Druids Woods

This site is located near the tiny village of Ilton in the middle of a fir tree plantation. The road ends in a small area where it is possible to park cars and a nice wide trail leads into the woods to reach the actual site of the “henge”. The walk will take approximately ten to fifteen minutes and is quite interesting in its own right. There are several pathways throughout the woods and the whole area is dotted with small dolmens and menhirs. In the centre of the woods is the circle itself.

It is an impressively large circle of standing stones with a three-tiered base formed against the side of a hill. It has a large outer courtyard with a central raised menhir and an inner circle of standing stones. There is then a second, inner courtyard you access through an archway that contains the “sacrificial altar” or stone table and benches. Beyond that a small cave extends under the hill and contains a few seating stones. It is a strange and mysteriously fascinating place with atmosphere to spare. It would just seem “right” to meet a strange hermit or vaguely frightening creature from ancient times.

The biggest downside to this site is the lack of washrooms and no gift shop or cafe. It is however a great place to walk the dog.

Despite the atmosphere, it is actually a far more modern monument than it appears. The circle and the other formations scattered through the woods are a folly built around 1820 by local squire and philanthropist William Danby. He had it built as a means to create work for local men in a time of high unemployment. He paid each man who worked on the site a shilling a day, which was a reasonable wage for a laborer at that time.

Admission: free

Links: http://www.heritage.co.uk/follies/ffny18.html

Home Ripon Ammenites Historical Attractions Ruined Abbeys Natural Attractions Other Attractions