Castlerigg Stone Circle is a prehistoric monument located on a plateau overlooking the town of Keswick in Cumbria, England. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning a visit.
Updated April 2026: As of this month, English Heritage has maintained the site as a free-to-access monument, though visitors are advised that the temporary cattle grid repair on the main access lane has been completed, restoring full vehicle access to the roadside parking area.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Information | Details |
| Opening hours | Open daily during any reasonable daylight hours |
| Ticket prices | Free entry |
| Address | Castle Lane, Underskiddaw, Keswick, CA12 4RN |
| Nearest transport | Bus stop: Castle Lane (Route 555 or X8) |
| Time needed | 30 to 60 minutes |
Castlerigg Stone Circle opening hours
Castlerigg Stone Circle is an open-access site that does not have a gated entrance or specific closing times. It is generally accessible to the public daily during any reasonable daylight hours throughout the year.
While the site is open year-round, visitors should note the following seasonal factors:
- Winter Months: Natural light is limited, and the site is not illuminated; visits after 16:00 are not recommended.
- Summer Solstice: The site is a popular location for the solstice, which can lead to significant crowds and limited access to the immediate parking area.
- Maintenance: The surrounding field is grazed by sheep year-round, and access may occasionally be restricted for essential agricultural or conservation work.
Castlerigg Stone Circle ticket prices
Admission to Castlerigg Stone Circle is free of charge for all visitors. There is no requirement to book tickets in advance or hold a membership to enter the field containing the monument.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
Although entry to this specific site is free, it is managed by English Heritage. The site is often visited alongside other nearby attractions included in the English Heritage Membership scheme. Other nearby sites included in this scheme are:
- Carlisle Castle
- Brougham Castle
- Furness Abbey
- Birdoswald Roman Fort
How to get to Castlerigg Stone Circle
Castlerigg Stone Circle is located approximately 1.5 miles south-east of Keswick town centre. The most direct way to reach the site is by car, which takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes from Keswick, or on foot via a signposted uphill walk that takes roughly 30 minutes.
For public transport, use the Stagecoach 555 or X8 services from Keswick and alight at the Castle Lane stop. From this stop, visitors must walk approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) along a country lane to reach the stones. On Saturdays during the summer season, the 73A ‘Caldbeck Rambler’ service passes directly by the site.
Parking at Castlerigg Stone Circle
Limited free roadside parking is available on the narrow lane (Eleventrees) immediately adjacent to the entrance gate. The parking area can accommodate approximately 15 to 20 cars at a time and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
During peak periods, such as bank holidays or summer weekends, this parking area often reaches capacity by 10:00. Visitors are advised not to park on the grass verges or block farm gates, as the lane is used frequently by local agricultural machinery.
How long to spend at Castlerigg Stone Circle
A standard visit to Castlerigg Stone Circle typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. This allows enough time to walk around the perimeter of the stones, read the onsite information panels, and view the surrounding mountain ranges including Skiddaw and Blencathra.
Visitors who intend to photograph the stones at sunrise or sunset, or those participating in the circular walk from Keswick, should allow 2 to 3 hours for the total experience. The site is frequently used as a starting or midpoint for longer hikes into the surrounding fells.
Accessibility at Castlerigg Stone Circle
Access to the stone circle is via a standard kissing gate located next to the roadside parking. The stones are situated in a grassy field that is relatively level but can become extremely muddy and uneven following wet weather, which may pose challenges for those with limited mobility or standard wheelchairs.
There are no paved paths within the field itself. Visitors should be aware that there are no toilet facilities or shelter at the site, so planning for weather conditions and physical requirements is necessary before arrival.
Inside Castlerigg Stone Circle
The site consists of a large megalithic circle made up of 38 standing stones, with some reaching up to 2.3 metres in height. The circle measures approximately 30 metres in diameter and is unusual for its internal rectangular enclosure of 10 additional stones.
The stones are set against a natural amphitheatre formed by the mountains of Helvellyn, High Seat, and the North Fells. This positioning was likely deliberate, as many of the stones appear to align with significant solar or lunar events and mountain peaks.
Visitors are permitted to walk among and touch the stones, though climbing on them is strictly prohibited to prevent erosion and damage to the monument. The site is an active agricultural field, and livestock are frequently present within the circle.
The archaeological significance of the site lies in its age; it is considered one of the earliest stone circles in Britain, dating back to approximately 3000 BC. Unlike many other circles, no extensive excavation has been performed here, leaving the interior ground largely undisturbed.
On specific summer dates, English Heritage volunteers may be present on-site to provide factual information and answer questions regarding the Neolithic history of the monument.
Practical visitor tips
| Category | Advice |
| Timing | Visit before 09:00 or after 18:00 to avoid the busiest periods and secure parking. |
| Crowds | Group tour buses frequently stop at the site between 11:00 and 15:00, leading to temporary crowding. |
| Layout | The site is an open field; enter via the gate on Eleventrees lane and follow the worn grass paths. |
| Entry process | There is no staff presence or ticket booth; simply pass through the gate to access the monument. |
| Logistics | Wear waterproof footwear regardless of the season, as the ground holds water and becomes boggy. |
Frequently asked questions about Castlerigg Stone Circle
| Question | Answer |
| Is Castlerigg Stone Circle suitable for children? | Yes, the open field is suitable for children, though they must be supervised near livestock. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Castlerigg Stone Circle? | No, the site is open access and does not require any booking or payment. |
| Is Castlerigg Stone Circle open on Sundays? | Yes, the site is open daily, including Sundays, during daylight hours. |
| Are bags allowed at Castlerigg Stone Circle? | Yes, bags are allowed, but there are no storage facilities and all litter must be taken away. |
Things to do near Castlerigg Stone Circle
- Keswick Museum: A local history museum in Fitz Park featuring the “Musical Stones of Skiddaw” and Lake District artefacts.
- Derwentwater: A large lake offering boat launches, rowing boat rentals, and a flat 10-mile circular walking path.
- The Puzzling Place: An attraction in Keswick town centre focused on optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
- Friar’s Crag: A famous viewpoint on the edge of Derwentwater, accessible via a level walk from the Keswick boat landings.
- Mirehouse & Gardens: A historic house with varied gardens and play areas located on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake.
What to visit tomorrow
- Long Meg and Her Daughters: A major Bronze Age stone circle near Penrith featuring 69 stones and a decorated outlier.
- Mayburgh Henge: A large Neolithic henge consisting of a high circular earthwork bank made of river pebbles.
- King Arthur’s Round Table: A Neolithic henge located near Mayburgh, consisting of a low circular earthwork and ditch.
- Gunnerkeld Stone Circle: A concentric double stone circle located near Shap, situated within a two-hour drive from Keswick.
- The Cockpit Stone Circle: A smaller, prehistoric stone circle located on the moorland above Ullswater at the crossroads of ancient tracks.
