Arthur's Stone Herefordshire
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb and a massive glacial boulder steeped in legend, offering stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Arthur's Stone Herefordshire
Best Time
Magical light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb and a massive glacial boulder steeped in legend, offering stunning views.
"An intriguing large stone with tomb remains below perched on the hill in a beautiful landscape."
🚗 Parking & Access
Limited, rough roadside parking. A short, sometimes bumpy, walk to the stone.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk from the car park can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Capstone
Arthur's Stone
A massive 25-ton glacial boulder, propped up by smaller stones, forming a prehistoric tomb.
Neolithic Tomb Remains
Below the Capstone
Explore the remnants of a double-chambered tomb, a testament to ancient burial practices.
Golden Valley Views
Hilltop
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the picturesque Golden Valley and the distant Black Mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Magic
Respecting the Ancient Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Limited, rough roadside parking. A short, sometimes bumpy, walk to the stone. +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk from the car park can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos. Drones are great for aerial shots!
🐴 Wildlife Encounters
You might share the site with wild horses or cows. Keep a respectful distance. :cow:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Limited, rough roadside parking. A short, sometimes bumpy, walk to the stone. +1
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk from the car park can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
Visit during golden hour for stunning photos. Drones are great for aerial shots!
🐴 Wildlife Encounters
You might share the site with wild horses or cows. Keep a respectful distance. :cow:
🍻 Post-Visit Pub Stop
A nearby pub is a great way to round off your visit. :beer:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Arthur's Stone to be an intriguing and atmospheric Neolithic site with a fascinating history and beautiful surrounding landscape. The impressive capstone and tomb remains are highlights, offering a glimpse into ancient practices. While parking is limited and the walk can be uneven, the stunning views and potential for wildlife encounters make it a worthwhile visit, especially during quieter times.
"An intriguing large stone with tomb remains below perched on the hill in a beautiful landscape. If you are lucky you get to share with wild horses or cows. Worth a visit a short walk from Car Park then pop to the pub."
Simon Park
"A short distance north of the car park stands the remains of a prehistoric tomb, known as Arthur’s Stone or Maen Ceti. This area, Cefn Bryn Common, is internationally important for wildlife.
The hilltop stone is a 25-ton glacial boulder deposited in the last Ice Age by the retreating ice sheet around 5,000 years ago, in the New Stone Age. It is known as an erratic.
New Stone Age, Neolithic people excavated under the boulder and propped it up to create a double-chambered tomb, with the boulder as the capstone.
Various myths surround the stone. The most famous is that King Arthur found a pebble in his shoe when he was in Carmarthenshire and threw it over the Loughor Estuary. It landed on Cefn Bryn Common, having grown in size from being touched by the king’s hand."
Jon Beard
"A worth visiting place for nice views and for unique structure, the large stone stands supported by smaller stones. It's only a short walk to the location from the small, free car park by the roadside."
Kothmini Samarakoon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arthur's Stone is located in Herefordshire, near Dorstone. Access is typically via a short, sometimes uneven, walk from a roadside car park. While there's no specific public transport route directly to the stone, local bus services can get you to nearby villages, from where you might need a taxi or a longer walk. +1
Yes, there is a small, free, and somewhat rough car park by the roadside near Arthur's Stone. It can get busy, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. +1
The walk is relatively short, but can be bumpy and uneven. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended. The effort is rewarded with beautiful views.
While cycling is possible on local roads, direct access to the stone itself might be challenging due to the terrain. It's more of a walking destination once you've parked. :bike:
Due to the uneven terrain and the nature of the site, Arthur's Stone may not be easily accessible for wheelchairs. The walk from the car park can be challenging. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Arthur's Stone is a free-to-visit historical site. There are no admission fees, making it an accessible attraction for everyone. :ticket:
Arthur's Stone is an outdoor historical monument and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. :clock1:
There is no entrance fee to visit Arthur's Stone. It is a public access site, allowing visitors to explore its historical significance and natural beauty freely. :moneywithwings:
While the site is technically accessible at night, it is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. Visiting during daylight hours ensures a better and safer experience. :flashlight:
While official guided tours might not be regularly scheduled, local historical societies or archaeological groups sometimes organize events. It's worth checking local listings or English Heritage for any special events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Arthur's Stone is a Neolithic chambered tomb and a large glacial boulder (an erratic) dating back approximately 5,000 years. It's a significant archaeological site with local folklore attached.
This Neolithic tomb was created by people who excavated under the boulder and propped it up. It's also steeped in legend, most famously linked to King Arthur.
The hilltop location offers beautiful panoramic views of the Golden Valley and the Black Mountains, making it a scenic spot for exploration.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly at Arthur's Stone. Visitors should come prepared. :toilet:
The area is known for its wildlife, and visitors have reported seeing wild horses and cows grazing nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. Early mornings are also great for fewer people and soft light.
Drone usage is generally permitted in open areas, but always check local regulations and be mindful of privacy and safety. Drones can capture stunning aerial views of the site and landscape.
Popular shots include wide-angle views of the stone against the landscape, close-ups of the ancient stones, and capturing the surrounding Golden Valley.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission. Always be respectful of the site. :camerawithflash:
A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details or distant views. A tripod is helpful for low-light photography at sunrise/sunset. :camera:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open landscape provides space to explore, and the chance to see grazing animals like cows or wild horses adds an exciting element. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🏛️ History and Archaeology Buffs
The recent excavations provide a fascinating glimpse into ongoing research, and the site itself is a tangible link to prehistoric Britain. +1 Delve into the folklore surrounding King Arthur and the stone's creation to enrich your understanding of its cultural significance. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Archaeology of Arthur's Stone
+1 The site is managed by English Heritage, which oversees the preservation and study of this important prehistoric location. Recent work has focused on understanding the construction and use of the tomb. Researchers are investigating features that remind them of previous digs, hoping to find more answers about the people who built and used this site.
The presence of quartz has also been noted, with questions arising about its significance to Neolithic people beyond its practical use for sharp edges. The site's importance is further highlighted by its inclusion in projects like 'The Stitched Atlas,' which explores places where folklore was gathered. Folklore and Legends
The site is also described as a 'hive of activity' with a 'line' flowing from the southwest that re-emerges as a vortex rotating clockwise from beneath the capstone.
This mystical interpretation adds to the site's enigmatic aura. The connection to ancient beliefs and practices is further explored in content that delves into how Neolithic people might have perceived light and darkness through lithic forms at Arthur's Stone. The Landscape and Surroundings
This scenic location makes it an attractive spot for visitors who appreciate natural beauty and expansive landscapes. The area around Arthur's Stone is also recognized for its importance to wildlife. Visitors have noted the presence of wild horses and cows grazing in the vicinity, adding a unique element to the experience.
Social
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