Emma A romantic retreat in the heart of mystical Avebury
Longstones Avebury is minutes away from the ancient stone circle in Avebury, in my opinion the cooler cousin to Stonehenge. Here you can get up close to the stones, touch them and connect with the history in a way you can’t at Stonehenge. There is something unique about sitting beside, and being able to touch and feel something from 2850 BC.
Set on a working farm within the Avebury World Heritage Site, Longstones Avebury offers six individual luxury barn‑conversions blending modern comfort with ancient heritage. Each barn – named after a local Neolithic site, like Adam; Eve (the two stones to the west of the village); Windmill Hill; Horslip (a burial mound) – is distinctly styled with Scandinavian‑inspired décor, light-filled interiors, and cozy textures.
Each barn is a holiday home you can rent at Longstones, and you can tell that Farmer Ben and his family have developed the site sympathetically as the barns fit in with the surrounding local buildings and the landscaping has given life again to what was a disused farmyard. There is also a walking path to the World Heritage Site stones and National Trust museum.
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We were staying in Horslip, let’s have a look inside…
Horslip is named after a long barrow situated on the farm, and it sleeps up to four people. Inside, it has a spaciously designed and tastefully decorated kitchen and living area; two bedrooms; two bathrooms; private garden; and a terrace with a hot tub and outdoor dining area.
The summer sun was ever present during our stay, however, we couldn’t help think how fantastic this would also be in winter with its wood burning stove; underfloor heating for that added luxury touch; plus there is a bathtub in the master bedroom!
Other facilities include a flat screen TV in the living room, and another in the main bedroom; ample charging points, including built-in electric toothbrush chargers in each bathroom; books and games to keep you entertained. Two pedestal fans were also provided.
Each barn includes a fully-equipped kitchen, which includes a dishwasher, Nespresso machine, toaster, microwave, small fridge/freezer, cooker, kettle and all the pots, pans and accessories needed to cook a meal here. Essential such as tea, coffee and a bottle of local milk from Avebury Dairy was supplied, which was deliciously creamy – make sure to visit the Milkbot machine in the village for more milk (only 60p per 500ml) and to make delicious milkshakes. There isn’t a washing machine or tumble dryer within the apartments themselves but you can find these facilities in the communal barn beside the car park area.
Onto the bedrooms, and the master bedroom has an ensuite toilet and shower, and sports a freestanding bathtub at the foot of the bed, with a garden view.
There is direct access to the garden and terrace from the master bedroom. The other bedroom can be styled for twin or double occupation. So ideal for friends, and family getaways.
And…there’s your very own hot tub on your private terrace. Star gaze at night, or slip in during the day with birdsong and bubbles.
Exploring Avebury & Surroundings
Stone Circle & Henge
Avebury stone circle is a 5 minute walk from Longstones, here you can walk among the stones even with your dog (they must be on a leash). There is a public right of way through the field to the north east of Longstones that joins onto Church Walk. If you’d like to join an organised tour then these run daily, starting at noon, costing £6 per adult and £3 per child. Get your tickets from the inside the large National Trust barn.
Alexander Keiller Museum
The museum houses artefacts from excavations made by Alexander Keiller in the broader Avebury landscape and gives a background to the archeology of Avebury. It costs £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child. Family tickets are £9.75 – 16.25.
Avebury Manor
The manor is currently closed for refurbishment due to flood damage (as of July 2025).
Avebury Manor Gardens
The gardens can be visited for £6.50 per adult and £3.25 per child. Family tickets are £9.75 – 16.25.
Walking
There is an abundance of walking routes here. Follow the West Kennet Avenue south from the henge for views of Silbury Hill. Continue across the A4 to reach West Kennet Long Barrow.
Trail options include the 3‑mile circle around Silbury Hill or the longer 8 km Ridgeway walk through chalk downland – for more information visit the National Trust.
What to do in the village of Avebury
The NT Circles Café offers light lunches and cakes before exploring the garden and museum. Nearer to the stones, you will find Unhenged, a not for profit, community enterprise that is a licensed cafe, open from 10am – 4pm all week. Their menu includes breakfast items, soup, sandwiches, toasties and baked potatoes. Local beer and free Wi-Fi is available and they are dog friendly.
Walk along the High Street and you will find The Red Lion pub has local ale, a beer garden and parking. Local shops include: The Henge Shop which has gifts, books, and all sorts of mystical stuff on sale; the Avebury Community Shop which has day-to-day essentials on sale; and Elements of Avebury, which sells jewellery, crystals, incense and candles etc.
Avebury Dairy also has an automatic milk dispensing ‘Milkbot’ machine with syrups (charged at 25p) to make your own milkshakes. You can buy a branded plastic bottle from the vending machine as well if you need one.
Nearby Highlights
Within walking distance: Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow, and the striking Longstones (the ancient “Adam and Eve” stones) located near the farm where Longstones accommodation takes its name.
Stonehenge, Hackpen White Horse, Marlborough and Lacock Abbey are easy to access by car from Avebury.
Verdict
Avebury and Longstones is a perfect mixture of rural tranquility with modern luxury. Country vibes with an indulgent feel. This is the place to come if you want to get away from it all, but be within reach of the world if needed. Somewhere to relax and take some time out.
Book a stay
Click here to book a stay direct with Longstones.
Where
Longstones, Manor Farm, Avebury Trusloe, Marlborough SN8 1QY.
How to get to Longstones Avebury
By Car
Longstones and Avebury are easily accessed from the M4. On‑site free parking is included which includes EV Charging
By Public Transport
We used public transport to get here – take the railway to Swindon and then walk 5 minutes to Swindon bus station. The Stagecoach number 49 bus leaves from stance 9 and runs roughly every half hour during the day and every hour in the evening and on Sundays. Avebury isn’t listed on the stand but the destination is Devizes. It takes about 35 minutes, the main bus stop in the village is at the Red Lion pub but hold on for the next stop at Avebury Trusloe – you will need to cross the main road, and there is a path leading to South Street. It’s only a 5 minute walk from Longstones. Click here for up to date public transport details.
Parking in Avebury
National Trust car parks serve Avebury and are signposted (fee applies unless you’re a member).
Longstones Avebury FAQ
What is the pet policy?
Pets are allowed. There is a dog washing station on site.
Is there a washing machine?
There is a communal washing machine.
Do they serve breakfast?
No, this is a self catering apartment. Equipment such as toaster, microwave and hob are available in the kitchen.
Is there a restaurant on site?
No, but The Red Lion is a 10 minute walk away. Waggon and Horses is a 15-20 minute walk away (via Nash Road and a bridle path). Both offer basic bar meals.
If you’d like a curry The Burj at the Bell is a 5 minute drive away, with the town of Marlborough just a little further on.
Are there EV charging points?
Yes, there are two EV charging points available.
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