Stanton Drew, Somerset BS39 4EW
Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
Prehistoric
Source image
7.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.0A prehistoric stone-circle complex whose Great Circle measures 113 metres across and retains 26 upright stones. English Heritage says recent surveys suggest the circles and three-stone cove formed part of a more extensive ritual site than previously understood.
This is more than a striking circle of standing stones: the scale of the Great Circle and the evidence for a wider ritual landscape give the visit real archaeological depth. Its rural setting and comparatively little-known status make it a distinctive Somerset history stop, provided you check the landowner’s access arrangements first.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapStanton Drew, Somerset BS39 4EW
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The experience
Allow around an hour or two to locate the Great Circle and the two smaller circles using the site information panels, then visit the three-stone cove in the village. Access to the circles field is controlled by the landowner and a fee is charged; confirm arrangements before setting out.
Things to do
Take in the Great Circle
Use the information panels to locate the Great Circle, which English Heritage describes as 113 metres in diameter, with 26 surviving upright stones.
Check before visiting
Locate the two smaller circles
Follow the site information panels to find the two smaller circles to the north-east and south-west of the Great Circle.
Check before visiting
See the three-stone cove
The cove is in the village. English Heritage gives BS39 4EJ as the postcode for finding it; check current access and parking arrangements.
Check before visiting
Extend the outing to Stoney Littleton Long Barrow
English Heritage recommends the nearby Neolithic tomb as another opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside. Verify its current access arrangements before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Find the Great Circle and cove
- 01
Check current access arrangements and the landowner’s fee before travelling.
- 02
Use the on-site information panels to locate the Great Circle and the two smaller circles.
- 03
Continue to the three-stone cove in the village; check its access and parking arrangements before visiting.
Half day · Half day
Add a second prehistoric landscape
- 01
Visit Stanton Drew’s circles and cove, following the on-site information panels.
- 02
If you want to extend the outing, consider the nearby Neolithic tomb of Stoney Littleton Long Barrow; check its current access arrangements before travelling.
Verified history
The site comprises three stone circles and a three-stone cove. English Heritage describes the Great Circle as 113 metres in diameter, with 26 surviving upright stones, and says recent surveys have revealed that the circles and cove formed part of a more elaborate ritual site than had previously been imagined. The supplied evidence does not provide a verified construction date or detailed account of the site’s builders.
Hidden details
The Great Circle’s scale — At 113 metres across, the Great Circle is one of the largest stone circles in the country, according to English Heritage.
A wider ritual site — Recent surveys indicate that the circles and cove were only part of a more extensive ritual site than had previously been understood.
When to go
· Daylight hours; English Heritage advises that the site is open at reasonable times during daylight.
The supplied sources do not identify seasonal highlights or seasonal access differences.
The circles field has uneven surfaces and may contain livestock, according to English Heritage. Check conditions and current access arrangements before visiting.
Worth pairing with
Stoney Littleton Long Barrow
English Heritage recommends this nearby Neolithic tomb as a way to extend an exploration of the surrounding countryside. Check its current access arrangements before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
The scale and layout of the Great Circle
- 02
its 26 surviving upright stones
- 03
the two smaller circles to the north-east and south-west
- 04
and the three-stone cove in the village. English Heritage says recent surveys indicate a more extensive ritual site than was previously recognised.
The story
Prehistoric archaeology; stone circles and a wider ritual landscape.
Best time to go
No particular season is established by the supplied evidence; access is described as during daylight hours.
Visit during daylight hours, as described by English Heritage. The supplied evidence does not identify a best season or time of day.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · 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
The stone circles are in a field; English Heritage says access is at the landowner’s discretion and a £1 fee is charged. The site is open at reasonable times during daylight, according to English Heritage. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
English Heritage reports limited free parking at the entrance to the stone-circle field; further free parking for the cove is available adjacent to The Druids Arms. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in the stone-circle field because livestock may be present, according to English Heritage. Check current signage and arrangements.
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Accessibility
English Heritage identifies uneven surfaces. The source listing reports that the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Check before visiting for current access details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
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Clevedon Road, Wraxall, near Clevedon, Somerset BS48 1PG
15.1 km away
Place photograph7.8Bath Skyline Walk
Bathwick Hill at Cleveland Walk, Bath, Somerset BA2 6JP
16.0 km away
