Uley, near Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 5BH
Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump)
Prehistoric
Source image
6.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8A 37-metre Neolithic chambered mound above the Severn Valley, known locally as Hetty Pegler’s Tump. Its present form reflects both an ancient burial monument and a history of excavation and repair in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
This is more than a mound on a map: a Neolithic chambered tomb whose stone-built interior can be explored, set above the Severn Valley. The low entrance, steep approach and uneven ground make it a short, hands-on encounter with deep prehistory rather than an easy-access monument.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapUley, near Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 5BH
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the exterior and, if the low entrance and conditions suit you, take a torch to inspect the surviving stone-lined interior. Keep the visit short and leave time to look across the valley.
Things to do
Examine the long mound
Walk around the exterior and take in its 37-metre length and position overlooking the Severn Valley.
10–20 minutes
Look into the chambered interior
Bring a torch to see the depths of the barrow. The entrance is very low, and English Heritage flags uneven surfaces and a steep slope; only enter if you can do so safely and comfortably.
10–20 minutes
Take in the Severn Valley outlook
Pause at the monument to look out over the valley; the view is noted in English Heritage’s site description.
5–10 minutes
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow around 30–60 minutes; this is an editorial estimate, not an official visit duration.
Quick Escape: inside Hetty Pegler’s Tump
- 01
Park only if a space is available in the small layby opposite the signed footpath.
- 02
Cross the road carefully and follow the signed approach to the barrow.
- 03
Take in the mound and Severn Valley outlook.
- 04
If the low entrance and conditions are suitable, use a torch to look into the surviving chamber; do not enter if access feels unsafe.
Half day · Half day; travel and walking time depend on your starting point.
Make a half day of it: two Gloucestershire long barrows
- 01
Visit Uley Long Barrow and allow time to see the mound, outlook and surviving interior chambers if conditions allow.
- 02
Continue to Nympsfield Long Barrow, which English Heritage identifies as one mile away.
- 03
Check current access, conditions and directions for both sites before setting out; do not assume the connecting journey is a walk.
Verified history
Uley Long Barrow is a partially reconstructed Neolithic chambered mound measuring 37 metres. It is also known as Hetty Pegler’s Tump, after Hester Pegler, who owned the land in the seventeenth century. The monument seen today is largely the result of Dr John Thurnham’s excavation and reconstruction in 1854, followed by repairs in 1871, 1891 and 1906. English Heritage says the site is managed by Gloucestershire County Council.
Hidden details
A name linked to a landowner — The local name Hetty Pegler’s Tump refers to Hester Pegler, who owned the land in the seventeenth century.
The visible monument has a nineteenth-century chapter — The mound’s current appearance owes much to the 1854 excavation and reconstruction by Dr John Thurnham, with further repairs in 1871, 1891 and 1906.
A very low entrance — The entrance is low enough that visitors may need to crawl to enter. Take a torch, and do not attempt entry if the restricted space or uneven conditions are unsuitable.
When to go
· Daylight; no more specific time is established by the supplied sources.
English Heritage permits visits at reasonable times during daylight. The sources do not establish a seasonal highlight; ground conditions matter because the approach is steep and uneven.
The approach has uneven surfaces and a steep slope. Check conditions before visiting, take care crossing the road, and use a torch if exploring the interior.
Worth pairing with
Nympsfield Long Barrow
A second Gloucestershire long barrow in English Heritage’s suggested tour, listed as one mile from Uley Long Barrow. Check its current access and conditions before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
The 37-metre mound
- 02
the low entrance and surviving chamber stones
- 03
the contrast between the monument’s earth-covered exterior and its stone-lined interior
- 04
the view towards the Severn Valley.
The story
Archaeology
Best time to go
Daylight visits are possible throughout the year, weather and ground conditions permitting. Choose a clear day for the Severn Valley outlook.
Visit in daylight. A clear, dry day is a sensible choice for the steep, uneven approach and the valley outlook; bring a torch if you plan to explore the interior.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
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
Free entry; English Heritage says the site is open at reasonable times during daylight hours. The approach includes a steep slope and uneven surfaces. Take care crossing the road from the small layby opposite the signed footpath.
Parking
English Heritage reports space for one or two cars in the layby diagonally opposite the signed footpath; no charge. Take care crossing the road. Confirm conditions before travel.
Toilets
No on-site toilets are listed by English Heritage; it says toilets are available a short drive away in Stroud. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
No on-site food is listed. English Heritage says food outlets are available a short drive away in Stroud. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome, according to English Heritage.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible according to the supplied Google place information. English Heritage notes a steep slope and uneven surfaces. The barrow entrance is very low; crawling inside is not suitable for everyone. Check current conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Uley Long Barrow (Hetty Pegler’s Tump)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
