The hill rises to 191 metres (627 ft) above the River Avon, which is just over 2 kilometres (1 mi) to the south, and gives views of the city of Bath and the surrounding area.

Beneath these are, successively, Bajocian age limestones of the Inferior Oolite Group and sandstones of the Bridport Sand Formation.

Beneath all of these is the relatively thick Charmouth Mudstone Formation sequence rising from the edge of the valley floor alluvium.

The top of the hill was cleared down to the bedrock, then substantial huts were built with wattle and daub on a timber frame.

[14][15][16] Solsbury Hill is a possible location of the Battle of Badon, fought between the Britons (under the legendary King Arthur) and the Saxons c. 496, mentioned by the chroniclers Gildas and Nennius.

[27][self-published source] The plants and animals that live on Little Solsbury reflect the habitat provided by grassland overlying the limestone rock beneath.

[28] Examples of plant species found include bird's foot trefoil, vetches, greater knapweed, harebells, yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and scabious.

[35] A recording of the natural sounds on the hill forms the track "A Quiet Moment" on Gabriel's 2011 album New Blood, which precedes the orchestral version of his song.

[36] The Warlord Chronicles, a historical fiction trilogy of books, places the site of Mount Badon at Solsbury Hill.