Castlerigg Stone Circle
About
Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the oldest and most atmospheric stone circles in Britain — 38 stones set on a raised plateau near Keswick with a 360-degree panorama of Lake District fells that makes Stonehenge's flat Salisbury Plain feel pedestrian by comparison. The circle dates from around 3000 BC and the setting is extraordinary: Helvellyn, Skiddaw, Blencathra, and a dozen other peaks encircle the stones like a natural amphitheatre. Unlike Stonehenge, you can walk right up to and touch the stones. There are no barriers, no crowds (usually), and no admission charge. The circle is managed by English Heritage and accessed via a short walk across a field. The stones themselves are modest in size (the tallest is about 2.5 metres) but their arrangement and setting give them a power that larger monuments sometimes lack. Visit at dawn or dusk for the most atmospheric experience — the light on the surrounding fells is extraordinary, and you may have the circle to yourself. The sheep that graze the surrounding fields add to the timelessness. It's a 10-minute drive from Keswick or a 30-minute walk. One of the most moving ancient sites in England.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castlerigg-stone-circle/
Opening Times
Open 24 hours. Accessible via field path — can be muddy.
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