The Cukoo Stone Looking North
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Cuckoo Stone

4.1
·97 reviews·Durrington, United Kingdom

A fallen Neolithic standing stone, part of the ancient Stonehenge Landscape, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Britain.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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The Cukoo Stone Looking North

Cuckoo Stone

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A fallen Neolithic standing stone, part of the ancient Stonehenge Landscape, offering a glimpse into prehistoric Britain.

4.1
(97 reviews)

"A great historic place to visit, right near Woodhenge and part of England's heritage."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Lots of sheep and rabbit poop on paths. Protect your footwear!

🚶‍♀️ Easy Dog Walks

A great spot for dog owners, but keep them on a lead around livestock.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cuckoo Stone Itself

The Cuckoo Stone Itself

Adjacent field to Woodhenge

A fallen Neolithic standing stone, once part of a significant ancient landscape. Explore its resting place and imagine its past.

Instagram
Proximity to Woodhenge

Proximity to Woodhenge

Short walk from Woodhenge

Easily accessible from Woodhenge, this stone is part of a larger archaeological complex.

Instagram
Durrington Walls Walk

Durrington Walls Walk

Circular route including Cuckoo Stone

Enjoy a scenic walk connecting Woodhenge, Cuckoo Stone, and Durrington Walls for a full historical immersion.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Respect the Ancient Landscape

The Cuckoo Stone is part of a significant Neolithic site. While free to visit and explore, remember it's a place of historical importance. Stick to paths to avoid disturbing the land and wildlife, especially with sheep and rabbits present. Reddit

Combine Your Visit

The Cuckoo Stone is a short walk from Woodhenge and Durrington Walls, forming part of the Stonehenge Landscape. Plan to see all three for a richer historical experience. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Avoid weekend visitor rush
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I had the great pleasure to fiddle along with two friends today at the Cuckoo Stone Castle Fest. The "Band Without a Name" played together for the first time today.
mirkwied
93 likes • 1K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Lots of sheep and rabbit poop on paths. Protect your footwear! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Dog Walks

A great spot for dog owners, but keep them on a lead around livestock. Reddit

Link in Description for my work. Stone Info: Cuckoo Stone, placed standing on a Neolithic site (approx. 2500 BCE), has now fallen to the floor and is 5 miles from Stonehenge, and a 2 minute walk from Woodhenge. #woodhenge #neolithic #presenter #filmmaker #archeology #stonehenge
elisefreshwaterblizzard
124 likes • 3.4K views
The Cuckoo Stone. Part of the ‘Stonehenge Landscape’ and a relatively short walk from Woodhenge. ——————————————— #barrowposting #barrow #tumulus #tumuli #bronzeage #bronzeagearchaeology #prehistory #ancientengland #ancientbritain #ancienteurope #indoeuropean #albion #antiquarian #tradition #archaeology #neolithic #stoneage #menhir #stonehenge #megalith #heritage
barrowposting
18 likes • 167 views

🆓 Free to Explore

No entrance fee required, making it an accessible historical site. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Woodhenge

Just a short walk from Woodhenge, see both in one visit. Instagram

The Cuckoo stone 400 metres west of Woodhenge lies the Cuckoo stone. Though it rests on it side today, it’s believed the stone was stood up in place sometime before 2000BC. The Cuckoo stone appears to have been vandalised, or repurposed in antiquity, according to William Stukeley. In the early 18th century Stukeley wrote of a stone in Durrington fields that was “as large as any at Stonehenge”. I...
secretsinstone
33 likes • 324 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

Lots of sheep and rabbit poop on paths. Protect your footwear! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Dog Walks

A great spot for dog owners, but keep them on a lead around livestock. Reddit

🆓 Free to Explore

No entrance fee required, making it an accessible historical site. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Woodhenge

Just a short walk from Woodhenge, see both in one visit. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(97 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Cuckoo Stone to be a fascinating and free addition to exploring the wider Stonehenge Landscape, particularly when combined with Woodhenge and Durrington Walls. While it's a simple, fallen stone, its historical significance and the pleasant walking routes are highly praised. Some note the need for sturdy footwear due to animal droppings and the lack of facilities.

"The whole Woodhenge/Durrington Walls site is amazing if you are into history. It's a great circular walk around it, Woodhenge then Cuckoo stone then Durrington Walls. Beautiful place."

Claire Downs

"A short 10 minutes walk from the Army Barack if that's where you park your car. Great for dog walks to. However, it is very close, so walking distance to the Woodhege, which is a part of England's heritage."

Ákos Hervai

"Great historic place to visit. No real parking as the site is open to all without entrance fee and close to the country road, however parking alongside the woodhenge is fine. The cuckoo stone is just up the hill in the next field."

