Lanyon Quoit
1 / 10

Lanyon Quoit

4.7
·322 reviews·Madron, United Kingdom

A colossal Neolithic dolmen in Cornwall, Lanyon Quoit offers a glimpse into prehistoric life with its massive capstone and ancient burial chamber.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden hour

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
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Lanyon Quoit

Lanyon Quoit

Best Time

Golden hour

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal Neolithic dolmen in Cornwall, Lanyon Quoit offers a glimpse into prehistoric life with its massive capstone and ancient burial chamber.

4.7
(322 reviews)

"A truly magical place where you can feel the history and the energy of ancient Cornwall."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Use small lay-bys near the site; no designated parking. Be quick and mindful of passing traffic.

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The field can be boggy. Wear waterproof boots, especially after rain.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Capstone

The Majestic Capstone

The main structure

A massive 12-tonne capstone, once tall enough for a horse to pass beneath. Its sheer scale is awe-inspiring.

Reddit
Neolithic Burial Chamber

Neolithic Burial Chamber

The entire site

Explore the remains of a 4,000-year-old dolmen tomb, a powerful connection to prehistoric Cornwall.

Instagram
Atmospheric West Penwith Landscape

Atmospheric West Penwith Landscape

Surrounding area

Experience the rugged beauty of West Penwith, a landscape steeped in history and folklore.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Atmosphere

Visit during golden hour for stunning photos or on a clear night for stargazing. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and a more mystical feel, perfect for soaking in the ancient energy. Instagram+1

Accessibility & Nearby Gems

Lanyon Quoit is in a field, accessible via a stone stile which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The field can also be boggy after rain. Combine your visit with nearby Men-an-tol and Ding Dong mine for a fuller historical experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Golden hour
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Clear nights
Why
Stargazing opportunities
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful and mystical
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Lanyon Quoit: The Fallen Monument Reborn Once a towering Neolithic tomb, Lanyon Quoit stood so high that a rider on horseback could pass beneath its great capstone. But in 1815, a violent storm shattered its ancient form, toppling the massive stones. When it was rebuilt nearly a decade later, one of its uprights was missing, the structure shortened and repositioned—forever changed from what our a...
darkcornwall
375 likes • 5.1K views

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Use small lay-bys near the site; no designated parking. Be quick and mindful of passing traffic. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The field can be boggy. Wear waterproof boots, especially after rain. Reddit

Lanyon Quoit, Winter Solstice 2023 video & soundtrack by Nigel Ayers. Thank you very much & sweet dreams on the longest of nights.
ayers.nigel
42 likes • 468 views
Visiting Lanyon Quoit, Mên-an-tol, Boskednan Circle and Men Scryfa 🌀
strangemegalith
0 likes • 902 views

📸 Capture the Scale

Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the capstone and its surroundings. Instagram

✨ Feel the History

Take time to absorb the ancient energy and imagine life here thousands of years ago. Reddit

Lanyon Quoit, Cornwall | First built over 4,000 years ago in the Neolithic, this dolmen tomb collapsed during a storm in 1815. It was rebuilt, but not in its original form. Despite this, it is still an atmospheric and dramatically sited monument in a beautiful corner of the British Isles 🗺 #penwith #cornwall #prehistory #prehistoricart #dolmen #
_prehistoricart
243 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking is Tricky

Use small lay-bys near the site; no designated parking. Be quick and mindful of passing traffic. Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed

The field can be boggy. Wear waterproof boots, especially after rain. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scale

Use wide-angle lenses to convey the immense size of the capstone and its surroundings. Instagram

✨ Feel the History

Take time to absorb the ancient energy and imagine life here thousands of years ago. Reddit

🗺️ Explore Nearby Sites

Combine with Men-an-tol, Ding Dong mine, and Celtic chapels for a full historical day. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(322 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Lanyon Quoit to be a historically significant and atmospheric Neolithic dolmen, offering a tangible connection to ancient Cornwall. While parking and access can be challenging due to its rural location and the field terrain, the sheer scale of the capstone and the mystical beauty of the West Penwith landscape are consistently praised. Many appreciate its free access and the opportunity to combine it with other nearby historical sites.

