Arthur's Stone Herefordshire
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb with a massive capstone, steeped in legend and offering stunning Golden Valley views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer people, peaceful atmosphere
Arthur's Stone Herefordshire
Best Time
Fewer people, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic tomb with a massive capstone, steeped in legend and offering stunning Golden Valley views.
"Don't expect Stonehenge and you won't be disappointed!"
🚗 Narrow Road Alert!
Access is via a very narrow lane. Drive carefully and consider walking from Dorstone if you have a larger vehicle.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Bring your own water and snacks. There are no toilets or visitor center here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Capstone
Arthur's Stone
A massive capstone, weighing over 25 tonnes, precariously balanced on nine upright stones.
Neolithic Chamber Tomb
Arthur's Stone
Explore the remnants of a 5,000-year-old burial chamber with a curved entrance passageway.
Panoramic Golden Valley Views
Arthur's Stone summit
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Golden Valley and the distant Black Mountains from this elevated site.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Access and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Narrow Road Alert!
Access is via a very narrow lane. Drive carefully and consider walking from Dorstone if you have a larger vehicle.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Bring your own water and snacks. There are no toilets or visitor center here.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the stone can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the site.
📸 Capture the Views
The surrounding landscape offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Narrow Road Alert!
Access is via a very narrow lane. Drive carefully and consider walking from Dorstone if you have a larger vehicle.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Bring your own water and snacks. There are no toilets or visitor center here.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path to the stone can be uneven. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring the site.
📸 Capture the Views
The surrounding landscape offers spectacular photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush your visit. Take time to appreciate the monument and the stunning scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Arthur's Stone for its impressive ancient monument and breathtaking panoramic views. The historical significance and the sheer scale of the capstone are major draws. However, the challenging narrow access road and limited parking are frequently mentioned drawbacks, requiring careful planning for a smooth visit.
"We’ve been meaning to visit Arthur’s Stone after we saw it featured on the BBC Two series Digging for Britain. Neither my wife nor I are historians but we do like to visit places on our travels. We arrived at around 09:30 on a Sunday morning and apart from a jogger running by we saw no one else for the 30 minutes that we were there. Definitely worth visiting and we left wondering just how our ancient ancestors from 5,000 years ago managed to build this."
Nick Carthew
"The tomb is topped by a large capstone, estimated to weigh more than 25 tonnes. The capstone rests on nine uprights and there is a curved, 15 ft long entrance passageway.
Known as Arthur’s Stone, the Neolithic monument has long been linked to legend and literature, associated with Arthurian giant- slaying escapades and inspiring the Stone Table on which the lion Aslan was sacrificed in C S Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia.
The site is seen as a northerly outlier of the well known Severn-Cotswold tomb Group of chambered tombs and one of five Neolithic tombs in the local area.
Definitely worth a Stop,
Great views as well."
Pete / Hel
"A small ancient burial chamber set up a narrow step lane. Parking for about 3 cars. Spectacular views."
Diane Chambers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arthur's Stone is located near Dorstone in Herefordshire. Access is via a narrow, single-track lane, which can be challenging for larger vehicles. Many visitors recommend parking in the village of Dorstone and walking the rest of the way. +1
Parking is very limited, typically accommodating only about 3 cars. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, or consider walking from Dorstone.
Public transport options are scarce. It's best to travel by car. If relying on public transport, research local bus routes to Dorstone and be prepared for a significant walk.
For most visitors, driving to Dorstone and then walking to Arthur's Stone is the most practical approach. This avoids potential difficulties with the narrow access road. +1
The access road is very narrow and steep in places. It's generally suitable for cars, but larger vehicles like motorhomes or vans may find it difficult or impossible to navigate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Arthur's Stone is a free-to-visit historical site. There are no admission fees.
Arthur's Stone is accessible at all times, as it is an open-air historical monument.
There is no entrance fee to visit Arthur's Stone. It's a public access site.
While accessible at all times, visiting at night may be challenging due to the narrow access road and lack of lighting. It's best visited during daylight hours.
Yes, English Heritage looks after Arthur's Stone. While they manage the site, there is no entry fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Arthur's Stone is a Neolithic chambered tomb, a prehistoric monument dating back approximately 5,000 years. It's known for its large capstone and historical legends.
You can see the impressive capstone, the supporting upright stones, the entrance passageway, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Yes, children can visit Arthur's Stone. However, supervision is essential due to the uneven terrain and the nature of the ancient monument.
The monument is Neolithic, but local legend links it to King Arthur slaying a giant. It's also associated with C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia' as the Stone Table.
No, there are no facilities such as toilets, cafes, or visitor centers at Arthur's Stone. Visitors should come prepared.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the capstone itself, the entrance to the tomb, and the panoramic views from the summit. The surrounding landscape offers beautiful backdrops. 
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the most dramatic lighting for photography, highlighting the textures of the stones and the landscape.
Drone usage may be restricted due to its proximity to archaeological sites and potential disturbance. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the monument and the expansive views. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing detailed shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permission. Always be respectful of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the site itself is an ancient monument, the open space around it allows children to explore and run around, provided they are supervised due to the uneven terrain. Encourage kids to look for the 'elbow prints' in the stones and imagine the giant-slaying tales. The stunning views are also a great reward after the walk up. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on-site. The narrow access road means it's best to travel in a standard car and perhaps walk the final stretch from Dorstone to make the journey easier for everyone.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Consider incorporating a visit to Arthur's Stone into a broader exploration of the Golden Valley or the nearby Black Mountains. The journey via the narrow lanes adds to the sense of adventure. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the terrain can be uneven.
🏛️ History and Archaeology Buffs
+1 The recent archaeological excavations have added a dynamic layer to the site, with ongoing discoveries providing fresh insights into its history and significance. Explore the impressive capstone and entrance passageway, and ponder the ingenuity of its builders.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Archaeology of Arthur's Stone
These excavations have revealed details about the monument's construction and potential timeline, suggesting it was a focal point for ancient communities. The site is considered a northerly outlier of the Severn-Cotswold tomb group, highlighting its importance within a wider prehistoric landscape. The most striking feature is the massive capstone, weighing over 25 tonnes, which rests on nine upright stones. A curved entrance passageway leads into the chamber, hinting at the rituals and beliefs of the people who built it.
+1Archaeologists are particularly interested in features that might connect to previous excavations and the site's long history of human interaction.
+1Folklore and Legends
This association has cemented its place in local lore and attracted visitors drawn to the mystique of Arthurian tales. Beyond Arthurian legends, the site has inspired literary works. It is believed to be the inspiration for the Stone Table in C.S. Lewis's 'The Chronicles of Narnia', where the lion Aslan was sacrificed.
The site is also part of a broader folklore project, 'The Stitched Atlas', which investigates places where folklore was gathered.
This highlights Arthur's Stone as a location rich in stories and historical narratives, making it more than just an ancient monument but a repository of cultural memory. The Landscape and Views
The elevated position makes it a prime spot for appreciating the natural beauty of Herefordshire. The journey to Arthur's Stone itself is part of the experience, with the site being down a narrow, scenic lane.
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