Bucket list experience:
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
If this spectacular site proves anything, it’s that ancient builders certainly knew how to pick out a location.
Situated on a grassy hilltop just outside Keswick, this 3,000-year-old monument commands a panoramic view over the surrounding fells, stretching all the way to Helvellyn and High Seat. It was built during the Neolithic period and consists of 38 standing stones, although it’s thought there were originally 42.
Scholars are divided on its purpose – but it is most likely to have been used as a meeting place or ceremonial site.
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Destination Guide >The stone circle can be reached on foot in around 20 minutes from Keswick town centre. Follow the main road east from town, then take Castle Lane when you reach Burnside B&B. Alternatively there is limited parking on Castle Lane. The site can be muddy after wet weather, so wear decent shoes. It’s most impressive at sunrise or sunset.
The site is open all year round, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16.4 miles]
One of the very best of the Lake District’s boutique hotels, a reinvented country mansion, brimming with wit, style and invention. In prime position for exploring the Lakes..
Official star rating:
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[17.4 miles]
A large, lakeside hotel not far from Grasmere, with a variety of rooms to suit all kinds of visitors – families, couples, walkers and weekend breakers will all find a happy home here.
Official star rating:
Great Langdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[18.8 miles]
The Lakeland version of a deluxe ski lodge, offering supremely plush rooms, a lavish spa and a very private location on a Langdale estate. It’s also adults-only – making this an ideal place for couples looking for a place to pamper themselves.
Official star rating:
Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[23 miles]
A charming, cosy boutique hotel, perched on a private hillside on a 67-acre estate, with an excellent restaurant and grandstand views across Lake Windermere.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)
Imposing mountains, wild landscapes, tranquil lakes and picturesque towns combine to make the Lake District uniquely beautiful, and one of the best places in Britain for walking, climbing, boating and biking.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[12.1 miles]
Venture underground into the dark mines under Honister Pass to discover the history of Lakeland slate mining – and, if you’re feeling brave, tackle an underground climbing expedition.
Best for ages: 3+ | £18
Buttermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[13.2 miles]
Spectacular scenery and a tranquil waterside location combine on this 4.5-mile circular walk around Buttermere Lake.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours
Grasmere, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[17.3 miles]
Take a guided tour around Wordsworth’s charming cottage near Grasmere to get a fascinatingly personal insight into the poet’s life and times – and don’t miss the brilliant museum next door.
Best for ages: 180+ | £12
Wasdale, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[18.1 miles]
Climb up to the highest point in England for a memorable view of the Wasdale fells – and a special sense of achievement. But don’t expect to be on your own if the weather’s fine
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | Full day
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[12.1 miles]
Thrilling rock climbing made more accessible – an adventure course of cables, rungs, ladders and bridges.
Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 3 hours
Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[12.7 miles]
One of the only distilleries in England that makes its own whisky, this boutique spirits maker also produces its own gin and vodka. Tours explore the alchemical art of distilling and offer the chance to taste the latest batches.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free | 3 hours
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16.4 miles]
The region’s most picturesque and charming village. Grasmere is set on the shores of its eponymous lake and cradled by green fields and fells. William Wordsworth is buried in the churchyard of St Oswald’s – you can see the poet’s tombstone.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 hours
Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom (UK)[16.8 miles]
Sarah Nelson’s gingerbread is an institution in Grasmere: it’s been made to the same recipe since 1854. It’s wonderfully quaint – the frilly outfits worn by the shop staff are something from a bygone age.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 3 hours
