Peak District Ancient Sites: Your Complete Guide
The Peak District is rich in ancient history, with sites dating back thousands of years. From Neolithic stone circles and Bronze Age burial mounds to mysterious carved rocks and mythical chasms, the Peak District offers a fascinating journey through prehistoric Britain.
Whether you’re fascinated by prehistory or mythology or simply want to explore the Peak District’s mysterious side, these ancient sites offer a fascinating glimpse into thousands of years of human history.
Quick Links to Ancient Sites
| Ancient Sites | Era | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Arbor Low | Neolithic (2500 BC) | History lovers, photographers |
| Nine Ladies Stone Circle | Bronze Age (2000 BC) | Mythology, peaceful walks |
| Minninglow | Neolithic (5000 BC) | Ancient history, woodland walks |
| Rowtor Rocks | 17th century (carvings) | Mystery, cave tunnels |
| Lud’s Church | Legendary | Myth and legend, dramatic walks |
The Stonehenge of the Peak: Arbor Low
Arbor Low is a stone henge situated just outside the pretty town of Bakewell. It’s regarded as being one of the most important Neolithic sites in the UK, and very few henge monuments are as well-preserved.
Thought to have been established in around 2500 BC and in use until the Bronze Age, Arbor Low was one of the first ancient monuments in the UK to be given statutory protection in the late 19th Century.
The site consists of a circular bank and ditch, with a circle of around 50 limestone slabs, many of which have fallen. The views from the site across the surrounding countryside are spectacular, giving you a sense of why this location was chosen by our Neolithic ancestors.
Arbor Low Highlights:
- One of the most important Neolithic sites in the UK
- Circle of around 50 limestone slabs
- Dating from around 2500 BC
- Spectacular countryside views
- One of the first protected ancient monuments
Arbor Low is perfect for: history lovers, photographers, walkers, and anyone wanting to see the ‘Stonehenge of the Peak District’.
A Circle of Legend: Nine Ladies Stone Circle
Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor dates back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago. Standing in a clearing surrounded by ash, silver birch and beech trees, it’s a place of myth and mystery.
According to popular legend, the stones represent nine ladies who were turned to stone for dancing on the Sabbath. The King Stone represents the fiddler who provided the music for their revelry.
The site is one of the most atmospheric in the Peak District, with a real sense of ancient mystery. The surrounding woodland adds to the magical feeling, and it’s a popular spot for those seeking a connection with the past.
Nine Ladies Stone Circle Highlights:
- Bronze Age stone circle (4,000 years old)
- Surrounded by beautiful woodland
- Fascinating myth and legend
- King Stone nearby
- Peaceful and atmospheric
Nine Ladies Stone Circle is perfect for: mythology enthusiasts, photographers, walkers, and anyone seeking a peaceful and atmospheric ancient site.
Read more about Nine Ladies Stone Circle →
Ancient Burial Grounds: Minninglow
Minninglow is a remarkable collection of ancient tombs strewn through woodland on the top of a hill, with a distinctive double ring of beech trees that make it a landmark for many miles around.
The tombs include an Early Neolithic chambered tomb dating back over 5,000 years as well as bowl barrows that date back to the Bronze Age. Located just off the High Peak Trail, it’s a fascinating site for anyone interested in prehistoric history.
The double ring of beech trees is a distinctive feature that makes Minninglow visible from far away, and the site offers a sense of peace and mystery that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Minninglow Highlights:
- Neolithic chambered tomb (5,000+ years old)
- Bronze Age bowl barrows
- Double ring of beech trees
- Located off the High Peak Trail
- Peaceful and mysterious
Minninglow is perfect for: history lovers, walkers on the High Peak Trail, photographers, and anyone wanting to explore a fascinating ancient site.
Mysterious Carvings: Rowtor Rocks
Rowtor Rocks is a fascinating site featuring numerous interlinked tunnels, passages, viewpoints and caverns, some man-made.
