Explore the UK’s enigmatic standing stones and ancient stone circles that lie beyond the famous Stonehenge. These lesser-known monuments are steeped in mystery, folklore, and historical significance, offering travelers intriguing glimpses into Britain’s distant past.
Avebury Stone Circle, Wiltshire
Begin your journey at Avebury in Wiltshire, home to the largest stone circle in Europe. Unlike Stonehenge, visitors can freely wander among the massive stones, experiencing firsthand the mystery of this ancient ceremonial site, which has inspired countless myths and legends.
Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis
Travel north to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to discover the Callanish Stones. Standing majestically on the Isle of Lewis, this Neolithic arrangement of standing stones creates a dramatic landscape, evoking tales of ancient rituals and astronomical alignments that continue to captivate visitors.
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria
In England’s picturesque Lake District, the Castlerigg Stone Circle offers stunning panoramic views, enhancing the mystery of its construction. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the circle is thought to have been a place of worship, trade, or even astronomical observation thousands of years ago.
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney Islands
Head further north to Scotland’s Orkney Islands to visit the Ring of Brodgar, a mesmerizing stone circle dramatically positioned between two lochs. This enigmatic monument has sparked theories ranging from celestial alignments to ritualistic purposes, deepening its enduring allure.
Stanton Drew Circles, Somerset
Explore Somerset’s peaceful countryside at Stanton Drew, home to one of Britain’s largest and least-known stone circles. This intriguing site remains quietly mysterious, offering visitors an atmospheric experience free from tourist crowds, ideal for contemplation and exploration.
Long Meg and Her Daughters, Cumbria
Discover the third-largest stone circle in England, Long Meg and Her Daughters, near Penrith in Cumbria. Steeped in local legend, this monument of standing stones is associated with tales of witchcraft, transformation, and ancient rituals, adding layers of fascination to any visit.
Rollright Stones, Oxfordshire
Conclude your journey at the Rollright Stones on the border of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. According to legend, these stones were once knights and a king turned to stone by a witch. Visitors today continue to marvel at the folklore and mysteries surrounding this atmospheric location.
Uncovering Ancient Myths
Venturing beyond Stonehenge to explore Britain’s other mysterious standing stones provides travelers with an opportunity to delve deeper into the ancient past. Each site holds its own myths, legends, and archaeological puzzles, inviting visitors to uncover the secrets hidden within these fascinating monuments.