The British Isles are positively brimming with astounding Neolithic monuments – from the world-famous stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury to lesser-known but equally captivating sites like the Ring of Brodgar and Castlerigg. These megalithic wonders, most of which were constructed over 5,000 years ago, provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of our ancient ancestors.
If you‘re keen to connect with Britain‘s prehistoric past, be sure to add these 12 sensational sites to your Neolithic bucket list:
1. Stonehenge, Wiltshire
No list of Britain‘s top Neolithic attractions would be complete without Stonehenge. This iconic stone circle, believed to have been built in several stages between 3000-1500 BC, features a ring of standing sarsen stones topped with lintels. The smaller bluestones, transported all the way from the Preseli Hills in Wales, are placed within the center.
While the original purpose of Stonehenge remains a mystery, it likely served as a place of religious ceremonies and possibly a celestial calendar, with key alignments to the summer solstice sunrise and winter solstice sunset. For a truly magical experience, time your visit to coincide with these solar events.
2. Avebury, Wiltshire
Just 20 miles north of Stonehenge lies another of Britain‘s most remarkable Neolithic monuments – the Avebury Henge and Stone Circles. Constructed around 2600 BC, Avebury is the largest megalithic stone circle in the world, originally consisting of around 100 huge standing stones.
Within the main outer circle are two smaller inner circles, each with their own unique character. The northern inner circle features the Cove, a three-sided square of vast megaliths, while the southern inner circle has the famous Obelisk at its center.
Avebury is a place of powerful earth energies and has long been a sacred pilgrimage site. Much of the village itself is built within the henge monument, allowing you to wander freely among the stones and even touch them.
3. Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
Venturing up to Scotland‘s windswept Orkney Islands, you‘ll find the Heart of Neolithic Orkney – a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes the breathtaking Ring of Brodgar. Dating back to around 2500 BC, this magnificent stone circle originally comprised 60 megaliths, of which 27 still stand today.
The Ring of Brodgar is part of a larger prehistoric landscape that includes the Standing Stones of Stenness, a smaller stone circle just a mile away, as well as the Maeshowe chambered tomb and the stone-built settlement of Skara Brae. Visiting at sunrise or sunset, when the stones cast long shadows across the heather, is a memorable experience.
4. Castlerigg, Cumbria
Dramatically situated amid the rugged fells of the Lake District, Castlerigg is one of Britain‘s earliest stone circles, erected around 3200 BC. Measuring nearly 100 feet in diameter, it consists of 38 stones in a slightly flattened circle, with a rectangular setting of 10 additional stones inside the eastern part of the ring.
Castlerigg‘s stunning panoramic setting high on a plateau, surrounded by some of Lakeland‘s most iconic peaks like Helvellyn and High Seat, makes it one of the most atmospheric stone circles to visit. Look out for ancient stone axes around the site, which suggest it was an important meeting place and trading center for Neolithic communities.
5. Bryn Celli Ddu, Anglesey
While Stonehenge steals much of the limelight, the passage tomb of Bryn Celli Ddu on the Isle of Anglesey in Wales is an equally intriguing Neolithic monument. Meaning "The Mound in the Dark Grove", it was built around 5000 years ago as a Stone Age burial chamber.
A narrow passageway leads to an inner circular chamber, where the remains of Neolithic ancestors would have been laid to rest. During excavations, archaeologists discovered a carved stone pillar and the remains of a ceremonial dagger, hinting at the tomb‘s ritual significance.
But Bryn Celli Ddu‘s most captivating feature is its solar alignment. Every year on the summer solstice, the first rays of the rising sun shine directly down the passageway, illuminating the chamber within. Witnessing this phenomenon is a powerful way to connect with the beliefs of our distant ancestors.
6. Long Meg and Her Daughters, Cumbria
Another of Cumbria‘s megalithic treasures is Long Meg and Her Daughters near Penrith. The "Daughters" are a huge stone circle measuring 350 feet across, while "Long Meg" herself is a solitary standing stone, 12 feet high and positioned to the southwest of the circle.
What sets Long Meg apart from other standing stones are the mysterious symbols carved into her surface – a series of concentric circles, spirals, and rings thought to be an example of Neolithic or Bronze Age rock art. Local legend says that Meg was a witch, turned to stone along with her daughters as punishment for profaning the Sabbath.
7. Silbury Hill, Wiltshire
Not all Neolithic monuments in Britain are made of stone – some are carved from the very earth itself. A prime example is Silbury Hill, a mammoth man-made chalk mound rising 100 feet from the plains of Wiltshire.
