England has many mysterious and ancient stone circles. We look at 10 of the country’s most fascinating ones…
Stone circles are fascinating remnants from ancient times found across the British Isles. England is home to many of these mysterious structures. The exact purpose of these circles remains a subject of debate and speculation. While Stonehenge is the most famous, there are many other stone circles, each with its own unique features and legends.
Most mysterious stone circles in England
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Stonehenge is without a doubt the most famous stone circle in the world, it dates back to around 2500 BC. Its massive trilithons and bluestones have been the subject of countless studies and theories about its origin, function, and the methods used in its construction.
Avebury, Wiltshire
Larger in diameter than Stonehenge, Avebury is another impressive prehistoric site. The village of Avebury is uniquely situated inside this circle, which has a henge and two smaller stone circles inside.
The Rollright Stones, Oxfordshire
This is a complex of three sites: the King’s Men, the Whispering Knights, and the King Stone. Local legends talk about a king and his knights being turned to stone by a witch.
Castlerigg, Cumbria
Nestled among the Lake District’s mountains, Castlerigg dates back to around 3000 BC. Its picturesque setting and atmospheric presence make it one of the most scenic stone circles in England.
The Nine Ladies, Derbyshire
Situated on Stanton Moor, The Nine Ladies is a small circle is associated with legends of nine ladies turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday.
Stanton Drew Circles, Somerset
This complex consists of three circles. The Great Circle is one of the largest in the country. Local folklore speaks of wedding guests being turned to stone.
Swinside, Cumbria
Also known as Sunkenkirk, this circle is located in a remote part of the Lake District. Swinside’s 55 stones form a near-perfect circle, and like many other circles, it’s associated with local legends.
Merry Maidens, Cornwall
A perfect circle of 19 stones, it’s another site linked with legends of dancers turned to stone.
The Hurlers, Cornwall
Located on Bodmin Moor, The Hurlers are a group of three stone circles that are said to be men turned to stone for playing the ancient game of hurling on a Sunday.
Arbor Low, Derbyshire
Often referred to as the “Stonehenge of the North”, Arbor Low is a large Neolithic henge monument. The stones are now mostly fallen, but it’s still an impressive and atmospheric site.
Have you been to these or any other stone circle? Tell us about your experiences in the comments section below!
