Stone Circles of Britain

There are more than 1,300 stone circles in Britain, Ireland and Brittany, in France.

These mysterious monuments mark important places in ancient times. Their function is unknown but their presence gives clues to the lives of people living 5,000 years ago.

Circle stones in England often refer to prehistoric stone circles, which are structures made of standing stones arranged in a circular pattern. These ancient monuments are found throughout the British Isles and are believed to have been created for various purposes, including ceremonial, astronomical, and communal gatherings.

Stonehenge is the most famous stone circle, located in Wiltshire. It consists of a ring of standing stones and is thought to have been constructed around 2500 BC. Its exact purpose remains a subject of speculation, but it is often associated with astronomical alignments.

The largest number of stone circles are found in Scotland, with more than 700 sites recorded. There are more than 300 in England; 180 in Ireland; 150 in Northern Ireland; 80 in Wales; 50 in Brittany, France and 6 in the Channel Isles.

Stone circles exist throughout Scotland, from Ninestane Rig in the far south to more famous examples in the far north and particularly in the islands (where several form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Callanish Stones are one of the best-known examples in the Outer Hebrides, while Orkney is known for its Neolithic monuments, including the Ring of Brodgarand the Standing Stones of Stenness.

In Aberdeenshire, northeast Scotland, there are many recumbent stone circles to be found – the recumbent is a massive stone lying on its side, generally to the southwest of the circle.

Ireland

In counties Cork and Kerry in southwest Ireland there is a preponderance of axial stone circles. As with the recumbent stone circles of Scotland a stone to the southwest lies on its side but the stone is not particularly large.

While certainly the most famous, Stonehenge is not the only prehistoric stone circle in England

Here are some of the other main circle stone sites in England:

Avebury: Also in Wiltshire, Avebury features the largest stone circle in Europe, encircled by a large bank and ditch. The site includes several other stone monuments and is part of a wider prehistoric landscape.
Castlerigg: Near Keswick in the Lake District, Castlerigg is a well-preserved stone circle dating back to around 3000 BC. It consists of 38 stones and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The Rollright Stones: Located near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, this site consists of three main features: the King’s Men stone circle, the Whispering Knights burial chamber, and the King Stone. The site has a rich folklore associated with it.
Long Meg and Her Daughters: Situated near Penrith in Cumbria, this stone circle has a large central stone (Long Meg) and is surrounded by 59 smaller stones. It is believed to date back to the Neolithic period.
The Hurlers: Located on Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, this site features three stone circles and is associated with local legends and myths.
Boscawen-Un: Near St Buryan in Cornwall, this stone circle is believed to date back to the Bronze Age. It consists of 19 stones and is known for its distinctive upright stones.
Kilmartin Glen: In Argyll, Scotland, while technically in Scotland, Kilmartin Glen features a rich collection of prehistoric monuments, including stone circles, standing stones, and burial cairns.