, Stonehenge is usually the first place that comes to mind. But just a short distance away is another fascinating monument that provides an important insight into the people who lived on Salisbury Plain thousands of years ago.

Woodhenge is a late Neolithic henge and timber-circle monument near Amesbury, Wiltshire, around two miles from Stonehenge. Dating from approximately 2500 BC, it originally consisted of six concentric oval rings of wooden posts surrounded by a bank and ditch. The timber itself has long since disappeared, but concrete markers now show visitors where the original posts once stood.

Unlike Stonehenge, Woodhenge is free to visit and is generally much quieter, making it an excellent addition to a trip exploring the wider Stonehenge landscape.

What is Woodhenge?

Woodhenge is a prehistoric henge monument constructed during the late Neolithic period, probably around 2500 BC. It was formed from six concentric oval rings of timber posts, enclosed by an earthwork bank and ditch. The main timber monument was approximately 40 metres long and 36 metres wide, while the surrounding henge was around 90 metres across. The largest timber posts were positioned towards the centre of the monument, with smaller posts forming the outer rings. There is nothing like the original wooden structure remaining today. Instead, painted concrete posts mark the positions of the prehistoric timbers, allowing visitors to understand the scale and arrangement of the monument.

The name ‘Woodhenge’ was given to the site following its excavation because of its similarities to the much better-known Stonehenge nearby. Today, it forms part of the remarkable prehistoric landscape surrounding Stonehenge, alongside monuments including Durrington Walls, the Stonehenge Avenue and the Stonehenge Cursus.

Where is Woodhenge?

Woodhenge is located on Countess Road, near Amesbury in Wiltshire. The actual address is: Woodhenge, Countess Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7AR.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for anyone visiting Stonehenge or exploring the prehistoric monuments around Salisbury Plain. It is close to Durrington and only a few miles from Stonehenge, while the city of Salisbury is also within easy reach.

For visitors staying at Brades Acre Touring Park, Woodhenge is one of a number of fascinating prehistoric attractions that can be explored during a stay on Salisbury Plain. Brades Acre is ideally situated for exploring Stonehenge and the surrounding countryside, making it a convenient base for a Wiltshire sightseeing trip.

The history of Woodhenge

When was Woodhenge built?

Woodhenge is thought to date from around 2500 BC, placing its construction in the late Neolithic period. This makes it broadly contemporary with an important phase in the development of Stonehenge, when the great sarsen stones were being erected. Woodhenge therefore wasn’t simply an unrelated monument that happened to be built nearby. It formed part of a much larger prehistoric landscape in which different monuments, settlements and ceremonial sites were interconnected.

Exactly what happened at Woodhenge remains uncertain. Archaeologists continue to study the relationships between the monuments on Salisbury Plain to understand more about the beliefs, activities and organisation of the communities that created them.

How was Woodhenge discovered?

One of the most interesting aspects of Woodhenge’s modern history is that it was discovered from the air.

In 1925, Squadron Leader Gilbert Insall was flying near Durrington when he noticed unusual patterns in a wheat field below. From the air, a series of dark spots and concentric rings could be seen in the crops. These were cropmarks – areas where buried archaeological features affect the growth and appearance of vegetation above them. The aerial photographs revealed something that was difficult to recognise from ground level.

Excavation began the following year, led by archaeologists Maud and Ben Cunnington. Over the course of excavations between 1926 and 1928, the dark spots were identified as postholes and the surrounding features as a bank and ditch. The discovery revealed that what had initially appeared to be another potentially significant prehistoric earthwork was actually a remarkable timber monument.

What did the original Woodhenge look like?

The original Woodhenge would have looked very different from the site visitors see today.

Six concentric rings of timber posts formed an oval structure at the centre. The posts varied considerably in size, with some of the largest timbers positioned within the central rings. Around the timber circles was a ditch and an external bank, creating the henge monument. There was an entrance on the north-east side, facing towards Durrington Walls. At least two large sarsen stones were also subsequently added to the monument, although exactly why this happened remains uncertain.

Over thousands of years, the timber posts naturally disappeared. What survives archaeologically are the postholes and earthworks. The concrete markers seen today help visitors visualise where the wooden posts once stood.

What was Woodhenge used for?

This is one of the great unanswered questions surrounding Woodhenge. There is no definitive explanation for precisely why the monument was built or what activities took place there. Archaeologists have suggested a number of possibilities, including ceremonial, ritual and communal uses.

The arrangement of the monument also appears to have had astronomical significance. Its long axis is associated with the direction of the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset, while the relationship between Woodhenge and other monuments in the landscape suggests that its positioning was significant. However, it is important not to present these interpretations as established facts. We cannot know exactly what people did at Woodhenge or what its builders believed.

What is clear is that considerable effort went into constructing the monument. The large timber posts would have required substantial organisation to obtain, transport and erect, demonstrating the capabilities of the communities living in Neolithic Britain.

