Coldrum Long Barrow - Image 1
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Coldrum Long Barrow

4.6
·322 reviews·Trottiscliffe, United Kingdom

Explore Coldrum Long Barrow, a 5000-year-old Neolithic monument in Kent, predating Stonehenge. Discover ancient stones and stunning countryside views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer Solstice

Experience seasonal celebrations

CrowdMedium
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Coldrum Long Barrow - Image 1

Coldrum Long Barrow

Best Time

Summer Solstice

Experience seasonal celebrations

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Coldrum Long Barrow, a 5000-year-old Neolithic monument in Kent, predating Stonehenge. Discover ancient stones and stunning countryside views.

4.6
(322 reviews)

"A magnificent slice of prehistory that is Coldrum Long Barrow, once thought to be a stone circle."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Patience

The car park is small, but usually manageable. Arrive early for the best chance!

🚶‍♀️ Gentle Trek

A well-signed path leads up, with a short, slightly steep climb to the barrow.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Neolithic Barrow

The Neolithic Barrow

The main structure

A magnificent slice of prehistory, this 5000-year-old burial site is one of the best-preserved Medway Megaliths.

InstagramReddit
Sarson Stones

Sarson Stones

Part of the barrow

These ancient stones, predating Stonehenge, are believed to hold positive energy and are part of seasonal celebrations.

TikTok
Panoramic Countryside Views

Panoramic Countryside Views

Surrounding the barrow

Enjoy amazing views of the Kent countryside from this elevated, otherworldly setting.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Finding This Ancient Gem

Coldrum Long Barrow is a bit off the beaten path. While SATNAV might lead you astray, a well-signed bridal path from the small car park guides you. Be prepared for a slightly steep, but rewarding, walk up to the barrow itself. Instagram

Respecting a Sacred Site

This 5000-year-old burial site is deeply respected by locals and visitors alike, with some attending ceremonies. Come with the same intention of love and respect for this special place. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer Solstice
Why
Experience seasonal celebrations
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn Mornings
Why
Enjoy colorful foliage
Crowd
Low
When
Sunrise
Why
Magical, spiritual start
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Solstice blessings at Coldrum Neolithic long barrow on Saturday was a great event. I attend these seasonal celebrations each year where we leave our own offerings and prays while gaining positive energy from the sarson stones which are a thousand years older than stone henge. If you haven’t been I recommend a visit you may even bump into the Kent Gorsedd who organise these events.
thamesflintknapper
25 likes • 509 views

🚗 Parking Patience

The car park is small, but usually manageable. Arrive early for the best chance! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Gentle Trek

A well-signed path leads up, with a short, slightly steep climb to the barrow. Reddit

Coldrum Long Barrow, Kent. This is more like it! Fabulous! Hard to find as SATNAV wants to take you to tea with a local farmer. So worth finding it in the end. Another magnificent slice of pre history that is Coldrum Long Barrow, once thought to be a stone circle. It has a possible polishing stone and is in the most other worldly of settings. Go and find it!
aveburylodge
20 likes • 253 views
We've got tingles from this gorgeous reel of the Coldrum Long Barrow from @britain.bc ⠀ .⠀ Reposted from their account: "Built 1,000 years before Stonehenge and situated just below the Ancient Pilgrims Way at the foot of the North Downs in Kent. The barrow is built out of earth and contains over 50 sarsen stones. The long barrow consisted of a rectangular tomb enclosed by kerb-stones, at the easte...
northdownswaynt
39 likes • 936 views

🙏 Respect the Site

This is a sacred place. Visitors are encouraged to show love and respect. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

The otherworldly setting and ancient stones make for stunning photos. Instagram

An enchanting time was had at ye olde Coldrum Long Barrow 🪨🪨 Coldrum Long Barrow is set on a small hill, in the shadow of the North Downs near Trottiscliffe. It’s one of the best surviving examples of the “Medway Megaliths” a group of Neolithic monuments found in the lower valley of the River Medway. Built and used over 1000 years before Stonehenge, the Coldrum Stones, or long barrow, housed the b...
magicalmimosa
17 likes • 282 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Patience

