Zennor Quoit
An ancient megalithic tomb on the wild Cornish moorland, offering a glimpse into Neolithic history and a sense of profound peace.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.
Zennor Quoit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom, fewer crowds.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient megalithic tomb on the wild Cornish moorland, offering a glimpse into Neolithic history and a sense of profound peace.
"Such a peaceful quiet place. Well worth the walk. All you can hear are birds and bees."
Wear long trousers! :pants:
Protect yourself from sharp bracken and ticks. Essential for a comfortable hike.
Follow local advice for paths :round_pushpin:
Google Maps can be misleading. Look for hidden stone markers for the correct trail.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Zennor Quoit Megalith
Near Zennor, Cornwall
An impressive granite tomb, a testament to ancient builders, standing for millennia.

Moorland Landscape
Above Zennor
Experience the wild beauty of the Cornish moorland, a peaceful escape with only birdsong.

Ancient Sites Exploration
Penwith Peninsula
Discover other ancient sites like Sperris Quoit and Lanyon Quoit nearby for a historical journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to Zennor Quoit
Best Footwear and Attire
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear long trousers! :pants:
Protect yourself from sharp bracken and ticks. Essential for a comfortable hike.
Follow local advice for paths :round_pushpin:
Google Maps can be misleading. Look for hidden stone markers for the correct trail.
Sturdy walking shoes needed :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be overgrown. Good grip is key.
Embrace the peace :ear:
Enjoy the quiet, natural sounds of birds and bees. A truly tranquil spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear long trousers! :pants:
Protect yourself from sharp bracken and ticks. Essential for a comfortable hike.
Follow local advice for paths :round_pushpin:
Google Maps can be misleading. Look for hidden stone markers for the correct trail.
Sturdy walking shoes needed :athletic_shoe:
The terrain is uneven and can be overgrown. Good grip is key.
Embrace the peace :ear:
Enjoy the quiet, natural sounds of birds and bees. A truly tranquil spot.
Combine with pub lunch :beer:
Many visitors enjoy a meal at a local pub like The Tinners after their visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Zennor Quoit to be a peaceful and historically significant site, offering a connection to ancient times amidst beautiful moorland. However, the journey can be challenging due to misleading navigation and overgrown paths, with some experiencing discomfort from ticks and sharp vegetation.
"Great to see the interesting old rocks that have a historic story, however walking from towednack to the rocks went quite wrong! 🤣, we set off from our holiday cottage in towednack to and happened to take a completely wrong turn, walking through fields of long grass and ditches, falling over small holes in the ground, then finally realised we were going the wrong way! turns out the rocks were in the other direction further back from where we had come 🤦♂️, Ended up with 10+ ticks bites all over. What an adventure!"
Alex Tulett
"Such a peaceful quiet place. Wear trousers as the bracken is sharp. Well worth the walk. All you can hear are birds and bees."
Trish Kilmurray
"This is something for true adventurers.
If you follow Google maps directions, you will get on a tiny path (only drive it if you are comfortable with reverse driving since it’s too narrow for two cars to pass, and it’s a long path). You will end on a farm and I think it’s private land, so I am not sure if parking is officially allowed. From there you must walk the road you came from back and watch out for a tiny hidden stone on the ground showing you a hidden path onto the mountain. You’ll first pass zennor rocks and then after hiking further, you’ll see zennor quoit. The landscape is fantastic, but we would not have found it without the help of locals passing by. The “hike” takes approx 20-40 mins if you are fit. I would not recommend for people with walking issues since it’s too narrow and overgrown."
Anna Katharina Mlekuz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Navigating to Zennor Quoit can be tricky. While Google Maps might suggest farm tracks, locals advise looking for a hidden stone marker to find the correct, less overgrown path. Be prepared for a hike, and avoid driving down very narrow lanes unless you're comfortable with reverse driving.
Some visitors arrive via open-top buses to Zennor, then explore the cliffs and hills. From Zennor village, it's a walk to the quoit, often involving moorland paths.
Driving directly can be challenging. Some routes lead to private farmland, and paths can be very narrow. It's often better to park in Zennor village and walk.
