For some, Stonehenge in the UK is a circle of massive rocks standing on a vast green field. However, the history behind this Neolithic monument is more than just a pile of stones!
Being over thousands of years old, Stonehenge may have been used for rituals, pilgrimages, or as an astronomical calendar. Whatever the reason, thousands of tourists flock to Wiltshire to awe this legendary landmark.
However, archaeology buffs need not settle for Stonehenge to see stone circles. In fact, the UK is home to thousands of prehistoric stone circles. Travelers heading to the UK should check out these stone circles across the island nation, from the islands of Scotland to the rolling hills of Northern Ireland!
10 Avebury (Wiltshire, Marlborough)
Hovering at around 332 meters (or 1,088 feet), Avebury is the largest stone circle in the world, made up of 100 stones. Considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avebury dates back centuries, from 2850 to 2200 BC. These Neolithic stones may have been gatherings for ceremonial rites and rituals. Today, Avebury Stonehenge is free to explore for all visitors!
9 Castlerigg Stone Circle (Castle Lane, Underskiddaw, Keswick)
Castlerigg Stone Circle is composed of 38 massive stone circles. These stones date back to the Neolithic period, which is around 3000 BC! When visiting this ancient stone circle, tourists are greeted with a gorgeous backdrop of the Thirlmere Valley, decorated with the mighty mountains of the Helvellyn and High Seat. The purpose behind Castlerigg is still unknown, yet visitors are still drawn to these uniquely rectangular-shaped rocks!
8 Ring of Brogdar (Orkney Islands, Scotland)
The Ring of Brogdar sounds like a mystical place in a fantasy novel. However, this mysterious stone circle may be a real quest to get to since it's located in the Orkney Islands in Scotland (and is considered one of the country's hidden gems). The Ring of Brogdar was made from Neolithic stones that date back 5000 years ago! Originally the circle was comprised of 60 massive stones, yet, only 36 remain today.
7 Machrie Moor (Isle of Arran, Scotland)
Machrie Moor is more than just a circle stone. It's a prehistoric site with standing stones, hut circles, and cairns that are thousands of years old, dating back from 4500 to 1500 BC! The walk to the monument only takes an hour, studded with clear road conditions. Visitors will be greeted with giant circle stones that were previously reserved for religious rituals and burials. This monument stands proud, overlooking the gorgeous hills of Machrie village.
6 Calanais Standing Stones (Isle of Lewis, Scotland)
Also known as the Callanish Stones, this 5,000-year-old megalith was a site for rituals (or possibly to observe the stars); its specific purpose is still unknown, but visitors can bask in its grandeur, located on Scotland's Isle of Lewis. This world-famous landmark also features a visitor center with an in-house restaurant, gift shop, and cozy cafe. Enjoy a hot cup of tea while looming over the Loch Rog.
5 Duloe Stone Circle (Duloe, Cornwall)
Known as the Smallest Bronze age stone circle in Cornwall with a diameter of only 12 meters! The Duloe Stone Circle consists of 8 rocks that are rich in quartz, which dates back to 2400 to 1000 BC. In the 18th century, when a hedge was being removed (dividing the stone circle), one of the original stones actually contained cremated human remains. Today, this stone circle is still enjoyed by a modest tourist crowd and is close to other attractions including Golitha Falls, King Doniert's Stone, and Carnglaze Caverns.
4 The Rollright Stones (Little Rollright, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire)
Situated close to Blenheim Palace, the stones at Rollright are over 2,000 years old, composed of rocks that are from the Neolithic and Bronze ages. The stones are free to visit, but the Rollright Trust will ask for a £1 fee for the area maintenance and upkeep. After checking out The Rollright Stones, tourists can explore the historic town of Banbury or visit some nearby attractions like Broughton Castle, the Tysoe Windmill, the Upton House and Gardens, and the British Motor Museum.
3 Duddo Five Stones (Duddo, Northumberland)
Also known as "The Singing Stones" or "The Women", Duddo Five Stones actually sit on private property belonging to a local farmer. Visitors are welcome, as long as they comply with some rules (visitors must carefully park on the verge, and the gate should always be closed before leaving the area). This monolith is one of the most preserved stones in Northumberland and is over thousands of years old.
2 Nines Stones Close Stone Circle (Harthill, Matlock)
Situated near Derbyshire, the Nines Stones Close Stone Circle are also referred to as the "Grey Ladies". This monument stands on the picturesque hills of Harthill Moor; Nines Stones Close Stone Circle used to stand tall at 45 feet. However, today, 4 stones keep this stone circle intact. Whether the circle was used for ceremonial purposes or as a decorative landmark, this Bronze Age monument offers a quieter atmosphere compared to the likes of Stonehenge.
1 Ballynoe Stone Circle (Ballynoe, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland)
Just a stone's throw away from the town of Downpatrick lies the Ballynoe Stone Circle. This monument features megaliths dating back to the Neolithic Age, spanning a diameter of about 110 meters. The Ballynoe Stone Circle is comprised of 50 stones neatly arranged beside each other, with some towering at a height of almost 2 meters! This Northern Ireland monument is much quieter compared to its Salisbury counterpart and is close to nearby attractions including the Tyrella Beach, Struell Wells, and the Ballydugan Medieval Settlement.