Lordenshaws Hillfort and Rock Art
Explore ancient cup and ring rock art and a historic hillfort with breathtaking 360-degree views of Northumberland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Lordenshaws Hillfort and Rock Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient cup and ring rock art and a historic hillfort with breathtaking 360-degree views of Northumberland.
"Fascinating place with 360 degree panorama from site of hillfort. Windswept and raw on a chilly day but very dramatic and inspiring."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be uneven and muddy; wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable experience .
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the stunning views with a packed lunch. Facilities are limited, so come prepared.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lordenshaws Hillfort
Summit of Lordenshaws Hill
Explore the remains of an ancient hillfort with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Cup and Ring Rock Art
Across the road from the hillfort
Discover one of the UK's largest collections of prehistoric cup and ring marks pecked into stone outcrops.
Scenic Walking Routes
Various trails from the site
Enjoy invigorating walks with options for shorter loops or longer circular routes, offering stunning natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Lordenshaws
Understanding the Rock Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Simonside hiking
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be uneven and muddy; wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable experience.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the stunning views with a packed lunch. Facilities are limited, so come prepared.
🧐 Take Your Time
Don't rush the rock art; explore different stones to appreciate the intricate carvings.
🚌 Check Bus Times
Public transport can be infrequent, especially on Sundays. Plan your journey in advance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Paths can be uneven and muddy; wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable experience.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy the stunning views with a packed lunch. Facilities are limited, so come prepared.
🧐 Take Your Time
Don't rush the rock art; explore different stones to appreciate the intricate carvings.
🚌 Check Bus Times
Public transport can be infrequent, especially on Sundays. Plan your journey in advance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Lordenshaws for its fascinating prehistoric rock art and the stunning panoramic views from the hillfort. It's a place that sparks imagination and offers a tangible connection to ancient peoples. While the paths can be uneven and facilities are minimal, the historical significance and natural beauty make it a highly rewarding visit for those who appreciate history and scenic landscapes.
"Free parking, fairly busy when I went on a nice Sunday but got parked ok, quiet walk. Did the shorter loop up to the Hill Fort, interesting though not sure I saw everything there was to see. Amazing views and options for different circular and linear routes - none looked to be pram friendly."
Rachel K
"Outdoor views and great walking. Lordenshaw hill has one of the largest clusters of ancient cup and ring marked stones in the UK. The curious hollows and grooves we call ‘cup and ring marks’ or ‘rock art’ were pecked onto outcrops and boulders across Northern Britain and Ireland by Neolithic and Bronze Age people between 6000 and 3500 years ago.
The original meaning of the symbols is now lost but they provide a unique personal link with our prehistoric ancestors."
Nigel Sarsfield
"Fascinating place with 360 degree panorama from site of hillfort. Windswept and raw on a chilly day but very dramatic and inspiring. Great to see the cup and ring art across the other side of the road."
David Naylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lordenshaws is accessible by car, with free parking available. For public transport, bus services run to Rothbury, from where you can walk to the site, though services can be limited, especially on Sundays.
While possible, it requires careful planning. Buses to Rothbury are the main option, followed by a walk. It's advisable to check timetables thoroughly, as they can be infrequent.
Lordenshaws is located off the B6341 road between Rothbury and Alnwick. Follow signs for Lordenshaws from the main road. The site has dedicated free parking.
Yes, it's possible to walk from Rothbury, which is a scenic route. Some visitors also combine it with hikes to Simonside.
Yes, there is free parking available at the Lordenshaws site, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Lordenshaws Hillfort and Rock Art is free. There are no admission fees to explore the site and its ancient features.
Lordenshaws is an open-air site and is generally accessible at all reasonable times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the rock art.
No, the rock art is part of the free-to-access Lordenshaws site. You can view the cup and ring marks without any charge.
As an outdoor heritage site, Lordenshaws is accessible during daylight hours. Visiting during the day ensures you can see the rock art clearly and navigate the paths safely.
No booking is required for Lordenshaws. It's a free, open-access site, so you can visit spontaneously.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Lordenshaws features a well-preserved hillfort with commanding views and a significant collection of prehistoric cup and ring marked stones, offering a unique connection to ancient peoples.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on how much you explore. The shorter loop to the hillfort is quicker, while exploring all the rock art and surrounding paths takes longer.
No, reviews suggest that the paths are generally not pram-friendly due to uneven terrain.
Take your time to walk around the different outcrops where the cup and ring marks are located. Look closely at the pecked symbols to appreciate their detail and age.
Facilities are minimal. There is free parking, but no visitor centre, toilets, or cafes on site. It's advisable to bring your own refreshments.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic 360-degree panoramic views from the hillfort summit and the intricate details of the ancient cup and ring rock art.
Yes, photography is permitted at Lordenshaws. It's a great place to capture historical sites and stunning landscapes.
Late afternoon light can be beautiful for landscape shots from the hillfort, while midday sun can highlight the textures of the rock art.
A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views, and a macro lens can help capture the details of the rock art. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best to check local regulations regarding drone usage near historical sites and heritage areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🏛️ History Buffs and Archaeologists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ancient Rock Art
Visitors can find these fascinating carvings scattered across various rock formations, particularly on the side of the road opposite the hillfort. It’s recommended to take your time exploring these areas, looking closely at the different patterns. The raw, windswept nature of the site adds to the dramatic and inspiring atmosphere, making the discovery of these ancient markings a truly memorable experience.
While the meaning is lost, the sheer presence of these marks provides a unique personal link to the past. The site is a testament to the artistic and spiritual lives of people who lived here millennia ago. It’s a place that encourages contemplation and imagination, inviting you to step back in time and connect with a distant heritage.
The Lordenshaws Hillfort and Panoramic Views
The views from the hillfort are a major draw, offering expansive vistas that are both dramatic and inspiring, especially on a clear day. This elevated position would have provided excellent vantage points for observation and defense in ancient times. The raw, windswept nature of the site, as described by visitors, enhances the feeling of being connected to the landscape and its history.
Exploring the hillfort is a relatively gentle walk, making it accessible for most visitors. The combination of historical significance and stunning natural beauty makes the summit a rewarding destination. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the vastness of the landscape, imagining life in this area thousands of years ago.
Walking and Accessibility
Many visitors enjoy combining a visit to Lordenshaws with other local walking routes, such as hikes to nearby Simonside. This allows for a more extensive exploration of the Northumberland countryside. The paths are generally well-defined, but it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and the weather conditions.
For those looking for a less strenuous experience, the shorter loop up to the hillfort is a popular choice, offering great views without an extensive trek. Regardless of the route chosen, the walks provide an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit