Thornborough Henges — Attraction in East Tanfield

Thornborough Henges is a unique and globally important cluster of Neolithic monuments. Three huge circular henges – sometimes described as the ‘Stonehenge of the North’ – were constructed here on a raised plateau above the River Ure about 4,500 years ago. Each henge was surrounded by an earthen bank, and is about 250 metres in diameter. The henges were important to ancient peoples as places of ceremony and funeral rituals. These earthworks are thought to have been part of a ‘ritual landscape’, and form part of the most important concentration of Neolithic monuments in the North of England. The three henges were aligned along a north-west to south-east axis, stretching out over a mile. The southern entrances of the northern and central henges are aligned with the midwinter solstice sunrise. This was part of a wider practice of orientating Neolithic monuments to the solstices. The northern henge is the best preserved, and has recently been opened to the public. Visit it and get a sense of its immense history and spiritual importance. Free entry. Open any reasonable time during...

Would you like to visit a Neolithic site that isn't swarming with people or windswept? Thornborough Henges are for you. Today, It was just us and at one point, the English Heritage volunteer caretaker.

It's a beautiful, peaceful site that is totally devoid of amenities... but from my perspective, it was perfect. The site is flat but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to someone who requires assistance as the footpaths are not prepared. Parking is extremely limited (3 or 4 spaces - typical english countryside lane turnouts) - visit on a weekday and you will be there alone.

I'd allow an hour or so to walk around the lower two henges. The 3rd (northern) henge was recently obtained by English Heritage and is being prepared for visitors. It is currently covered in trees but its perimeter ditch reportedly remains largely in tact. We are looking forward to...

A group of three henges close to the North Yorkshire village of Thornborough - open 24 hours, free entry, free roadside parking (a bit muddy in rainy conditions). The central henge is within 100 yards of road, while Southern henge about 400 yards away through a grassy field (level ground so easy walking). The northernmost henge is covered with trees. No standing stones however: these henges are the remains of earth banking (very similar to Durrington Walls if you are familiar with the Wiltshire Neolithic monuments). It has been suggested that the three henges represent the three stars in Orion's Belt. Interestingly, the henges are not in a perfectly straight line; neither are the stars in Orion's Belt - almost, but not quite. Dogs...