Campers planning to visit Avebury for the summer solstice are being warned that there will be only be limited space in a temporary campsite available from Thursday June 20 – and it will close on Saturday after the solstice celebrations.
The National Trust has permitted use of land at the far end of the car park at Avebury which can accommodate a little under 100 tents – the same area as was used in previous years.
The National Trust works with village residents and Pagan groups to manage the large numbers who are expected to descend on Avebury to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
Hilary Makins, the National Trust Avebury head ranger, said the access arrangements were the same as in previous years at Avebury - and also at Stonehenge.
“Since Avebury is a World Heritage Site, we have limited options for car parking and temporary campsites," she said.
"However, we have tried and tested systems which we know work. Even the construction of the new visitor centre at Stonehenge is not changing access arrangements there this year.
“We want people who come to Avebury to enjoy a peaceful solstice but we would also appeal to them to consider using some of the other official campsites nearby and coming to Avebury by public transport to help ease the pressure on this special place.”
The campsite, at the far end of the main public car park in Avebury, will open at 9am on Thursday June 20.
Celebrations will take place in the Avebury Henge that evening the sunrise ceremony on the morning of June 21 is the main focus for celebrations. The campsite closes and must be cleared by 2pm on Saturday June 22.
All the details of Solstice arrangements at Avebury are published on the National Trust’s website (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury) The National Trust is part of the Avebury Solstice Planning Group which has, over many years, developed a plan to ensure the solstice at Avebury is a peaceful celebration. “We work closely with police, the local councils, residents, the fire brigade and other safety groups to ensure that this is a pleasant and safe event for those who wish to celebrate the solstice here,” added Ms Makins.