The car park is small, but usually manageable. Arrive early for the best chance! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Gentle Trek

A well-signed path leads up, with a short, slightly steep climb to the barrow. Reddit

🙏 Respect the Site

This is a sacred place. Visitors are encouraged to show love and respect. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

The otherworldly setting and ancient stones make for stunning photos. Instagram

☀️ Solstice Celebrations

Join seasonal celebrations or witness pagan ceremonies if you visit at the right time. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(322 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Coldrum Long Barrow as a 'wonderful hidden gem' with 'amazing views.' The site's historical significance as a 5000-year-old Neolithic monument and its 'otherworldly' atmosphere are major highlights. While the car park is small and the final approach is a bit steep, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the free access and the profound sense of history.

"Carpark with 10 spaces a short walk away. What a wonderful hidden jem with amazing views of surrounding countryside."

Rowena Bush

"A small well laid out car park. A well signed walk along a good bridal path. Great views of the countryside, a little steep walk up to the barrow from the path. There is a wooden bench for resting. A very pleasant place."

BadWhistle

"Well worth a visit...5000 year old ancient burial site!"

Richard Hills

What People Like

Amazing countryside views
Ancient historical site
Otherworldly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Small car park
Slightly steep walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Coldrum Long Barrow is located near Trottiscliffe, Kent. While SATNAV can be tricky, a well-signed bridal path from a small car park will guide you. InstagramReddit The walk to the barrow is relatively easy, though there's a short, slightly steep incline. Reddit

Yes, there is a small car park with about 10 spaces. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, though visitors have reported no issues finding a spot. Reddit

Information on direct public transport is limited. It's best to check local bus routes to Trottiscliffe and be prepared for a walk from the nearest stop. Instagram

Follow the well-signed bridal path from the car park. The path is good, and the walk is pleasant, offering great countryside views before the final ascent to the barrow. Reddit

The walk from the car park is generally easy, but there is a short, slightly steep section leading up to the barrow itself. A wooden bench is available for resting. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets needed. Coldrum Long Barrow is free to access, allowing for spontaneous visits and exploration. Reddit

As an open-air historical site, Coldrum Long Barrow is generally accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Instagram

Entry to Coldrum Long Barrow is free of charge. It's a public access site, encouraging everyone to experience its historical significance. Reddit

While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety and the lack of lighting. Some visitors have stayed overnight for specific events like the solstice, but this is not standard practice. InstagramReddit

Official guided tours are not widely advertised. However, local pagan groups sometimes hold ceremonies, and the interpretation boards provide historical context. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the impressive Neolithic long barrow, admire the ancient sarson stones, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Kent countryside. InstagramReddit

Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the site, take photos, and enjoy the views. Reddit

There are no specific facilities like restrooms directly at the barrow. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive. Reddit

Built over 1000 years before Stonehenge, it's a significant example of the Medway Megaliths, a group of Neolithic monuments in the River Medway valley. TikTokInstagram+1

While not explicitly forbidden, it's best to observe and appreciate the stones without touching to preserve their integrity for future visitors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The barrow itself, the ancient sarson stones, and the sweeping countryside views offer fantastic photographic potential. The 'otherworldly' setting is particularly striking. Instagram+1

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drone photography. However, it's always best to be mindful of other visitors and local guidelines. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset can offer dramatic lighting, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Midday sun can be harsh, but the unique structure still photographs well. Instagram+1

No specific restrictions are noted, but as a historical and potentially sacred site, respectful photography is encouraged. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the barrow and landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Coldrum Long Barrow offers a unique educational outing for families. The short, well-marked walk from the car park is manageable for most children, and the slightly steep climb to the barrow can be an exciting mini-adventure. Reddit The ancient stones and the story of this prehistoric burial site can spark curiosity and imagination. Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site. The open space around the barrow also provides room for kids to explore (under supervision, of course!).

