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FeaturesYou are in: Cumbria > Places > Features > Castlerigg stone circle  Stone circle Castlerigg stone circleCastlerigg is probably one of the best known and prettiest stone circles in the world. Though not the largest or most impressive of circles, it probably has the best setting of any in the world, and is possibly one of the earliest stone circles to be built in Britain; around 3000BC. Set in a natural amphitheatre of hills, above Keswick, the views it affords all round is spectacular. There are 38 free-standing stones in a circle 30 metres in diameter. At the eastern side of the circle is a rectangle of 10 standing stones. The tallest stone in the complex is 2.3 metres high. The rectangular enclosure at the eastern side of the circle is unique amongst stone circles. Little is known of the uses of Castlerigg, however it's thought that it may have been an astronomical observatory and a place for meeting and trading.  In 1875 an unpolished stone axe was found here. This can now be seen in Keswick Museum. Visiting CastleriggThe circle is in the trust of English Heritage, and has free access at all times. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 28/09/2009 at 15:49 You are in: Cumbria > Places > Features > Castlerigg stone circle
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