The Red Lion

The Red Lion at Avebury has the rare distinction of standing within a prehistoric stone circle, the great Neolithic henge at Avebury in Wiltshire, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Stonehenge and other monuments. The thatched pub occupies old buildings at the heart of the village, and a deep well, now covered, survives within the premises, adding to its unusual character. Its setting among the ancient stones makes it one of the most distinctive inns in the country.

The Red Lion is often described as one of England's most haunted pubs. Local tradition centres on a woman sometimes called "Florrie," said to be connected with the well, and visitors report cold spots, moving objects and uneasy feelings. These stories are popular and frequently retold, but they remain anecdotal and unverified.

The pub is a good place to enjoy folklore with a clear head. Its genuine setting within the Avebury monument is extraordinary in itself, so visitors can appreciate the ghost stories while remembering how a dramatic ancient landscape and an old building naturally invite tales of the uncanny.

The Red Lion is a working pub in the centre of Avebury, operated under the Chef & Brewer brand, serving food and drink to the general public with no admission charge. It keeps normal pub hours and sits within the National Trust-managed Avebury complex, so parking is usually in the nearby village car park.

As a busy pub within a World Heritage Site, visitors are asked to respect the surrounding stones and monument, park considerately, and treat the historic building, staff and other customers with courtesy. Checking opening hours in advance is advisable.