There are stone circles all over the world, belonging to different ages and serving different purposes. Many of Europe’s earliest astronomical observatories appear to have had their stones aligned with the sun during the solstices and/or equinoxes. In 2024, the summer solstice will occur on June 20 to mark midsummer; The longest day and shortest night of the year.
Stone circles in Britain and Ireland date from 3300 to 900 BC and evolved from earlier ritual and funerary traditions, thus linking death and devotion with cosmic cycles. Aubrey Burl’s chartered journalist, Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany (2000) list 1,061 stone circles in the United Kingdom, 187 in Ireland, six in the Channel Islands and 49 in Brittany. An impressive 508 were found in Scotland. It is widely accepted that for every stone circle that survives, two are lost.
Even if we accept that some are incomplete, or even very circular, there are plenty of options when it comes to sun worship beyond the crowds of Stonehenge. Here are nine alternatives you can visit.
Twelve Apostles, near Ilkley, Yorkshire
Don’t go here “baht ‘at”; because Burley Moor can rival its neighbor Ilkley due to its strong winds. This spectacular site, 300 meters above sea level, features a circle of millstone sandstones that were probably used for lunar observations; local historians say this area once consisted of 20 stones and was known as the Druid’s Seat or the Druid’s Dial Circle.
Where to stay nearby: The Crescent Inn has double occupancy rates from £123. Plan a trip to Yorkshire with our guide.
Rollright Stones, Cotswolds
This beautiful site on the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border consists of three distinct features of weathered limestone: the King’s Men ceremonial stone circle dating from around 2500 BC, the interestingly shaped King’s Stone and the ancient Whispering Knights dolmen (burial chamber). The private site is being made accessible on a permission basis, with visitors asked to contribute £2 for each adult and £1 for children.
Where to stay nearby: Bull has pairs from £180. Plan a trip to the Cotswolds with our guide.
Ballynoe Stone Circle, near Downpatrick, County Down
More than 50 closely spaced tall stones adorn this Northern Irish beauty. A burial mound was built inside the main stone circle during the Bronze Age. Burl suggests that Ballynoe may have had trading or ritual connections with the Swinside Stone Circle in Cumbria, across the Irish Sea.
Where to stay nearby: The Portaferry Hotel has double rooms from £90.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones, Arran
Six stone circles stand proudly at this popular site on the beautiful island of Arran; ideal for an easy walk to combine with the pyramidal peak of Goat Fell in the distance. The Cauldron Seat of Fingal is named after the legendary warrior-giant Fingal.
Where to stay nearby: The Douglas Hotel has double rooms from £219.
Druid’s Circle, Penmaenmawr, North Wales
An hour’s steep climb from the seaside town of Penmaenmawr reaches thirty stones, eleven of which are still standing. The apartment is located close to a prehistoric road. During excavations in 1957, the cremated remains of a child and a food container were found. There is a ledge at the top of the so-called Stone of Sacrifice; Placing a child there is said to bring good luck.
Where to stay nearby: Kinmel Arms’ pairs start from £94.
Trippet Stones, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
The moorland backdrop adds drama to the standing stones and Bodmin Moor is magical in any light. The cattle roam freely around this 100-foot-diameter circle, and from afar it looks as if they are waiting for falling granite stones; They take advantage of those standing for a good scratch. Trippet is a folkloric reference to dancing, an activity associated with the names of many stone circles.
Where to stay nearby: Bodmin Jail Hotel prices for a double start from £269. Plan a trip to Cornwall with our guide.
Nine Ladies, Stanton Moor, Derbyshire
English Heritage, which manages this Early Bronze Age circle in the Peak District, is said to depict nine women being turned to stone as punishment for dancing on Sunday. The site is part of a complex of ancient sandstone circles, standing stones and cairns (burial mounds) at Stanton Moor.
Where to stay nearby: Prices start from £249 and double at Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel. Plan a trip to the Peak District with our guide.
Castlerigg Stone Circle, near Keswick, Cumbria
Perhaps the oldest remaining stone circle in England is at Castlerigg, where 38 large stones rise up to 3 meters high. Because the stones are aligned with the sun, it is thought to be an important site for prehistoric astronomers or early pagan rituals. This area is special for solo accommodation as it sits on a plateau surrounded by high hills such as Skiddaw, Blencathra and the High Seat.
Where to stay nearby: Prices start from £210 and double at the Inn on the Square. Plan a trip to the Lake District with our guide.
Avebury Henge, Wiltshire
Avebury Henge, near Stonehenge, is equally impressive and offers visitors a less crowded experience. Built between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, the surviving complex includes a circular embankment and moat surrounding an area that includes part of the village of Avebury. Inside the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain, originally consisting of 100 stones, with two smaller stone circles within.
Where to stay nearby: Red Lion Freehouse’s doubles start from £160.
This article was first published in June 2020 and has been revised and updated.