The oldest stone circle in the UK is likely Castlerigg Stone Circle, located near Keswick in the Lake District, Cumbria.
Why is Castlerigg Considered the Oldest?
- Estimated to have been constructed around 3,000 BCE, during the Neolithic period, making it over 5,000 years old.
- Older than Stonehenge and Avebury, which were built in later phases of the Neolithic and Bronze Age.
- One of the best-preserved and most scenic stone circles in the UK, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Other Ancient Stone Circles in the UK:
- Stenness Stones (Orkney, Scotland) – Dated to around 3,100 BCE, possibly even older than Castlerigg.
- Avebury (Wiltshire, England) – Built around 2,600 BCE, the largest stone circle in Europe.
- Stonehenge (Wiltshire, England) – Famous but slightly younger, with its main stones erected around 2,500 BCE.
Castlerigg remains one of the most mystical and atmospheric stone circles, set against a dramatic Lake District landscape, and is freely accessible to visitors.