
Trethevy Quoit
A magnificent 5,000-year-old dolmen on Bodmin Moor, known as 'The Giant's House,' offering a glimpse into Neolithic life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Golden light on ancient stones

Trethevy Quoit
Best Time
Golden light on ancient stones
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent 5,000-year-old dolmen on Bodmin Moor, known as 'The Giant's House,' offering a glimpse into Neolithic life.
"One of the finest preserved dolmen chambers in Britain, a truly awe-inspiring ancient monument."

🚗 Car is Key
Access Trethevy Quoit via car; rural roads lead to this ancient wonder.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the moorland and uneven ground.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Dolmen
Central Chamber
Marvel at the colossal capstone supported by five towering stones, a testament to Neolithic engineering.

Folklore and Legends
Surrounding Area
Imagine giants and ancient rituals at this site, steeped in local folklore and mystery.

Bodmin Moor Landscape
Bodmin Moor
Enjoy the rugged beauty of Bodmin Moor, with Trethevy Quoit as a striking centerpiece.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ancient Mysteries Await
Navigating the Moorland
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is Key
Access Trethevy Quoit via car; rural roads lead to this ancient wonder.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the moorland and uneven ground.
🕰️ Early Bird Gets the View
Visit early to avoid crowds and capture the best light on the stones.
🗺️ Explore Bodmin Moor
Combine your visit with walks on Bodmin Moor for a full experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is Key
Access Trethevy Quoit via car; rural roads lead to this ancient wonder.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Needed
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the moorland and uneven ground.
🕰️ Early Bird Gets the View
Visit early to avoid crowds and capture the best light on the stones.
🗺️ Explore Bodmin Moor
Combine your visit with walks on Bodmin Moor for a full experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by Trethevy Quoit's impressive scale and ancient mystery, often describing it as a 'must-see' megalithic site. The dramatic moorland setting adds to its allure. Some note the lack of facilities and the need for careful navigation to reach the remote location.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Trethevy Quoit is best reached by car, located on Bodmin Moor near Darite. Follow local signage from the nearest villages. Parking is usually available nearby, though it can be limited.
Public transport options are very limited for reaching Trethevy Quoit due to its remote moorland location. It's highly recommended to travel by car for the easiest access.
The nearest towns to Trethevy Quoit are Liskeard and Bodmin. These towns offer amenities and can serve as starting points for your journey to the site.
Cycling is possible, but be prepared for rural roads and potentially challenging terrain on Bodmin Moor. Ensure your bike is suitable for off-road conditions if exploring beyond the immediate vicinity.
There is typically informal parking available near Trethevy Quoit, but it is not a designated car park. During peak times, spaces may be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Trethevy Quoit is a free-to-visit ancient monument. There are no admission fees to explore this historical site.
Trethevy Quoit is accessible at all times as it is an open-air monument. You can visit dawn till dusk.
There is no entrance fee for Trethevy Quoit. It is a public monument managed by English Heritage, and access is free for all visitors.
While the site is accessible at all hours, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. The best experience is during daylight.
Yes, Trethevy Quoit is managed by English Heritage, which helps preserve and protect this significant prehistoric monument.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Trethevy Quoit is a well-preserved megalithic tomb, specifically a dolmen, dating back to the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. It's composed of large upright stones supporting a massive capstone.
Believed to be around 5,000 years old, Trethevy Quoit served as a communal burial chamber. Its exact purpose and the methods of its construction continue to fascinate archaeologists.
The stones are massive granite slabs, with the capstone weighing many tons. The site is one of the finest examples of a dolmen chamber in Britain.
There are no facilities such as restrooms or visitor centers directly at Trethevy Quoit. Visitors should come prepared with water and any other necessities.
Take your time to walk around the stones, observe their scale, and imagine the lives of the people who built this ancient monument. Respect the site and do not climb on the stones.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, casting long shadows and highlighting the texture of the stones. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Capture wide shots of the dolmen against the moorland backdrop, close-ups of the stone textures, and creative angles that emphasize the scale and mystery of the site.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with English Heritage or local authorities before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scale of the dolmen and its surroundings. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
Experiment with different viewpoints. Standing slightly to the side can emphasize the capstone's support, while a wider shot from a distance showcases its integration with the landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks as there are no facilities on-site. Combine the visit with a short, manageable walk on Bodmin Moor, keeping the exploration focused and engaging for younger attention spans. The drive to the site can also be an adventure, pointing out rural scenery.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Wear appropriate hiking gear, including waterproofs and sturdy boots, as the weather on the moor can change rapidly and the ground can be uneven or boggy. The remoteness of the location means you can often find solitude, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts seeking an authentic outdoor experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enigma of Trethevy Quoit
The site is not just an archaeological marvel but also a place steeped in folklore. Local legends often attribute its construction to giants, adding a layer of mystique to its already ancient aura. This blend of historical significance and mythical storytelling makes Trethevy Quoit a captivating destination for anyone interested in the deep past and the stories that surround it. The small hole on one of the upright stones has also sparked speculation, with some suggesting it was an entrance for spirits.
Visiting Trethevy Quoit offers a unique opportunity to connect with Cornwall's ancient heritage. The surrounding Bodmin Moor provides a dramatic and often wild landscape, enhancing the experience of standing before such an enduring monument. It’s a place that encourages reflection on time, human endeavor, and the enduring power of ancient structures.
Exploring Bodmin Moor
For visitors, Bodmin Moor provides ample opportunities for walking and hiking. The terrain can be challenging, with some areas being boggy, so sturdy footwear is essential. The sense of remoteness and wildness is palpable, offering a true escape into nature. Beyond Trethevy Quoit, other ancient sites like King Doniert's Stone dot the landscape, allowing for a more comprehensive exploration of Cornwall's prehistoric and early medieval past.
When planning a trip to Trethevy Quoit, consider dedicating time to explore the wider Bodmin Moor. The moorland scenery, combined with the historical significance of sites like the quoit, creates a memorable and immersive experience. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking both natural beauty and a deep dive into ancient history.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit