Another Escape to the Country (Part 2 of 2)

Our escape to the country continues.  

After visiting Stonehenge, we visited a much older site at Avebury—a henge (a large earthen circle) filled with rings of large stones.  Avebury was especially fun, because we could touch the stones.  

Next to the main road leading to Avebury is a ancient way marked with tall stones.

At the site, there are concentric rings of large stones that are surrounded by a much larger circular earthen mound with a deep ditch.  Below are some of the large stones. 

One stone is known as the Devil’s Chair.  Sitting in the chair is said to bring good luck.  Both of us are hoping for some good luck.  

Below, some random hottie poses in a field with a large stone and earthen ridge in the background.  

Here is a view of the deep ditch and earthen wall ringing the site.  When originally constructed, the ditch and wall would have been white because of the chalk that makes up the ground.  

The best thing about Avebury is walking among the stones, not only looking from a substantial distance.  In fact, hugging the stones is allowed. 

Next up was a visit to the village of Lacock which predates the Norman invasion in 1066.  The village is still alive and well, yet it seems frozen in the past.  For that reason, the village is a frequent filming location, for all sorts of films and programs, such as Pride and Prejudice, Downton Abbey and even a Harry Potter film.  

Pictured below is a former monastery that was converted to a manor house in the mid-1500’s.  

We enjoyed rambling around the town and spotted some lovely scenes.

At the end of a secluded lane, our guide pointed out a house featured in one of the Harry Potter films, the house where Harry’s parents lived before their demise.

We concluded our day in the country with a visit to one of the most beautiful villages in England, Castle Combe in the Cotswolds.  All of the buildings in the village are made with the same honey-colored Cotswold stone, making for a harmonious scene   Check it out.  

By the way, the castle of Castle Combe was demolished centuries ago.  Still, the village’s name persists.

Thanks for escaping to the country with us.