Constructed between 2400-2300 BC, Silbury Hill is the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Despite numerous excavations, its purpose remains an enigma. Was it a ceremonial site, a burial mound, or a territorial marker? As you climb the viewing platform to marvel at the immensity of this ancient earthwork, you can ponder the answer for yourself.
8. Callanish Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
Rivaling Stonehenge for sheer mystical appeal, the Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland‘s Outer Hebrides are a sight to behold. Erected around 2900 BC, the main monument consists of a central stone circle with a towering monolith at its heart and a small chambered tomb, surrounded by five rows of stones that form a Celtic cross layout.
Archaeoastronomers believe the stones were aligned to mark significant lunar events like the major and minor standstills of the moon every 18.6 years. Visit during one of these celestial occurrences to appreciate the extraordinary astronomical prowess of the Neolithic builders.
9. Arbor Low, Derbyshire
Often overshadowed by the more famous Stonehenge and Avebury, Arbor Low in the Peak District is a Neolithic henge monument of great character and charm. Constructed around 2500 BC, it comprises a large stone circle surrounded by an earthen bank and ditch.
What makes Arbor Low unique is that all of its 50 limestone slabs are now recumbent, giving it the nickname of the "Stonehenge of the North". Whether the stones were deliberately laid flat or collapsed over time is still debated. In the center are seven smaller blocks arranged in a cove or horseshoe formation.
Despite its less-than-perfect state, Arbor Low has an undeniable aura of ancientness and offers a wonderfully peaceful spot to contemplate our prehistoric heritage.
10. Wayland‘s Smithy, Oxfordshire
Situated on the Ridgeway long-distance trail in Oxfordshire, Wayland‘s Smithy is a Neolithic chambered long barrow, believed to be the tomb of a ruling elite family. The barrow was constructed in two phases, the first dating to around 3590 BC and the second to 3460 BC.
The tomb‘s association with Wayland, the Saxon god of metalworking, comes from a local legend that if a traveler‘s horse lost a shoe, they could leave the animal and some money at the entrance to the barrow overnight. By morning, Wayland would have re-shod the horse.
Today, you can peer down the narrow entrance to the burial chamber and imagine the Neolithic rituals and ceremonies that would have taken place at this sacred site almost 5500 years ago.
11. West Kennet Long Barrow, Wiltshire
Just a stone‘s throw from Silbury Hill and Avebury lies one of Britain‘s largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs – the West Kennet Long Barrow. Built around 3650 BC, it stretches over 300 feet in length and was skillfully constructed using precisely cut sarsen stones weighing up to 50 tons.
Inside, a central passageway opens onto five separate chambers, which would have been the final resting place for some 50 individuals over a period of around 1000 years. Bone, pottery, and bead remnants found inside paint a picture of a once-thriving community of Neolithic farmers and herders.
Clambering inside one of the chambers is an eerie yet unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the world of our Stone Age ancestors.
12. Maeshowe, Orkney
We end our Neolithic odyssey where we began – in Orkney. No visit to the archipelago would be complete without marveling at the ingenuity of Maeshowe, a Neolithic chambered cairn that perfectly showcases the architectural and astronomical prowess of its builders.
Constructed around 2800 BC, Maeshowe appears from the outside as a large grass-covered mound. But its interior reveals a masterpiece of prehistoric engineering – a vaulted ceiling of precisely-fitted flagstones above a chambered vault with side cells.
Even more remarkable is Maeshowe‘s alignment to the setting sun at the winter solstice. If you‘re lucky enough to secure one of the limited tour tickets on December 21st, you can witness a dazzling light show as the last rays of the dying sun penetrate the tomb‘s long entrance passage, illuminating the chamber within. A fitting finale to our tour of Britain‘s most magnificent Neolithic sites.
Tips for visiting Britain‘s Neolithic sites:
• Check opening times and accessibility in advance, as some sites have limited access or require prebooking.
• Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most atmospheric experience, and to avoid crowds.
• Look out for special events like solstice gatherings or guided walks with experts to gain a deeper insight into the sites.
• Respect the monuments by not climbing on them or removing any stones or artifacts.
• Combine your visit with other nearby attractions to make a day of it – many sites are located in areas of outstanding natural beauty with great walking trails.
Whether you‘re a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone who appreciates a spectacular view, Britain‘s Neolithic sites offer a powerful way to connect with our distant past and the communities who shaped the landscape we see today. So why not embark on your own stone circle pilgrimage this year? With over 1,300 to choose from across the British Isles, you‘re sure to find a megalithic marvel to capture your imagination.
