Name: Stanton Drew Circles and Cove
Rating: 5.0

Stanton Drew Circles and Cove

Stanton Drew, Stanton Drew, Somerset BS39 4EW, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Stanton Drew Circles and Cove although this is the third largest complex of prehistoric standing stones in England, the three circles and three-stone ‘cove’ of Stanton Drew in Somerset are surprisingly little known. The Great Circle, 113 metres in diameter, is one of the largest stone circles in the country and has 26 surviving upright stones.

Yet recent surveys have revealed that the circles and cove were just part of a much more elaborate and important ritual site than had previously been imagined. The village of Stanton Drew preserves the third largest complex of standing stones in England, built about 4,500 years ago.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Stanton Drew Circles and Cove: The village of Stanton Drew preserves the third largest complex of standing stones in England, built about 4,500 years ago. Perhaps because it lies off the beaten track, its remarkable prehistoric stone circles have not received the same level of interest and exploration as the more famous examples at Avebury and Stonehenge. Yet recent surveys have revealed that the circles and cove were part of a much more elaborate and important ritual site than had previously been imagined.
The Great Circle: There are three stone circles at Stanton Drew, one large and two small. They have never been excavated, so it is difficult to say exactly how, why and when they were built. However, based on comparison with other stone circles and timber monuments, it is likely that they were constructed as ceremonial monuments around 2500 BC, during the late Neolithic period.
The smaller circles: The other two circles, to the south-west and north-east, are smaller. The remains of the north-east circle, even though it is the smallest of the three, include some of the largest and heaviest blocks of stone, which would have required many people to move.
The Cove: In the garden of the village pub is a group of three large stones called The Cove. Ritual ceremonies probably took place here. The lumpy and irregular stones are Dolomitic Conglomerate, a coarse-grained rock probably brought here from an area of the Mendip Hills about 3 miles south-west. Similar free-standing coves can be found within the stone circles at Avebury in Wiltshire and once stood at Mount Pleasant Henge in Dorset.
Antiquarians and Folklore: The circles were probably first noted by the famous antiquarian John Aubrey in 1664. He recorded that the villagers were breaking stones with sledge-hammers and was told that several had been removed in recent years.

Facilities

Parking: There is limited free parking at the entrance to the stones field. Further free parking for the cove can be found adjacent to The Druids Arms.
Dogs: Farm livestock is likely to be present in the stone circle field therefore no dogs are allowed.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Stanton Drew, Stanton Drew, Somerset BS39 4EW, UK

Post Code: BS39 4EW

Council: Bath and North East

County: Somerset

Road Access: Cove: in the garden of the Druid’s Arms public house (BS39 4EJ). Circles: East of Stanton Drew village (BS39 4EW)
Bus Access: ABus service 67; Somerbus 640 (Fri only) & 754 (Mon only); Bugler Coaches service 683 (Tue only); BANES 752 (Wed only); Citistar 134 (Tue only); CT/Bugler Coaches 672 all serve the village of Stanton Drew.
Train Access: Bristol Temple Meads 7 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: There is limited free parking at the entrance to the stones field. Further free parking for the cove can be found adjacent to The Druids Arms.