Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber — Attraction in England

This unusually large chambered tomb, an example of a Scillonian 'entrance grave', is part of a larger cemetery. Entrance graves are a Scillionian variant of chambered tombs found more widely in Britain and western Europe. This one is past of a cemetery of at least eight other cairns and entrance graves on Porth Hellick Down, the plateau to your right. They were built over 4,000 years ago in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age. The unroofed passage of this entrance grave is partially blocked at both ends by upright stones, perhaps placed to restrict access or views into the chamber

A unique habitat The local wildlife is richly varied and perfectly adapted to this heathland habitat. The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust manages coastal heathland by letting traditional breeds of cattle graze the land. This promotes the existence of small heathland plants, which can be seen in this area. Prevailing winds and salt spray creates ripples in the heather know as waved heath.

(Text extracts from English...

There are many ancient monuments to be found on the Isles of Scilly and this entrance grave is a well preserved and impressive example.

If you decide to go on the walk right around the coastline of St Mary's then this monument is one of several on the route and all have well presented information boards for the interested visitor.

Rather bizarrely there are notices advising horse riders that trampling on the monument is prohibited.

Well worth a look - but better to stay away if you can't resist the obvious temptations of re-enacting a...

Visited here whilst I had a week on the Isle of Scilly - I approached it from a path whilst cycling around St Marys Island - I was able to take the bike on a rough track and the walk to the monument - well worth the visit and is managed by English Heritage and there are noticeboards - Free to visit - worth the trek and...