Men-an-Tol
A rare Bronze Age holed stone on the Cornish moors, steeped in legends of healing, fertility, and mystical portals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Men-an-Tol
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare Bronze Age holed stone on the Cornish moors, steeped in legends of healing, fertility, and mystical portals.
"Crawl through the round stone for good health, a lovely relaxing atmosphere with great views. "
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be rough; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable visit.
Arrive Early for Parking 🚗
The small parking area fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for roadside parking.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Holed Stone
Center of the formation
The iconic Men-an-Tol, a rare standing stone with a large hole, central to ancient legends of healing and fertility.
Ancient Standing Stones
Surrounding the holed stone
A collection of weathered standing stones, remnants of a Bronze Age ceremonial site, evoking a sense of ancient mystery.
Panoramic Moorland Views
The surrounding landscape
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Cornish moors from this elevated site, perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Men-an-Tol
Accessibility and What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be rough; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable visit.
Arrive Early for Parking 🚗
The small parking area fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for roadside parking.
Embrace the Legends ✨
Crawl through the holed stone for good health or fertility, as ancient folklore suggests.
Picnic with a View :sandwich:
The site offers stunning moorland vistas, ideal for a relaxing picnic.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be rough; good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable visit.
Arrive Early for Parking 🚗
The small parking area fills quickly. Arrive early or be prepared for roadside parking.
Embrace the Legends ✨
Crawl through the holed stone for good health or fertility, as ancient folklore suggests.
Picnic with a View :sandwich:
The site offers stunning moorland vistas, ideal for a relaxing picnic.
Respect the Ancient Site 🙏
This is a significant historical and spiritual place; tread lightly and be mindful of its heritage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Men-an-Tol to be an impressive and historically significant ancient site, particularly drawn to its rare holed stone and the legends of healing and fertility associated with it. The surrounding moorland views are a major draw, offering a peaceful atmosphere for picnics and reflection. However, some note the site's smaller-than-expected size and the challenging path accessibility for those with mobility issues.
"Hired ebikes and cycled here. A nice ride although the roads were busy, great views along the way. We missed the turn for the stones and had to backtrack. A lovely relaxing atmosphere here, we crawled through the round stone to apparently receive good health."
Sonya
"Really easy to find from the main road where you park, just through the gate and follow the clearly signed path. Men-an-Tol is not as large as you might think this to be, impressive though all the same and one I wanted to visit a long time ago."
Michael Jones
""Mên an Tol" is Cornish for "Stone of the Hole”
It is associated with various Legends, folk traditions and ritual beliefs.
Rickets Cure: A prominent legend states that passing a child with rickets through the hole nine times would cure the illness.
Fertility: Some traditions involved passing through the stone for fertility.
Divination: A superstition involved placing two copper nails on the stone, and their movement could be used to predict the future.
Fairies: Legends also claim the stone acts as a portal to the world of fairies or the otherworldly."
J M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Men-an-Tol is located in west Cornwall. It's accessible by car, with a small parking area near the site. From the parking, it's about a ten-minute walk along a wide but uneven path. Some visitors have hired ebikes for a scenic ride, though roads can be busy.
Unfortunately, Men-an-Tol is not wheelchair accessible due to the uneven terrain and a stone stile on the path.
For a unique journey, consider the GWR Night Riviera sleeper train from London Paddington to Penzance. From Penzance, you can arrange local transport or drive to Men-an-Tol.
While direct public transport to the immediate site is limited, you can take a bus to nearby villages and then walk or arrange a taxi. Checking local bus routes from Penzance is recommended.
Yes, there is a small parking area by the side of the road. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Men-an-Tol is a free-to-visit ancient monument. There are no admission fees.
As an outdoor ancient site, Men-an-Tol is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to appreciate the surroundings.
There is no entrance fee to visit Men-an-Tol. It is a freely accessible historical site.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the uneven terrain. Daylight hours are best for experiencing the site.
Official guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, local guides or historical societies may offer tours during specific events. It's best to check local tourism information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Men-an-Tol is famous for its rare holed standing stone, believed in ancient folklore to have curative powers for ailments like rickets and to aid fertility. +1
'Men-an-Tol' is Cornish for 'Stone of the Hole,' referring to its distinctive holed standing stone.
Legends include curing rickets by passing children through the hole nine times, aiding fertility, divination by placing nails on the stone, and it being a portal to the fairy world.
It's recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes or wellies due to the uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are also advisable as the moorland can be exposed to the elements.
Yes, photography is allowed. However, you might need to wait for other visitors to move to get unobstructed shots of the stones. The site has inspired many artists.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Men-an-Tol. Visitors are advised to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic.
The nearest towns with restaurants and cafes are Penzance and St Ives. It's best to plan your meals before or after your visit.
Absolutely! Men-an-Tol is a beautiful spot for a picnic, with lovely views of the surrounding moorland.
Typically, there are no food stalls or vendors at Men-an-Tol, as it is a natural ancient site.
The Penzance area offers traditional Cornish cuisine, including pasties, fresh seafood, and cream teas.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric glow.
The holed stone itself is the primary subject, but also capture the surrounding standing stones and the expansive moorland views.
Drone usage at ancient sites can be restricted. It's advisable to check with local authorities or heritage organizations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the stone circle and landscape. A tripod can help with low-light photography during dawn or dusk.
Experiment with different angles, focus on the textures of the stones, and incorporate the vast sky for unique shots. The mystical atmosphere lends itself to creative photography.
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