While Stonehenge captures the world's imagination, a far older and equally spectacular prehistoric site lies quietly in the British countryside, waiting to be discovered.
A Hidden Gem in the Cotswolds
Nestled on a peaceful road straddling the Warwickshire and Oxfordshire border, near the charming village of Long Compton, the Rollright Stones offer a breathtaking glimpse into ancient Britain. Though less famous than its Wiltshire counterpart, this megalithic complex has earned significant acclaim, including TripAdvisor's prestigious Travellers' Choice Award in 2021.
The site's magic is palpable, steeped in local legend that tells of a king and his courtiers turned to stone by a witch. Beyond the folklore, the stones represent a tangible connection to nearly 2,000 years of Neolithic and Bronze Age history, all open for the public to explore.
Unravelling Millennia of History
The chronology of the Rollright Stones is a fascinating journey through time. The oldest structure is the Whispering Knights burial chamber, constructed in the early Neolithic period around 3,800-3,500 BC.
This was followed by the King's Men stone circle in the late Neolithic era, approximately 2,500 BC. This circle consists of over 70 heavily weathered standing stones. Finally, the solitary King Stone was erected much later, during the early to middle Bronze Age, roughly 1,500 BC.
The stones themselves are formed from natural Jurassic oolitic limestone, the same material that shapes the Cotswold hills and has been used for centuries in local construction. Archaeologists believe the boulders were sourced from within 500 metres of the site.
Visiting the Rollright Stones Today
For those planning a visit, the stones are located on Rollright Road between the A44 and A3400, near the hamlet of Little Rollright, north of Chipping Norton. A small lay-by on Rollright Road offers limited parking for several vehicles. Visitors then pass through a kissing gate onto a level path leading directly to the stone circle.
Due to the restricted parking, visitors are kindly asked not to use the car park as a base for long walks. Alternatively, you can park further away and incorporate the stones into a longer hike, as they connect to a network of public footpaths and permitted routes.
The site is managed by the Rollright Trust, a group formed in the 1990s—with strong Pagan involvement—to save the stones from being sold. The Trust charges a modest entry fee to fund upkeep, as they receive no public funding. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children aged 7-16.
The Rollright Stones are open all year round, even at night for stargazing. Dogs on leads are welcome, though not within the stone circle itself. Visitors are also requested to refrain from sitting or climbing on the ancient stones to help preserve them for future generations.
