Unearthing the past is sure to ignite an inexplicable sense of wonder and fascination. The United Kingdom, steeped in millennia of history, offers an abundance of prehistoric burial sites worth exploring. From ancient stone circles to well-preserved burial mounds, these locations serve as a profound testament to the cultures that once inhabited these lands. So, if you’re keen on embarking on a journey through time, here’s a guide to the best UK locations for a prehistoric burial sites tour.
Discovering Stonehenge
One cannot delve into a discussion about prehistoric burial sites without mentioning the iconic Stonehenge. Situated in Wiltshire, this Neolithic structure has been shrouded in mystery since its discovery. It boasts an impressively complex design, with its major stones meticulously arranged in circular patterns. Although it is known to be a burial ground, Stonehenge’s precise purpose and the means of its construction remain subjects of intense debate among archaeologists and historians.
Guided tours of Stonehenge provide an insightful peek into the lives of the Neolithic people who constructed this awe-inspiring monument. They delve into the theories surrounding Stonehenge, including the belief that it was a site of spiritual significance. The nearby Stonehenge Visitor Centre enhances the experience by featuring exhibitions that explore the monument’s history further.
Exploring the Orkney Islands
Located off the northeastern coast of Scotland, the Orkney Islands are a treasure trove of prehistoric sites. The most notable among them is the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of four main sites: Skara Brae, Maeshowe, the Stones of Stenness, and the Ring of Brodgar.
Skara Brae is a remarkably well-preserved Neolithic settlement, providing an intimate glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. Maeshowe, an impressive chambered tomb, is renowned for its Viking runic graffiti. The Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar, meanwhile, are monumental stone circles shrouded in mystery.
On a guided tour, you can explore these sites while learning about the rich cultural history of the Orkney Islands. The narrative spun by the guides about Neolithic life and death rituals brings the past to life, making the visit to Orkney Islands a memorable experience.
Unearthing History at Avebury
Avebury in Wiltshire houses the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle, significantly larger than the famed Stonehenge. This fascinating prehistoric site is a part of the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site and offers an immersive experience into the ancient past.
At Avebury, you can walk amongst the stones, touch them, and feel a direct connection with the Neolithic people who erected them. The sheer size of these stones, some over 4 meters high, is enough to leave visitors in awe.
Guided tours of Avebury often include visits to the Alexander Keiller Museum, where you can see archaeological finds from the Avebury monuments, and the West Kennet Avenue, a ceremonial avenue lined with stones.
The Enigma of Wayland’s Smithy
Situated near the Uffington White Horse in Oxfordshire, Wayland’s Smithy is a long barrow dating back to around 3600 BCE. Named after Wayland, the Saxon god of metalworking, this site is steeped in folklore and legends.
Wayland’s Smithy comprises an earthen mound flanked by large sarsen stones. The entrance leads to a chambered tomb where remains of multiple individuals were found. The isolated, tranquil location adds to the site’s allure, making it a perfect spot for contemplation and reflection.
Guided tours here delve into the site’s archaeological history, the burial practices of the people who built it, and the many legends that surround it.
Dartmoor’s Prehistoric Wonders
Dartmoor, located in Devon, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, but it also boasts numerous prehistoric sites. The most notable among them are the stone rows of Merrivale and the burial chamber of Spinster’s Rock.
The stone rows of Merrivale are a fascinating sight, displaying the impressive precision and planning of Neolithic communities. Spinster’s Rock, on the other hand, is a Neolithic dolmen believed to be a communal burial site. The name derives from a local legend about three spinsters who built the structure.
Guided tours of Dartmoor’s prehistoric sites offer a unique combination of archaeological exploration and scenic beauty. The guides weave a captivating tale of Neolithic societies, their beliefs, and their death rituals, enriching the Dartmoor experience.
Remember, prehistoric burial sites are not just relics of the past; they are windows into an ancient world, offering glimpses of human societies in their nascent stages. So, whether you’re an avid history buff, an archaeology enthusiast, or a casual traveller, exploring these sites is sure to be a unforgettable journey through time.
Marvel at the Mysteries of Callanish Standing Stones
Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, the Callanish Standing Stones are an intriguing collection of Neolithic monuments that dot the landscape. This ancient site, comprised of around 50 stones arranged in a cruciform shape with a central stone circle, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved in the UK.
A guided tour of Callanish unveils a myriad of fascinating details about this prehistoric site. The guides share insights about the people who created these structures over 4,000 years ago, their possible motivations and the significance of the stones’ particular arrangement. The most prominent theory suggests that the stones were a calendar system based on lunar cycles, but like many Neolithic structures, the exact purpose remains shrouded in the mists of time.
The Callanish Visitor Centre further enhances the experience, offering informative exhibitions about the site and an opportunity to understand the Neolithic culture better. It’s impossible not to be moved by the mystical energy that Callanish exudes, making it a must-visit on any tour of prehistoric burial sites.
The Mystery of the Long Barrows of Cotswolds
The Cotswolds, a range of hills in south-central England, is home to a number of long barrows – ancient burial mounds dating back to the Neolithic era. A guided tour of these sites ensures a fascinating journey through time, unearthing secrets from thousands of years ago.
Belas Knap Long Barrow is a prime example, offering insights into burial practices of Neolithic communities. This elongated mound contains multiple burial chambers, where archaeologists have discovered the remains of at least 31 individuals, revealing much about Neolithic society’s beliefs and rituals surrounding death.
Similarly, the West Kennet Long Barrow, one of the largest and most impressive in Britain, offers a unique experience. Visitors can actually venture inside the chambers, getting up close and personal with the Neolithic past.
A guided tour of these long barrows in Cotswolds is a captivating experience, unearthing tales of ancient societies, unlocking the mysteries surrounding these burial sites, and offering a powerful connection to the past.
The UK is indeed a rich tapestry of prehistoric wonders, with each burial site offering unique insights into prehistoric cultures and rituals. Guided tours not only provide a wealth of information about these ancient sites but also help foster a deep sense of connection with our ancestors and their lives.
Whether you stand amidst the towering stones of Stonehenge, explore the Neolithic dwellings in the Orkney Islands, feel the mystical energy at Callanish, or delve into the ancient tombs in the Cotswolds, you will undoubtedly embark on an enriching journey through time.
Remember, each visit to these sites is a tribute to the people who lived, loved, and left their marks on these lands thousands of years ago. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the human story, a story that continues to unfold and captivate with each passing day.
