Having stood for at least 9,000 years, Stonehenge sees crowds flock to it especially during key dates in the solar calendar
One topic that has been dominating conversations of late is “green social prescribing” — the encouragement of nature-based activities and interventions as a means of improving mental and physical health. These activities range from arts or cultural programmes held outdoors, open-air gyms and community gardening to countryside holidays, glamping and more. Scientific evidence has shown that nature-based social prescribing benefits us in more ways than one.
Besides improving our wellbeing, communing with nature also reduces the feelings of loneliness and stress while meaningfully improving one’s state of mind. As the UK remains one of the most popular destinations for Malaysians, a visit to its West Country is highly recommended. From the stunning city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian heritage, to Salisbury and its renowned cathedral, there is much to see, do and experience. However, for an ethereal experience that borders on the fey, do not miss two of the world’s greatest stone circles — the legendary Stonehenge and the infinitely less touristy and more accessible Avebury henge monument nearby.
Where: Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire
What: A prehistoric stone circle monument that remains one of the great wonders of the ancient world
How much: £30 per adult
Why: Stonehenge dates back at least 9,000 years and remains infused with magic and mystery. Older than the Great Pyramids of Giza, surrounding it are numerous barrows, the final resting place of chieftains, priests and aristocrats of centuries past. It famously has mystical links and was believed to have been favoured as a site of religious importance by druids or Celtic priests. Even up till today, Stonehenge is thronged at key dates in the solar calendar, particularly during the summer and winter solstices. Stonehenge was also pronounced a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1986, a listing it co-shares with Avebury, which is just 17 miles away.
What else: Just after the entrance, there is a model of a Neolithic village, and informative displays abound, offering insights into the mighty Sarsen stones. The on-site café and gift shop provide the perfect opportunity to reward yourself with a post-visit pot of tea and a fat scone with clotted cream, as well as to bring home some interesting swag — such as local Keepr’s honey-infused gin, single-origin Witchmark barley vodka and craft beers with jaunty names and labels like Neolithic Nectar, Solstice Stones and Stone Circle.
Where: Avebury village, Wiltshire
What: The largest megalithic stone circle of its kind in the world
How much: Free
Why: Believed to have been constructed in the third millennium BC, what gives Avebury added appeal over Stonehenge, famous though it may be, is that it allows you to get up close and personal with natural history. Visitors are permitted to touch but not climb the stones, so it is not uncommon to see people hugging the ancient stones. Many have even claimed to feel a special energy when contact is made while others believe them to possess healing or magical powers.
What else: Avebury village is practically encircled by the standing stones so it is one of the most charming places to enjoy a long romp — with or without a four-legged friend in tow. Locals drive from the nearby (and equally picturesque) town of Marlborough for evening walks, followed by a pint at the local Red Lion pub. Those who enjoy a spooky tale or two might be thrilled to know the 400-year-old thatched building is said to be one of Britain’s most haunted public houses. If the weather is pleasant, grab your drinks to enjoy it outside, accompanied by views of the most marvellous and magical standing stones. Oh, and do pop into the Henge Shop, one of the few independent businesses within the World Heritage site. Most things on sale — from crystals and fossils to silver jewellery and dowsing rods — are fairly traded or sourced from local suppliers and they also host visiting practitioners regularly who offer reiki, tarot readings and more at the lovely little shop.
This article first appeared on May 5, 2025 in The Edge Malaysia.
