The ancient stone circles that dot the landscape of the United Kingdom are some of the most captivating and mystifying sites one can visit. These stones, standing for thousands of years, are brimming with historical significance and offer a unique travel experience. So, if you’re planning a camping trip that includes these stunning sites, you’re in for a treat.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable camping experience, and ensure you walk away with not just memories, but a deeper understanding and appreciation for these ancient stones.
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1. Identifying Stone Circles To Visit
The United Kingdom is home to a multitude of stone circles, with Scotland boasting a significant number of these standing stones. When planning your trip, it’s crucial to research and choose the circles that most interest you.
One of the most famous stone circles is Stonehenge, situated near Salisbury, England. This legendary circle garners international interest due to its size, structure, and the mystique surrounding its origin.
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Another notable site is Avebury, located around 25 miles north of Stonehenge. Unlike Stonehenge, where you cannot get close to the stones, Avebury allows you to wander freely among the massive standing stones.
For those traveling to Scotland, the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis offer a breathtaking view. The Isle of Lewis, while a bit more remote, is well worth the trip for the peace and serenity it offers.
2. Scheduling Your Visit
The time of your visit will greatly influence your experience at these sites. Most stone circles in the UK are open year-round, but the weather can change your experience dramatically.
Summer months bring longer daylight hours, allowing more time for exploration. However, the sites can be crowded during this time, as this is when most tourists travel.
Winter visits can be rewarding due to fewer tourists, but you’ll have less daylight to work with. You’ll also need to prepare for colder weather, especially if you’re planning to camp.
Spring and autumn can offer a balance, with moderate weather and lighter tourist traffic.
3. Accommodation: Camping Near Stone Circles
When considering camping sites, proximity to the stone circles should be a top consideration. Not only will camping near these sites provide easy access, but it will also allow you to experience the stones at different times of the day.
For Stonehenge, there are several campgrounds within a short drive. Stonehenge Campsite and Glamping Pods is a popular choice, offering a variety of camping options.
Near Avebury, you can find the Blackland Lakes Campsite, which offers excellent facilities and a serene environment.
If you’re visiting the Callanish Stones in Scotland, the nearby Eilean Fraoich Camp Site offers excellent facilities and beautiful views.
4. Preparing For Your Camping Trip
Planning and preparation are key to any successful camping trip. This involves gathering the necessary camping gear, planning meals, and considering the weather conditions for your visit.
When camping in the UK, it’s crucial to prepare for rain. This means investing in a good quality waterproof tent, along with rain gear.
In terms of food, consider easy-to-cook options that don’t require a lot of ingredients or time. You can prepare some meals at the campsite, but also consider packing snacks for your visits to the stone circles.
5. Exploring Beyond The Stone Circles
Although the main focus of your trip may be the stone circles, the UK has so much more to offer.
If you’re visiting Stonehenge or Avebury, consider spending a day in London, which is just a short drive away. Here, you can visit iconic sites like the Tower of London, the British Museum, or Buckingham Palace.
For those visiting Scotland’s stone circles, consider exploring the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, or spending a day in the vibrant city of Glasgow or historic Edinburgh.
Remember, the key to a successful trip is to balance your time between visiting these remarkable stone circles and enjoying the natural beauty and rich culture of the UK. Take your time to soak in the experiences, and most importantly, enjoy your journey around these timeless stones.
6. Engaging in Activities Around the Stone Circles
In addition to visiting the stone circles, you should also seize the opportunity to indulge in various activities available around these areas. For instance, the Lake District, a national park in North West England, is a fantastic place for wild camping. It offers a significant number of campsites and is known for its glacial ribbon lakes, rugged fell mountains, and historic literary associations. This makes it an ideal location for those who love to hike, bird-watch, or just enjoy the serene outdoor environment.
When you visit Stonehenge, don’t forget to check out the visitor centre. This English Heritage-managed site offers an array of interactive exhibits and artefacts, many of which were excavated from the surrounding area. This will give you a chance to learn more about the Bronze Age people who constructed this iconic monument thousands of years ago.
For those who are interested in exploring more standing stones, a trip to Machrie Moor on the Isle of Arran in Scotland is a must. Here, you’ll find a collection of six stone circles constructed about 4,000 years ago during the Neolithic and early Bronze Age periods.
Also, if you have a van life lifestyle, these sites make for perfect locations for van camping, as they offer a chance to wake up to spectacular views of these ancient stone circles.
7. Incorporating Other Historical and Cultural Sites into Your Trip
When organizing your camping trip to the UK, consider incorporating visits to other historical and cultural sites. Not too far from Avebury is Silbury Hill, the largest man-made mound in Europe. Just like the stone circles, Silbury Hill was constructed around 4,800 years ago and remains a mystery to us in terms of its purpose.
If you are visiting the Callanish Stones in Scotland, take a detour to explore the rich history of the Hebrides at the Isle of Lewis’s museum. It showcases artefacts from the island’s seafaring past, alongside pieces that tell the tale of the island’s ancient and recent history.
For those visiting the English stone circles, make sure to include a trip to London in your itinerary. Aside from iconic landmarks such as the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower Bridge, the city is home to the National Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the UK’s heritage.
Every stone circle visit offers an opportunity to delve deeper into the rich historical tapestry of the United Kingdom. By incorporating these sites into your camping trip, you’ll surely have an enriching and unforgettable experience.
8. Conclusion: A Complete Guide to Planning Your Ideal Camping Trip
Planning a camping trip that involves visiting stone circles in the United Kingdom can seem daunting at first, due to the abundance of options and considerations to bear in mind. However, with the right research and preparation, you can create an itinerary that not only covers these awe-inspiring stone circles but also includes other historical and cultural sites, making it a well-rounded trip.
Remember to consider factors such as the camping location, the time of year, and the related activities around the stone circles. Moreover, always be respectful of these sacred sites. They serve as a window to our past, and preserving them is crucial to maintaining our connection to our history.
Armed with this complete guide, you’re now ready to plan your journey. So, whether you’re contemplating a solitary retreat, or an adventure-filled family holiday, the United Kingdom’s stone circles are waiting to impart their ancient secrets and create unforgettable memories. Safe travels!
