Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick

Name: Castlerigg Stone Circle
Address: Castle Ln, Keswick, CA1 2 4, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 370 333 1181

#3 among attractions in Keswick

Archaeological site, Top attraction, Historical place, Ruins

Gallery (10)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Highfields / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Greig / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). / URL

Facts and practical information

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Cumbria, the Castlerigg Stone Circle is a prehistoric monument that captivates visitors with its historical mystique and stunning natural surroundings. Located near Keswick in the heart of the Lake District, this ancient stone circle is one of England's most impressive and atmospheric Neolithic sites.

Dating back to approximately 3000 BC, Castlerigg is one of the earliest stone circles in Britain and is significant for its unusual shape and the panoramic views it offers. The circle consists of 38 stones of varying sizes, some standing as high as three meters. The site is thought to have been used for ceremonial or religious purposes by ancient communities, although its exact function remains a matter of speculation.

The circle is situated on a natural plateau, providing visitors with 360-degree views of the surrounding fells, including Skiddaw, Blencathra, and Helvellyn. This stunning backdrop makes Castlerigg Stone Circle a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Visitors to Castlerigg can walk freely among the stones, allowing for an up-close experience of this historical landmark. The site is accessible throughout the year and there is no admission fee, making it an inviting attraction for those exploring the rich heritage of the Lake District.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 54°36'10"N, 3°5'54"W

Address

Castle LnKeswick CA1 2 4 United Kingdom

Contact

+44 370 333 1181

Website

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Keswick

Day trips

Castlerigg Stone Circle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Land's End to John o' Groats, St John's Church, Latrigg, High Rigg.

~1080 ftS
Hiking, Hiking trail
Land's End to John o' Groats
6 min walk • Land's End to John o' Groats is the traversal of the whole length of the island of Great Britain between two extremities; in the southwest and northeast. The traditional distance by road is 874 miles (1,407 km) and takes most cyclists 10 to 14 days to complete.
1.2 miSE
Church
St John's Church
31 min walk • St John's Church is in the valley of St John's in the Vale, Cumbria, England. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Derwent, the archdeaconry of West Cumberland, and the diocese of Carlisle.
1 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Hill
Latrigg, Keswick
26 min walk • Latrigg is one of the lowest fells in the Lake District in North West England, but is a popular climb due to its convenient location overlooking the town of Keswick and the beautiful views down the valley of Borrowdale from the summit.
1.5 miSE
Hill
High Rigg, Keswick
38 min walk • High Rigg is a small fell located in the English Lake District, approximately three miles southeast of the town of Keswick. It occupies an unusual position, surrounded on all sides by higher fells but not connected by any obvious ridge.
0.9 miSW
Campsite
Castlerigg, Lake District National Park
23 min walk • Castlerigg is an area of Keswick, Cumbria, England. Castlerigg is named after a hill in the immediate area. Until the early twentieth century much of the area, comprising a large part of Keswick, was owned by the family living at Castlerigg Manor. Nowadays the Manor is a Catholic youth centre and only owns its own buildings and gardens.