Kingston Russell Stone Circle DT3 4JX
Entry: Free for everyone
Open: seasonal - check website
Dogs: on leads
Reviews: 0

About:
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. Ploughing has also 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.

While we can never expect to know exactly what went on within such circles, the study of more recent primitive societies suggests that structures like this may have been put to a great variety of uses, such as religious ceremonies and calendar setting. They may have served as the setting for community decision-making, dynastic marriages, inter-community trading agreements and the settling of frontier disputes.

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.Parking:
There is limited parking on the grass verge just beyond the cattle grid on the lane which leads to Gorwell Farm.

Facilities:
Nearby Abbotsbury has public toilets, shops and places to eat.

Notes:
The site is very remote and exposed with no shelter.
The track to the stone circle is in regular use by farm vehicles and can be very muddy in wet weather. We advise you to wear sturdy waterproof footwear. 

Contact:
Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 0370 3331181