Long Meg and Her Daughters Cumbria
A vast Neolithic stone circle in Cumbria, one of England's largest, offering a powerful connection to ancient mystery and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Long Meg and Her Daughters Cumbria
Best Time
Fewer crowds, softer light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast Neolithic stone circle in Cumbria, one of England's largest, offering a powerful connection to ancient mystery and stunning landscapes.
"Stunning views and a powerful sense of ancient mystery."
👢 Wear Sturdy Boots
The field can get boggy. Good footwear is essential for exploring comfortably.
🐄 Mind the Cows!
Cows roam the field. They're usually friendly, but keep a respectful distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Stone Circle
Little Salkeld, Cumbria
A vast oval of 59 ancient stones, one of England's largest, radiating mystery and history.
Long Meg Herself
South-west of the circle
A towering 3.8-meter red sandstone pillar, the 'guardian' of the circle, marked with ancient carvings.
Cup and Ring Markings
On Long Meg and other stones
Intricate prehistoric carvings on the stones, adding to the site's enigmatic allure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ancient Atmosphere
Respect the Site and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👢 Wear Sturdy Boots
The field can get boggy. Good footwear is essential for exploring comfortably. +1
🐄 Mind the Cows!
Cows roam the field. They're usually friendly, but keep a respectful distance. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Lacy's Caves
Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Lacy's Caves for a fuller experience.
✨ Feel the Ancient Energy
Take time to touch the stones and absorb the powerful, ancient atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
👢 Wear Sturdy Boots
The field can get boggy. Good footwear is essential for exploring comfortably. +1
🐄 Mind the Cows!
Cows roam the field. They're usually friendly, but keep a respectful distance. +1
🚶♀️ Explore Lacy's Caves
Combine your visit with a walk to nearby Lacy's Caves for a fuller experience.
✨ Feel the Ancient Energy
Take time to touch the stones and absorb the powerful, ancient atmosphere.
📸 Drone Photography
Stunning aerial views are possible, capturing the scale of the circle.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Long Meg and Her Daughters for its stunning views, powerful ancient atmosphere, and lack of crowds. The free access and natural setting are major draws, though some note the presence of cow pats and flies in the field. It's a place that truly immerses you in mystery and history.
"Absolutely magical place worth visiting. Easy to find and good free parking only few minutes walk from the stone circle. Very peaceful and full of magical energy. The site is the 3d biggest stone circle in Uk so truly worth the visit! Highly recommend"
silvia sutton
"Stunning views and a powerful sense of ancient mystery. Tried counting the stones twice—got different numbers both times, so I guess the curse lives on! The site itself is impressive, but the field was full of cow pats and buzzing flies, which took the shine off a bit. Worth a visit if you're into folklore and don't mind muddy boots."
Paul Senior
"No tickets needed. It is a beautiful place with a great atmosphere. Don’t worry about the cows, they are friendly. Make sure to wear good shoes. The stones are impressive and long Meg seems to be the guardian so make sure that you ask her for permission before entering. Also worth observing the carvings in the stones."
Margarida Cabral
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Long Meg and Her Daughters is located near Little Salkeld, north-east of Penrith. Follow the path through a metal gate (no vehicle access) and woodland for about 0.8 miles to reach the stone circle. There is free parking available, with accessible parking close to the stones.
Yes, there is free parking available at the site. Accessible parking is also located close to the stones, making it easier for visitors with mobility needs.
Information on direct public transport to the immediate vicinity is limited. It's best to check local bus routes to Penrith or nearby villages and then consider a taxi or a longer walk.
The path from the parking area to the stone circle is approximately 0.8 miles through woodland. While generally manageable, it can be boggy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Visitors typically follow a path through a metal gate and woodland. This approach adds to the sense of discovery and immersion in the ancient landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets needed to visit Long Meg and Her Daughters. It's a free-access site, allowing you to explore the ancient stone circle without any admission fees.
As an open-air ancient monument, Long Meg and Her Daughters is accessible at all times. There are no set opening or closing hours.
No, there are no facilities such as toilets or visitor centers at Long Meg and Her Daughters. It's a natural site, and visitors are advised to come prepared.
Dogs are generally welcome at Long Meg and Her Daughters, but they must be kept under control, especially around the livestock (cows) present in the field.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to touch and feel the weathered surfaces of the stones to connect with their ancient history.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The circle originally comprised 59 stones, with 27 remaining today. Long Meg herself is a separate, larger pillar standing nearby. 
Some stones, including Long Meg, feature 'Cup and Ring' markings, which are intricate prehistoric carvings whose exact purpose remains a mystery.
Long Meg is a 3.8-meter tall red sandstone pillar, believed to be the guardian of the stone circle. Visitors often feel a strong presence from this stone.
Generally, Long Meg and Her Daughters is surprisingly under the radar, meaning you'll often find few crowds, allowing for an immersive experience.
Take your time to wander among the stones, touch them, and absorb the ancient atmosphere. Consider visiting during quieter times for a more profound connection.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmosphere of the stone circle. Drone photography can capture the impressive scale.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be respectful of the ancient site and any other visitors. Drone usage should adhere to local regulations.
Wide-angle shots to capture the entire circle, close-ups of the ancient carvings, and shots that include Long Meg herself are popular.
Tripods are generally permitted, but ensure you are not obstructing pathways or disturbing other visitors.
The dramatic landscape, the ancient stones themselves, and the often atmospheric Cumbrian weather contribute to its photogenic qualities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Archeology Enthusiasts
+1 Take time to examine the 'Cup and Ring' markings on the stones, contemplating their unknown purpose. 🌿 Nature Lovers & Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Stones
+1 The circle is comprised of 59 stones arranged in an oval shape, with the imposing Long Meg pillar standing separately to the southwest. The exact purpose of these stone circles remains a subject of debate among archaeologists, with theories ranging from astronomical observatories to ritualistic gathering places. The stones themselves are a marvel, weathered by millennia. Many bear intricate 'Cup and Ring' markings, enigmatic carvings that add another layer of mystery to the site.
While the scientific explanations are fascinating, the folklore surrounding Long Meg and Her Daughters adds to its charm. Legends speak of a witch named Long Meg and her daughters who were turned to stone for daring to dance on a Sunday.
This blend of history, archaeology, and folklore makes for a truly captivating experience. Visiting Long Meg and Her Daughters: Practicalities
However, the natural setting means there are no facilities on-site, so visitors should come prepared with everything they need. The field surrounding the stones can be boggy, especially after rain, making sturdy, waterproof boots highly recommended.
Many visitors combine their trip to Long Meg and Her Daughters with a walk to the nearby Lacy's Caves, further enhancing the exploration of this ancient landscape.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit