Callanish Stones

#120 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Top attraction, Archaeological site, Ruins

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The Callanish Stones are a prehistoric marvel, standing proudly on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom. This enigmatic stone circle, dating back to around 3000 BC, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Scotland. The site consists of a central stone circle surrounded by a cross-shaped setting of standing stones, with a central monolith standing at an impressive height of nearly 5 meters.

Often compared to England's Stonehenge, the Callanish Stones are believed to have been used for ceremonial activities, with their precise alignment to the cycles of the moon suggesting a complex understanding of astronomy among their ancient builders. The layout of the stones creates a remarkable landscape feature, with lines of stones radiating outwards into the rugged Scottish countryside.

The Callanish Stones are not just a tourist attraction but a testament to the ingenuity of prehistoric societies. Their purpose remains a subject of speculation among archaeologists and historians, with theories ranging from astronomical observatory to religious temple. Whatever their original function, the Callanish Stones continue to captivate visitors with their mysterious beauty and the sense of ancient history they evoke.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 58°11'52"N, 6°44'39"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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+44 1851 621422

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Day trips

Callanish Stones – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Dun Carloway, Callanish II, Callanish III, Callanish VIII.

5.2 miN
Tower, Archaeological site
Dun Carloway
133 min walk • Dun Carloway, perched on the west coast of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved brochs in the country. This ancient stone structure, believed to have been constructed in the Iron Age around 200 BC, stands testament to the...
0.6 miSE
Archaeological site
Callanish II, Lewis and Harris
16 min walk • The Callanish II stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
0.8 miE
Archaeological site
Callanish III, Lewis and Harris
20 min walk • The Callanish III stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
3.1 miW
Archaeological site
Callanish VIII, Great Bernera
80 min walk • The Callanish VIII stone setting is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It is also known locally as Tursachan.
1.9 miSE
Archaeological site
Callanish IV, Lewis and Harris
50 min walk • The Callanish IV stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the better-known Calanais I on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. It is a scheduled monument and its official name is Sron a'Chail.
6.7 miNW
Island
Little Bernera
171 min walk • Little Bernera is a small island situated off the west coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Little Bernera lies between the sea lochs of West and East Loch Roag, immediately to the north of Great Bernera.
5.3 miW
Island
Fuaigh Mòr
136 min walk • Fuaigh Mòr is an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is off the west coast of Lewis near Great Bernera in Loch Roag. It is 84 hectares and 67 metres at its highest point.
3.9 miW
Archaeological site
Dun Bharabhat, Great Bernera
100 min walk • Dun Bharabhat is an Iron Age galleried dun or "semi-broch" situated on the island of Great Bernera near Lewis in Scotland.
5.3 miE
Neighbourhood
Isle of Lewis, Lewis and Harris
134 min walk • The Isle of Lewis or simply Lewis is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides archipelago in Scotland. The two parts are frequently referred to as if they were separate islands. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles.
1.1 miNE
Archaeological site
Callanish X, Lewis and Harris
28 min walk • The Callanish X stone circle is one of many megalithic structures around the more well-known and larger Calanais I on the west coast of the isle of Lewis, in the Western Isles of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.