I count myself fairly fortunate that I have lived in some amazing locations. I have grown to know and love the surrounding areas and all they have to offer. Often revisiting them, when visitors came to stay.
One of the places that I’d include in my list is Avebury. It was a short car journey away from where we lived. If you had stayed with us, when I was in my late teens, we would have undoubtedly taken you to walk around the stones. It is still one of my favourite places.
We live a bit further away now, but when asked where I’d like to go on Mother’s Day, this year, I knew straight away. Avebury. It’s been a few years.
There was a protest from certain members of the family. They didn’t want to climb steep hills. They didn’t want to walk. It turns out that none of them could remember going to Avebury before.
After 13 years of being a mother, I’ve learnt a few truths on the way. For one, magic happens on car journeys. No matter how much they moan before the outing, as soon as the car doors open, they will run up the first hill they can find. Like little billy goats. They will declare it as the best outing ever, after just 5 minutes. As if it was their idea all along.
Magic. I tell you. Every time.
Not that I mind. They ran, walked and scrabbled up the Henge and around the stone circles. Shedding their coats as they went. My fingers froze every time I took my gloves off to take a photo, yet they didn’t seem to feel the cold.
The obligatory photo of everyone stopping one of the stones from falling over. I love that they all joined in.
As the official stone hugger of the family, I visited my favourite stone. Doesn’t everyone have a favourite stone? Maybe not. Hug.
They all spent time with the stones, taking it all in. In their own way.
It wasn’t the best day for photos, but I couldn’t resist taking a zillion. It doesn’t matter how many times I visit. All the shapes, holes and lichen patterns, on the stones, fascinate me.
We’ll take them back this year to see the Manor and Museum, and I’m sure they will enjoy visiting the stones again.
Top tip: If you get the chance, drive down the West Kennet Avenue when you approach Avebury. Signs may try to take you another way, but it gives the best perspective. National Trust car park is free to members.
Find out more about Avebury, which is a World Heritage site.
Avebury is about 45 mins drive from us (in Oxfordshire) so it’s a place we often visit too. My kids are the same, moaning and groaning when we have to go on a walk but loving it after we’ve set out.
I’m glad my children aren’t the only ones. It’s quite funny how they can change their tune so quickly.
Great pictures..I’ve never been to Avebury but used to visit Mitchell’s Fold Stone circle in Shropshire…it’s a rather wild spot and the only place I’ve been where the Sky Larks were swooping at head level ..very special (it’s English heritage and they have photos if you’d like to see . I can’t post a link here but google will find it :o) It’s near Stokesay another very favourite place.
Isn’t if fascinating how such places affect how you feel ..
Oh wow. That does sound like an awesome place. I shall look it up. I know Eldest (and husband) would love the Sky Larks, so may have to time a visit to the right time of year. Thanks for the tip.
Wow you live near Avebury? We visited the stones a few years ago when we had a friend visit from the States and found it an amazing place! On our way there, I remember looking at the window and feeling awed by the surroundings. Must visit again, would love to explore it more 🙂 x
We don’t live as close anymore. It is an amazing place. It’s hard to imagine how such big stones were moved and positioned. Hope you make it back.
I so so want to visit Avebury. In fact just had a quick look in between reading your post and commenting now on far a drive it would be for us. It’s two hours but I think definitely worth a day out this Easter or summer to visit. I’ll be hugging the stones too 🙂
It is worth a visit. I’ve not shown half of the area and, of course, there is the museum and barn. Nothing quite like it. Where else do you find a village of thatched cottages in the middle of two circles of stones? Hugging stones is advisable. 🙂
This is somewhere I would love to visit. I remember still going on a school trip there when I was in year 3 at school. Even now looking at your photos I remember rolling down those grassy banks and being enchanted with the stones. It was a scoring hot summer’s day. Looks a lot cooler when you visited but no less fun for the children and a lovely destination for Mother’s Day.
One visit it snowed, which made it even more magical. Your day does sound warmer. It makes a great day out, enjoying the fresh air and history. Hope you make it there, one day.
It’s a wonderful place to explore isn’t it. I never tire of it and it’s fab when you can revisit it and experience it through the eyes of children #CountryKids
I couldn’t tire of it either. And you are right. It is wonderful to see place, like this, through the eyes of the children.
We haven’t been to Avebury for years, I feel another visit coming on #countrykids
It will always draw you back. Hope you enjoy your visit.
One set of grandparents lived near Avebury when I was growing up. I remember many visits as a child and loved it every time. What a great place to spend Mothers Day. 🙂
It is the sort of place that draws you back. Like a good old friend, it’s like you’ve never been away. I’m so glad we went.
Wow! I havent heard of this place before. It looks so amazing! Those massive stones… amazing! I wish we can go here one day. I love your photos. They are indeed magical. I love the one where your husband joined in the fun =)
#countrykids
It is a great place to visit. I love walking around the stones. Each member of the family seemed to get something out of the visit. Proof that an entrance fee is not always required for a good outing. (It’s free to walk around the stones)
There is something about children moaning to go out as they get older, yet every single time they do, they have a fantastic time! Looks like a wonderful place to visit. and you all had fun. #CountryKids
So glad I’m not the only one who has this challenge. It does seem to increase as they hit they become tweens.
Wow, what an amazing place to go! We experience the same thing with our 3…moans and not wanting to go until we make them and then all is well. I know when they are older, especially when they are parents themselves, they will be glad we made them go on the adventures! Our girls are 12 and our son is 14.
Oh I’m sure you are right. I suspect I was the same. Now I just think about all the great places my parents took me.
I’ve never been to Avebury but it looks like an interesting place to visit. I love the photo of everyone stopping the stone from falling over and isn’t it funny how that magic happens in the car – everyone can be moaning one minute and then as soon as they arrive, they’re all excited about exploring! 🙂
I threaten to video them when they start to moan, so they can watch it next time. Maybe I should be videoing the fun times to show them next time they moan. So glad I ma not alone!
This looks amazing! The stones are fabulous. I know exactly what you mean about car journeys and changed minds, happens to us all the time 🙂
I guess I should thank my lucky stars that it is just moaning. I’m not sure how I would deal with a complete refusal. Also, nice to know I’m not alone.
I’ve long wanted to visit Avebury and I love your photos, which have made me wanted to go even more. I totally understand what you mean about the car journey too – by the time you get somewhere, they just want to be out and enthusiasm takes over!! #countrykids
I hope you make it to Avebury. It is an amazing place to visit.