A very evocative location to imagine the small settlement that existed here between the iron age and medieval times. A handful of information signs outline the number of dwellings and the scant information that archeological digs have unearthed. Above the remains of the huts lies the much older burial chamber.
As you gaze at over the village at the coast and islands yonder it's not hard to let your imagination take you back to a previous age, making this an atmospheric site. The only distraction being the tall communications tower looming large if you look in the wrong direction. A pity it was not suitated a little further away. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to reach the site if walking from the quay at Hugh Town. We managed to walk to and fro, visit Juliet's Garden cafe for a drink and comsume some sandwiches in the four hour gap between arriving on St Mary's from the tripper boat and departing on the ferry, but we didn't have much time to spare (we don't have a very brisk...
   Read moreI have been visiting Bants Carn/Halangy Down since I first came to Scilly when I was 5 (almost 40 years ago!) We always visit when in Scilly, and taking a photo at the chamber entrance is a tradition...and one we are continuing with our daughters! The site is so well-looked after and well-preserved. The information board is really good, but discreet and doesn't detract from the site. The views are amazing on a clear day and the heather is beautiful in the summer. Yes..we...
   Read morePrehistoric sites litter the isles of Scilly - some are wild and overgrown and some are well developed and signed.
Bant's Carn burial chamber falls into the latter category and the site also includes a small ancient settlement which has also been excavated.
Unless you have a particular interest in things prehistoric this is probably not a destination in itself, but as part of a walk around the coast it is well worth stopping off en route to...
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