Having spent the last several summers drinking myself into oblivion in a selection of continental drinking holes, as a break from the norm this year I planned something a little more cerebral.

Britain is a country steeped in history, from Alfred the Great to the Norman invasion, Admiral Nelson to Winston Churchill and as such, celebrates the past as much as the present.

But while much of Britain's history is well known - having been drummed into us at school - Britain and, in particular, Wiltshire's prehistoric legacy is largely a well-kept secret, shrouded as it is in myth and mystery.

So, with a jaunt around Wiltshire's most famous prehistoric sites in mind I started off at the most famous of them all, Stonehenge.

Stonehenge is one of the world's most recognisable landmarks and attracts thousands of visitors every year from holidaymakers to hippies.

Located on the perpetually bitter Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge consists of earth, timber, and stone structures, and has been provisionally dated from 2700-2300 BC. Its purpose has long been a bone of contention for archaeologists, with explanations ranging from a temple for sun worship to an astronomical calendar.

But whatever its purpose, Stonehenge remains as awe-inspiring as it must have been to its pre-historic architects.

Located relatively close by is the village of Avebury with its vast interconnecting stone circles. Situated approximately ten miles from Swindon, Avebury is the greatest pre-historic stone circle in the UK, predating even Stonehenge.

Mostly dating to around 2,600-2,500 B.C., Avebury covers approximately 28 acres comprises a huge circular earthwork ditch, originally about 30 feet deep, and bank about a quarter of a mile in diameter which encloses an outer circle of standing stones.

Avebury also hosts a museum in which can be found the remains of a prehistoric child called 'Charlie' and one of the most important prehistoric archaeological collections in Britain.

West Kennet, is another impressive prehistoric site. The long, narrow, chambered tomb, features several galleries off the main passage and, although its precise function is unknown, is suspected of being used in conjunction with the nearby Avebury complex in ritual observances.

Avebury is also located near to the Ridgeway, a pre-historic road, and Silbury Hill, a vast unexplained mound once believed to be a huge burial chamber, in addition to several Neolithic hill forts, such as Barbury Castle, and white horses carved into the hillside.

But even for those who have no great interest in the mysteries of the ancients and the secrets of their monuments, Wiltshire can only be described as the real England.

Driving along its narrow country lanes, the magnificence of the county's rolling hills, sweeping valleys and picturesque villages is brought vividly to life. Wiltshire's historical legacy may be reason enough to visit, but its beauty is reason enough to make you return.


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