Almost entirely within the Neolithic earthworks, Avebury is a small compact village. More impressive than Stone Henge, the area cannot be seen from one vantage point, and seems not to have drawn much attention until being noted by John Aubry.

Most of the standing stones were broken up in the 1700's and used for cottage and boundary walls, in which they can still be seen. The method used to break the stones was to heat them on a large fire then pour cold water along premarked lines.

It has never been determined, the form and extent of the standing stones that may once have radiated from the earthworks. The 18th century antiquary, William Stukeley had a theory that the stones were in the design of a serpent in which stone avenues ended in c

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ircles at the beast's head and tail.

The village includes museums, a manor, church, craft and National Trust shops and The Red Lion pub.