The British Isles are home to some of the most fascinating and mysterious stone circles in the world. These ancient monuments, erected thousands of years ago, continue to captivate visitors with their enigmatic presence and historical significance. From the world-renowned Stonehenge to lesser-known gems hidden in the countryside, each circle has its own story to tell.
Stonehenge: The iconic wonder Stonehenge, the most iconic stone circle globally, is in Wiltshire, England . Dating back to around 2,500 B.C.
, it features massive standing stones in a circular layout. Visitors are captivated by its scale and the mystery of how these stones were transported and erected. Stonehenge's alignment with the solstices also adds astronomical significance, making it an essential visit.
Avebury: Among giants Not far from Stonehenge lies Avebury, another significant but less crowded megalithic site. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Avebury allows visitors to walk among its stones. This stone circle is one of the largest in Europe , encircling part of the village of Avebury itself.
The site offers a more intimate experience with these ancient monuments, set within a beautiful landscape that invites exploration. The Ring of Brodgar: Scotland's crown jewel Situated on Orkney's Mainland, Scotland , the Ring of Brodgar is a majestic stone circle, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "The Heart of Neolithic Orkney." It dates from between 2,500 B.
C. and 2,000 B.C.
and includes up to 60 stones enc.