Coaley Peak, near Nympsfield, Gloucestershire GL11 5AU
Nympsfield Long Barrow
Prehistoric
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0On the Cotswold escarpment, this Neolithic burial monument brings together an exposed stone chamber and far-reaching views over the Severn Valley. Its missing capstones leave the internal layout visible, offering an unusually direct glimpse of how a chambered tomb was built.
The draw here is the striking pairing of a Neolithic burial chamber with an open escarpment setting above the Severn Valley. It is a compact visit, but the exposed stones and landscape make it more than a roadside history stop.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapCoaley Peak, near Nympsfield, Gloucestershire GL11 5AU
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The experience
Explore the exposed burial chambers, notice how the entrance and passage lead into the tomb, then take in the escarpment view. Coaley Peak also offers picnic seating and a beech-wood stroll.
Things to do
Read the exposed chamber layout
Notice the entranceway, the stones narrowing the passage and the chamber beyond. The missing capstones leave the interior layout visible.
15–30 minutes
Take in the Severn Valley outlook
The barrow stands high on the Cotswold scarp; English Heritage describes spectacular views over the Severn Valley.
10–20 minutes
Stroll around the beech wood
English Heritage suggests a leisurely stroll around the Woodland Trust’s beech wood at Coaley Peak. Check access and conditions before visiting.
Walk on to Uley Long Barrow
English Heritage suggests walking a mile down the Cotswold Way to Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump), another Neolithic chambered mound.
Allow extra time for the walk and visit
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick escape: the barrow and the view
- 01
Visit the exposed chambers and look closely at the entrance and passage stones.
- 02
Pause to take in the escarpment setting and Severn Valley views.
- 03
Return to the adjacent parking area; surfaces are uneven.
Half day · 2–3 hours
Make a half day of it at Coaley Peak
- 01
Explore Nympsfield Long Barrow and its exposed chamber layout.
- 02
Enjoy a picnic at Coaley Peak, where English Heritage notes there are tables and seating.
- 03
Take a leisurely stroll around the Woodland Trust’s beech wood; check current access and conditions before setting out.
Verified history
Nympsfield Long Barrow was built in the Neolithic period as a burial place for early farming communities. English Heritage places it high on the Cotswold scarp; an English Heritage video describes long barrows in this region as built around 3800 BC. The roof or capstones are missing, but stones remain to show the passage and burial-chamber arrangement. Britain Express reports that excavation found remains of at least 16 skeletons, Neolithic pottery and carved bone; this detail is reported by that secondary source.
Folklore & legend
English Heritage says the barrow has long been the subject of local legends but the supplied source does not specify them. Britain Express reports a local belief that it had once been a leper hospital, possibly helping it avoid damage in the medieval period; this is a reported belief, not established history.
Hidden details
The passage stones — Look for the stones that narrow the entranceway before the passage opens into the chamber area. The English Heritage video explains this arrangement; the interpretation of how the space was used is presented by its speaker.
A tomb shaped by its landscape — The barrow occupies the edge of the Cotswold scarp, with views over the Severn Valley. English Heritage describes the monument as connected to its landscape; the video discusses possible symbolic interpretations of its shape as speculation, not fact.
When to go
· Daylight; choose a clear day for the views.
The barrow is an outdoor site described by English Heritage as open at reasonable times during daylight. Clear conditions are likely to make the escarpment views easier to appreciate.
Uneven surfaces are noted. Take care in wet or slippery conditions and check conditions before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump)
A second Neolithic chambered mound, which English Heritage says can be reached by walking a mile down the Cotswold Way.
What to look for
Look for the entranceway, the stones constricting the passage and the exposed chamber layout. The capstones are missing, leaving the interior easier to see.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Any season; choose a clear day for the broadest views.
A clear day is best for the views across the Severn Valley. English Heritage advises visiting during daylight hours.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour; allow longer for a stroll or picnic at Coaley Peak.
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage describes the site as open at reasonable times during daylight, with free entry and parking adjacent to the site. The approach has uneven surfaces; check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
English Heritage says parking is available adjacent to the site. Check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
English Heritage identifies Coaley Peak as a picnic spot with tables and seating. Check before visiting for other food options.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome, according to English Heritage.
Accessibility
Uneven surfaces are noted by English Heritage. The available sources do not confirm step-free access or wheelchair suitability; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Nympsfield Long Barrow
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
