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Twelve Apostles Stone Circle

4.6
·142 reviews·Burley in Wharfedale, United Kingdom

A Bronze Age stone circle on Ilkley Moor, offering ancient mystery and breathtaking Yorkshire views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Twelve Apostles Stone Circle

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Clearer skies, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Bronze Age stone circle on Ilkley Moor, offering ancient mystery and breathtaking Yorkshire views.

4.6
(142 reviews)

"Beautiful place with lots of greenery and fresh air. Perfect for nature lovers."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Moorland paths can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:

Check the Weather

Winds can be harsh on the moor. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. ☁️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 142 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Stone Circle

The Stone Circle

Ilkley Moor

A Bronze Age marvel with twelve stones arranged in a circle, steeped in ancient mystery.

Panoramic Moorland Views

Panoramic Moorland Views

Ilkley Moor

Breathtaking vistas of Ilkley town and the surrounding Yorkshire landscape.

Ancient History

Ancient History

Ilkley Moor

Explore a significant prehistoric site, believed to be around 4,000 years old.

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Planning Your Visit

Dress for the Moors

Ilkley Moor can be exposed and windswept. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy walking shoes. The paths are improved, but it's still moorland terrain. Check the weather forecast before you go!

Timing Your Visit

While accessible year-round, consider visiting during clearer weather for the best views and a more pleasant experience. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light for photos and fewer visitors.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmer, longer daylight
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Apostle's Creed Full sized statues of the twelve apostles at Saint Helena Catholic Church in Amite, Louisiana. Thank you, Fr. Mark Beard 🙏 #fyp #foryourpage #Christ #God #Jesus #Christian #Lord #Bible #catholic #Catholicism #newlife #transformation #Jesuslovesyou #JesusChrist #Father #faith #Love #spirituality
@catholicbaker07
10.6K likes • 85.9K views

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Moorland paths can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:

Check the Weather

Winds can be harsh on the moor. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. ☁️

Replying to @grigglia Thanks for being an object lesson. #thehistorywizard #historytiktok #EduTok #LearnOnTikTok #wizardcommunism
@thehistorywizard
9.3K likes • 67.4K views
Inside the Twelve Apostles stone circle
norternworlds
9 likes • 59 views

Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities on the moor. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave:

Respect the Site

This is a protected prehistoric monument. Please do not disturb the stones or leave litter. 🙏

✨️ The Twelve Apostles ✨️ Yesterday we visited the Twelve Apostles, the biggest stone circle in Scotland. In fact the circumference was so wide I couldn't get a photo of them all from the ground! You can see the sun hitting the first stone in the first photo, this beam then ran from this stone to another, which appeared to have been some sort of pathway, as there were little 'kerbstones" laid in...
moodyloch
28 likes • 134 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Footwear

Moorland paths can be uneven. Good walking boots are essential for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:

Check the Weather

Winds can be harsh on the moor. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. ☁️

Bring Water & Snacks

There are no facilities on the moor. Stay hydrated and fueled for your exploration. :water_wave:

Respect the Site

This is a protected prehistoric monument. Please do not disturb the stones or leave litter. 🙏

What Travellers Say

4.6
(142 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle for its beautiful, peaceful moorland setting and the connection to ancient history. The improved paths make it more accessible, offering stunning views and a relaxing escape. Some note the stones are not particularly high, and the trek can be challenging in poor weather.

"Beautiful place with lots of greenery and fresh air. Perfect for nature lovers. Very peaceful and relaxing. A must-visit spot!"

Yash Patel

"The Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor is a prehistoric stone circle—one of the most famous and atmospheric in West Yorkshire. The circle is believed to date from the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years old (approx. 2000–1500 BCE). It’s a bit of a trek to reach the spot but much easier now that they have laid stone paving paths. Enjoy!"

Chris Gledhill

"I have always been fascinated in Britain's ancient history and this was wonderful"

Ian Wilton

What People Like

Peaceful moorland setting
Ancient history connection
Scenic views

What People Dislike

Stones not very high
Harsh weather potential

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Twelve Apostles Stone Circle is located on Ilkley Moor. You can reach it via various walking trails from Ilkley town. Some paths are paved, making the trek easier, while others are more rugged. Consider using a map or GPS device for navigation. InstagramReddit

Parking is available in Ilkley town, and from there, you can embark on a walk to the stone circle. The walk can take 20-30 minutes from popular starting points. Instagram

No, you cannot drive directly to the stone circle. It is situated on moorland and requires a walk from the nearest access points. Instagram

Ilkley town offers several access points to Ilkley Moor. Many visitors start their hikes from the town center or designated parking areas. Instagram

Ilkley is well-served by public transport, including train and bus services. From the town, you can then begin your walk to the stone circle. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle is an open-air prehistoric site on Ilkley Moor and does not require tickets for entry. It's freely accessible. Instagram

As an outdoor natural site, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle at any time, though daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. Instagram

There is no admission fee to access Ilkley Moor or the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle. It is a public access area. Instagram

While technically possible, visiting at night is not recommended due to potential safety hazards on the moorland and the lack of lighting. Instagram

While not officially organized, local walking groups or historical societies may occasionally offer guided tours. It's best to check local event listings. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Twelve Apostles Stone Circle is a Bronze Age prehistoric monument on Ilkley Moor, featuring twelve stones arranged in a circular pattern. It's believed to be around 4,000 years old. InstagramReddit

While the exact purpose is unknown, it's a significant prehistoric site. Some theories suggest astronomical alignments or ritualistic use. The name 'Twelve Apostles' is a later interpretation. InstagramReddit

The time spent will depend on your chosen walking route and how long you wish to spend at the site. Allow at least 1-2 hours for the walk and exploration. Instagram

No, there are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers directly at the stone circle. You'll need to come prepared. Reddit

Near the Twelve Apostles on Ilkley Moor, you can also find White Wells, Tarns, Cow and Calf Rocks, Stanza Stones, and Cowpers Stone Cross. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. Golden hour can be particularly stunning. Instagram

You can capture wide-angle shots of the stone circle against the moorland backdrop, close-ups of the ancient stones, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines for Ilkley Moor before flying a drone to ensure compliance. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the circle and landscape. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Instagram

The circumference of the circle is quite wide, so capturing all stones in a single frame from ground level can be challenging. You might need to use a wide-angle lens or stitch panoramas. Instagram

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