Consider visiting during a time when local groups might be holding ceremonies, like the Summer Solstice, to add an extra layer of cultural experience. TikTokReddit The stunning countryside views also make for a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting the historical site to your children.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Explorers & Hikers

For solo travelers and hikers, Coldrum Long Barrow is an ideal destination. The well-defined path from the car park makes navigation straightforward, allowing you to focus on the journey and the destination. Reddit The 'otherworldly' setting and the profound history of the site offer a contemplative experience, perfect for quiet reflection. Instagram+1 The surrounding countryside also provides opportunities for longer walks, connecting the barrow to the broader landscape of the North Downs. Reddit

Bring a good pair of walking shoes and be prepared for the short incline. The peaceful atmosphere and the chance to connect with ancient history make it a fulfilling solo adventure. Don't forget your camera to capture the unique atmosphere and expansive views. Instagram

🏛️ History & Archaeology Buffs

Coldrum Long Barrow is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by ancient history and archaeology. As one of the best-preserved Medway Megaliths and a site predating Stonehenge, it offers a tangible link to Neolithic Britain. TikTokInstagram+1 Take time to study the sarson stones and the structure of the barrow, imagining the lives and rituals of its creators. The interpretation boards provide valuable context, but the sheer presence of the monument is its most powerful teacher. Reddit

Consider visiting during a solstice or other significant date to witness potential ceremonies or gatherings, offering a glimpse into the site's continued cultural relevance. TikTokInstagramReddit The site's relatively undisturbed nature and its impressive scale make it a prime location for understanding prehistoric burial practices and monument construction in the region.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient History of Coldrum Long Barrow

Coldrum Long Barrow is a remarkable Neolithic monument, predating even Stonehenge by over a thousand years. It's a key part of the 'Medway Megaliths,' a collection of ancient structures found in the lower valley of the River Medway. Built from earth and over 50 sarsen stones, the long barrow served as a burial site, with evidence of multiple phases of interment dating back to around 3985-3855 BC. TikTokInstagram+1 The site's age and preservation make it a vital window into prehistoric life in Britain.

The barrow's setting, nestled at the foot of the North Downs and near the Ancient Pilgrims Way, adds to its mystique. Some theories suggest it may have once been part of a stone circle, and a 'polishing stone' has been noted, hinting at ritualistic practices. Instagram The presence of sarson stones, which are thousands of years older than Stonehenge's, further emphasizes the site's profound antiquity. TikTok Visitors often describe the atmosphere as 'otherworldly,' a testament to its deep historical roots. Instagram

Today, Coldrum Long Barrow is cherished by locals and archaeologists alike. It's a place where seasonal celebrations, like the Summer Solstice, are observed, sometimes involving pagan ceremonies. TikTokInstagramReddit The site is free to visit and is maintained with a sense of reverence, encouraging visitors to approach it with respect and appreciation for its ancient heritage.

Experiencing Coldrum Long Barrow: Tips from Visitors

Visitors consistently praise Coldrum Long Barrow as a 'wonderful hidden gem' with 'amazing views of the surrounding countryside.' Reddit The journey to the barrow is often described as a pleasant walk along a well-signed bridal path from a small, convenient car park. Reddit While there's a slight incline to reach the barrow itself, most find it a relatively easy and rewarding trek. Reddit

Many highlight the 'otherworldly' and 'enchanting' atmosphere of the site, making it a popular spot for those interested in history, archaeology, and even pagan practices. Instagram+2 The barrow's ancient stones and its historical significance are major draws, with many visitors expressing a deep sense of connection to the past. Instagram Some have even shared unexpected moments of joy, like encountering wildlife on their visit. Instagram

It's important to note that the site is deeply respected, and visitors are encouraged to maintain a sense of reverence. Reddit While there are no facilities on-site, the experience of exploring this ancient monument and soaking in the views is considered well worth the visit. Reddit

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