Ring of Brodgar

Orkney, United Kingdom

The Ring Of Brodgar Stone Circle And Henge, which is part of The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, is a spectacular stone circle. The ring is surrounded by a large circular ditch or henge. The truly circular layout of the ring is an unusual attribute that singles it out as one of the largest and finest stone circles in the British Isles. The Ring of Brodgar (alternative spelling Brogar) comprises a massive ceremonial enclosure and stone circle probably dating from between 2500 and 2000 BC. Around it are at least 13 prehistoric burial mounds and a stone setting (2500-1500 BC). The erecting of the stones, along with the massive rock cut ditch was an activity that required considerable manpower and organisation.

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Address

B9055, Orkney, United Kingdom
See all sites in Orkney

Details

Founded: 2500-2000 BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

samdoha GRIBBLE (7 months ago)
Wow- this is an incredible set of stones. Care is being taken to manage the effect of visitors by closing off the inner path when necessary (it was closed when we were there) which means less direct access than at other historical sites in the area, but it was still a fantastic visit. 10 minutes walk from car park.
Marie Sanders (7 months ago)
My favourite place to be. There's something very special about the stones. I went at sunrise, there was no-one else around. Went later in the week too and the gates had been opened meaning we could walk close to the stones. Loved it. If a coach of visitors arrives, wait a few minutes, they don't seem to stay too long!! Take your time look and feel the stones they have stood up for 4500 years.
Pete (7 months ago)
Amazing place, not sure why everyone is getting so excited about some stones. Until you approach the site on a narrow causeway with a lock either side one sea water and one natural water. From a distance it isn’t much but as you walk closer you can sense the history and the importance that this place will have had in the lives of the inhabitants. We took photos and walked around with lots of people but there was still a calmness about, I would love to visit when there was no one else.
Credible Critic (8 months ago)
Impressive Neolithic structure. Beautiful settings. Spectacular landscape. A good walk to take in the significance of time and your fleeting time on this earth. Come early or late in the day to take in the scene and avoid the swamp of tourists.
Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly) (8 months ago)
The Ring is a natural amphitheater created in neolithic times with huge, natural red sandstone columns. The Ring is surrounded by low hills and 2 bodies of water. Research suggests that the stones were brought from multiple different locations around Orkney and were placed in a shallow ditch. The purpose of the Ring is unknown as well as the reason for the stone's angled tops. The grounds are rich in cotton grass and purple bell heather. There is a small ranger station on site, but no public rest room.
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