Laurent Lacroix

What People Like

Free to visit
Part of ancient landscape
Great for walks

What People Dislike

Animal droppings on paths
No facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Cuckoo Stone is located about 400 meters west of Woodhenge. If you're driving, parking is available near Woodhenge, and the stone is a short walk uphill into the next field. InstagramReddit

There isn't dedicated parking directly at the Cuckoo Stone. The best option is to park near Woodhenge, which is a short walk away. Reddit

Public transport options are limited for direct access. It's best reached by car or as part of a wider exploration of the Stonehenge Landscape. Some visitors mention it's a short walk from the Army Barracks. Reddit

The paths can be uneven and may have animal droppings, so wheelchair accessibility might be challenging. It's best to check conditions on the day. Reddit

The Stonehenge Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site that includes Stonehenge, Woodhenge, Durrington Walls, and other prehistoric monuments like the Cuckoo Stone, offering a glimpse into Neolithic and Bronze Age life. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Cuckoo Stone is part of an open landscape and is free to visit. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, the Cuckoo Stone is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit the Cuckoo Stone. It's a freely accessible part of the ancient landscape. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. Reddit

There are no visitor facilities such as restrooms or cafes directly at the Cuckoo Stone. Facilities are more likely to be found at nearby visitor centers for Stonehenge. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Cuckoo Stone is a large, fallen Neolithic standing stone, believed to have been erected before 2000 BC. It's a significant part of the Stonehenge Landscape, offering insights into prehistoric rituals and beliefs. Instagram+1

You can see the stone itself, which now rests on the ground, and explore the surrounding field. It's a place to contemplate its ancient history and its connection to nearby sites like Woodhenge. Instagram

Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes at the Cuckoo Stone, especially if combining it with Woodhenge and Durrington Walls. Reddit

Yes, children can visit the Cuckoo Stone. It's a great opportunity to spark their interest in history and archaeology. Just ensure they are supervised and wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

While there are no strict rules against touching, it's generally advised to be respectful of ancient monuments and avoid excessive contact to preserve them. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) offers beautiful light. Overcast days can also provide soft, even lighting for capturing the stone's texture. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the Stonehenge World Heritage Site management for current rules before flying. Instagram

Capture wide shots showing the stone in its landscape context, close-ups of its texture, and shots that include nearby Woodhenge for scale. Instagram

Visiting on a weekday or during off-peak hours will significantly reduce crowds and make photography easier. Reddit

Experiment with different angles, including low angles to emphasize its size and surrounding landscape, and eye-level shots for a more direct perspective. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cuckoo Stone and its surroundings offer a fantastic, free outdoor adventure for families. It's a great way to introduce children to history and archaeology in a hands-on way. The short walk from Woodhenge makes it manageable for little legs. Reddit

Key tips for families:
* Wear sturdy, easy-to-clean shoes as the paths can be muddy and are often frequented by sheep and rabbits. Reddit
* Bring snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. Reddit
* Encourage imagination by talking about who might have lived here and why these stones were important. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Dog Walkers

The Cuckoo Stone is a dog-friendly location, offering lovely open spaces for your canine companions to explore. The walk around Woodhenge and Durrington Walls is also great for dogs. Reddit

Important considerations:
* Keep dogs on a lead when near livestock, as sheep are often present in the fields. Reddit
* Be mindful of animal droppings on the paths and ensure your dog doesn't disturb wildlife. Reddit
* Bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days.

🚶‍♂️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by ancient history, the Cuckoo Stone is a must-see within the Stonehenge Landscape. Its Neolithic origins and connection to Woodhenge and Durrington Walls offer a rich tapestry of prehistoric life. InstagramReddit

* Combine your visit with Woodhenge and Durrington Walls for a comprehensive understanding of the area's significance. Reddit
* Research the history beforehand to fully appreciate the context of the stone and its potential uses. Instagram
* Consider visiting during quieter times to allow for deeper contemplation and observation of the site.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Cuckoo Stone's Ancient Significance

The Cuckoo Stone is a fascinating relic of Britain's prehistoric past, situated within the Stonehenge Landscape. Believed to have been erected around 2500 BCE, it predates even Stonehenge itself in its current form. Though it now lies on its side, it was once a standing stone, likely playing a role in ancient rituals or astronomical observations. Its proximity to Woodhenge and Durrington Walls suggests it was part of a larger ceremonial complex, a hub of activity for Neolithic communities. Instagram+1

Archaeological insights suggest the stone may have been vandalized or repurposed in antiquity, hinting at changing beliefs or uses over time. William Stukeley, an antiquarian in the early 18th century, documented a stone in the Durrington field, likely referring to the Cuckoo Stone. This historical record adds another layer to its story, connecting modern visitors to centuries of human interest in this ancient monument. Instagram

Visiting the Cuckoo Stone offers a tangible connection to our ancestors. It's a place to ponder the mysteries of the Neolithic era and appreciate the enduring presence of these ancient structures in the modern landscape. The experience is enhanced by understanding its context within the wider UNESCO World Heritage Site. Instagram

Exploring the Stonehenge Landscape

The Cuckoo Stone is just one piece of the incredible Stonehenge Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a profound journey into Britain's prehistoric past. This expansive area includes the iconic Stonehenge, the enigmatic Woodhenge (a henge monument with timber posts), and the vast Durrington Walls (a large Neolithic settlement and henge). Exploring these sites together provides a comprehensive understanding of the rituals, social structures, and daily lives of the people who inhabited this land thousands of years ago. InstagramReddit

Many visitors recommend a circular walk that connects these key locations. This allows for a more immersive experience, moving through the landscape as ancient peoples might have. The walk from Woodhenge to the Cuckoo Stone and then on to Durrington Walls is relatively short but rich with historical significance. It’s a chance to appreciate the scale and interconnectedness of these ancient monuments. Reddit

When planning your visit, consider that while Stonehenge has extensive visitor facilities, sites like the Cuckoo Stone are more natural and less developed. This offers a different, perhaps more intimate, experience. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Reddit

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