Many of the rocks have been carved with symbols and pictures, including serpents, circles and cups. The modifications and carvings reputedly date from the 17th Century and are the handiwork of a very intriguing individual, the village parson, Reverend Thomas Eyre.
Despite being a man of the cloth, Thomas Eyre was a Druid who reputedly practised witchcraft. The mysterious carvings and cave tunnels make Rowtor Rocks one of the most fascinating and unusual sites in the Peak District.
Rowtor Rocks Highlights:
- Interlinked tunnels and passages
- 17th Century carvings
- Druid and witchcraft connections
- Serpents, circles and cup carvings
- Fascinating and unusual
Rowtor Rocks is perfect for: mystery enthusiasts, history lovers, photographers, and anyone wanting to explore a truly unique Peak District site.
Read more about Rowtor Rocks →
A Mystical Chasm: Lud’s Church
Lud’s Church is a deep, dark chasm hidden within the depths of Back Forest in the Staffordshire Peak District. It’s a truly mysterious place, full of myth and legend.
Inside is green as far as the eye can see. The walls are covered with mosses, ferns and grasses, and arching above the chasm, forming a natural roof, are trees that have grown from both sides to meet in the middle.
The chasm feels like something from a fairy tale and is one of the most magical places in the Peak District. It’s said to have been a place of secret worship for the Lollards, and its atmosphere is genuinely otherworldly.
Lud’s Church Highlights:
- Deep, dark chasm
- Covered in mosses and ferns
- Trees form a natural roof
- Full of myth and legend
- One of the most magical places in the Peak District
Lud’s Church is perfect for: adventurers, photographers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to experience a truly magical and mysterious place.
Read more about Lud’s Church →
Walk to the Ancient Sites
Many of these ancient sites are linked by walking routes, making it easy to explore more than one in a day.
High Peak Trail to Minninglow – The High Peak Trail passes close to Minninglow, making it easy to combine a walk with a visit to this ancient site.
Arbor Low Walk from Bakewell – Arbor Low is accessible from Bakewell, offering a beautiful walk through the Derbyshire countryside.
Nine Ladies Walk from Youlgreave – The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a popular walk from the village of Youlgreave, with beautiful views along the way.
Rowtor Rocks and Birchover – Rowtor Rocks can be combined with a visit to Birchover village, with its attractive pubs and stunning surroundings.
Plan Your Visit to Ancient Sites
Access: Most ancient sites are accessible via public footpaths. Wear suitable footwear as paths can be muddy.
Parking: There is limited parking near most sites. Consider parking in nearby villages and walking.
Best Time to Visit: The ancient sites are beautiful all year round, but spring and summer offer the best walking conditions. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for photography.
Respect the Sites: These are protected ancient monuments. Please do not climb on the stones or disturb the sites in any way.
What to Bring: Walking boots, camera, map, water and snacks.
Explore More Peak District Guides
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our other guides:
- Castleton Visitor Guide
- Dovedale & White Peak Villages Guide
- Peak District Walking Trails Guide
- Stately Homes & Castles Guide
- Peak District Family Attractions Guide
- Peak District Ancient Sites Guide
Ancient Sites of the Peak District: A Journey Through Time
Whether you’re fascinated by prehistory or mythology or simply want to explore the Peak District’s mysterious side, these ancient sites offer a fascinating glimpse into thousands of years of human history.
From the Neolithic grandeur of Arbor Low to the Bronze Age mystery of the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, from the ancient burial grounds of Minninglow to the mysterious carvings of Rowtor Rocks, the Peak District’s ancient sites tell the story of the people who lived here long before the National Park was established.
Plan your visit today and step back in time to discover the ancient mysteries of the Peak District.
Footnotes
- Arbor Low: Read full guide →
- Nine Ladies Stone Circle: Read full guide →
- Minninglow: Read full guide →
- Rowtor Rocks: Read full guide →
- Lud’s Church: Read full guide →