"Second time I’ve visited this one, last time it was cold, windy and wet, but today perfect weather. Quiet around the area so parked in the lay-by closest to it, hopped over the stone style with the dogs and snapped some pics. It’s worth seeing Men an Tol, Ding Dong mine, the Celtic chapel & Holy Well plus more historical Cornish landmarks whilst in the area as they’re all close by and for a fit walker and guide to show the way it’s a nice day out."

Dylan Cushen

"Awesome little find while driving around. Parking is a bit awkward, but there are a couple of passing places to stop, if you are quick. Lovely peaceful area with great views around."

Matthew Young (Urban Tiger)

"Wonderful magical place where one can feel the history & the energy."

Michel van der Stel

What People Like

Impressive capstone scale
Ancient historical significance
Mystical landscape

What People Dislike

Tricky parking
Challenging access (stile)
Boggy field

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lanyon Quoit is located in West Penwith, Cornwall. It's accessible by car, with small lay-bys near the site for parking. Be aware that parking can be awkward and you'll need to be quick. Reddit The site is a short walk from the road, often involving crossing a stone stile. Reddit

Unfortunately, Lanyon Quoit is not wheelchair accessible. The site is in a field, and access involves crossing a stone stile which can be challenging, and the field itself can be boggy. Reddit

The nearest towns to Lanyon Quoit are Penzance and St Ives, both offering a range of amenities and accommodation. The site is situated in a rural area within the Penwith peninsula. Instagram

Public transport options to reach Lanyon Quoit are limited due to its rural location. It's best accessed by car. If using public transport, you would likely need to take a bus to a nearby village and then arrange local transport or a significant walk. Reddit

There isn't a specific postcode for Lanyon Quoit itself, as it's a natural landmark. You can use nearby farm or road postcodes for navigation, but it's advisable to use GPS coordinates or look for the distinctive stone structure once you are in the vicinity. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Lanyon Quoit is a free-to-visit historical site. You can explore the ancient monument and its surroundings without any admission fee. Reddit

Lanyon Quoit is an open-air historical site and can be visited at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, it's recommended to visit during daylight hours. Instagram

There is no entrance fee for Lanyon Quoit. It is a freely accessible ancient monument for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

While you can technically visit Lanyon Quoit at night, it is an outdoor site with no lighting. Visiting after dark is not recommended for safety reasons and may also impact the surrounding environment. However, some visitors enjoy it for stargazing. Instagram

The main restriction is the terrain; the field can be boggy and access involves a stone stile. Please be respectful of the ancient monument and the surrounding landscape, and do not climb on the stones. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Lanyon Quoit is a Neolithic dolmen, a type of megalithic tomb, dating back over 4,000 years. It's famous for its massive capstone and its dramatic history of collapse and reconstruction. InstagramReddit

Originally a burial chamber with four upright stones, Lanyon Quoit collapsed in a storm in 1815. It was rebuilt nine years later with only three uprights, making it shorter than its original form. InstagramReddit

Many visitors recommend visiting during the golden hour for photography, or on a clear night for stargazing. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more peaceful and atmospheric experience. Instagram+1

Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear as the field can be boggy. Layers are advisable as Cornish weather can change quickly. Reddit

Yes, dogs are generally allowed at Lanyon Quoit, but they must be kept under control and on a lead, especially when crossing the field and near the monument. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best spots are from the field looking towards the quoit, capturing its imposing structure against the landscape. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the scale of the capstone. Instagram

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) provides beautiful, soft light. Clear nights are ideal for astrophotography, showcasing the Milky Way above the ancient stones. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the entire monument and its surroundings. A tripod is essential for low-light photography, especially for night shots. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check current local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone over Lanyon Quoit or its surrounding areas. Instagram

Try capturing the quoit during different weather conditions – mist can add an ethereal quality, while sunshine highlights its rugged form. The juxtaposition of the ancient stones with the modern landscape is also a compelling theme. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lanyon Quoit offers a unique opportunity for families to connect with ancient history. While the site itself is a fascinating monument, the surrounding fields can provide space for children to explore (under supervision). The journey to the quoit, involving a short walk from the lay-by, can be an adventure in itself. Reddit

