Castlerigg Stone Circle

Castlerigg Stone Circle – A Mystical Gem of the Lake District! Castlerigg Stone Circle is one of the most atmospheric and awe-inspiring places in the Lake District — a site that beautifully blends ancient history, mystery, and natural beauty. Perched on a hilltop surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains, this prehistoric stone circle is believed to date back more than 4,000 years, making it one of the oldest in Britain. Standing among the stones, you can truly feel the sense of timelessness and connection to the past that makes this place so special. The panoramic views from Castlerigg are absolutely stunning — the circle is set against a backdrop of Helvellyn, Blencathra, and other Lakeland fells, creating a magical atmosphere, especially during sunrise or sunset. It’s a peaceful, open site with no entry fee, easy to reach by car, and only a short walk from the parking area, making it accessible for visitors of all ages. What makes Castlerigg so memorable is its simplicity — just nature, history, and pure serenity. The site isn’t commercialized, allowing visitors to experience the raw beauty and mystery of the stones without distractions. It’s an excellent spot for photography, quiet reflection, or just taking in the stunning 360° landscape. Whether you’re interested in archaeology, spirituality, or simply want to enjoy one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Lake District, Castlerigg Stone Circle is an absolute must-visit. A place that stays with you long after you leave — calm, mysterious, and endlessly beautiful. 🌄🪨✨

Upon stepping through the fence, an immediate sense of peace and spaciousness washed over me. Something in the air felt different — as if it carried a quiet pull, connecting me not just to the mountains and fields, but to the animals, the wind, and perhaps even something greater, something beyond. The kids ran free for nearly an hour — climbing, tagging, laughing — while I utterly absorbed in the vast embrace of the surrounding peaks. As the sun dipped low, its golden light spilled over the landscape, turning every stone and blade of grass into something sacred. If you’re seeking a spiritual experience, this is the place to be. On a weekday around 6 p.m., parking was easy, the crowd sparse, and for a brief, perfect moment, we had the entire space to ourselves. In that stillness, the world felt both endless and intimate.

It's free which is always a plus and it was lovely to visit. The view is lovely but we went on a day where the weather turned so it was largely grey and rainy, but still very atmospheric. It's not far at all to the local town as well as the nearby lake. There were quote a few people visiting at the same time but just waiting about 10 minutes and they dispersed so we got some pictures without groups of people in them.

Interesting place, older than Stonehenge. No charges and free parking on the road(if you can find a space). Worth the visit if for no other reason but to admire the fantastic views of the mountains all around.

This 4,500 year old World Heritage Site is a really atmospheric and intriguing site to experience ... it may be small in scale but its landscape setting is just so beautiful... even in a damp June visit it was so good! Its poorly signposted btw and we used Google maps to get there.

An interesting place to visit. Even on a weekday it was quite well visited. We caught the bus and walked up. Patience required to get a photo with no people. Some information boards at the field margin. Careful where you put your feet, sheep keep the grass under control! Commanding views all around no doubt a reason for it to be situated here.

Relaxing and beautiful location. The entry driveway is tricky to find from the road. Surrounding mountains and valleys with roaming sheep are added bonus to visit.

Stunning views and a great location, if your there for semi pro photography then don't be disappointed as it will be busy all the time. People posing for selfies and walking in front of you. But it's a nice spot to sit and enjoy the landscape.

There's a fine line between a historic stone circle and a bunch of big rocks, and Castlerigg teeters on that high wire like Philippe Petit crossing the WTC in 1974. Yes, these rocks are from 4,500 years ago, but they aren't as grandiose as Stonehenge. It is, however, the perfect activity when in the Lake District: a beautiful drive there, a nice walk up, and amazing views.

This is noted as being "the most atmospheric and dramatically sited of all British stone circles, with panoramic views and the mountains of Helvellyn and High Seat as a backdrop. It is also among the earliest British circles, raised in about 3000 BC." It's a bit out of the way though, so only go if you have extra time.

Merry Meet! I first visited Castle Rigg Stone Circle a couple of years ago with my family. It was quite a trek to get to the narrow lane that led up to it, but I was just so excited, so it didn't matter. You will need a map as well as a Sat Nav as few of the roads show up and we got lost a few times trying to find the exact location. Once there, we discovered that wellington boots are a must and that umbrellas are a waste of time! The wind was so, so strong, being so high up, that it took our breath away. The rain was also, which is typical for the area, pouring heavily, which made it hard to relax. We did however get some amazing photos and adored the atmospheric nature of the circle. Despite the sheep droppings and huge puddles! Finding a clean, dry place to stand to take the photos was another matter! The circle itself sits very high up on a plateau, surrounded by mountains which when we went, were covered in the bright purple light of the flowering heathers. This made for some amazing photos. Still to this date, my photos of this stone circle, due to it's breath taking location, are among my favourite and I look back upon them often. I shall post them on my blog in case you would like to see, as I'm not sure if I am able to post them here on Yelp. You will find the link to my blog in my profile. I would recommend a visit to anyone with an interest in ancient monuments and/or paganism. Just be prepared! Blessed Be Morgana xxx

This is a stone circle on a hill in cumbria near keswick. It has wonderful views from here and isnt to far from a side road. There are two information points about the stone circle though entry is free It has 38 stones left from what they orignally think were 41 the stone circle dates from around 3000bc there have been stone tools found here and they think that it was used as a site for trading well worth a visit if you are out and about in cumbria and want a nice easy place to visit