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Archaeological site · Keswick, Inglaterra
Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Neolithic 38‑stone circle, from around 3000 BC, on a plateau 3 km from Keswick, surrounded by fells such as Skiddaw, Blencathra and Helvellyn. It is owned/managed by English Heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Castlerigg Stone Circle
The Castlerigg stone circle sits on a grassy plateau about 3 km east of Keswick, with mountains all around. It was erected around 3000 BC in the Neolithic, placing it among the oldest stone circles in Britain, predating the large stones of Stonehenge. It has 38 stones of varying sizes, arranged in a slightly flattened circle of about 30 metres, with a rectangular arrangement of ten stones inside.
Its exact purpose is unknown; theories include gatherings, rituals, trade in stone axes (which were produced in nearby fells), and marking dates by the sun. The position, at a point from which peaks such as Skiddaw, Blencathra, Helvellyn and High Seat are visible, appears to have been chosen for the surrounding landscape.
The circle is owned/managed by English Heritage, but it lies in an open pasture, with no gate or charge, and can be visited at any time. Sheep often graze among the stones. The poet John Keats visited in 1818 and described it in a poem.
The site is exposed to wind and rain; bring a coat. From Keswick centre the walk along a minor road and field paths takes about 45 minutes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
At sunrise or sunset, with side light on the stones and fewer people, or on days of low cloud on the fells. The site can be visited at any time.
How to get there
It is about 3 km east of Keswick, on Castle Lane. On foot it’s about a 45‑minute walk from the centre, with a gentle climb. By car there are roadside parking spaces beside the pasture.
Tip
Walk from Keswick along the field path, and return via the old railway bed, now a riverside footpath along the River Greta.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castlerigg Stone Circle
How old is the Castlerigg circle?
About 5,000 years old, from around 3000 BC — among the oldest in Great Britain.
Is there an admission fee?
No. The circle sits in an open pasture and can be visited at any time.
Can you walk there from Keswick?
Yes, about 45 minutes from the town centre, with a gentle climb.