The burial at the centre of Woodhenge

Archaeological excavations at Woodhenge also uncovered human remains, adding another intriguing element to the site’s history. A burial was found within the monument along its principal axis. Earlier interpretations suggested that the burial might have represented a sacrifice, but later archaeological interpretation has questioned this explanation and suggested that the burial may have been a later addition to the site.

Other finds from the excavations included animal bones, cremated remains, antler picks and carved chalk objects. These discoveries demonstrate that Woodhenge was not simply an empty arrangement of posts. Human activity took place here over a considerable period, although precisely what those activities meant to the people involved remains open to interpretation.

What is the connection between Woodhenge and Stonehenge?

Woodhenge and Stonehenge are often discussed together, but it would be misleading to think of Woodhenge simply as a ‘wooden Stonehenge’. The two monuments are different in construction and design. Stonehenge is famous for its enormous standing stones, whereas Woodhenge was principally constructed from timber. Their similarities and their close geographical relationship are nevertheless significant. Both belong to the same extraordinary prehistoric landscape, and their construction dates broadly overlap.

The wider landscape includes numerous other monuments, including Durrington Walls, the Stonehenge Avenue and the Stonehenge Cursus. Together, these sites demonstrate that Stonehenge was not an isolated monument. It formed part of a much larger landscape that was shaped and used by prehistoric communities over many centuries.

The Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the exceptional concentration and importance of its prehistoric monuments. Woodhenge is one of the monuments included within the Stonehenge part of this World Heritage landscape.

Woodhenge vs Stonehenge: what’s the difference?

Although they are close neighbours and broadly contemporary, Woodhenge and Stonehenge offer very different experiences.

Stonehenge is undoubtedly the more visually dramatic monument, but Woodhenge offers something different. Because it is quieter and less formalised as a visitor attraction, it can be easier to pause and appreciate the landscape around you. It is also a useful reminder that the prehistoric landscape was about much more than the famous stones.

Woodhenge and Durrington Walls

One of the most interesting things about visiting Woodhenge is its proximity to Durrington Walls. Durrington Walls is a huge Neolithic henge and settlement located extremely close to Woodhenge. The entrance of Woodhenge faces towards the Durrington Walls enclosure, which is only around 70 metres away. Archaeological evidence indicates that Durrington Walls was an important settlement containing timber structures and evidence of substantial prehistoric activity.

This proximity helps demonstrate just how complex the Stonehenge landscape was. Rather than being a collection of unrelated monuments scattered across Salisbury Plain, the sites appear to have formed part of a much wider prehistoric environment.

For anyone interested in Neolithic Britain, visiting Woodhenge and Durrington Walls together provides a much richer understanding of the area than seeing either site in isolation.

Visiting Woodhenge

One of the best things about Woodhenge is how straightforward it is to visit. English Heritage currently lists free entry, with the site open at any reasonable time during daylight hours. Free parking is available next to the site. Visitors should take care when crossing the road to reach the entrance. As visitor arrangements can change, it is sensible to check the latest information with English Heritage before setting out.

Woodhenge parking

There is free parking immediately adjacent to Woodhenge, making it particularly easy to include in a wider sightseeing trip. The site itself is relatively simple, with the focus firmly on the monument and its surrounding landscape rather than visitor facilities. This is quite different from visiting a major attraction such as Stonehenge, and is part of what makes Woodhenge appealing.

How long do you need at Woodhenge?

You don’t need a whole day to see Woodhenge. Allowing around 30–45 minutes gives you time to walk around the monument, examine the concrete markers and earthworks, and take in the surrounding landscape. However, it makes more sense to think of Woodhenge as one part of a longer prehistoric landscape visit.

Combining Woodhenge with Durrington Walls gives you a greater appreciation of the relationship between the sites, while adding Stonehenge and other nearby monuments can turn the visit into a full day of exploring Wiltshire’s prehistoric heritage.

Is Woodhenge worth visiting?

Yes, particularly if you’re interested in history, archaeology or the landscape around Stonehenge. Woodhenge is considerably quieter than Stonehenge and, because entry is free, it is an easy addition to a day of sightseeing. It is also relatively quick to visit, making it suitable for families and visitors who want to see several attractions in one day.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is that Woodhenge isn’t immediately as impressive as Stonehenge when you first arrive. Without understanding what the concrete markers represent, it can initially be difficult to appreciate what you are looking at. Once you understand that those markers indicate the positions of the enormous timber posts that once stood there, however, the site becomes much more interesting.

Its proximity to Durrington Walls and the wider Stonehenge landscape is another reason to visit. Woodhenge helps to tell the bigger story of Neolithic Wiltshire.

Other prehistoric sites to visit near Woodhenge

If Woodhenge has sparked your interest in the prehistoric history of Salisbury Plain, there are plenty of other sites to explore.

