Kingston Russell Stone Circle

A late Neolithic or early Bronze Age circle of 18 fallen stones, on a hilltop overlooking Abbotsbury and the sea. The Kingston Russell circle is believed to date back to the later Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, some 4,000 years ago.

The 18 visible stones at Kingston Russell have all fallen: they lie flat, in a big irregular oval, the diameter of which varies between 27 metres (90 feet) and 18 metres (60 feet).

Some are broken, and it is impossible to tell which fragments are bases and which were originally upper parts.

Back along the footpath towards the road you pass the remains of a much earlier Neolithic chambered tomb known as the Grey Mare and her Colts, showing that this area of chalk downland had been a focus for community ceremonies for at least one thousand years before the stone circle was erected.

Today, Kingston Russell Stone Circle lies at the junction of five footpaths, an echo of its ancient significance. It has a superb hilltop location, overlooking the village of Abbotsbury and the English channel, making it worth a visit just for the view. 

Ploughing has disturbed the site. None of the stones has been shaped in any way, but they may have been set up with the tallest to the north.

Please note: There is limited parking on road verge at access to farm. Access to Stone Circle is on foot only via public footpaths, off minor roads. One and three quarters of a mile away. There is no off-road vehicle access.