7.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.8A Neolithic burial chamber whose enormous, sloping capstone still carries a puzzling rectangular opening.
Trethevy Quoit is a striking prehistoric monument, not just an old stone in a field: its five uprights, huge tilted capstone and unusual opening invite close attention. The 2019 excavation also uncovered a locally quarried greenstone platform beside it, adding a tangible archaeological story to a short, self-contained visit.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapNear Darite, St Cleer, Cornwall
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A brief, focused visit to one substantial Neolithic chamber: take in its shape from several sides, notice the opening in the capstone, and consider the nearby archaeological evidence. Uneven ground and the no-climbing rule mean this is a place to look carefully, not scramble over.
Things to do
Study the capstone opening
Look for the rectangular opening cut through one corner of the large, sloping capstone. Its purpose is not established by the supplied sources.
5–10 minutes
Take in the chamber from outside
Notice the five standing stones, the scale and angle of the capstone, and the monument’s low mound. Keep off the stones: climbing is prohibited.
10–20 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 20–40 minutes
Quick Escape: Read the stones
- 01
Use the small adjacent parking area described by English Heritage, then approach the monument on foot.
- 02
View the quoit from several sides, taking care on uneven ground.
- 03
Look for the rectangular opening in one corner of the capstone and the monument’s low mound.
- 04
Leave the stones undisturbed: climbing is prohibited.
Verified history
Trethevy Quoit is a Neolithic dolmen or burial chamber, standing about 2.7 metres high. English Heritage describes five standing stones surmounted by a large capstone. In 2019, an archaeological excavation found a substantial platform of locally quarried greenstone close to the quoit; Cornwall Heritage Trust’s account says the platform was integral to the monument. The supplied sources do not establish the exact purpose of the capstone opening.
Folklore & legend
The monument is known locally as the “Giants’ House”, a name associated with its imposing size. This is a local name, not evidence that giants built it. The supplied sources do not provide a verified legend about the site.
Hidden details
The opening in the capstone — A rectangular opening cuts through one corner of the capstone. Britain Express records the feature; its purpose remains uncertain in the supplied evidence.
The buried greenstone platform — Excavation in 2019 identified a significant platform of locally quarried greenstone close to the quoit. This is an archaeological finding; the supplied evidence does not say that the feature is visible to visitors.
When to go
· Daylight hours; no more specific preferred time is verified.
English Heritage describes access during daylight throughout the year. The supplied sources establish no seasonal event or peak viewing period.
Surfaces are uneven. Take care in wet or slippery conditions; no detailed weather-specific access advice is supplied.
What to look for
- 01
The five standing stones and their huge, sloping capstone
- 02
the rectangular opening cut through one corner
- 03
the low mound beneath the monument
- 04
and the location of the excavated greenstone platform beside the quoit. Do not climb on the stones.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Suitable for a short visit in daylight throughout the year; no season-specific advantage is verified.
Visit during daylight hours. Choose a clear spell if you want to study the monument’s profile and details comfortably; no particular season or time of day is established by the supplied sources.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Families · 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 reports free entry and access at any reasonable time during daylight hours. The monument stands on privately owned land. There is a small parking area adjacent to the site; surfaces are uneven and climbing is prohibited.
Parking
A small parking area is adjacent to the site, according to English Heritage. Check conditions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No toilets are listed at the site; English Heritage says toilets are available a short drive away in St Cleer.
Food & drink
No on-site food is verified. English Heritage says shops and a pub are available a short drive away in St Cleer.
Dogs
Dogs should be kept on leads because sheep occasionally graze the field.
Accessibility
English Heritage identifies uneven surfaces and says the entrance is not wheelchair accessible. No detailed access route is supplied.
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Trethevy Quoit
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
