Uley Long Barrow
Explore a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial mound, Hetty Pegler's Tump, with chambers you can crawl inside. A journey into ancient Britain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bluebells in bloom
Uley Long Barrow
Best Time
Bluebells in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial mound, Hetty Pegler's Tump, with chambers you can crawl inside. A journey into ancient Britain.
"It’s amazing to think that it was built 5500 years ago! 
🔦 Bring a Torch
Essential for exploring the chambers and appreciating the stonework inside.
🚗 Parking Advice
Limited spots; consider lay-bys nearby for a pleasant field walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Barrow Chamber
Inside the mound
Crawl into this 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb and explore its ancient chambers.
Surrounding Countryside
Uley, Gloucestershire
Enjoy stunning views and meadows, especially beautiful with bluebells in spring.
Hetty Pegler's Tump
Uley Long Barrow
The barrow's alternative name, evoking its historical and mysterious nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Barrow
Exploring Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring a Torch
Essential for exploring the chambers and appreciating the stonework inside.
🚗 Parking Advice
Limited spots; consider lay-bys nearby for a pleasant field walk.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead
Be prepared for a short, unmarked, steep ascent to the barrow.
🦇 Wildlife Spotting
You might find bats hanging inside the chambers!
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring a Torch
Essential for exploring the chambers and appreciating the stonework inside.
🚗 Parking Advice
Limited spots; consider lay-bys nearby for a pleasant field walk.
🚶♀️ Steep Climb Ahead
Be prepared for a short, unmarked, steep ascent to the barrow.
🦇 Wildlife Spotting
You might find bats hanging inside the chambers!
🧺 Picnic Spot
A quiet and scenic location for a picnic break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Uley Long Barrow for its fascinating Neolithic history and the unique experience of crawling inside its ancient chambers. The surrounding countryside and spring bluebells add to its charm. However, parking can be challenging, and the approach involves a steep, unmarked climb.
"Nice neolithic barrow you can go in. Three small rooms. Best place to park is off B4066 Crawley Hill Road just east of the barrow. Beware Google maps first sent me to a nice forest walking trail north of the barrow, parking at the bottom of the hill, but you have to climb off up a steep hill off trail the last 100m to get to the barrow."
David Jones
"Tricky to get to from down. Here's how:
Arriving at Knapp Ln and parking at it's end (google's alternative to parking on B4066) you find yourself on the beautiful Cotswold-Way.
Walk right (South-west) towards the burrow and you'll soon realize the path doesn't actually go up there.
Keep walking. There's a small silver memorial plaque to Kenneth Smith on the left hand side of this path and if you walk on about 50mts and climb the hill it will get you right to the monument on top.
Its a steep unmarked climb but it's short enough and a much nicer way to get to this stunning place.
The plaque says "What will survive of us is love"."
Gu Banjara
"Beware the car park has only a few spots and some deep pot holes. If visiting just after rain you'd be best off parking just up the road a bit where there are two separate pieces for a few cars each to park. Nice walk across the field to the barrow. If you're small enough you can get inside and explore the rooms. My son found a sleeping bat hanging from the room too!"
Jarrod Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The barrow is located near Uley in Gloucestershire. While Google Maps can be a bit misleading, the best approach is often to park off B4066 Crawley Hill Road. Some visitors recommend parking at the end of Knapp Lane and following the Cotswold Way, then climbing the hill. Be aware of limited parking spots and potential potholes.
Parking is limited directly at the barrow, with a few spots that can have deep potholes. It's advisable to look for parking slightly up the road in separate lay-bys for a more pleasant walk across the field to the monument.
Yes, it's a popular spot for countryside walks. The Cotswold Way passes nearby, and many visitors enjoy a walk across the fields to reach the barrow.
Information on direct public transport is scarce. It's best accessed by car or as part of a longer walking route in the Cotswolds.
The barrow is near the village of Uley in Gloucestershire. Nearby towns include Dursley and Stroud, which offer more amenities and accommodation options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Uley Long Barrow is a historical site that is freely accessible to the public. There are no admission fees.
As an ancient monument in the open countryside, there are no set opening hours. You can visit at any time, though early mornings offer beautiful light and fewer visitors.
Yes, visitors can crawl inside the barrow to explore its chambers. Two of the chambers are currently blocked off.
No, Hetty Pegler's Tump, also known as Uley Long Barrow, is a free-to-access historical site.
While generally open, it's a sensitive historical site. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the monument and its surroundings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can explore the ancient burial chambers. Bringing a torch is highly recommended to see the stonework and potentially spot bats.
The entrance is low and requires crawling, often described as knee-high. It's best suited for those who are agile and comfortable in confined spaces.
This Neolithic long barrow dates back approximately 5,000 years and served as a communal burial site. It's a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric Britain.
There are no facilities like restrooms or visitor centers directly at the barrow. It's a natural site within the countryside.
Yes, the barrow itself and the surrounding countryside offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise or when the bluebells are in bloom.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings, especially for sunrise, offer beautiful light and fewer crowds. Springtime is also ideal for capturing the bluebells in the surrounding meadows.
You can capture atmospheric shots of the barrow's entrance, the interior chambers (with a torch), and panoramic views of the Gloucestershire countryside.
No, for personal use, no special permit is required. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines for the Cotswolds area before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the barrow and the landscape. A torch is essential for interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that the entrance requires crawling, so assess your child's comfort level with confined spaces. Parking can be a bit challenging, so plan for a short walk, which can be a fun part of the adventure. It's a great spot for a picnic, making it a memorable day out exploring ancient history and nature.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The Cotswold Way passes nearby, making it easy to incorporate into a longer trek. The journey to the barrow itself can involve navigating some scenic, albeit sometimes steep, terrain, adding to the sense of exploration. The quiet and natural setting makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful break or a picnic amidst nature.
🏛️ History Buffs and Archaeology Enthusiasts
The opportunity to enter the chambers provides a unique perspective on ancient burial practices and architectural ingenuity. Consider bringing a good flashlight to examine the stonework closely and perhaps research the barrow's history beforehand to enhance your understanding. The site's significance as a communal burial ground and its symbolic representation of the 'womb of the mother' are key aspects to appreciate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Neolithic Significance of Uley Long Barrow
The barrow was partially reconstructed in 1854 by Dr. John Thurnham, which has helped preserve its structure for modern visitors. Despite the reconstruction, the essence of its original form and purpose remains. Exploring the chambers offers a tangible connection to our distant ancestors and their funerary practices.
Visitors often remark on the profound sense of history and the eerie yet peaceful atmosphere within and around the barrow. It's a place that sparks imagination about the lives and rituals of people who lived millennia ago.
Navigating the Terrain and Access
From these parking areas, you'll often find yourself on beautiful walking trails, such as the Cotswold Way. The final approach to the barrow might involve a short, steep, and unmarked climb up a hill. While this can be a bit strenuous, it's generally brief and offers a more rewarding way to arrive at the monument.
For those with mobility concerns, the steep climb and the need to crawl into the barrow might present difficulties. However, the surrounding countryside offers lovely walks with beautiful views, making it a worthwhile destination even if direct access to the interior is not feasible.
Experiencing the Barrow's Interior
To fully appreciate the interior, bringing a torch or flashlight is highly recommended. This allows you to illuminate the intricate stonework and the construction of the chambers.
The feeling of being inside a 5,000-year-old tomb is often described as profound and awe-inspiring. It's a chance to step back in time and contemplate the lives of the people who built and used this significant monument.
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