After potentially reaching a farm via Google Maps, you may need to backtrack and look for a small, hidden stone on the ground that indicates the correct, often overgrown, path up the mountain. Local advice is invaluable here.
The hike can be challenging due to overgrown paths and uneven terrain. It's recommended for those who are fit and comfortable with hiking. People with walking issues might find it too difficult.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Zennor Quoit is an ancient monument in an open landscape, so no tickets are required for entry. It's freely accessible to explore.
As an outdoor ancient site, Zennor Quoit is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit Zennor Quoit. It's a historical site open for public exploration.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the challenging terrain, potential for getting lost, and lack of visibility.
While official guided tours might be limited, local knowledge and community-led site clearances sometimes occur, offering opportunities to learn more.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Zennor Quoit is an impressive ancient megalithic tomb, a granite structure that has stood for thousands of years, offering a glimpse into Neolithic or Bronze Age history.
The best way is to hike to it, appreciate its ancient presence, and soak in the surrounding wild moorland landscape. Take your time to absorb the atmosphere.
Bring water, snacks, a map or GPS, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. A basic first-aid kit for potential scratches or tick removal is also advisable.
There are no facilities directly at Zennor Quoit. You'll need to use facilities in Zennor village or nearby towns before or after your visit.
Absolutely! The ancient stones against the dramatic moorland backdrop offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during golden hour.
🍽️ 🍴 Food & Dining
The village of Zennor offers options, with The Tinners Arms being a popular choice for a traditional pub lunch after exploring the area.
No, there are no dining facilities at Zennor Quoit itself. It's a remote ancient site.
You can have a picnic in the surrounding moorland, but be sure to take all your rubbish with you to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Zennor village typically offers traditional pub fare, focusing on local Cornish produce.
If you're taking an open-top bus, you might pass through other villages with dining options, but it's best to check schedules and local offerings beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the textures of the stones and moorland.
Capture wide shots of the quoit within its landscape, close-ups of the ancient stonework, and details of the surrounding flora and fauna.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and guidelines for flying drones over ancient sites and private land.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots, while a telephoto can help capture details from a distance. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions.
The entire area offers stunning views. Experiment with different angles, getting low to the ground or finding higher vantage points on the moor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the journey as part of the adventure. Instead of relying solely on GPS, make it a treasure hunt to find the correct path, perhaps with a small reward upon arrival. The sheer scale of the ancient stones can spark imagination, turning it into a quest to discover a 'giant's playground'. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on site.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Experienced hikers can explore further afield, connecting Zennor Quoit with other ancient sites in the Penwith area, such as Mulfra Quoit or Sperris Quoit. Remember to check local conservation efforts, as sites like these sometimes have community-led clearance events that volunteers can join. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve these ancient landscapes for future explorers.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grandeur of the quoit within its setting and the intricate details of the stonework. Consider the weather; mist or dramatic clouds can add an extra layer of moodiness to your shots. Remember to be respectful of the site and its surroundings, and always check any local regulations regarding drone photography if you plan to use one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Mystery of Zennor Quoit
Despite its clear purpose as a burial site, the exact rituals and societal structures surrounding Zennor Quoit remain subjects of speculation. Its presence in such a wild and remote landscape adds to its mystique, inviting contemplation about the lives and beliefs of those who created it millennia ago. The site's enduring presence, even with some stones slipped or broken, is a powerful connection to Britain's deep past.
Some local folklore and modern interpretations suggest connections to ancient deities, faerie portals, or druidic practices, further enhancing its enigmatic allure. These interpretations, while not historically verifiable, contribute to the site's captivating atmosphere and draw visitors seeking a connection to something ancient and profound.
Navigating the Cornish Moorland
Navigation can be a key challenge. While GPS devices and apps can be helpful, they are not always reliable in this remote area. Several travelers have reported getting lost or ending up on difficult, overgrown tracks by relying solely on standard navigation tools. It's crucial to heed local advice and look for subtle markers, as suggested by Reddit users.
Safety and preparedness are paramount. The terrain can be uneven, with hidden holes and sharp vegetation like bracken. Wearing sturdy footwear and long trousers is strongly advised to prevent injuries and protect against ticks. Being aware of the weather, which can change rapidly in Cornwall, is also important for a safe and enjoyable exploration of the moorland.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit