Raised in about 3000 BC, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles. Join us as we tell the stories behind the stones and discover Neolithic Cumbria.
There are few stone circles in Britain with such a dramatic setting as that of Castlerigg, which overlooks the Thirlmere Valley with the mountains of High Seat and Helvellyn as a backdrop. It is not just its location that makes this one of the most important British stone circles. Thought to have been constructed about 3000 BC, it is potentially one of the earliest in the country. Taken into guardianship in 1883, it was also one of the first monuments in the country to be recommended for preservation by the state.
To celebrate Heritage Open Days, we are delighted to have knowledgeable volunteer explainers bring this magnificent site to life through a series of engaging talks. From fascinating stone markings that could easily be missed, to the deep links between the landscape and people who raised Castlerigg, these talks reveal the fascinating story of Neolithic Cumbria and are not to be missed!
Saturday 16 September: 1100, 1230 & 1400
No booking required
Parking: Limited parking is available at the site. Walking from the centre of Keswick to the stones takes approximately 30 minutes. Please consider using public transport. See the Stagecoach website for details of services around the Lake District. Grounds: Please take extra care when moving through and around the stones of the site as the ground is particularly muddy and can be slippery given recent weather conditions. Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome. Please be aware that the site is grazed by sheep.
Tour lasts 45 minutes - 1 hour with time at end for questions Please look out for the English Heritage chalkboard sign at the site as your meeting point.
More: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting/event/behind-the-stones-a-talk-on-castlerigg-stone-circle
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