www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Woodhenge Picnic Site
Woodhenge picnic area is a County Council countryside facility situated adjacent to the historic site of Woodhenge.
Woodhenge is a Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age monument originally comprising a series of concentric circles of wooden poles within a circular bank and ditch and has a similar diameter to Stonehenge. This site was first discovered in 1925 when rings of dark spots in a crop of wheat were noticed on aerial photographs. Excavation of the site then showed that the dark spots were holes for wooden posts. The site originally consisted of 6 rings of wooden posts radiating out from a central point. They were enclosed within an earthen bank and ditch with a north east entrance as at Stonehenge.
Woodhenge has conventionally been dated to about 2300-2000BC, making it contemporary with the building of the stone circle of Stonehenge. But excavations in the 1970s using new radio carbon dating techniques suggested that it could be more recent.
Excavations during the 1970s at Woodhenge also revealed that a child had been buried near to the centre of the enclosure. The skull of the child had been split. Was this for a religious or ritual reason? Early prehistory monuments often include human remains. These are thought to be sacrifices or offerings to mark the beginning of its use.
Woodhenge Picnic Area is a County Wildlife Site for its botanical value. The County Council manages the picnic area to protect and enhance this value as well as to provide an area for quiet enjoyment for visitors.
Please be careful when crossing the road to get to Woodhenge from the picnic area.
Location:Woodhenge Picnic Area is situated on the A345 just off the A303 north of Amesbury.
Grid Reference:SU 152 434
Parking:There is currently parking for about 5 cars at the picnic site.
Note: There are no toilet facilities on site.
Contact Details
By Post
Senior Countryside Ranger
Countyside Service
Environmental Services
Wiltshire County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8JD
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713489
By Fax
01225 713269
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