It's important to note that access involves a stone stile, which might be tricky for very young children or those with mobility challenges. The field can also be boggy, so sturdy, waterproof footwear is a must for everyone. Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings, making it a memorable outing. Combining the visit with other nearby child-friendly historical sites like Ding Dong mine can enhance the experience. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers

For solo travelers and hikers, Lanyon Quoit is an excellent stop on a broader exploration of the West Penwith peninsula. Its accessibility from the road makes it an easy addition to a walking route, and the site itself offers a moment of quiet contemplation. Instagram

The surrounding landscape provides ample opportunities for hiking, with numerous footpaths crisscrossing the area. You can easily incorporate Lanyon Quoit into a longer trek, perhaps linking it with other ancient sites like Men-an-tol or exploring the coastal paths nearby. The peaceful atmosphere and historical significance make it a rewarding destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with the past. Reddit

✨ Spiritual & Folklore Enthusiasts

Lanyon Quoit is a significant site for those interested in paganism, folklore, and ancient energies. Its Neolithic origins and dramatic history lend it a powerful, mystical aura. Many visitors report feeling a strong connection to the past and the earth's energy when visiting. InstagramReddit

Consider visiting during significant times like the solstices or equinoxes for an enhanced spiritual experience, though be prepared for potentially more visitors. The site is often mentioned in discussions about 'witchy' or 'magical' places in Cornwall, making it a must-visit for those drawn to such energies. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Tumultuous History of Lanyon Quoit

Lanyon Quoit stands as a testament to ancient ingenuity and the forces of nature. Originally constructed over 4,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, this impressive dolmen served as a burial chamber. It was once a grand structure, with four upright stones supporting a massive capstone, reputedly tall enough for a person on horseback to ride beneath. This original configuration speaks volumes about the skill and ambition of its prehistoric builders. InstagramReddit

However, the monument's history is marked by a dramatic event. In 1815, a severe storm caused the entire structure to collapse. The sheer power of the storm underscores the exposed nature of its location. Fortunately, local inhabitants rallied to restore it. Nine years later, in 1824, enough funds were raised to re-erect the quoit. The reconstruction, however, was not an exact replica of its former glory. One of the original stones was deemed too damaged to be reused, resulting in only three uprights remaining. This alteration meant the quoit was no longer as tall as it once was, and while the capstone's alignment was largely preserved, the overall form was changed forever. InstagramReddit

Today, Lanyon Quoit presents a slightly altered but still profoundly atmospheric silhouette against the Cornish landscape. The remaining three uprights, standing about 1.5 meters high, support the colossal 5.5-meter-long capstone, which weighs over 12 tonnes. The site also lies at the north end of a long barrow, though much of its outline is now obscured by grass and bracken. Despite its reconstruction, Lanyon Quoit continues to captivate visitors with its ancient presence and the stories etched into its stones. Reddit

Experiencing the Mystical Landscape of West Penwith

Lanyon Quoit is situated in the heart of West Penwith, a region of Cornwall renowned for its rich prehistoric heritage and mystical atmosphere. This area is dotted with ancient sites, including stone circles, menhirs, and burial chambers, creating a landscape that feels deeply connected to the past. Visitors often describe a palpable sense of history and energy when exploring these sites, making Lanyon Quoit more than just a collection of stones. Instagram+1

The surrounding landscape itself is a significant part of the Lanyon Quoit experience. Rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and windswept moors define the scenery. This dramatic natural beauty, often enhanced by the changeable Cornish weather, contributes to the site's evocative and sometimes otherworldly feel. Many visitors find that the journey to Lanyon Quoit, often involving driving through picturesque rural roads, is as rewarding as the destination itself. Instagram

For those interested in the spiritual or folkloric aspects of Cornwall, West Penwith is a prime destination. Sites like Lanyon Quoit are often associated with ancient pagan beliefs and folklore, drawing visitors seeking a connection to these traditions. The combination of ancient monuments and the wild, untamed landscape makes this part of Cornwall a truly unique and memorable place to explore. InstagramReddit

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