As home to two of the world's most famous stone circles, it's no wonder other comparable landmarks in the south west region get overlooked in the tourist books. Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire pull in more than 1.5million visitors a year between them - but there are examples far closer to Bristol that have also stood the test of time.
Among the more unassuming is the Stanton Drew Circle in north east Somerset, which is just a 25-minute drive outside of the city centre. With parking limited, the bus is also an option if you're in no rush.
You can take a 50-minute ride on the number 672 straight to the village, with the 376 to Pensford an alternative if you don't mind a leisurely stroll at the other end. According to English Heritage, Stanton Drew is the third largest complex of prehistoric standing stones in England, with 26 still surviving in an upright position.
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However, the charity notes that it remains "surprisingly little known" compared to the crowded tourist attractions in its neighbouring county. When Bristol Live visited we started off in the nearby village of Pensford, best known for its stunning viaduct. We followed the directions handily outlined by the parish council, detailing a five-mile circular route through fields and along the River Chew.
In late spring the riverbank fields are full of dandelions and buttercups, and you might see sheep grazing on the hills. The trail takes you through woodland, past a small weir and along a path opposite a luxurious-looking shepherd's hut that you can pay to stay in.
There are shorter routes between the stone circles and Pensford, but this one also takes you via the Carpenters Arms at Stanton Wick nearby. Last month a Google reviewer hailed it as "without doubt our favourite pub within reasonable driving distance from home in Bristol", which is quite a claim given all the great country pubs on our doorstep.
The directions include a list of interesting landmarks and historical facts about points you'll pass along the way. Of the village name, the parish council's guide states: "Stanton Drew was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Stantone, meaning 'the stone enclosure with an oak tree' from the Old English stan and tun and from the Celtic deru.
"After the Norman Conquest, the Lords of the Manor took their name from the village. One of the family Drogo or Drew gave his name to the place to distinguish it from Stanton Prior and Stanton Wick. It was commemorated by Adge Cutler in his song 'When the Common Market comes to Stanton Drew'."
The guide highlights how neighbouring Stanton Wick used to be an important mining area, home to small 'bell pits' and then Bromley Pit which closed in 1957. The Carpenters Arms is thought to have originally been a row of cottages for the men who worked at the mines.
In Stanton Drew itself the pub is the aptly-named Druids Arms, whose beer garden is home to three large stones similar to that in the nearby stone circle, collectively known as The Cove. You can get a well-priced meal if you make it there in the early afternoon before the kitchen closes, like hearty ham and eggs for £9.50 or a Sunday roast starting at £12.50.
If you're a fan of a brisk countryside walk with landmarks along the way and a cosy pub at either end, we think this is one of the best rambles within easy reach of Bristol. One recent visitor to the stone circle, James, wrote on Google Reviews: "Very quiet and undisturbed.
"Comes with none of the business of all the popular places like Stonehenge. Free with £1 honesty box and roughly five parking spaces."
Another visitor, Chris, added: "Very interesting, seems magical and mystic, got lost for an hour just wandering around trying to work out how the stones got there."
If you want to make a day of it then the wider Chew Valley has plenty to offer - the animal park, pretty Chew Valley Lake and shops and restaurants in the picturesque village of Chew Magna are well worth a visit.
Let us know your favourite walking route in the Bristol area in the comments section below.
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