Stonehenge

The most famous prehistoric monument in the area needs little introduction. A visit to Stonehenge provides an opportunity to see the monumental stone circle and learn more about the wider landscape in which Woodhenge was built.

Durrington Walls

Located very close to Woodhenge, Durrington Walls is one of the most important prehistoric sites in the area and provides valuable context for understanding the communities that inhabited the Stonehenge landscape.

Stonehenge Avenue

The Stonehenge Avenue is a prehistoric processional route connecting the area around Stonehenge with the River Avon. It is an important part of understanding how the monuments may have related to one another.

Stonehenge Cursus

This substantial prehistoric earthwork is another fascinating feature of the surrounding landscape and demonstrates the sheer scale of monument building taking place on Salisbury Plain.

Cuckoo Stone and King Barrows

These lesser-known sites are also part of the remarkable concentration of prehistoric monuments around Stonehenge and can be incorporated into walks through the landscape.

For visitors who want to explore beyond the major attractions, the area offers plenty of opportunities to combine archaeology with walking and countryside.

Staying near Woodhenge

If you’re planning a visit to Woodhenge, Stonehenge and the other prehistoric sites around Salisbury Plain, staying locally means you can take your time exploring rather than trying to see everything in one day.

Brades Acre Touring Park provides a convenient base for discovering Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain and the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. Located at Tilshead, the family-run site offers camping, touring pitches and holiday accommodation, with easy access to the area’s many attractions.

For anyone interested in prehistoric history, the location is particularly useful. Woodhenge, Stonehenge, Durrington Walls and the other monuments of the Stonehenge landscape can all be incorporated into a wider Wiltshire sightseeing itinerary. After a day spent exploring ancient monuments, you can return to the quieter surroundings of the touring park and enjoy the countryside of Salisbury Plain.

Frequently asked questions about Woodhenge

What is Woodhenge?

Woodhenge is a late Neolithic henge monument near Amesbury in Wiltshire. It originally consisted of six concentric oval rings of timber posts surrounded by a bank and ditch.

Where is Woodhenge?

Woodhenge is on Countess Road, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7AR, a short distance from Stonehenge and close to Durrington Walls.

When was Woodhenge built?

Woodhenge is thought to have been constructed around 2500 BC during the late Neolithic period.

Who discovered Woodhenge?

Woodhenge was discovered through aerial photography in 1925 by Squadron Leader Gilbert Insall, who noticed unusual cropmarks in a field near Durrington.

Why is it called Woodhenge?

The name Woodhenge was adopted following archaeological investigation because the monument’s arrangement and relationship with the nearby Stonehenge suggested similarities between the two sites.

What happened to the original wooden posts?

The wooden posts have disappeared over the thousands of years since Woodhenge was constructed. The positions of the original posts are now represented by concrete markers.

Is Woodhenge older than Stonehenge?

The monuments are broadly contemporary. Woodhenge dates to around 2500 BC, while this was also a major period in the construction of the stone monument at Stonehenge.

How far is Woodhenge from Stonehenge?

Woodhenge is only a few miles from Stonehenge, making it easy to combine the two during a visit to the area.

Is Woodhenge free to visit?

Yes. English Heritage currently lists Woodhenge as free to enter. It is open during reasonable daylight hours.

Is there parking at Woodhenge?

Yes. English Heritage currently states that free parking is available adjacent to the site.

How long should I spend at Woodhenge?

Around 30/45 minutes is enough to explore Woodhenge itself, although you should allow considerably longer if combining it with Durrington Walls, Stonehenge or other prehistoric sites.

Is Woodhenge worth visiting?

Woodhenge is well worth visiting if you have an interest in archaeology, history or the Stonehenge landscape. It is free, relatively quiet and provides a different perspective on the prehistoric monuments of Wiltshire.

What is the connection between Woodhenge and Durrington Walls?

Woodhenge and Durrington Walls are extremely close to one another and form part of the same wider Neolithic landscape. The entrance of Woodhenge faces towards Durrington Walls, which is approximately 70 metres away.

Discover the prehistoric landscape around Woodhenge

Woodhenge may not have the international fame of its stone-built neighbour, but it is an important part of the story of prehistoric Wiltshire.

Standing among the concrete markers today, it takes a little imagination to picture the enormous timber posts that once dominated this part of Salisbury Plain. Yet the earthworks, postholes and surrounding monuments provide an extraordinary connection with people who lived here more than 4,000 years ago.

For visitors staying at Brades Acre, Woodhenge is an especially worthwhile addition to a Wiltshire itinerary. Combine it with Durrington Walls, Stonehenge and the other prehistoric monuments around Salisbury Plain and you can begin to appreciate the area not simply as the home of one famous stone circle, but as one of Britain’s most remarkable prehistoric landscapes.