Seven alternatives to Stonehenge for the summer solstice

Stonehenge is closed until July 4. We can’t sleep outdoors yet. But we should still celebrate the solstice at our local ancient wonders

Chris Moss The Telegraph20 June 2020


Machrie Moor

The late Aubrey Burl’s authoritative gazetteer, The Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany (2000), lists 1,061 stone circles in the UK and a further 187 in Ireland, six in the Channel Isles and 49 in Brittany. A whopping 508 are found in Scotland. Even allowing that some are not very complete – or even very circular – that’s a lot of options when it comes to a spot of Druidic sun-worshipping.

Our most ancient circles date from as early as 3,000 BC. Some had an astronomical function, others were cemeteries or sacred sites. Some were absolutely keyed in to the solar calendar. With Stonehenge, Stanton Drew, the Ring of Brodgar and other famous sites closed this weekend, and camping not yet allowed, you can still do a dusk or dawn hike to see the sun rise of fall on some ancient stones. So abundant are they that you’ll almost certainly find one close to home. 

Twelve Apostles, near Ilkley, Yorkshire

Don’t go up here “baht ’at” – because Burley Moor can rival neighbouring Ilkley for its gusting winds. This splendid site, at over 1200 feet above sea level, has a circle of millstone grit stones possibly used for lunar observations; local historians say the site once comprised 20 stones and was known as the Druid’s Chair or Druidical Dial Circle.
Rollright Stones, Cotswolds

On the Oxfordshire/Warwickshire border this fine site comprises three separate elements in weathered limestone: The Kings Men ceremonial stone circle dating from around 2,500BC, the curiously-shaped King Stone, and the very ancient Whispering Knights dolmen (burial chamber). The private site is made accessible on a permissive basis, and visitors are asked to contribute £1 for each adult, 50p for children. rollrightstones.co.uk


Rollright StonesMore
Ballynoe Stone Circle, near Downpatrick, County Down

More than 50 closely spaced tall stones adorn this Northern Ireland beauty. During the Bronze Age, a burial mound was constructed within the main stone circle. Burl suggests that Ballynoe may have had trading or ritual connections with Swinside Stone Circle, across the Irish Sea in Cumbria.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones, Arran

Six stone circles stand proud at this popular site on the beautiful island of Arran, ideal for combining with an easy walk – with the pyramidal peak of Goat Fell in the distance. Fingal's Cauldron Seat is named after the legendary warrior-giant Fingal.


Machrie MoorMore


Druid's Circle, Penmaenmawr, North Wales

An hour’s steep climb out of the coastal town of Penmaenmawr leads to thirty stones, eleven of which are still standing. The circle lies close to a pre-historic trackway. Excavations in 1957 found the cremated remains of a child and a food vessel. The so-called Stone of Sacrifice has a ledge in the top – placing a child there is said to bring good luck.
Trippet Stones, Bodmin Moor, Cornwall

A moorland backdrop adds drama to any standing stones – and Bodmin Moor is magical under any light. Cattle roam freely around this 110-foot diameter circle and from a distance seem to be standing in for the fallen granite stones; they make use of the standing ones for a good scratch. Trippet is a folkloric reference to dancing, an activity associated with the names of many stone circles.
Nine Ladies, Stanton Moor, Derbyshire

English Heritage manage this early Bronze Age circle in the Peak District, said to depict nine ladies turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday. The site is part of a complex of ancient sandstone circles, standing stones and barrows (burial mounds) on Stanton Moor.


Nine Ladies